27% Weekly Gain Could Push $0.20

The Sandbox (SAND) traded at $0.1568 as of writing, rising about 7.6% in the last 24 hours, 26.8% over seven days, and 40.3% over the last 30 days. The gains come during a softer stretch for the broader market, with Bitcoin slipping below the $90,000 support level and Ethereum dropping under $3,000, reinforcing a more cautious tone across major crypto assets.

Even so, SAND has held trader attention. Market participants have shifted toward selective altcoins showing resilience rather than moving in lockstep with Bitcoin and Ethereum. This divergence has placed SAND in focus as traders reassess positioning amid heightened volatility.

SAND Breaks Out of a Multi-Month Downtrend

SAND has broken decisively above its multi-month descending channel, marking a clear structural change on the daily chart. The token no longer trades under the downward resistance line that had capped every recovery attempt for months.

Source: CryptoPulse Via X

Instead, buyers pushed the price above the channel resistance with stronger conviction, signaling a shift in control from sellers to bulls. The breakout followed a prolonged consolidation phase near the $0.11 demand zone, where downside pressure gradually weakened.

After reclaiming the mid-range region around $0.15, SAND began printing higher lows. That change has returned the $0.20 level into the conversation as a potential reclaim zone. 

Can the market treat it as the next target rather than a resistance? Traders appear to watch it closely.

Exchange Outflows Suggest Supply Absorption

Spot netflows have remained negative, reinforcing the idea that the breakout occurred alongside steady supply absorption. At the time of reporting, SAND recorded net exchange outflows of over $1.34M

Source: Coinglass

This pattern typically indicates tokens moving off exchanges rather than returning to sell, which can reduce immediate distribution pressure. The outflows also occurred alongside a noticeable increase in trading volume, which strengthened the signal and suggested buyers absorbed available liquidity without triggering strong sell-side reactions.

Source: Coinglass

The pace of outflows has remained controlled instead of extreme. That detail matters because it points to steady conviction rather than aggressive or panic-driven accumulation. As a result, price action has stabilized above reclaimed structural levels instead of snapping back into the prior range.

Open Interest Climbs as Derivatives Participation Builds

Derivatives markets have also contributed to SAND’s momentum. Open interest surged by  over 8% to about $54 million, signaling that traders have increased exposure as price climbed.

Source: Coinglass

Rising open interest during an uptrend often reflects new positions entering the market rather than short-covering alone. This trend suggests growing directional confidence, although it can also introduce volatility if momentum weakens.

For now, positioning has appeared measured rather than overheated. Funding conditions have remained stable, pointing to continued participation without the kind of crowded leverage that often sparks sharp reversals.

Technical Setup Brings $0.20 Back Into Focus

On higher timeframes, traders have noted that SAND has bounced from the support of a falling wedge structure. Momentum indicators have begun shifting in a more constructive direction, reinforcing the idea that buyers have regained influence after months of weakness.

Source: Butterfly Via X

The breakout has shifted market focus toward continuation dynamics. If demand holds at reclaimed levels, traders may view the move as more than a short-lived bounce.

CoinCodex’s short-term forecast also aligns with the improving structure. The projection points to a move from roughly $0.1572 to $0.1675 by Feb. 21, 2026, while technical sentiment remains neutral and broader market sentiment shows extreme fear.

SAND’s next test now centers on whether buyers can maintain strength as the broader market stays fragile. The token’s ability to hold above its breakout zone could define whether the push toward $0.20 gains traction in the sessions ahead.