Welcome to the Fantasy Basketball Minutes Report, where each week I analyze updated player minutes on a game-by-game basis to identify who is seeing more or less court time compared to the previous week. Using these insights, we evaluate fantasy basketball players who are rising or falling in value and provide advice on who might need to be added via waivers or dropped.
The accompanying chart is a useful tool for tracking player minutes over the last 3, 5, 10 games, or the entire season to spot significant trends.
All this data can now be accessed through Kyle Brand, a talented and generous analyst worth following for his basketball and baseball data.
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Atlanta Hawks
Key players and their recent average minutes:
- Dyson Daniels: 35.8 (last 3 games)
- Jalen Johnson: 35.5
- Nickel Alexander-Walker: 32.8
- Onyeka Okongwu: 32.1
- CJ McCollum: 28.9
- Luke Kennard: 23.5
- Corey Kispert: 17.4
- Vit Krejci: 5.9
Since January 7th, the Hawks have been without Kristaps Porzingis and Zachary Lisacher but have managed a 6-4 record, including a four-game winning streak. Nickel Alexander-Walker continues to impress as a top-35 fantasy player over the past two weeks. CJ McCollum stepped up in their absence, delivering top-75 fantasy value, while Corey Kispert has taken on the shooting role off the bench effectively.
Boston Celtics
Recent minutes for notable players:
- Derrick White: 34.6
- Jaylen Brown: 34.2
- Peyton Pritchard: 30.7
- Sam Houser: 26.3
- Anfernee Simons: 24.3
- Nehemiah Queta: 23.2
- Luka Garza: 18.7
- Hugo Gonzalez: 17.3
- Amari Williams: 17.1
Jayson Tatum’s injury, keeping him out for the rest of the season, is a huge blow to an otherwise strong Celtics squad. Jaylen Brown has been carrying the team effectively, maintaining strong fantasy value.
Brooklyn Nets
Top recent minutes:
- Noah Clowney: 42.8
- Nolan Traore: 36.8
- Michael Porter Jr.: 33.5
- Nick Claxton: 30.4
- Giare Williams: 27
- Egor Koulechov: 27
- Terrence Mann: 24.7
- Cam Thomas: 22
- Jalen Wilson: 19.7
- Dayron Sharp: 19.6
- Danny Wolf: 19.3
The Nets have a stable rotation, with Nick Claxton and Michael Porter Jr. standing out as top-160 fantasy players recently. Both Noah Clowney and Egor Koulechov are nursing minor injuries, and the team’s primary concern remains Porter Jr.’s trade status.
Charlotte Hornets
Recent minutes averages:
- Brandon Miller: 30.1
- Moussa Diabate: 28.4
- Can Knuppel: 26
- Miles Bridges: 25.4
- LaMelo Ball: 25.1
- Sion James: 19.1
- Ryan Kalkbrenner: 18.9
- Grant Williams: 18.6
- Josh Green: 17.6
- Colin Sexton: 17.1
The Hornets had a stellar January, posting an elite net rating and six road wins by 15+ points, a feat matched only by past NBA champions. Brandon Miller continues to electrify and shine as a breakout fantasy asset.
Chicago Bulls
Key minute averages:
- Nikola Vucevic: 33.4
- Coby White: 31.7
- Jalen Smith: 30.6
- Matas Buzelis: 28.8
- Josh Giddy: 26.7
- Isaac Okoro: 25.9
- Ayo Dosunmu: 25.4
- Kevin Huerter: 19
Josh Giddy returning has boosted the Bulls, quickly becoming a top-60 fantasy player. Though Tre Jones is sidelined with a hamstring injury, Coby White is stepping up with consistent top-60 production.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Minutes leaders:
- Evan Mobley: 34.8
- Donovan Mitchell: 33.8
- Jaylon Tyson: 32.2
- Jarrett Allen: 27.4
- Nequan Tomlin: 25.7
- Dean Wade: 24.2
- Sam Merrill: 23.9
- Deandre Hunter: 21
- Lonzo Ball: 16.8
The Cavaliers were gaining momentum with Donovan Mitchell as a top-10 fantasy player, but Evan Mobley’s calf strain (1–3 weeks) sidelines him and disrupts the team’s rhythm.
