Fantasy basketball managers received a fresh set of waiver-wire priorities and caution flags on Feb. 20, when the newest “Risers and Fallers” list spotlighted three emerging options and three players losing steam.
Risers
Tristan Vukcevic, PF/C, Washington Wizards – 2.9 percent rostered
With rookie center Alex Sarr sidelined by a right hamstring injury that could linger through season’s end, Vukcevic has assumed a larger role in Washington’s frontcourt. Returning from a two-game illness absence, the 7-footer delivered 12 points, five rebounds, five steals, one block and two three-pointers in just 17 minutes during Thursday’s win over Indiana. The scarcity of alternatives positions him as the primary replacement, and fantasy managers are urged to add him immediately. If Vukcevic is unavailable, Kings big man Maxime Raynaud becomes the recommended pivot after Domantas Sabonis was ruled out for the season.
Jarace Walker, PF, Indiana Pacers – 13 percent rostered
Indiana’s decision to extend minutes to its rookie continues to pay off. Walker averaged 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in February before the All-Star break, logging 29 minutes nightly for a club focused on the draft lottery. He stayed hot Thursday with 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, albeit on 5-for-15 shooting. Walker has shot 48 percent over the past two months and appears locked into heavy minutes for the remainder of the schedule.
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors – 34 percent rostered
Golden State will be without Stephen Curry for at least 10 more days as the star guard recovers from a right knee injury. Podziemski, sharing back-court duties with De’Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer, has emerged as the preferred fantasy target. Over his last three games the rookie is averaging 15.3 points, 1.3 steals and 1.3 triples while grabbing extended run of 32 or more minutes each night. Those minutes are expected to continue until Curry’s next evaluation.
Fallers
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF, Orlando Magic – 99 percent rostered
Banchero’s scoring remains intact, but a recent dip in efficiency has reduced his overall fantasy impact. Limited contributions in three-pointers, defensive stats and free-throw percentage have placed a ceiling on his value, although Orlando’s playoff pursuit should keep his minutes stable.
Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets – 100 percent rostered
Sengun is still a cornerstone in standard leagues, yet his rebound totals and defensive numbers have cooled compared with earlier stretches. Houston’s flexible rotation adds volatility, and his lack of three-pointers, steals and blocks narrows his statistical upside.
Pascal Siakam, PF, Indiana Pacers – 100 percent rostered
Siakam’s counting stats have been serviceable, but Indiana’s apparent commitment to lottery positioning raises availability concerns. The veteran logged a DNP on Thursday, marking another missed game that could foreshadow additional rest days as the season winds down.
The latest update underscores the importance of monitoring late-season opportunity, particularly on rebuilding rosters, while encouraging managers to capitalize on surging production before it fades.
Source: ESPN
