Fantasy basketball: Strategies for managing Domantas Sabonis, Max Christie, and four other notable players

Max Christie is gaining momentum with the Dallas Mavericks, while players such as Domantas Sabonis and Deandre Ayton are currently underperforming.

As the NBA trade deadline on February 5 approaches, decisions made now in fantasy leagues could yield significant rewards as the season progresses.

Below are some lesser-known players who are starting to excel, alongside some prominent names who are facing challenges or struggling to integrate with their teams.

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Risers

Max Christie, SG, Dallas Mavericks (19.2% rostered in ESPN leagues)

Initially included as a minor part of the trade that brought him and Anthony Davis to Dallas in exchange for Luka Doncic last year, Christie has emerged as a key contributor for the Mavericks. In contrast, the frequently injured Davis, who is currently sidelined, seems likely to be traded before the deadline.

Although Christie has struggled in his last two outings, making only 7-of-23 shots (1-of-12 from beyond the arc), he had been performing well throughout January prior to this slump. He scored at least 21 points in four consecutive games and became a reliable source of points, three-pointers, steals, and rebounds, shooting effectively from both the field and the free throw line. Despite his recent shooting difficulties, Christie has averaged 17.0 points while logging 32.2 minutes per game this month, with a shooting percentage of 47% from the floor and 90% from the charity stripe.

Currently, Dallas is 4.5 games behind a play-in spot, and indications suggest they may miss the playoffs. Christie will celebrate his 23rd birthday on February 10, and the Mavericks have no reason to limit his playing time as the season concludes, making him a potential late-season standout. He is worth considering in most formats and particularly appealing in points leagues.

Sam Hauser, SF, Boston Celtics (14.2% rostered)

Hauser has steadily improved this season for the Celtics, and while much of his fantasy value is linked to his three-point shooting, he has also contributed in scoring, rebounding, and stealing the ball, showcasing impressive shooting from various ranges. Throughout January, he has averaged 13.9 points, 0.9 steals, and 3.8 three-pointers while shooting 51% from the field.

With Jaylen Brown dealing with injuries and Jayson Tatum (Achilles) contemplating his participation this season, the Celtics are poised to enter the playoffs as a likely top-3 seed in the East. It would be logical for the Celtics to rest their key players as they aim for a championship, which could lead to reduced minutes for Brown and Derrick White, while players like Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, and Luka Garza may thrive as the regular season winds down.

Similar to Christie, Hauser may be more valuable in points leagues, but for those seeking three-pointers, acquiring him could be a beneficial move.

Dylan Cardwell, C, Sacramento Kings (6.2% rostered)

Cardwell may not score many points, but unlike the previously mentioned players, he is providing well-rounded production for the Kings and could see even greater opportunities as the season progresses, especially if Sacramento opts for a rebuild at the trade deadline.

In January, he has averaged just 5.0 points per game but also contributed 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 60% shooting in 21 minutes per game. With Maxime Raynaud struggling and Sabonis frequently mentioned in trade discussions, the undrafted Cardwell could be in line for an expanded role moving forward. Although he is not a strong free throw shooter (38% in January), his limited attempts (only eight free throws in 13 games) lessen the impact of this weakness.

The Kings have only secured 12 wins this season and are unlikely to make the playoffs. If Sabonis is traded, Sacramento may focus on developing Cardwell and granting him significant playing time. If that occurs, he could accumulate numerous rebounds and blocks, alongside his impressive field goal percentage. He is already worth considering in deeper leagues and could emerge as a late-season fantasy asset if given the opportunity.

If a center is needed, consider Cardwell and monitor his progress after the trade deadline.

Fallers

Domantas Sabonis, PF/C, Sacramento Kings (99.6% rostered)

Since returning from a meniscus tear in his left knee that sidelined him for 27 games, Sabonis has not performed at a high level, averaging 12.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks, and 0.1 three-pointers while shooting 68% from the free throw line in seven games during January.

His lack of steals, blocks, and three-pointers makes him somewhat of a liability in fantasy, especially with modern big men contributing more in those areas. There is a reasonable chance he could be traded before the deadline, and if he joins a team with an established center, it may complicate matters for his fantasy managers.

Even if he is traded to a team in need of a center, his performance has not been impressive as he continues to recover from the knee injury, and there is no guarantee his numbers will improve moving forward.

Sabonis’ reputation may still allow for a trade that yields more than his current value, so it may be wise to explore trade opportunities for him in hopes of acquiring players who can provide a more balanced statistical contribution.

Ivica Zubac, C, LA Clippers (92.1% rostered)

The Clippers are clinging to the final play-in position in the West, and Zubac has logged significant minutes over the past two seasons, averaging 32.8 minutes last season and 30.8 in 2025-26. However, his scoring (14.6 PPG) and rebounding (10.9 RPG) have declined this season, along with other statistics, and the Clippers have Brook Lopez available to provide backup.

Concerns arise as Zubac has played 23 minutes or fewer in three of his last four games, suggesting this may be more than just a temporary issue. Given that the Clippers have gone 9-1 in their last 10 games, this trend does not bode well for Zubac. He has averaged only 24.8 minutes over his last four games.

It is possible the Clippers will limit his minutes as they aim for a deep playoff run, potentially increasing Lopez’s playing time. While there is no need for alarm regarding Zubac, if he is on your roster and you have concerns, he could be a candidate for a trade in exchange for a younger player on a different team that does not have to compete with stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard for scoring opportunities.

Deandre Ayton, C, Los Angeles Lakers (71.2% rostered)

Ayton started the season strong in Los Angeles but has significantly cooled off in recent months, averaging just 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.9 blocks in January.

Austin Reaves has been sidelined since Christmas due to a gastrocnemius strain but is expected to return soon, which may further limit Ayton’s opportunities for touches, shots, and rebounds. At times, it appears Ayton is lacking interest and engagement, making it difficult to distinguish his performance from that of his backup, Jaxson Hayes.

Hayes has averaged a season-high 18.6 minutes in January, while Ayton’s 26.1 minutes this month represent his lowest average of the season. Although it is unlikely Hayes will take over as the starter in the near future, Ayton’s managers should closely evaluate his declining production over the past two months and consider whether he remains a valuable asset, particularly in smaller eight-team leagues.

In 12-team formats, I view Ayton as generally worth holding onto, and his trade value is not high enough to yield significant returns. However, if you have depth at center and identify a more attractive player on the waiver wire who could benefit your team, dropping Ayton for that player may be a reasonable consideration at this stage.