Dallas Mavericks
Minutes leaders:
- Naji Marshall: 34.3
- Max Christie: 34.2
- Cooper Flagg: 32.3
- PJ Washington: 27.1
- Dwight Powell: 25.8
- Caleb Martin: 25.3
- Brandon Williams: 24.6
- Jaden Hardy: 24.3
- Klay Thompson: 18.7
- Daniel Gafford: 18.6
Cooper Flagg is battling an ankle injury amid trade talks. Naji Marshall has been outstanding throughout the past month and, along with Flagg, provides the Mavericks with steady production. Max Christie has shined in five straight games recently.
Denver Nuggets
Top players’ minutes:
- Peyton Watson: 38.5
- Jamal Murray: 37.3
- Spencer Jones: 33
- Jalen Pickett: 27.7
- Jonas Valanciunas: 26.4
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: 25.8
- Aaron Gordon: 24.8
- Bruce Brown: 22.4
- Sieg Nagy: 21.4
Denver has been surprisingly effective without Nikola Jokić. Peyton Watson has emerged as a genuine threat, and Jonas Valanciunas holds strong fantasy value. Aaron Gordon’s ongoing hamstring issue remains a key concern.
Detroit Pistons
Recent minute contributors:
- Cade Cunningham: 34.9
- Tobias Harris: 27.1
- Jaylen Duren: 26.6
- Duncan Robinson: 24.4
- Isaiah Stewart: 23.4
- Ronald Holland II: 23.2
- Brave Thompson: 21.2
- Danis Jenkins: 20.3
- Javonte Green: 17.1
- Jaden Ivey: 16.1
With the Pistons relatively healthy, the deep rotation means that production focuses on Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Duren. Brave Thompson’s value remains primarily defensive, and the team might look to make a trade.
Golden State Warriors
Key minutes:
- Stephen Curry: 27.8
- Moses Moody: 26.6
- Brandin Podziemia: 26.1
- Wenyen Gabriel: 24
- Al Horford: 23.3
- Draymond Green: 23
- Guy Santos: 22.7
- De’Anthony Melton: 22
- Buddy Hield: 20.9
- Quinten Post: 20.3
With Jimmy Butler out, the Warriors have adjusted rotation minutes. Brandin Podziemia has picked up his playtime and usage, becoming a top-65 fantasy player recently, while Melton and Moody have stepped up modestly.
Houston Rockets
Minutes overview:
- Amen Thompson: 39
- Kevin Durant: 38
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 35.9
- Alperen Sengun: 33.3
- Talen Eason: 25.7
- Josh Okogie: 24.9
- Reid Shepherd: 22.2
- Dorian Finney-Smith: 17.7
- Steven Adams: N/A recent games, 23.6 season avg
Steven Adams is out for the season with an ankle injury, a big blow to Houston’s tight rotation. Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela will have to take on bigger roles. Durant, Sengun, and Thompson have maintained elite fantasy rankings lately.
Indiana Pacers
Recent minutes:
- Pascal Siakam: 36.2
- Andrew Nembhard: 33.4
- Aaron Nesmith: 33.1
- Jalen Walker: 27.2
- Benedict Mathurin: 26.6
- Johnny Juzang: 24.5
- Mikael Potter: 20.6
- TJ McConnell: 17.7
The Pacers remain in a rebuilding phase with limited value in their current lineup. Jalen Walker has improved recently and could earn a bigger role if the team commits to his development.
Los Angeles Clippers
Minute averages:
- James Harden: 33.2
- John Collins: 27.6
- Kawhi Leonard: 26.3
- Ivica Zubac: 25.8
- Kobe Sanders: 25.5
- Jordan Miller: 24.6
- Chris Dunn: 24.4
- Brook Lopez: 17.8
- Nicolas Batum: 17.6
Clippers have been strong lately, with Kawhi Leonard showing MVP-level play. Jordan Miller has emerged as a valuable wing, averaging solid scoring and defensive stats.
Los Angeles Lakers
Minutes:
- Luka Dončić: 35.7
- LeBron James: 32.2
- Jake LaRavia: 30.2
- Marcus Smart: 29.4
- Rui Hachimura: 24.7
- DeAndre Ayton: 21.8
- Jackson Haze: 18.6
- Gabe Vincent: 17.3
- Jared Vanderbilt: 15
Austin Reaves has been out longer than expected, contributing to the Lakers’ recent 5-7 record. Despite eye injuries, DeAndre Ayton, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James remain top-tier fantasy options, but the lack of additional help is concerning.
