Week 2 Fantasy Basketball: Decoding the High Score 100’s Biggest Risers and Fallers

Priority pickups, fantasy explosion, and respecting the rookies | The Playlist

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Understanding the Early-Season Shake-Up in Fantasy Basketball

The first week of any NBA season is a volatile time for fantasy managers. Sample sizes are small, but roles are quickly defined, and potential breakout candidates emerge. This is especially true for the High Score 100, Yahoo’s innovative fantasy basketball format, where every statistic counts towards a cumulative score. As Yahoo Sports details, its simple rosters and scoring emphasize maximizing production, making early high-performers instant league winners.

For dynasty league managers, these early weeks are crucial for identifying buy-low and sell-high opportunities. The shifts we’re seeing aren’t just about immediate production; they often hint at long-term value changes based on increased minutes, new team systems, or emerging talent. Understanding these dynamics is key to staying ahead of the curve.

The Ascent: Key Risers in High Score 100 & Dynasty Formats

Several players have defied expectations, rocketing up the rankings and becoming immediate priority targets. Their early production suggests sustainable value, making them prime candidates for roster spots in all formats.

Instant Impact Rookies & Second-Year Surges

• VJ Edgecombe (G, Philadelphia 76ers): Starting the season ranked 17th overall in the High Score 100, a staggering jump of 134 spots, Edgecombe has been nothing short of sensational. Averaging 49.9 High Score fantasy points through his first three games, with two outings exceeding 50 points, he’s quickly formed one of the league’s most explosive backcourts alongside Tyrese Maxey. His immediate impact is undeniable, setting franchise records in the process.
• Kyshawn George (G/FC, Washington Wizards): A second-year pro, George has seen his ranking skyrocket 103 spots to 30th overall. His stat-stuffing abilities, scoring, and defensive prowess, culminating in a 68 High Score fantasy points week 1, make him one of the hottest early-season breakouts.
• Dereck Lively II (C, Dallas Mavericks): While not initially hyped as much as some other rookies, Lively II‘s debut was historic: 16 points and 10 rebounds on 7-for-8 shooting, a feat not accomplished by a rookie in a season opener for over 40 years. Though subsequent games normalized, his efficiency, defensive threat (averaging one block per game), and synergy with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving make him a must-roster in 12-team dynasty formats, even on a taxi squad. He doesn’t turn 20 for months, indicating immense long-term potential.

Veteran Resurgence & Role Shifts

• Jrue Holiday (G, Portland Trail Blazers): Enjoying a noticeable resurgence, Holiday is averaging 44.3 High Score fantasy points per game and recently posted a 50-point High Score performance. His renewed production makes him a reliable option.
• Aaron Gordon (FC, Denver Nuggets): A consistent performer, Gordon dropped a High Score of 65 points in Week 1 and is averaging over 37.5 High Score fantasy points through four games, securing his place in the top-50.
• Dennis Schröder (G, Brooklyn Nets): A popular Week 2 start candidate from RotoWire, Schröder has opened the season impressively, averaging 20.7 points (on 55.6% 3-point shooting), 6.3 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals across 33.7 minutes. His increased shot attempts (14.3 per game) suggest a significant role in a Nets team not expected to contend, offering reliable production.
• Jalen Johnson (PF, Atlanta Hawks): If Johnson is on your waiver wire, sprint to pick him up. The soon-to-be 22-year-old has significantly increased minutes and production, averaging 14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks in 29.5 minutes. His explosive play, ball-handling, and passing IQ alongside Trae Young and Dejounte Murray make him a fantasy goldmine, securing a starting spot just four games into the season.
• De’Anthony Melton (PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers): With the recent trade of James Harden, Melton‘s role has expanded dramatically. Despite a shorter frame, he’s a premier perimeter defender capable of guarding bigger wings. He’s averaging career-highs in assists (5.3), steals (1.7), and minutes (29.0), with career-low turnovers (1.3). While shooting numbers are still finding consistency, his overall contribution makes him a strong hold in all formats.

Week 2 Start Candidates: Leveraging Schedules and Emerging Roles

For those in weekly leagues, identifying players with advantageous schedules or expanded roles is crucial. RotoWire highlights several players to consider starting:

• Scoot Henderson (G, Portland Trail Blazers): Despite coming off the bench, Henderson is averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.0 steals in 29 minutes across three games. With a four-game week and the Blazers giving their young pieces significant run, he offers a safe fantasy floor.
• Christian Braun (F, Denver Nuggets): Stepping into the starting two-guard role after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s departure, Braun is averaging 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals through two games. His proven shooting and increased minutes make him a strong play in a four-game week.
• John Collins (F, Utah Jazz): Even from the second unit, Collins is delivering 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in just 21 minutes. His unusually low early shooting percentage is expected to normalize, making him a high-upside play, especially with a four-game schedule.
• Wendell Carter Jr. (C, Orlando Magic): The starting center for a Magic team with high aspirations, Carter Jr. has opened with three straight double-digit rebounding efforts. His consistent scoring and willingness to shoot threes (37.4% last season) provide a solid base for a four-game week.
• Daniel Gafford (C, Dallas Mavericks): Surprisingly starting over rookie Dereck Lively II, Gafford offers strong rebounding (7.0 per game) and blocks potential. While not a 3-point shooter, his work near the basket makes him an above-average source of essential big-man stats.

