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Eric Moody
Change is the one factor you’ll be able to all the time rely on, each in sports activities and in life. Whereas consistency is what fantasy managers attempt for, the truth is that participant efficiency can swing wildly over a protracted season.
Making an attempt to maintain up with all of the highs and lows throughout 44 video games and 4 months can really feel overwhelming. That is why breaking issues down week by week makes it simpler to remain grounded and targeted on what issues proper now.
That is the aim of my Risers and Fallers column. It helps you monitor momentum shifts as they occur, utilizing insights pulled straight from ESPN’s fantasy metrics.
Risers
Naz Hillmon, F, Atlanta Dream (14.6% rostered in ESPN leagues, +3.9%)
Hillmon has helped rework the Dream, presently third in our power rankings, from a workforce that appeared headed for an additional disappointing season into one with actual playoff potential. She primarily contributes in factors and rebounds whereas sprinkling in assists, steals and blocks. Hillmon has scored 20 or extra fantasy factors in 4 of her final six video games, together with one with 31 factors. She’s a sensible add for anybody trying to keep forward of the waiver wire.
Erica Wheeler, G, Seattle Storm (63.6% rostered, +5.5)
Wheeler went undrafted in lots of fantasy leagues however is within the midst of certainly one of her greatest seasons. She ranks simply inside our prime 50 gamers and has been particularly spectacular over the past 10 video games, averaging 24.1 fantasy factors per recreation throughout that stretch. Wheeler is a key a part of the Storm’s rotation and must be on the radar for fantasy managers trying to fill gaps at guard amid a wave of accidents this season.
Fallers
Kayla McBride, G, Minnesota Lynx (95.3% rostered, -1.2)
McBride has been struggling these days, which is lower than preferrred for fantasy managers who spent a mid-round decide on her. The excellent news: she’s nonetheless averaging 31.6 minutes per recreation. The unhealthy information: she has posted simply 16 fantasy factors per recreation over her final 5 outings and has slipped a number of spots in our rankings. That mentioned, there is a sturdy likelihood she rebounds. McBride has a clearly outlined function and stockpiles minutes on a Minnesota workforce presently sitting on the prime of our energy rankings. It has been a bumpy trip not too long ago, however issues ought to clean out quickly.
Aari McDonald, G, Indiana Fever (15.8% rostered, -2.4)
McDonald received off to a powerful begin after signing a rest-of-season take care of the short-handed Fever in June, logging 24+ minutes and 20+ fantasy factors in every of her first three video games. Nevertheless, her manufacturing has dipped not too long ago, with 15 or fewer factors in her final two outings. McDonald stays within the beginning lineup for now and most not too long ago performed alongside Caitlin Clark in her return from damage. Nevertheless, Indiana’s latest struggles have prompted head coach Stephanie White to name for larger urgency, which may lead to modifications to the rotation. With a essential four-game stretch forward of the All-Star break, fantasy managers ought to keep watch over McDonald’s function and think about Lexie Hull (40.2% rostered) as a possible beneficiary if minutes start to shift.