Memphis Grizzlies
Key players and minutes:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 32.5
- Jock Landale: 29
- Cedric Coward: 28.3
- Cam Spencer: 27.8
- Santi Aldama: 27.4
- Jalen Wells: 25.6
- GG Jackson: 24.8
- John Conchar: 21.7
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 20.8
- Vince Williams Jr.: 20.2
Ja Morant returned last week but now faces a multi-week absence with an elbow injury, disrupting Memphis’s key rotation.
Miami Heat
Recent minutes:
- Bam Adebayo: 34
- Jaime Jaquez Jr.: 30.4
- Perry Ellison: 29.4
- Norman Powell: 28.1
- Andrew Wiggins: 27.2
- Drew Smith: 23.2
- Nikola Jovic: 20.4
- Kaspar Yakitori: 19.9
- Simone Fontecchio: 19.5
Tyler Herro remains sidelined with a rib injury, and Davion Mitchell missed time due to a shoulder injury. Drew Smith stepped up in Mitchell’s absence, while Andrew Wiggins continues a steady season.
Milwaukee Bucks
Player minutes:
- Ryan Rollins: 34.3
- Bobby Portis: 33.1
- Myles Turner: 32.3
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 31.8
- Kyle Kuzma: 31.7
- AJ Green: 30.4
- Cole Anthony: 18.3
- Gary Harris: 16.9
- Gary Trent Jr.: 13.4
The Bucks face an uncertain outlook with Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined due to an abdominal injury and Giannis out for 4–6 weeks with a strained calf, highlighting the need for fantasy owners to adapt quickly.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minutes averages:
- Anthony Edwards: 36.2
- Donte DiVincenzo: 30.4
- Julius Randle: 30.4
- Jayden McDaniels: 29.5
- Rudy Gobert: 26.6
- Naz Reid: 26.1
- Mike Conley: 19.6
- Bones Hyland: 17.6
The Timberwolves remain healthy with no significant shifts—to watch and wait.
New Orleans Pelicans
Recent minute details:
- Trey Murphy III: 37.8
- Zion Williamson: 33.3
- Sadiq Bey: 32.8
- Herbert Jones: 26.5
- E’Twaun Moore: 24.3
- Derrick Quinn: 23.3
- Jeremiah Favors: 19.3
- Jose Alvarado: 16.6
- Jordan Poole: 12.3
Dejounte Murray’s return is still about a month away; bigger roles may be opening for players like Derrick Quinn and returning Jose Alvarado, potentially affecting trade deadline decisions.
New York Knicks
Minutes leaders:
- Josh Hart: 34.4
- Mikal Bridges: 34.2
- OG Anunoby: 34.2
- Jalen Brunson: 34.1
- Miles McBride: 28
- Mitchell Robinson: 26.8
- Karl-Anthony Towns: 26
- Landry Shamet: 20.9
- Tyler Corbett: 20.1
The Knicks rebounded from a slump with four straight wins, aided by reduced minutes for Karl-Anthony Towns due to defensive struggles and falling shooting percentages—a situation worth monitoring.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Minute distribution:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 35.2
- Luguentz Dort: 34.9
- Chet Holmgren: 31.9
- Aaron Wiggins: 31.8
- Kenrich Williams: 26
- Isaiah Joe: 25.5
- Jaylin Williams: 23.2
- Cason Wallace: 23
Injuries to Jaylen Williams and Ajay Mitchell have limited the Thunder, but Isaiah Hartenstein’s anticipated return could provide some stability. Star players Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren have maintained top-35 value despite these setbacks.
Orlando Magic
Recent active players:
- Paolo Banchero: 38.9
- Anthony Black: 38.2
- Desmond Bane: 37.8
- Wendell Carter Jr.: 30.1
- Jalen Suggs: 27
- Tyus Jones: 18.8
- Tristan Da Silva: 16.6
- Noah Penda: 12.7
Jalen Suggs has returned, while Franz Wagner is sidelined again due to ankle soreness, allowing Anthony Black and Paolo Banchero to stand out on offense. Tyus Jones has underperformed and may be traded.
Philadelphia 76ers
Minutes for key players:
- Tyrese Maxey: 33.1
- Joel Embiid: 32.8
- Paul George: 32.6
- TJ McConnell: 32.1
- Kelly Oubre Jr.: 28.3
- Jared McCain: 23.5
- Quentin Grimes: 22.5
- Justin Edwards: 20.3
- Dominic Barlow: 18.1
Ankle injuries limit Quentin Grimes’s minutes as the 76ers monitor his health. Joel Embiid and Paul George have increased playing time while recovering, with uncertainty around Jared McCain’s role.
