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NBA Fantasy Basketball Risers and Fallers: Key Player Updates

3/14/2026, 8:52:17 PM

Rising Stars in Fantasy Basketball

As the NBA season approaches its climax, several players have emerged as significant contributors in fantasy basketball. Tristan da Silva of the Orlando Magic has become a notable riser, especially with teammates Franz Wagner and Anthony Black sidelined. Da Silva recently achieved a career-high of 26 points, alongside seven rebounds and four steals, showcasing his potential as a fantasy asset. He has scored in double figures in five of his last seven games and is expected to maintain a high level of play with the Magic's favorable schedule, which includes four games each week for the remainder of the season.

Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls is also making headlines, having solidified his status as a top-50 fantasy player this season. Averaging 23.0 points and 6.5 rebounds in March, Buzelis scored a career-high 41 points in a recent game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite the Bulls' dwindling playoff hopes, his consistent performance suggests he will continue to be a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Kyle Filipowski of the Utah Jazz has turned his season around, particularly following Jusuf Nurkic's injury. Filipowski's numbers have surged to 15.5 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in March, making him a strong candidate for fantasy rosters despite the Jazz's limited schedule in the coming weeks.

Struggling Players

Conversely, several players are experiencing declines in their fantasy value. Bennedict Mathurin of the LA Clippers has seen his performance wane, averaging only 0.7 three-pointers and struggling with a shooting percentage of 43.6%. While he has been a key player for the Clippers, his lack of peripheral stats may hinder fantasy managers in competitive leagues.

Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks is also facing challenges after returning from injury. Although he has shown promise, his shooting slump has limited his scoring potential. With the Mavericks focusing on future development, Flagg's performance may fluctuate as the season progresses.

Cameron Johnson of the Denver Nuggets has seen his value plummet with the return of teammates Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Johnson's recent averages of 9.2 points and 1.2 three-pointers per game indicate a significant drop in fantasy relevance, prompting many managers to consider dropping him for more productive players.

Official Statements & Responses

Fantasy analysts emphasize the importance of monitoring player performance closely as the season winds down. The consensus is that players like da Silva, Buzelis, and Filipowski should be prioritized for roster spots, while Mathurin, Flagg, and Johnson may need to be reassessed based on their current contributions.

Conclusion

As the NBA season nears its conclusion, fantasy managers must navigate the fluctuating values of players. Keeping an eye on rising talents like Tristan da Silva and Matas Buzelis, while reassessing struggling players like Cameron Johnson, will be crucial for success in fantasy leagues.