Fantasy Basketball Rotation Watch: Playing Time Updates for Week 5

November 21, 2023

Dawn Tepper looks at fantasy basketball starting lineup updates and rotations for Week 5 of the 2023-24 NBA season. These players will start to see increases in minutes and playing time.

Welcome back to Rotation Watch, Rotoballers! In this weekly article, we're all about finding those fantasy basketball game-changers. We'll keep a close eye on players who are getting more action on the court because, as savvy fantasy managers, we want our roster stacked with those who are racking up those stats.

In the world of fantasy hoops, it's all about staying ahead of the game. We'll help you spot those hidden gems on the brink of becoming fantasy studs, dissect up-and-coming talents, and break down how they fit into their team's game plans, giving you the edge in your fantasy basketball journey.

Fantasy basketball is all about predicting player performance, and it starts with understanding team rotations. As the season unfolds, things can change fast, whether due to injuries, trades, or a player's breakout performance. With Rotation Watch, you'll have the info you need to adjust your roster on the fly and outsmart your competition in the dynamic world of fantasy hoops. As always, if you have any questions or want to chat more about the NBA, you can find me on X/Twitter @dtepdc.

Alex Caruso - PG/SG, Chicago Bulls

Yahoo: 43% rostered
Season Average: 24.20 MPG | PRA: 9.8/3.5/2.4
Last Seven Games: 25.90 MPG | PRA: 14.5/2.8/2.3

Free Caruso, indeed! With just over one more minute per game in the last seven days, Caruso's points per game have jumped from 9.8 for the season to 14.5. Caruso had his first start of the season last Friday against the Magic, and Billy Donovan will keep him in the starting lineup for now.

Caruso is getting hot at the right time, as his name is being bounced around by a few teams looking to strengthen their defense. Whether he stays in Chicago or is traded, the Bald Mamba will continue to make an impact wherever he goes.

Cole Anthony - PG, Orlando Magic

Yahoo: 38% rostered
Season Average: 24.80 MPG | PRA:13.4/4.5/3.1
Last Seven Games: 27.80 MPG | PRA: 14/6/4.3

Anthony continues to make his way up the minutes-per-game ladder. His points, rebounds, and assists have all gone up in the last seven days. The Orlando guard is making the most of his playing time while Markelle Fultz is out. In 50 games without Fultz last season, Anthony averaged 17.6 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.8 rebounds. I'll be curious to see Orlando's roster when Fultz is back in the mix.

Norman Powell - SG/SF, Los Angeles Clippers

Yahoo: 36% rostered
Season Average: 25.30 MPG | PRA:13.1/2.3/1.4
Last Seven Games: 29.80 MPG | PRA: 14.5/4/1.5

Despite the arrival of James Harden and the fluctuation in his minutes per game, Dwight Powell seems to have found his rhythm this season. Coach Ty Lue has encouraged him to stay aggressive and has given him more time on the court, which has boosted Powell's confidence. Consequently, his numbers have improved significantly in the last seven days.

Although the entire team is still adjusting to Harden joining the team, Powell's aggressive playing style is already making an impact, and I expect his numbers to continue to rise.

Cam Reddish - SF/PF, Los Angeles Lakers

Yahoo: 33% rostered
Season Average: 25.30 MPG | PRA: 7.9/2.7/1.1
Last Seven Games: 29.80 MPG | PRA: 10.3/2.3/1.3

Take another look at Reddish's numbers for the last seven days compared to his average for the season. The 6'7 forward and former Atlanta Hawk has quickly made an impact with the Lakers, especially late in games. Reddish knows what's expected of him, and his confidence is growing due to the trust his teammates have in him.

“Be ready again because there will be many more opportunities, especially from me,” LeBron said about what he told Reddish. “I know I’m going to see two defenders late in games, so just be ready.”

Malik Beasley - SF/SG, Milwaukee Bucks

Yahoo: 22% rostered
Season Average: 27.10 MPG | PRA:11.1/3.8/1.4
Last Seven Games: 32 MPG | PRA: 18.3/4.3/1.3

Beasley is having an excellent season, shooting with a career-high accuracy of 50.5% from the floor and 48.6% from beyond the arc. He played for 30 minutes during last Friday's 130-99 victory over the Hornets, scoring 20 points, grabbing two rebounds, and providing three assists.

As Damian Lillard is adjusting well to his new role, Beasley is expected to receive more opportunities to showcase his skills consistently.

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