Risers and Fallers: Ionescu’s Struggles and Canada’s Resurgence

Dynamic Shifts in Performance

Change is a constant companion, both in the realm of sports and in life itself. While fantasy managers often crave stability, the truth is that player performances can fluctuate dramatically over the course of a long season.

Keeping track of the ups and downs across 44 games spanning four months can be quite the challenge. This is where breaking things down week by week comes in handy, allowing you to maintain focus on the essential elements that matter at present.

Current Struggles

In my Risers and Fallers column, the aim is to help you navigate these momentum shifts as they unfold, utilizing insights derived straight from ESPN’s fantasy metrics.

Fallers

Sabrina Ionescu, G, New York Liberty (100% rostered, 0.0)

Ionescu remains in a shooting slump, a situation that is particularly frustrating for those who selected her in the first round. Over her last three games, she has averaged merely 23.3 fantasy points per game, a stark contrast to her previous average of 34.2 FPG from the start of last season. In her past four outings, her shooting percentages have been dismal, hitting only 21.6% from the field and 23.1% from beyond the arc. While a return to form seems possible, the timing of such an improvement for Ionescu is unclear. For now, managers must endure this rough patch.

Tina Charles, C, Connecticut Sun (97.8% rostered, -0.9)

Charles has dipped below 10 fantasy points in two consecutive games and has fallen short of her usual average of 27.8 minutes per game, playing less than 21 minutes in both. With the Sun struggling as one of the league’s weaker teams and missing their leading scorer, Marina Mabrey, Charles, who is now 36 and nearing the end of her career, may see her role further diminished, especially with rookie Aneesah Morrow (41.5% rostered) performing well.

Coming Back Strong

Risers

Jordin Canada, G, Atlanta Dream (53.7% rostered, +1.8)

After missing the first seven games of the season, Canada is making her comeback. She has played over 30 minutes and scored more than 30 fantasy points in her last two games, showcasing her versatility as she contributes across nearly every statistical category.

Tiffany Hayes, G, Golden State Valkyries (57.4% rostered, +6.8)

Expectations were uncertain for Hayes upon her return from an extended absence. However, she has played 26 minutes or more in five of her last six games and scored over 24 fantasy points in four of those contests. With the team’s leading scorer, Kayla Thornton, sidelined and a challenging series of games ahead, it would benefit Golden State to rely on Hayes’ scoring ability.

Context & Analysis

The landscape of fantasy women’s basketball is ever-changing, with players like Ionescu grappling with form while others like Canada and Hayes demonstrate promising returns. As the season unfolds, managers must adapt their strategies to capitalize on these shifts, keeping a close eye on player performance metrics and injury reports.