Fantasy Basketball stockwatch: Surprise standout players you should look to buy high on

Buy high on these surprise standouts

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Things get crazy towards the end of the NBA regular season. Some teams sit players to try and improve their lottery odds, while others give rest days to their stars in an attempt to keep them healthy for the playoffs. There are also injuries that continue to pile up. With all of that coming together, we have seen some players come out of nowhere to be valuable fantasy options. Let's highlight five of them who could end up swinging fantasy leagues.

Why it matters

With the NBA regular season winding down, teams are resting key players and dealing with injuries, creating opportunities for lesser-known players to step up and become valuable fantasy options. Identifying these surprise standouts can give fantasy managers an edge as they look to make a push for their league championships.

The details

The article highlights five players who have emerged as fantasy surprises in the latter part of the NBA season: Daniss Jenkins of the Detroit Pistons, Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors, Cody Williams of the Utah Jazz, Leonard Miller of the Chicago Bulls, and Daeqwon Plowden of the Sacramento Kings. Each of these players has seen a significant increase in playing time and production due to injuries or roster changes on their respective teams, making them attractive fantasy options for managers looking to bolster their rosters.

  • Over the last 8 games, Daniss Jenkins has averaged 36 minutes per game for the Detroit Pistons since Cade Cunningham went down with a chest injury.
  • Over his last 12 games, Gary Payton II has averaged 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals for the Golden State Warriors.
  • Over his last 13 games, Cody Williams has averaged 35 minutes per game for the Utah Jazz, putting up 16.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
  • Over the last 11 games, Leonard Miller has averaged 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 three-pointers for the Chicago Bulls.
  • Over his last 11 games, Daeqwon Plowden has averaged 31 minutes per game for the Sacramento Kings, generating 14.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.8 three-pointers per game.

The players

Daniss Jenkins

A player for the Detroit Pistons who has seen a significant increase in playing time and production since Cade Cunningham went down with an injury.

Gary Payton II

A player for the Golden State Warriors who has stepped up in the absence of Stephen Curry, providing valuable production in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

Cody Williams

A player for the Utah Jazz who has taken on a larger role as the team's depth chart has dwindled, leading to increased playing time and production.

Leonard Miller

A player for the Chicago Bulls who was acquired at the trade deadline and has emerged as a valuable fantasy option due to the team's lack of size.

Daeqwon Plowden

A player for the Sacramento Kings who has seen a significant increase in playing time and production as the team deals with injuries to key players.

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The takeaway

With the NBA regular season winding down, fantasy managers should keep a close eye on these surprise standout players who have emerged due to injuries, rest, and roster changes on their teams. Identifying and adding these players to your fantasy roster could provide a significant boost as you make a push for your league championship.