Only three weeks into the 2025-26 NBA campaign, injuries and unexpected performances are reshaping fantasy basketball lineups. In his latest update, ESPN contributor Steve Alexander highlights several players whose value is rising sharply and others whose stock has taken an early hit.
Risers
Russell Westbrook, PG, Sacramento Kings (72% rostered)
The veteran guard collected his 204th career triple-double Wednesday, producing 23 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Golden State. Two nights earlier he posted 26 points, 12 boards and six assists. With Zach LaVine (back) and Domantas Sabonis (ribs) sidelined, Westbrook has moved to the center of the Kings’ offense and appears locked into heavy minutes for now.
Jusuf Nurkić, C, Utah Jazz (19%)
Walker Kessler’s season-ending shoulder surgery vaulted Nurkić into the starting lineup. The center responded Wednesday against Detroit with six points, 17 rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block after logging an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double in the previous game. He projects as a reliable source of points, boards and blocks, while rookie forward Kyle Filipowski (7%) also gains short-term appeal.
Quentin Grimes, SG, Philadelphia 76ers (50%)
Grimes has topped 22 points in four of his last seven outings, most recently scoring 27 against Cleveland on 9-of-15 shooting. He added four steals and a block the game before and is averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.5 threes. His role could shrink once Paul George debuts, but the timetable for that remains unclear.
Ajay Mitchell, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder (37%)
Mitchell drew a spot start Wednesday in Portland and delivered 21 points, four rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes. Although he usually comes off the bench, the rookie is logging nearly 27 minutes a night with season averages of 16.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.1 threes.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., SG/SF, Miami Heat (59%)
Jaquez scored 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting at Denver and has eclipsed 20 points in three of Miami’s first eight games. With Tyler Herro (ankle) out, coach Erik Spoelstra is leaning heavily on the second-year wing for scoring, rebounding, assists and steals.
Kel’el Ware, C, Miami Heat (40%)
Bam Adebayo exited Wednesday’s contest after eight minutes with a left foot injury, opening 27 minutes for Ware. The rookie responded with 13 points, 13 rebounds, four steals, a block and two three-pointers. He is averaging 10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 threes in just 20 minutes this season; extended run could unlock a more consistent fantasy profile.
Terance Mann, SG/SF, Brooklyn Nets (10%)
Mann tallied 15 points, six assists and two steals Wednesday against Indiana and has reached double-figure scoring in four of his past five games. With Cam Thomas nursing a hamstring strain, Mann’s 28-minute average and career-best 11.9 points per game make him a low-rostered waiver target.
Fallers
Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs (100%)
The rookie center has hit only 9-of-28 shots over his last two outings, averaging 14.0 points and 8.5 rebounds in that span. Even so, his season line sits at 25.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 4.1 blocks. With his value dipping slightly, managers eyeing a trade for Wembanyama may find a rare buying window.
Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (90%)
Bane has failed to reach double digits in three straight games, totaling 23 points on 41.4% shooting for the season. Adjusting to life alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, he is averaging 13.9 points—well below expectations—but could rebound as his role stabilizes.
CJ McCollum, PG/SG, Washington Wizards (64%)
Washington has dropped four straight blowouts, limiting McCollum to 22 minutes or fewer in three consecutive contests. He has scored eight points combined in his last two games, connecting on just three of his past 19 attempts. The Wizards’ 1-7 start raises concerns about a potential pivot toward younger players.
Zion Williamson, PF, New Orleans Pelicans (97%)
Williamson is expected to miss roughly 10 days with a left hamstring strain. Before the setback he averaged 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.6 assists but continued to struggle at the line (66.7%) and from three. Managers may consider moving him once he returns and logs a few strong performances.
Trey Murphy III, SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans (88%)
Murphy’s shooting slump deepened Wednesday when he went 3-for-12 against Dallas. His field-goal percentage sits at 38.3%, and his scoring is down more than six points from last year. On the positive side, he is posting career highs in rebounds, assists and steals, indicating room for a turnaround.
Kawhi Leonard, SF/PF, Los Angeles Clippers (96%)
A sprained ankle sidelined Leonard for games Tuesday and Thursday after he had delivered top-10 fantasy value through six contests. The Clippers list him day-to-day, but his extensive injury history leaves managers weighing whether to ride out the absence or trade him while his value remains high.
The fluctuations outlined by Alexander underscore the importance of timing in fantasy basketball trades, particularly with marquee names navigating early-season injuries or shooting woes.
Source: ESPN
