One month into the current NBA season, the landscape of fantasy basketball is being shaped by both emerging injuries and a host of surprisingly strong individual performances. This analysis, focusing on "Risers and Fallers," offers insights for fantasy managers navigating trade options and roster adjustments.

Risers: Players Exceeding Expectations

Jalen Johnson, PF, Atlanta Hawks (96% rostered): Johnson has been phenomenal, delivering a historic stat line against the Jazz with 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, 7 steals, and 4 three-pointers. He had already shown his potential with 24 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, a steal, and two three-pointers in his prior game, now boasting three consecutive double-doubles. His main hurdle remains injury history, but a healthy Johnson is performing at a level that suggests potential first-round fantasy value for next season.

Deni Avdija, SF/PF, Portland Trail Blazers (92% rostered): Avdija is enjoying a breakout November, averaging 30.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 3.0 three-pointers in his games this month. His current form is highly sustainable due to his integral role in the Blazers' offensive schemes, making him a player to keep and enjoy rather than trade before a perceived cool-off.

Grayson Allen, PG/SG, Phoenix Suns (71% rostered): Allen has been having a dream season, averaging 21.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 5.2 three-pointers on 51% shooting in November before suffering a quad injury. Despite the injury, which limited him to 12 minutes in a recent game, he scored 42 points previously and continues to provide late-first-round fantasy value. His injury might create a buying opportunity for savvy fantasy managers, especially with the Suns on a five-game winning streak.

Brandon Williams, PG, Dallas Mavericks (10% rostered): Williams is a rare positive for the struggling Dallas franchise, now serving as the team's starting point guard. He has consistently scored in double digits for five straight games (10, 11, 14, 19, 17) and recorded averages of 18.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in his last two outings, playing 33 minutes in each. Though not a strong three-point shooter, his consistent minutes and production make him a hot waiver wire pickup.

Ace Bailey, SF/PF, Utah Jazz (33% rostered): After a dreadful start to the season, Bailey is hitting his stride. He recently achieved a career-high 21 points with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, hitting 8-of-13 shots and four three-pointers. He has scored in double figures in four straight games, totaling 41 points over his last two. His future looks bright, making him a strong pickup or trade target.

Daniss Jenkins, PG, Detroit Pistons (2% rostered): Jenkins has suddenly exploded over his last two games, scoring 24 and 18 points, complemented by averages of 6.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers. Despite playing behind Cade Cunningham, his recent surge makes him a speculative add for managers with roster flexibility.

Vit Krejci, PG, Hawks (3% rostered): Krejci is on a scoring spree, particularly from beyond the arc, hitting 19 triples over his last four games and reaching 17-plus points in three of those, with double-digit scoring in all four. He recorded 20 points, three assists, and three steals in a recent game, playing over 30 minutes in two of his last three. He offers significant three-point production until Trae Young returns from injury.

Fallers: Players Facing Challenges

Desmond Bane, SG/SF, Orlando Magic (92% rostered): Bane has had a dismal season, but recent signs of life, including a game-winning three-pointer and back-to-back 22-point games, offer hope. He has also averaged 4.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers over this two-game stretch, though his defensive stats have been absent. With Paolo Banchero potentially sidelined, Bane could see increased usage, making now an opportune time for a low-ball trade offer.

Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics (80% rostered): Pritchard has been inconsistent, following two five-point games with a strong 24-point, six-rebound, nine-assist, and five-three-pointer performance. His fantasy ranking is low for the season, but he is expected to play significant minutes. Managers might be frustrated, creating a window to acquire him before he potentially heats up consistently.

Dennis Schroder, PG, Sacramento Kings (42% rostered): Schroder started November well, but his production has plummeted with the arrival of Russell Westbrook. He has scored only 2, 3, 0, and 9 points in his last four games on just 4-of-27 shooting. His value as a low-end fantasy point guard appears over, and dropping him for a player like Brandon Williams is advisable.

Russell Westbrook, PG, Kings (80% rostered): Westbrook has also struggled with efficiency, hitting just nine of his last 30 shots and scoring 6, 14, and 10 points in his last three games. With Schroder and Keon Ellis also vying for point guard minutes, all three Kings guards are likely to suffer from inconsistent playing time. While Westbrook's November averages (16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 three-pointers) are decent, his shared minutes hinder consistent high-level performance. Trading his big name for a more reliable asset might be beneficial.

Toumani Camara, SF/PF, Trail Blazers (49% rostered): Camara has been serviceable, averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 2.6 three-pointers in November. However, his shooting percentage is low at 41%. Despite high minutes (nearly 37 per game over his last five), he has yet to have a breakout game due to his shot not falling. Acquiring Camara now, while his numbers are pedestrian, could pay off when his shooting inevitably improves.

Jake LaRavia, PF, Los Angeles Lakers (22% rostered): LaRavia's fantasy relevance is waning, with eight or fewer points in three of his last four games. With LeBron James set to return from his G-League rehab assignment, LaRavia's run of increased opportunity is likely over. He served his purpose while available, but it's time to drop him for a more promising free agent like Daniss Jenkins.

Collin Gillespie, PG, Suns (20% rostered): Gillespie has been struggling recently, scoring 10 or fewer points in five of his last six games. His November averages are 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.0 three-pointers. While a good real-life player, his fantasy value is limited, especially with the Suns' recent winning streak not translating to increased production for him. Managers are likely better off exploring other waiver wire options.