Who is trending up? Which rotations are changing? What's the latest with the notable injuries around the NBA?
Here's a look around the league at the most fantasy relevant news and notes for all 30 teams:
John Collins looks poised for a strong second half for fantasy managers with the Hawks positioning themselves for a postseason push. In the last four games, he has averaged 21 PPG and 9.3 RPG in 30.3 MPG. The Hawks score 114.5 points per 100 possessions, third-most in the league. Atlanta, however, ranks 17th in offensive rebound percentage (25.5%).
Trading for Derrick White was a great move for the Celtics, but from the fantasy perspective, it's a bad move. White averaged 14.4 points and 5.6 assists with the Spurs, but is unlikely to see the same level of usage with the Celtics and their plethora of playmakers. Given White's new circumstances, you can drop him, which gives you the opportunity to pick up a free agent with more upside.
The Nets traded James Harden to the 76ers for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks. Simmons a chance to be a double-double force, racking up blocks and steals for the Nets down the stretch. He averaged 14.3 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 7.0 APG last season and is still available in 26% of ESPN leagues. What kind of shape he's in or how he feels about the trade remains to be seen but Simmons should be picked up immediately if he is available in your league.
With Gordon Hayward out indefinitely, Kelly Oubre Jr., and P.J. Washington will receive additional minutes. Hayward has averaged 32.2 MPG with a usage rate of 20.5% this season. You can count on Oubre for points and triples and Washington for points and rebounds. Oubre is in 34.6% of ESPN leagues while Washington is available in 37.6% of ESPN leagues.
The Bulls are doing a phenomenal job offensively. Chicago ranks fifth in the league in effective field goal percentage (54.5%). DeMar DeRozan has emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate and key contributor to the Bulls' 34-21 record. He's averaged 34.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.3 SPG in 39.2 MPG over the last six games and is a top-25 player in category formats.
Caris LeVert's addition is a fantastic move for the Cavaliers, who have been plagued by injuries at the guard position this season. As a shooting guard, he's the perfect complement to play with Darius Garland and didn't disappoint in his Cavaliers debut with 11 points, two assists, a rebound and a steal. The more comfortable LeVert becomes with Cleveland's offensive and defensive scheme, the more minutes he will likely play.
Luka Doncic has had 32 career games with 30 points and 10 assists, tying Oscar Robertson for most in league history prior to turning 23. Despite this, turnovers is an area where Dallas can improve. The Mavericks turnover 13% of their offensive possessions and rank ninth in efficiency differential.
The Nuggets continue to make a playoff push under the leadership of MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. He has at least 20 points and 10 rebounds in four consecutive games. Denver can however tighten up in the offensive rebounding department. The Nuggets currently allow the most offensive rebounds in the NBA.
The Pistons have not been a fantasy bonanza for managers this season. Detroit ranks near the bottom of the league in points per 100 possessions, effective field goal percentage, turnover percentage, and offensive rebound percentage. Isaiah Stewart, however, should be on most leagues' rosters. He's a reliable scorer and rebounder. Stewart is available in 40% of ESPN leagues.
James Wiseman participated in a full-contact 3-on-3 scrimmage on Tuesday after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in December. The Warriors are bringing him along slowly and he is expected to return after the All-Star break. Wiseman averaged 11.5 PPG and 5.8 RPG in his rookie season and is available in 90% of ESPN leagues.
Dennis Schroder was traded to the Rockets on Thursday in a deal that doesn't make sense. Schroder is currently on a one-year deal, so it will be surprising if he signs another contract with the rebuilding Rockets. The most likely outcome is a buyout in this scenario considering his expiring contract. It is not advisable to target Schroder in fantasy. If you have Kevin Porter Jr. or Jalen Green on your roster, you have nothing to worry about.
The Pacers acquired Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson in a trade with the Kings Wednesday, shipping away Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday. One player who benefits from all of these moving parts is Goga Bitadze. Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson are both injured, so the starting center job is Bitadze's to lose. He is available in nearly all ESPN leagues and is a solid source of points and blocks.
The arrival of Norman Powell has eroded Amir Coffey's fantasy value. He scored 13 points and had one rebound in 24 minutes against the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Coffey can be dropped. In deeper formats, Isaiah Hartenstein may be worth stashing. Despite averaging only 16 MPG, he's been productive when given playing time. Hartenstein has averaged 19 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per 40 minutes.
Those on the outside looking in have blamed Frank Vogel and Russell Westbrook for Lakers' six losses in the past eight games. But according to Sun Tzu, "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity," and that is the case with Malik Monk. Monk is streaky but has scored 20 points or more in three of his past five games and played at least 29 minutes in each one. Monk is available in 75% of ESPN leagues.
