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 Starting Lineup Changes - Week 7

Euan Leith looks at fantasy basketball starting lineup changes for Week 7 of the 2021-22 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.

Here's how Week 6 played out for the Rotation Watch with their player ranking over the last seven days:

There's some good and some bad in there from last week's selections. Okoro and Wade fell victim to the Cavs getting healthy with their minutes and opportunities, although Wade is injured now. Frank Jackson only scored more than 10 points in one of his last four games for Detroit, which is what we wanted him for. However, Patty Mills and Desmond bane saved the day with two top-75 performances. Joe Harris (ankle) is undergoing surgery, so Mills will continue to contribute in formats with three-point shooting. Meanwhile, up-and-coming star Ja Morant (knee) went down, and it's kept the door open for Desmond Bane to earn more playing time and shots in Memphis.

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!

So without further ado, let's start searching those box scores and look for those hidden gems that grabbed minutes to help your fantasy basketball team achieve the ultimate prize: a championship. Of course, 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.

 

NBA Playing Time Changes

Garrison Mathews - SG/SF, Houston Rockets

Yahoo: 10% rostered

Week 6: 32:40 Minutes per Game

With Christmas only three and a half weeks away, the Rockets are already in tank mode and giving out green lights to their entire roster. With Jalen Green (hamstring) out, there is an opening for minutes and shots in Houston. Bizarrely, it seems as though 25-year old Garrison Mathews has become the first choice to take them on. And, despite some initial double-taking, he is making the most out of this opportunity in Clutch City. He's been a top-50 option in nine-category formats over the last seven days, yet only rostered in 10 percent of leagues.

In his last three games (two starts), Mathews plays over 32 minutes per game while posting 17 points, 4.0 three-pointers, and 3.3 rebounds. Coincidentally, the Rockets are 3-0 in these games, with wins over Chicago, Charlotte, and Oklahoma City. Jalen Green will return before Santa gives out his presents, but the Rockets play three games before the end of Week 7. This makes Mathews a must-have streamer if you need points, threes, and even some rebounding help to close out this week.

Herbert Jones - SF, New Orleans Pelicans

Yahoo: 7% rostered

Week 6: 31:15 Minutes per Game

At first glance, fantasy managers may look at Herbert Jones and see 7.8 points per game average over the last seven days and instantly ignore him. However, since you are reading this article, I'll let you know that he's contributing all over the box score and is returning a sixth-round value in nine-category leagues over the last week. How is this possible? Let's dig in.

Over his previous five games, the rookie out of Alabama sees 31:15 minutes per night. In those minutes, he's putting up 7.4 points on 47.1 percent shooting, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.2 assists. So Jones is genuinely contributing in five of the nine categories. In addition to his overall output, the Pelicans play three games in the next five nights, including one against the most turnover-prone team in the league, Houston.

Alex Caruso - PG/SG, Chicago Bulls

Yahoo: 63% rostered

Week 6: 29:15 Minutes per Game

It seems a lot of fantasy managers are anchoring themselves to a preseason evaluation of Alex Caruso. Valued as the 295th best option in Yahoo leagues, Caruso is the 54th player in nine-category leagues on the season and a top-40 choice over the last seven days. A lot of his value comes from his league-leading 2.2 steals per game. However, he's picked up his contributions in other categories over the previous week and needs to be on more than 63 percent of rosters.

Since Nov. 24 (four games), the Bald Eagle (thank you basketball reference) has averaged 13.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers per night. In addition, he's shooting 63.3 percent from the floor, 53.8 percent from three, and 76.9 percent from the line on his 3.3 attempts per game. That's six categories where Caruso is positively affecting your fantasy roster. The 27-year old has proven to be an integral part of this Chicago Bulls team, and he can do the same for your fantasy league in the 37 percent of leagues where he is available.

DeAndre' Bembry - SF/PF, Brooklyn Nets

Yahoo: 16% rostered

Week 6: 28:19 Minutes per Game

I mentioned Patty Mills in last week's Rotation Watch, and he came through with top-60 value for our fantasy rosters over the last week. However, his teammate, DeAndre' Bembry, closely followed him, who produced top-90 value in nine-category leagues over the previous seven days. Bembry has been playing 30.9 minutes per game for the last five contests and producing 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks. His 63.9 field-goal percentage isn't half bad either for the 2016 first-round pick.

Admittedly, Bembry is being helped by the number of Net's absence. Joe Harris (ankle) is out for a while, and Blake Griffin is receiving CD-DNPs a lot more than anyone could've imagined. If either of these things change, or Head Coach Steve Nash decides to switch things up, then it could spell the end for Bembry's run. However, until that day comes, Bembry is worth a bench stash. Additionally, the nets play two games during the rest of Week 7, and the latter occurs on Saturday. Therefore, I would pick up Bembry for these two games and then drop him for another Sunday streamer if you need to squeeze out another category in your head-to-head leagues.

Bones Hyland - PG/SG, Denver Nuggets

Yahoo: 5% rostered

Week 6: 21:00 Minutes per Game

Recommending Bones Hyland is a little bit of hoping and praying Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone lets the young gun play. Although, to be honest, Malone may not have any choice other than to play him with Jamal Murray (knee) still recovering Michael Porter Jr. (back) out for the year. Hyland returned from a two-game absence on Monday and played 21 minutes. He had another impressive performance with 19 points, five three-pointers, three assists, and a steal, as he continued to flourish when receiving the playing time.

The rookie has played at least 20 minutes in five games this year. During those games, he's averaging 14.6 points, 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 triples. Meanwhile, Hyland shoots 52.3 percent from the floor, 46.9 percent from deep, and converts on 92.3 percent of his trips to the free-throw line. The 21-year old is efficient when he shoots, produces in multiple ways when he's on the court, and the Nuggets are running out of options. You can probably get away with leaving Hyland on the waiver wire for a week or two, but if he has another impressive outing, I will run to grab him as a speculative bench guy.

 



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

William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Chase Elliott

an Easy DFS Pick at Chicago Street Course
Chris Buescher

Should Be Strong at Chicago Street Course
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Solid DFS Target After Qualifying 37th at Chicago
Michael McDowell

Has Solid Saturday at Chicago Street Course
Will Brown

an Interesting Fantasy Option at Chicago Street Course
Justin Haley

Has Strong Record at Chicago Street Course
Todd Gilliland

Could Surprise at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF