10 Players Who Moved Most in Fantasy ROS Rankings 2026

Fantasy Implications: He is now the undisputed top asset in all of fantasy basketball. If you have him, do not trade him. He is the centerpiece of any championship-contending roster for the rest of the season.

Trey Murphy III (Double-Digit Surge)

Approximate Rank Change: +10 to +12 spots (e.g., from outside top 40 to top 30)

Reasons: Murphy III has been on a scoring tear, showing how efficient he is, as well as a massive surge in usage. He is consistently providing elite three-point volume along with improved rebounding and defensive stats. His role is locked in, and he's producing week in, week out.

Fantasy Implications: He's a hot commodity in trade talks. A reliable multi-category producer, he is a great target for managers needing a boost in scoring, efficiency, and threes. His current performance suggests he can sustain this new, higher value.

Michael Porter Jr. (Top-20 Climb)

Approximate Rank Change: +8 spots (e.g., from outside top 30 to top 25/20)

Reasons: While his teammate Jokic is out, MPJ has seen a large increase in shot attempts and overall responsibility. With expectations being high, MPJ has been efficient, and has been consistent with his scoring. His health has held up, and his role as a primary scoring option has solidified his new ranking.

Fantasy Implications: Porter Jr. has moved from a solid role player to a dependable, high-upside option. He is a valuable "buy" right now, providing consistent points and three-pointers that are important for any manager looking to win head-to-head matchups

Bam Adebayo (Major Faller - -11)

Approximate Rank Change: -11 spots (e.g., from top 20 to outside top 30)

Reasons: Adebayo's drop is a result of an inefficient shooting slump and overall inconsistent play in January. The "wall-hitting concerns" are real; his production has dropped off, particularly in scoring and field goal percentage, which are key for big men.

Fantasy Implications: This is a classic "buy-low" opportunity for managers who believe in his talent. His defensive stats (steals/blocks) still provide a safe floor, but his current offensive production is frustrating. You might be able to acquire him for a discount now.

Karl-Anthony Towns (Significant Decline)

Approximate Rank Change: -7 spots (e.g., from top 25 to outside top 30)

Reasons: Towns has faced a combination of minor injury concerns and slightly less dominant performances compared to earlier in the season. His usage has slightly decreased, and a lot of managers fear about his long-term health and role optimization on the team.

Fantasy Implications: Managers are less confident in his ability to be a top-tier fantasy center for the rest of the season. He is a mid-tier option who provides excellent points and threes but comes with a higher injury risk than his previous ranking suggested.

Peyton Watson (Waiver Wire Standout)

Approximate Rank Change: Unranked to Waiver Wire Priority (equivalent to a top 100 jump)

Reasons: Watson has exploded into a key role following Jokic's injury. He is getting significant minutes and producing across all categories: points, rebounds, steals, and blocks. He's a high-energy player whose opportunity has finally arrived.

Fantasy Implications: He is the top waiver wire addition right now. If he is available in your league, drop a bench player and add him immediately. He is known to provide immediate results defensively, as well as offering consistent production, especially now that Jokic is out.

Brandin Podziemski (Waiver Wire Standout)

Approximate Rank Change: Unranked to deep league add (equivalent to a top 120 jump)

Reasons: An injury to teammate Jimmy Butler has opened up significant minutes in the backcourt. Podziemski is a multi-category producer who offers points, rebounds, assists, steals, and threes, fitting perfectly into the Warriors' system.

Fantasy Implications: He is a solid "streamer" in standard leagues and a must-add in deep leagues. His value hinges entirely on Butler's status. Monitor his minutes closely; if the playing time remains high, he is a useful roster piece.

Naji Marshall (Waiver Wire Standout)

Approximate Rank Change: Unranked to streamer/deep league add

Reasons: Injuries on the Dallas Mavericks have given Marshall a clear path to career-high minutes. He is a reliable source of points, rebounds, and assists, providing consistent production as a fill-in starter.

Fantasy Implications: An excellent short-term streaming option. He will help you win your weekly matchup now. His value will diminish when the injured starters return, but for mid-January, he is a solid addition, especially if you need a quick fix.

Tari Eason (High-Upside Addition)

Approximate Rank Change: Unranked/IR to mid-round pick value

Reasons: Eason has returned from injury and offers unique defensive stats. He is a category winner in steals and blocks, which are often scarce in fantasy. His potential is huge if he can stay on the floor and get solid minutes.

Fantasy Implications: A high-upside play for a competitive team. There is some injury risk, but the reward (elite defensive stats) makes him worth the risk. He's an intriguing late-season pick-up.

Jalen Smith (Consistent Big-Man Help)

Approximate Rank Change: Unranked to deep league/waiver wire add

Reasons: Smith’s minutes have increased, leading to better production in points, rebounds, and blocks. He is sharing the floor with the starting center, and potential trade scenarios involving other Bulls players could open up an even bigger role.

Fantasy Implications: A solid source of big-man help for specific weekly needs. He's a useful depth addition with potential for a much larger role if the Bulls' front office makes a trade before the deadline.

How to Act on These Movers

To use this information, consider buying low on fallers with good long-term potential like Bam Adebayo, and selling high on current risers like Trey Murphy III to balance your team. Always prioritize waiver wire additions like Naji Marshall, who have locked-in, expanded roles due to injuries.

Outlook and Risks

Be aware that these trends can reverse quickly. Players like Nikola Jokić are expected back soon from injury, which could decrease the value of their temporary replacements. Also, watch if slumping players like Bam Adebayo regain their form or if hot streaks from players like Trey Murphy III cool down.

Conclusion

Use these mid-January shifts to gain a competitive edge over your opponents. Check your league's current standings against these movers and make roster adjustments today to secure a strong finish.

People Also Ask:

• Q: Who moved the most in fantasy basketball ROS rankings mid-January 2026?
  A: Victor Wembanyama to No. 1 leads the risers due to Jokic's injury.
• Q: Is Victor Wembanyama No. 1 in ROS fantasy?
  A: Yes, he's the top overall asset now with Jokic sidelined.
• Q: What caused Bam Adebayo to fall in ROS rankings?
  A: His recent slump and production dip dropped him into double-digits.
• Q: Who are the biggest risers in fantasy basketball in January 2026?
  A: Trey Murphy III and Michael Porter Jr. surge on hot streaks.
• Q: How do injuries affect ROS fantasy rankings?
  A: They create big openings for risers like Wembanyama while hurting fallers.
• Q: Should I trade for Trey Murphy III now?
  A: Yes, his double-digit rise signals strong ROS upside.