The High Score 100: The biggest rankings risers and fallers as we navigate Week 3 in fantasy basketball

With the second week of the NBA season behind us, the early shakeup in fantasy basketball rankings is redefining expectations. Players drafted in the late rounds — or even ignored entirely — continue to surge into the High Score 100, the top-100 players in Yahoo’s newest fantasy basketball format.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest risers and fallers through the second week of fantasy basketball — with the complete High Score 100 at the bottom of the article. I’ll be updating my rankings every Tuesday throughout the fantasy basketball season.

Ryan Rollins – G, Milwaukee Bucks: 42nd overall (⬆️ 46)

After starting the season off on most waiver wires, Rollins has become one of the best early-season value stories. Ever since Kevin Porter Jr. went down with an injury, Rollins assumed the starting PG duties and hasn’t let up. Through the first two weeks, he’s averaging over 40 fantasy points per game in High Score, showing real staying power as the secondary playmaker with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although it’s early, Rollins is showing league-winning potential as a top-25 player in High Score and 9-cat leagues.

Alex Sarr – FC, Washington Wizards: 40th overall (⬆️ 37)

The Wizards’ sophomore big man has quickly proven he belongs. Like his teammate Kyshawn George, Sarr’s shown an unexpected level of growth in his game over the past two weeks. The blocks were always there, but through seven games, he’s vastly improved his block rate and efficiency. Sarr is averaging 1.42 fantasy points per minute (FPPM) and 42 fantasy points in High Score per game.

Lauri Markkanen – FC, Utah Jazz: 21st overall (⬆️ 26)

Markkanen is enjoying a nice bounce-back campaign, averaging 45 fantasy points per game in High Score through Tuesday. Putting up a 51-point game will inflate the numbers a bit; however, it’s hard to argue with the numbers when he’s scored 30-plus points in three of seven games this year. He and Keyonte George have quietly formed the top assist duo in the NBA.

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Stephon Castle – G, San Antonio Spurs: 43rd overall (⬆️ 23)

The Spurs continue to deal with injuries in their backcourt, but it hasn’t stopped Castle’s ascension. Through six games, he’s been under 40 fantasy points in only one contest. He’s become a great asset in High Score, as you don’t have to worry about his notable flaws, including turnovers and shooting. The reigning Rookie of the Year is averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals per game.

Keyonte George – G, Utah Jazz: 20th overall (⬆️ 19)

The second-year guard has been one of the biggest developmental wins of the early season. George is commanding the Jazz offense with confidence — posting 23.1 points, 8.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game — and has quickly emerged as a nightly High Score lock. His chemistry with Markkanen is driving Utah’s success and fantasy relevance. I thought it’d be Isaiah Collier being top-10 assists — I was wrong, that would be his backcourt mate, George.

Now, onto the fallers…

Immanuel Quickley – G, Toronto Raptors: 77th overall (⬇️ 21)

Despite Sunday’s win, the Raptors are still kind of a mess from a fantasy perspective. I was off Quickley this season primarily because of Toronto’s extensive wing depth. That’s impacted Quickley’s numbers, as he’s averaging just 12.7 points and 6.3 assists with 1.4 steals per game. The assists and steals are nice, but the point total is far too low for someone of his caliber and draft capital.

Desmond Bane – G/FC, Orlando Magic: 81st overall (⬇️ 19)

Bane’s cold shooting and diminished role have dragged his fantasy value early on. He’s averaging just 14 points on 42% shooting, far below expectations for a player drafted inside the top 60. Orlando’s pace and offensive rhythm haven’t clicked, and until they do, Bane’s scoring ceiling will remain limited.

Herbert Jones – FC, New Orleans Pelicans: Unranked (⬇️ from 93)

Jones is getting his trademark steals; however, everything else is troubling. He’s off the standard-league radar for now and definitely High Score.

John Collins – FC, Los Angeles Clippers: Unranked (⬇️ from 92)

Coming off the bench, averaging 12 points with 5 rebounds and 1.5 stocks is not enough to warrant holding in High Score or shallow team leagues. He’s scoring 23 fantasy points in 22 minutes; however, he ranks 40 spots outside of the top High Score 100.

Tre Johnson – G, Washington Wizards: Unranked (⬇️ from 97)

The rookie had a brief moment of intrigue, but he’s yet to crack 30 minutes of playing time this season. Johnson is someone you can keep on waivers until around the deadline or if injuries occur. He doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, making it difficult to hold him until a bigger opportunity arises.