Fantasy Basketball Rotation Watch: Playing Time Updates for Week 8

December 13, 2023

Dawn Tepper looks at fantasy basketball starting lineup updates and rotations for Week 8 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.

Dante Exum - PG, Dallas Mavericks

Yahoo: 37% rostered
Season Average: 15 MPG | PRA: 7.4/2.8/2.4
Last Seven Games: 34.7 MPG | PRA: 21.7/4.7/2.4

Exum had one of his best games in Dallas' 127-125 win over the Lakers, scoring 26 points with four rebounds and three assists. He has stepped up for the short-handed Mavericks, shooting for double figures in his last three games, including 23 or more in two of those games.

Dallas is 4-0 in games that the 28-year-old former lottery pick has started, and in their last three games, Exum is averaging 21.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.

Jericho Sims - PF/C, New York Knicks

Yahoo: 3% rostered
Season Average: 5.0 MPG | PRA: 0.7/1.7/0.2
Last Seven Games: 21 MPG | PRA:2/7/0.2

Sims moved into the Knicks' starting lineup on Monday, replacing Mitchell Robinson (ankle), who looks to miss at least two months of playing time. Sims played an average of 15.6 minutes per game in just 56 games last season, managing to grab 4.7 rebounds per game but only scoring 3.4 points per game.

If the Knicks plan to stick with Sims as their starter and his minutes continue to stay in the double digits, he could be a viable option in deeper formats.

Troy Brown Jr - SF/PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

Yahoo: 1% rostered
Season Average: 16 MPG | PRA: 5.8 2.9 1
Last Seven Games: 29 MPG | PRA:12.5/5/1

Anthony Edwards is currently out due to a hip injury, which has led to Brown being added to the starting lineup. Brown has been a valuable asset to the Timberwolves this season and has recently performed even better, with an average of 12.5 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 29 minutes over his last seven games.

Caleb Martin - SF/SG, Miami Heat

Yahoo: 40% rostered
Season Average: 26 MPG | PRA: 12.2/4.5/2.2
Last Seven Games: 36 MPG | PRA:17.5/7.5/2.2

With Bam Adebayo (hip) out indefinitely, Martin's minutes have jumped up, as have his points and rebounds. In Monday's 116-114 victory over the Hornets, Martin had 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, marking his seventh game in a row with at least 14 points. His athleticism at forward is critical for Miami moving forward, especially with Adebayo out.

Luka Samanic - PF, Utah Jazz

Yahoo: 0% rostered
Season Average: 7 MPG | PRA: 3.5/2.2/0.3
Last Seven Games: 17 MPG | PRA: 14/7/0.3

Yes, 0% rostered, but Samanic is this week's Super Sleeper (it's a new title I'm trying out). During Monday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Samanic played just 17 minutes but managed to put up some impressive stats, 14 points and seven rebounds.

With Lauri Markkanen out with a left hamstring strain, arguments can be made for benching Jordan Clarkson and starting Samanic, who continues to show up and deliver when given more minutes. It might not save their season, but it's time to see what Samanic can do when given the opportunity.

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