The Slide: Players Losing Value & Early Disappointments

Just as some players are surging, others are experiencing unexpected downturns. Whether due to role changes, poor performance, or injury concerns, these players are causing headaches for fantasy managers.

High Score 100 Fallers & Inconsistent Performers

• Dyson Daniels (G/FC, Atlanta Hawks): Slipping 63 spots to 120th overall, the reigning Most Improved Player has had a slow start, averaging a meager 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists with 2 steals per game. With a crowded Hawks offense, usage and volume concerns are valid.
• Jakob Poeltl (FC, Toronto Raptors): Dropping 42 spots to 115th, Poeltl has yet to top 27 High Score fantasy points in any game and recently left a contest with a back injury. His average of 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists with less than one stock per contest is concerning.
• Joel Embiid (FC, Philadelphia 76ers): Despite his talent, Embiid‘s persistent minutes restrictions and load-management plan continue to frustrate fantasy managers. Ranked 73rd after a 34-spot slide, his outlook remains clouded by health concerns, especially with the emerging backcourt talent of Maxey and Edgecombe.
• Rudy Gobert (FC, Minnesota Timberwolves): Falling 25 spots to 105th, Gobert‘s defense has been subpar, and he’s not even averaging a double-double through four games. Beyond one spike 40-point High Score outing, his production has been consistently below 25 points, suggesting his overall impact might be diminishing.
• Other players like Amen Thompson, Ivica Zubac, and Matas Buzelis also saw drops in the High Score 100 due to inconsistent first-week performances.

Dynasty League Sell-High/Cut Candidates

For dynasty managers, sometimes the best move is to cut ties early or offload players whose long-term outlook is dimming.

• Collin Sexton (PG/SG, Utah Jazz): Sexton’s career has been a fantasy riddle, with extreme highs in Cleveland contrasting with lows in Utah. His production has plummeted from 24.3 points and 4.4 assists to just 12.0 points and 1.5 assists. With a significant backcourt logjam featuring Jordan Clarkson, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kris Dunn, Ochai Agbaji, and Keyonte George, the Jazz have little reason to endure his ugly basketball. It’s time to extract any remaining value or cut him.
• Obi Toppin (SF/PF, Indiana Pacers): Despite increased minutes (five more per game), Toppin’s traditional stats haven’t followed his highlight-reel dunks. Averaging just 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds, he’s failed to deliver on “most improved player” hype. Moving on from him seems prudent if you’re looking for consistent production.
• Rui Hachimura (SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers): Once projected as a potential star, Hachimura is playing the fewest minutes of his five-year career, averaging only 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 14.7 minutes. Despite flashes of talent and physical tools, the unfulfilled potential in his fifth year makes him a challenging hold in dynasty formats.

Week 2 Sit Candidates: Prioritizing Opportunity Over Name Value

Even highly-drafted or recently productive players can be sit candidates if their Week 2 schedule is unfavorable or their role is uncertain.

• Tyrese Maxey (G, Philadelphia 76ers): Despite a monster 45-point performance against the Pacers, Maxey faces a two-game week, a critical factor in weekly fantasy formats. His impressive per-game production (24.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists) might be outmatched by a less talented player with a three or four-game schedule.
• Draymond Green (F, Golden State Warriors): Green has started slowly, averaging just 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 steals. With only three games this week and possibly entering a phase of his career where he fades into the background, he’s a sit candidate unless Stephen Curry‘s ankle injury forces a significant usage bump.
• Zach Edey (C, Memphis Grizzlies): The rookie center is getting starting opportunities but is clearly still adjusting to the pro level. Averaging 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds, his biggest concern is foul trouble, which has limited him to just 17.0 minutes per game. Until he works out these kinks, he’s too unreliable, even with a four-game week.

The Impact of Team Schedules: Maximizing Opportunities in Week 2

Understanding team schedules is paramount for Week 2 fantasy success. Managers with players on four-game teams have a significant advantage in maximizing production.

• Teams with Four Games: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz.
• Teams with Three Games: Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards.
• Teams with Two Games: Philadelphia 76ers.

This stark difference in game volume directly influences start/sit decisions. For instance, even elite players like Tyrese Maxey become less appealing on a two-game week, while high-upside players on four-game schedules gain significant value.

Looking Ahead: The Volatility Continues

The first week of the NBA season has provided a glimpse into the fantasy basketball season’s potential, particularly in the dynamic High Score format. From rookie sensations to veteran disappointments, the rankings are in constant flux. Smart fantasy managers will continue to monitor these trends, making informed decisions on waiver wire pickups, trade negotiations, and weekly lineup adjustments.

As Yahoo Sports underscores, every week offers new opportunities to climb the ranks. The key is to analyze beyond the box score, understanding the underlying roles, minutes, and team dynamics that drive fantasy value. Stay tuned for further updates as the season progresses and the narratives continue to unfold.