NBA Fantasy High Score: Risers & Fallers Pre-All-Star Break

The NBA landscape is always shifting, and the Yahoo High Score fantasy basketball rankings are reflecting every seismic tremor as we head into the crucial All-Star break!

Key Points for Week 17:

• Donovan Clingan, Dillon Brooks, and Brandon Ingram are making big moves up the charts.
• Injuries and team strategy are causing major slides for stars like Trae Young and Ja Morant.
• Lauri Markkanen's workload management spells trouble for his fantasy outlook.
• Week 16 performance heavily influenced these pre-All-Star shifts.

Heating Up: Unpacking High Score's Biggest Gains

These players are currently delivering maximum fantasy value, making them indispensable assets as the season progresses.

Clingan's Ascent: Portland's Rising Force

Donovan Clingan, the Portland Trail Blazers' promising big man, is no longer just on the radar – he's exploding! Surging 10 spots to 90th overall, Clingan has been a dominant force. Over the past 14 days, he's ranked 48th in High Score, capping it off with an incredible Week 16 where he averaged 41.5 fantasy points per game.

His recent stretch of three straight double-doubles through February 7th, boasting averages of 12 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks over seven games, showcases why he's climbing. While boards are devalued in High Score, his improved scoring and shot-blocking are proving invaluable.

Dillon Brooks: Suns' Unsung Hero Delivers Big

Say what you will about Dillon Brooks, but in Yahoo High Score, he's a certified winner! The Phoenix Suns forward vaulted 8 spots to 85th overall, proving his value goes beyond perimeter defense. With Stephen Curry sidelined, Brooks has seized the moment, elevating his game.

Over his last seven contests, Brooks has averaged an eye-popping 37.8 fantasy points per game, placing him 50th overall in the format during that span. His 62-fantasy-point explosion on January 29th, fueled by a career-high 40 points, highlighted his scoring prowess, unburdened by efficiency concerns in this unique scoring system.

Brandon Ingram's Consistent Climb: Raptors' Steady Producer

Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors is making a steady, impactful climb, rising 5 spots to 41st overall. This isn't a flash in the pan; Ingram has been a top-35 High Score player over the last 14 days, averaging a robust 42 fantasy points per game.

His consistent contributions, including approximately 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and over 1.5 stocks per game across his last six outings, reinforce his status as a reliable top-50 asset. As the All-Star break arrives, Ingram's trajectory remains firmly upward.

Turbulence Ahead: High-Profile Drops & Why They Matter

The fantasy landscape can be brutal. These once-reliable stars are now facing significant challenges, impacting their High Score value.

Trae Young's Precipitous Fall: Wizards' Tank Takes Its Toll

It's a tough break for Trae Young managers. The Washington Wizards guard suffered a staggering 25-spot drop to 100th overall, barely clinging to the rankings. With re-evaluation slated post-All-Star break and the Wizards clearly in a full-blown rebuild, his return this season is increasingly doubtful.

The writing is on the wall: the team has little incentive to rush their star back, especially with Anthony Davis already out for the season. Fantasy owners holding Young need to prepare for the likely scenario of him being sidelined long-term or even for the remainder of the year.

Ja Morant's Murky Future: Grizzlies Prioritize Lottery

The outlook for Ja Morant is just as bleak as Young's, with the Memphis Grizzlies star plummeting 20 spots to 75th overall. Like Young, he faces a post-All-Star break re-evaluation, but GM Zach Kleiman's comments suggest a return hinges purely on medical determination, which seems unlikely given the team's current state.

Memphis is clearly focused on the lottery, having traded Jaren Jackson Jr. and showing no interest in competing. With guard depth returning, the motivation to bring Morant back is minimal. This 20-spot slide is a stark reflection of a season likely cut short, making Morant a serious drop candidate.

Lauri Markkanen's Load Management Nightmare: Jazz Eyeing Draft Picks

Lauri Markkanen's fantasy value is taking a significant hit, falling 19 spots to 53rd overall. The Utah Jazz forward is routinely finding himself benched in crucial third quarters and playing under 30 minutes in four of his last five games. This isn't just a slump; it's a clear signal from the Jazz front office.

Expect more 'load management' and rest days for Markkanen post-All-Star break. Utah has zero incentive to push their star player in a season where tanking for a high draft pick is the priority. Fantasy managers should brace for further declines as his minutes and usage are strategically limited.

The Dynamic High Score 100: Staying Ahead of the Curve

The High Score 100 is a living, breathing snapshot of fantasy basketball performance. It captures the year-to-date value and the red-hot streaks, as well as the unfortunate downturns. Every week brings new opportunities and challenges for fantasy managers.

Staying informed on these shifts is crucial. As we head past the All-Star festivities, keep an eye on minutes, injury reports, and team strategies – they will continue to shape the fantasy landscape. For the complete picture, consult the full High Score 100 rankings below and keep tabs on weekly updates to navigate the rest of the season successfully.