Phoenix Suns
Players and minutes:
- Dillon Brooks: 34.8
- Grayson Allen: 33
- Colin Gillespie: 32.9
- Lois O’Neal: 31.1
- Devin Booker: 28.4
- Mark Williams: 25
- Jordan Goodwin: 22.8 and 19
Jaylen Green returned but re-aggravated a hamstring injury, and Devin Booker is also hampered by a similar issue, affecting the Suns’ offensive rhythm.
Portland Trail Blazers
Minute averages:
- Toumani Kamara: 35.4
- Shaydon Sharpe: 33.9
- Deni Avdija: 30.7
- Donovan Clingan: 29.1
- Jerami Grant: 25.6
- Sidi Sissoko: 24.2
- Julie Holiday: 23.8
- Caleb Love: 23.6
- Robert Williams III: 19.7
With Chris Murray and Scoot Henderson still out, the team remains generally healthy, though Robert Williams III continues to rehab a knee injury. Trade rumors swirl around Julie Holiday amid increased minutes for Caleb Love and Sharpe’s breakout.
Sacramento Kings
Top player minutes:
- Domantas Sabonis: 29.4
- DeMar DeRozan: 29.3
- Russell Westbrook: 27.5
- Malik Monk: 27.3
- Dennis Schröder: 26.2
- Nique Clifford: 25.6
- Dylan Cardwell: 23.8
- Zach LaVine: 22.5
- Keon Ellis: 21.8
- Precious Achiuwa: 20.5
The Kings are eyeing moves at the trade deadline, though uncertainties exist on the value of key veterans in trades. Domantas Sabonis’s return boosted the team, and DeRozan is performing well, with Dylan Cardwell shining as a versatile bench player.
San Antonio Spurs
Minute leaders:
- De’Aaron Fox: 34.5
- Steffon Castle: 33.1
- Victor Wembanyama: 30.9
- Keldon Johnson: 28.6
- Julian Champagnie: 27.9
- Devin Vassell: 24
- Harrison Burns: 23.2
- Luke Cornett: 19.3
- Dylan Harper: 17.4
Devin Vassell has returned from a thigh injury, though Julian Champagnie’s minutes decreased due to eye trouble. Victor Wembanyama has lived up to expectations as a top-five fantasy player.
Toronto Raptors
Minutes breakdown:
- Brandon Ingram: 35
- Scotty Barnes: 32.9
- Immanuel Quickley: 32
- Sandro Mamukelashvili: 30.3
- Colin Morri Boyles: 28.3
- Obi Toppin: 23.8
- RJ Barrett: 22.3
- Jamal Shied: 22.3
- Grady Dick: 20.2
Trade rumors hit the Raptors, particularly involving RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Quickley is having a strong season, while Mamukelashvili has stepped up to cover for Morri Boyles, who is now returning and expected to reclaim playing time.
Utah Jazz
Minutes leaders:
- Keyontae George: 34.4
- Lauri Markkanen: 31.1
- Ace Bailey: 30.3
- Isaiah Collier: 28.9
- Cody Williams: 27.5
- Jusuf Nurkic: 27
- Bryce Sensabaugh: 24.7
- Kevin Love: 24.2
- Kyle Anderson: 20.6
The Jazz have Lauri Markkanen back but continue to rest players strategically to avoid winning too many games and losing a protected draft pick, frustrating fans and fantasy players alike.
Washington Wizards
Players and minutes:
- Alex Searle: 36.6
- Tre Johnson: 34.2
- Babar Carrington: 32.8
- Kishawn George: 32
- Bilal Coulibaly: 27.6
- Khris Middleton: 27.4
- Justin Champagnie: 22.8
- Jameel Watkins: 19.7
- Will Riley: 18.4
Bilal Coulibaly returned this week but his health is still uncertain. Tre Johnson is more a minutes limit concern than an injury, while Babar Carrington provides strong fantasy contributions.
Fan Take:
This update is crucial for basketball fans and fantasy players alike as it sharpens the picture of player availability, stamina, and evolving roles across the league. Tracking changes in minutes and injury reports helps fans anticipate rising stars, adjust fantasy rosters intelligently, and stay connected to the shifting dynamics of the NBA season.
