Risers and fallers: Tristan Vukcevic and Jarace Walker capitalizing on their playing opportunities
Tristan Vukcevic is gaining attention, Jarace Walker has been given more freedom, and Brandin Podziemski’s worth is likely to increase with Stephen Curry sidelined for the next few weeks. On the other hand, Paolo Banchero’s efficiency has decreased somewhat, Alperen Sengun has not been as impactful recently, and Pascal Siakam presents some late-season uncertainty if Indiana changes its strategy. Let’s analyze this in the latest installment of Risers and Fallers.
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Risers
Tristan Vukcevic, PF/C, Washington Wizards (2.1% rostered in ESPN leagues)
With Alex Sarr out due to a right hamstring injury, it is uncertain if he will return this season, leaving Vukcevic as the primary option to fill the gap.
Vukcevic can assist fantasy managers with points, rebounds, steals, blocks, and 3-pointers, and he returned from a two-game absence due to illness to score an impressive 12 points, grab five rebounds, record five steals, block one shot, and hit two 3-pointers in just 17 minutes against the Pacers on Thursday.
Although the limited minutes were disappointing, the five steals and overall output were excellent. Vukcevic appears to be a classic “run, don’t walk” addition from your league’s waiver wire. Acquire him. If Vukcevic is not available, consider picking up Maxime Raynaud of the Kings, especially with Domantas Sabonis ruled out for the season.
Jarace Walker, PF, Indiana Pacers (13% rostered)
Walker was enjoying a strong February leading up to the All-Star break, averaging 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and a steal while shooting impressively, but the most notable statistic may be the 29 minutes per game he is receiving for the struggling Pacers.
He logged 30 minutes on Thursday, contributing 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in a loss to the Wizards, despite hitting only 5-of-15 shots.
Walker’s shooting percentage has been solid over the past two months (48%), and it is expected that he will recover from Thursday’s shooting setback. The crucial factor is that he is receiving ample minutes and opportunities for the Pacers and should continue to have the green light until the season concludes. If Vukcevic is a ‘run, don’t walk’ player, Walker is a ‘must-have’ player in his own right. Depending on your team’s specific requirements, both players should be rostered widely.
Brandin Podziemski, PG/SG, Golden State Warriors (34% rostered)
Stephen Curry will be sidelined for at least another 10 days due to his right knee injury, and players like Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Pat Spencer will be stepping in for him. Podziemski is my choice based on his recent performance and opportunity, while Melton is also a player who should be rostered widely at this time due to his strong fantasy skill set.
Podziemski has averaged 15.3 points, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 3-pointers over his last three games, while also contributing in rebounds and assists. However, the key to his success is the significant minutes he has been receiving, as he has played at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games.
These minutes should lead to several impressive stat lines over the next two weeks, and with Curry set to be reevaluated in 10 days, Podziemski is likely to continue performing well for the foreseeable future.
Acquire him, utilize him, and then be ready to seek the next promising free agent once Curry returns. Regarding Melton, he is averaging 11.8 points, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 3-pointers in February, but I currently prefer Podziemski.
Fallers
Paolo Banchero, SF/PF, Orlando Magic (99% rostered)
Banchero’s scoring has not vanished, but his efficiency has declined during his recent stretch. When his shooting percentage is low, the rest of his contributions have not always been sufficient to make up for it in category leagues.
Orlando is firmly in the playoff race, so his role and minutes should remain stable. This is not a drastic decline in value, and managers should either hold tight or seek a trade that would bring back a more well-rounded fantasy player.
Banchero’s lack of three-pointers, steals, blocks, and assists, combined with subpar free throw shooting and limited rebounding, make his name more prominent than his fantasy performance. This remains true even with Franz Wagner’s (ankle) season potentially over.
Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets (100% rostered)
Sengun continues to be a strong fantasy center, but his recent statistics have not been as commanding as earlier in the season. His rebounding and defensive stats have cooled off slightly, and the standout performances have become less frequent.
Houston’s rotation flexibility introduces some unpredictability to his nightly output, and Sengun cannot escape the fact that he does not make 3-pointers and does not accumulate enough steals or blocks.
He remains a clear hold in standard leagues, but if a more reliable or higher-upside big is offered for the stretch run, it is worth considering. Similar to Banchero, Sengun’s overall fantasy contributions are not particularly impressive.
Pascal Siakam, PF, Indiana Pacers (100% rostered)
Siakam’s output has been consistent, but not exceptional. While the scoring is present, the defensive statistics and peripheral contributions have been modest. Additionally, he is now missing games regularly for the struggling Pacers, including Thursday night, when he was listed as DNP.
I have significant concerns about Siakam’s availability for the remainder of the season, not due to his actual health, but because the Pacers are not focused on winning any more games this season. Siakam has put in his time and may benefit from some rest.
Consider trading him as soon as possible, as these missed games will accumulate, and the warning signs will become apparent to your league mates. Wait for him to participate in another game for the Pacers and then trade him for whatever value you can obtain.
