Change is the one factor you may at all times rely on, each in sports activities and in life. Whereas consistency is what fantasy managers try for, the fact is that participant efficiency can swing wildly over a protracted season.
Making an attempt to maintain up with all of the highs and lows throughout 44 video games and 4 months can really feel overwhelming. That is why breaking issues down week by week makes it simpler to remain grounded and targeted on what issues proper now.
That is the aim of my Risers and Fallers column. It helps you monitor momentum shifts as they occur, utilizing insights pulled instantly from ESPN’s fantasy metrics.
Risers
Kiki Iriafen, F, Washington Mystics (77.7% rostered, +39.1)
The Mystics are off to a surprisingly sturdy begin this season, and Iriafen is making a direct impression within the frontcourt. The rookie has performed 28 or extra minutes in every of her first three video games and scored at the least 20 fantasy factors in all of them- — together with one with 33.
By three video games, Iriafen is tied with Paige Bueckers for the second-most PPG amongst rookies, trailing solely teammate Sonia Citron (14.7). She can be tied for sixth in RPG (10.0) throughout the league with Jonquel Jones. With that type of manufacturing, Iriafen has emerged as a legit candidate for Rookie of the 12 months — and her rising roster proportion displays it. She is shaping as much as be a season-long asset for fantasy managers.
Jessica Shepard, F, Minnesota Lynx (49.1% rostered, +41.7)
Shepard has gotten off to a powerful begin this season. She has performed 29 or extra minutes in two of the Lynx’s first three video games and scored 24 or extra fantasy factors in each of them. Shepard missed the 2024 season whereas taking part in abroad however averaged 8.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and three.2 APG in 26.7 minutes in 2023 with the Lynx. Whereas she is coming off the bench this season behind Alanna Smith, Shepard ought to proceed to be a key contributor, particularly with Dorka Juhász out for the season attributable to private causes. She at the moment leads the crew in rebounds and is a powerful add should you need assistance on the ahead/heart place.
Temi Fagbenle, C, Golden State Valkyries (51.7% rostered, +43.6)
Fagbenle has delivered for the Valkyries early within the season, logging 27 or extra minutes and scoring 23 or extra fantasy factors in back-to-back video games. Fagbenle had a career-best season in 2024 with the Indiana Fever whereas sharing the frontcourt Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith and averaged 14.4 fantasy factors per recreation in simply 18.9 minutes.
Fagbenle’s sturdiness stays a query at 32 years previous, particularly after not taking part in within the league from 2020 to 2023, however Golden State’s squad gives her the chance to lastly safe the constant function that is eluded her for a lot of her profession. Should you want a F/C who can replenish the stat sheet throughout the board, Fagbenle is price a critical look.
Tiffany Hayes, G, Golden State Valkyries (76.6% rostered, +20.9)
Hayes got here out of retirement for the 2024 season, joined the Las Vegas Aces, and ended up profitable Sixth Participant of the 12 months. She averaged 17.4 fantasy factors in simply 21.5 minutes per recreation final yr. After signing with the Valkyries this offseason, I anticipated the veteran guard to play a major function in a backcourt with out a lot expertise — and that is what occurred within the season opener. Hayes dropped 35 fantasy factors in half-hour throughout Golden State’s season opener in opposition to the Sparks on Could 16.
She’s at the moment coping with a nostril damage, however it does not seem like critical. Fantasy managers who chosen Hayes late in drafts or off waivers might have landed a season-long contributor.
Fallers
Dominique Malonga, C, Seattle Storm (39.6% rostered, -19.3%)
Malonga entered the league with excessive expectations because the No. 2 total choose, boasting a powerful worldwide résumé and uncommon size-skill mixture. At simply 19, she’s already been a starter abroad and performed for France’s nationwide crew. However by way of her first two WNBA video games, she’s logged simply 11 minutes whole. Head coach Noelle Quinn attributed the low utilization to matchups, not efficiency.
Seattle’s deep frontcourt that includes Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor, Alysha Clark, and Li Yueru stays a hurdle. The excellent news? Malonga’s long-term ceiling stays sky-high. Nonetheless, she is at the moment a faller in fantasy codecs till her function grows, and constant minutes materialize.
Shakira Austin, C, Washington Mystics (41.0% rostered, -13.3%)
Austin has lengthy been considered as a breakout candidate, however persistent accidents proceed to derail her fantasy worth. She has performed simply 17 minutes this season and is now in concussion protocol after additionally coping with a leg damage.
Austin was ejected in her season debut and got here off the bench in each appearances. Whereas she averaged 24.0 fantasy factors per recreation in slightly below 20 minutes final season, Austin shouldn’t be price rostering till she proves she’s wholesome and locked right into a constant function. Stefanie Dolson and Iriafen are higher fantasy choices on the Mystics proper now.