The Grizzlies rank first in offensive rebound percentage, which is one of the reasons they rank sixth in points per possession played. Don't overlook Steven Adams if your team needs rebounds. Adams averages 9.5 RPG this season and is available in 58% of ESPN leagues.
Bam Adebayo has been outstanding all season long for the Heat. He has averaged 19.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.0 SPG, and 1.2 BPG over the past five games. Miami has been dominant on both ends of the floor this season, ranking fourth in efficiency differential. Adebayo exceeded fantasy managers' expectations this season and is capable of providing full stat lines.
Bobby Portis became an MVP for fantasy managers the Bucks in the absence of Brook Lopez. He's been a consistent source of points, rebounds and triples all season. Portis has averaged 15.5 PPG and 9.1 RPG in 30.5 minutes in his past 15 games.
D'Angelo Russell is playing exceptionally well at the right time. He's averaged 20 PPG and 7.4 APG over the last 11 games, while shooting 45% from the field. He recorded his ninth double-double of the season on Wednesday night against the Kings.
Larry Nance Jr. will have right knee surgery on Friday and may be out for up to six weeks. As a result, Herbert Jones, who is available in 82% of ESPN leagues, and Jaxson Hayes, who is available in 90% of leagues, should remain on your fantasy radar even with the arrival of CJ McCollum. My preferred target is Hayes, who has averaged 16 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, and 1.3 BPG the last four games .
The Knicks have struggled offensively as a team all season, ranking 21st in points scored per 100 possessions played. Consider Evan Fournier, who I mentioned in the last week's column, if you're looking for points and triples. He has made at least three triples in each of his last six games and scored 15 points or more in each of them. He is still available in 42% of ESPN leagues.
At 17-30, the Thunder could consider giving significant playing time to younger players after the All-Star break. Theo Maledon is a player to add to your watch list. He scored 18 points, along with three assists, two rebounds, a steal, a block and three triples against the Raptors on Wednesday.
Chuma Okeke has been a great source of defensive production the past 12 games. He averaged 10.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.3 SPG and 1.0 BPG in 25 MPG. If you are looking for all-around production, Okeke is available in 95% of ESPN leagues.
Joel Embiid and Harden will be forces to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Even though many fantasy managers view Harden's season as a down year, he has still scored or assisted on 45.5 PPG. It's the third-most in the league after Trae Young (49.4) and Luka Doncic (48.3).
Jae Crowder should be kept on your radar in deeper formats. For someone looking to get exposure to an offense that ranks second in points scored per 100 possessions played, he's available in 88% of ESPN leagues. Over his last five games, he has averaged 6.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.2 SPG in 29.6 MPG.
The Blazers' flurry of moves at the deadline should significantly increase Anfernee Simons' fantasy value. He's in position to become a league winner for fantasy managers and averaged 21 PPG, 4.0 APG, 2.6 RPG and 1.0 SPG in 35.3 MPG over the past five games. As the season progresses, Simons' production should continue to increase.
The Kings traded for Donte DiVincenzo on Thursday and he should make an immediate impact in Sacramento. DiVincenzo has a well-rounded game is and should receive 20 minutes or more per game. He is available in 65% of ESPN leagues.
The Spurs traded Derrick White, who averaged 30.4 MPG this season, to the Celtics for Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford. Joshua Primo, Devin Vassell, and Lonnie Walker IV will probably split White's minutes, but it remains to be seen how Richardson and Langford will fit into the rotation.
Keep an eye on Thaddeus Young, who was acquired by the Raptors in a trade with the Spurs. Toronto is a much better fit for Young than San Antonio. He could see more minutes with the Raptors and emerge as their sixth man.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be a good addition to the Jazz's second unit. He has averaged 13 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 1.0 SPG this season and is available in 39% of ESPN leagues. Alexander-Walker should be able to continue those per-game averages on his new team but his arrival will negatively impact Jordan Clarkson.
The Wizards trading for Kristaps Porzingis was a surprise. Porzingis is still rehabbing a knee bruise but was in the midst of a renaissance in Dallas, averaging 19.2 PPG and 7.7 RPG. This trade implies that he's close to returning. Porzingis in a Wizards' uniform bodes well for fantasy managers. Bradley Beal is out for the season due to a wrist injury and Washington will look to replace his 30.5% usage rate. Porzingis should be able to fill the void offensively, but it will be interesting to see if the Wizards play him at power forward or center.