X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Basketball Rotation Watch: Playing Time Updates for Week 10

Euan Leith looks at fantasy basketball starting lineup changes for Week 10 of the 2020-21 NBA season. These players are seeing increases in minutes and playing time.

Welcome to Rotation Watch, Rotoballers! Each week, this article will highlight the players that are gaining minutes in their team's rotation. Fantasy managers want to roster the players that are accumulating stats and racking up the playing time. They want to avoid the players falling out of favor and watching the action from the sidelines.

The trade deadline is one month from tomorrow (March 25), and it will be fascinating to see how the play-in games factor into a particular team's decisions. Who will be buyers or sellers as the deadline draws closer? We are already seeing this conundrum spread throughout the league with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin sitting out games for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons, respectively. Meanwhile, DeMarcus Cousins was released by the Houston Rockets as they look to the future with a younger frontcourt.

So without further ado, let's start searching those box scores from Feb. 15 to Feb. 21 and look for those hidden gems that grabbed minutes to help your fantasy basketball team achieve the ultimate prize: a championship. These suggestions are the cream of the crop, and if you ever need an extra slice of advice, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @EuanOrYouOut, and I'll happily talk about some fantasy basketball with everyone.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

NBA Playing Time  Changes

Kendrick Nunn - PG/SG, Miami Heat

Season: 28.1 Minutes per Game

Week 9: 33.3 Minutes per Game

Is this the end of Kendrick Nunn's joyful run of fantasy production? Goran Dragic could return anytime this week, and it would take a significant chunk out of the sophomore guard's fantasy ceiling. Before Dragic's injury, Nunn averaged 25.7 minutes per game. The Slovenian veteran missed nine games for the Heat, which led to Nunn taking off for fantasy basketball.

In those nine games, the 25-year old posted 17.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.3 three-pointers in 34.8 minutes per night. Hopefully, this type of production will earn him more minutes on the court. Dragic may sit one more game on Wednesday versus Toronto, and we may get one final flurry from Nunn, but this fantastic February is likely winding down. If you can see if there's a manager in your league willing to take a buy-high, sell-low trade for anyone that has been underperforming during the first half of the 2020-21 season.

 

Jae'sean Tate - SG, Houston Rockets

Season: 26.6 Minutes per Game 

Week 9: 34.7 Minutes per Game

One team that is already flying around the trade deadline rumor mill is the Houston Rockets. On Tuesday, they officially released DeMarcus Cousins, and it's doubtful that's the last move this franchise makes as it hits the rebuild button. Victor Oladipo, Eric Gordon, and P.J. Tucker could all be off this squad when the calendar flips to March 26th. That would leave a spaceship-sized amount of minutes to fill for this team—the leading candidate to absorb more of them: Jae'Sean Tate.

The 25-year old has been a pleasant surprise for the Rockets this season. He's started 19 of 20 games since James Harden was traded and is beginning to put it together in his first NBA season. Since Feb. 8, Tate is averaging 14.3 points, six rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals, with his shooting splits sitting at 59.2/36.8/75.0. With all the potential moves coming in Texas, Tate is definitely worth a flyer and should be rostered in all 12-team leagues.

 

Josh Hart - SG/SF, New Orleans Pelicans

Season: 27.8 Minutes per Game

Week 9: 31.9 Minutes per Game

Hart is playing the most minutes of his NBA career, and the playing time is starting to add up. The fourth-year win is averaging career-highs in rebounds (7.6) and assists (2.1) while posting his best field-goal (45.7), three-point (35.8), and true shooting percentages (58.9) since his rookie campaign. Hart leads the team in defensive rating among players getting more than 15 minutes per night, and his defensive efforts spurred a 24-point comeback against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Plus, trade rumors are beginning to whirl around J.J. Reddick, which would only boost Hart's playing time.

His Week 9 performances gave fantasy managers some hope to build upon. In 31.9 minutes, the former-Villanova standout averaged 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, one block, and 2.5 triples in four games. He came off the bench in each of those games, but a Reddick trade would open the door for Hart to take his vacant minutes on the court.

 

Justise Winslow - PF, Memphis Grizzlies

Season: 0.0 Minutes per Game

Week 9: 23.5 Minutes per Game

Everyone knows the scene in The Office where Dwight Schrute simulates a fire in the workplace, and Michael Scott yells, "Oh my God! Okay, it happening. Everybody stay calm." That's how I feel about seeing Justise Winslow return to the court after a year-long absence. He's only got two notches in his game log, but the early returns have some encouraging signs.

Winslow has been active across the box score, recording 10 rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal in the two games, but he needs to shake off the rust when it comes to his shooting game. He went a combined 4-for-24 from the field and 2-for-9 from three-point land. Winslow can become another option for the Grizzlies to run with its young core. While he's not immediately startable, every fantasy basketball team sitting pretty after 10 weeks should stash him on their bench in the hope he rounds into form just in time for the final run of the regular season and the fantasy playoffs.

 

Tristan Thompson - PF/C, Boston Celtics

Season: 22.1 Minutes per Game 

Week 9: 28.1 Minutes per Game

Recommending Tristan Thompson was my most challenging call of the week because I'm not entirely sure what the Celtics are trying to accomplish with their frontcourt rotation. Daniel Theis has been battling injuries this month, and it's given Thompson and Robert Williams some extra time on the hardwood. However, Brad Stevens said that he wants Williams to peak with his minutes at the end of the season when the games matter the most. Those comments make me believe that Thompson could be in line for a more significant share of time as the trade deadline approaches. Is it possible the Celtics are showcasing the 2016 NBA Champion? If they want to get out of the East this summer, they need an upgrade, and his $9 million per year is a nice trade chip when it comes to matching contracts.

Besides all that trade speculation, Thompson has been putting up useful fantasy numbers. The 29-year old is averaging 13.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and shooting 75.9 percent from the floor in his last four games. While it may not be the exciting, week-winning addition fantasy managers dream about, those counting stats will accumulate quickly and be appreciated when you check your matchups on Sunday nights. Ride Thompson during his playing time boost and stay tuned to the rumor mill. If he finds himself in a different uniform and a more valuable fantasy opportunity, he may be worth holding onto for longer than initially thought.

 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout With Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Jaylin Williams

Signing Three-Year Extension
LeBron James

Accepts Player Option
Anfernee Simons

"a Possible Re-Trade Candidate"
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Declining Player Option
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Toronto Raptors

Garrett Temple Returning to Toronto
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Declines Player Option
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Garrett Mitchell

to Undergo Shoulder Surgery
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez in Guardians Lineup on Saturday
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Chase Burns

Slated to Make Next Start on Monday
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Josh Naylor

Exits Friday's Contest Early with Neck Stiffness
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
José Berríos

Jose Berrios Tosses Seven Scoreless Innings in Fourth Win
Nick Martinez

Flirts With No-Hitter, Settles for Win
Gary Sánchez

Gary Sanchez Homers, Reaches Five Times in Onslaught
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
Eric Cole

Hoping for Better Times at Rocket Classic
Beau Hossler

Searching for Form at Rocket Classic
PGA

Byeong Hun An in Good Form Heading into Rocket Classic
Cameron Young

Looking For Redemption and Possible First Career Victory in Detroit
Collin Morikawa

is The Headliner This Week in Detroit For Good Reason
Si Woo Kim

Back in Competition After Last Week's Withdrawal
PGA

Alex Noren Finishes Tied For 30th at Travelers Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF