2025-26 NBA Fantasy Basketball Preview
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, fantasy basketball enthusiasts are gearing up for the upcoming drafts with revised position rankings, starting prominently with guards. This analysis focuses primarily on points leagues but also offers advice for those participating in category formats.
Top-Tier Fantasy Stars
Among the leading candidates for MVP contention, the spotlight shines on two elite talents: Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
- Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Dončić is anticipated to have a significant impact in his inaugural full season with the Lakers, having recovered from prior injuries. His ability to approach a triple-double average while scoring around 30 points per game makes him a reliable fantasy choice. Even in a less stellar season, Dončić maintained impressive stats with averages of 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. Should his efficiency improve alongside his physical fitness, he could easily rank in the top three across all fantasy formats this upcoming year.
On the other hand, SGA stands out as one of the few guards to exceed 50 Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) last season. With accolades such as scoring title, league MVP, and NBA champion under his belt, he’s cemented as a top five fantasy player.
Elite Foundations
Category two encompasses the following players:
- Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
- Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
- James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers)
Edwards has emerged as a key figure for Minnesota, showing consistent improvement in scoring and all-around contributions. A boost in shooting efficiency could elevate him to the top tier in future seasons. Meanwhile, Cunningham has potential for further development, benefiting from a weaker Eastern Conference and aiming for a significant jump in performance. Amidst speculation of a possible late-season dive for the Suns, Booker’s offensive capabilities should still yield elite fantasy numbers. Trae Young’s ability to rack up both assists and points makes him a strong asset in points leagues, despite turnovers. Additionally, Maxey’s performance is projected to rise as he likely sees increased usage with missing teammates on the 76ers roster.
Proven Veterans
Our third tier features well-established players:
- Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
- De’Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs)
- Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
- LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Curry, while arguably better suited for category leagues due to his three-point shooting and free throw percentage, remains a top-ten scorer and valuable fantasy contributor. Fox’s partnership with superstar rookie Victor Wembanyama promises a notable increase in assists. Brunson’s reliable performance is expected despite potential reductions in playing time under new management. Health concerns have always loomed over Ball, but he possesses elite scoring potential when on the court.
Potential Breakout Stars
In the fourth tier, we address players with high upside:
- Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
- Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)
- Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
- Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
- Desmond Bane (Orlando Magic)
- Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
As a dynamic scorer, Morant is capable of exploding for significant stat lines, making him a high-risk, high-reward selection, especially in points leagues. Giddey is looking to build on last year’s performance, particularly with his versatile play-making and rebounding ability, aiming to break past the 40 FPPG mark this season. Amen Thompson stands to gain substantial usage with a shift in Houston’s lineup, which could make him a valuable pick if his shooting game improves.
Steady Contributors
The fifth tier includes reliable players:
- Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns)
- Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets)
- Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets)
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Jordan Poole (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Zach LaVine (Sacramento Kings)
- Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks)
Green’s opportunity with the Suns boosts his fantasy potential as he takes on a supporting role behind Booker. Meanwhile, Garland’s recovery from off-season surgery could sideline him early in the season, but his anticipated return should yield impressive contributions if he regains form.
Consistent Yet Inconsistent
The sixth tier sees players expected to be regular starters:
- Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors)
- Andrew Nembhard (Indiana Pacers)
- Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic)
- Mikal Bridges (New York Knicks)
- Payton Pritchard (Boston Celtics)
- CJ McCollum (Washington Wizards)
- Bennedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers)
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
Quickley aims to bounce back from previous injuries, while Nembhard rises in stock with Haliburton’s absence, making him an intriguing option for managers looking to fill out their rosters with dependable guards.
Names to Watch
The eighth tier features players who might surprise:
- Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City Thunder)
- Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks)
- Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
- Tre Johnson (Washington Wizards)
- Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
- VJ Edgecombe (Philadelphia 76ers)
Lastly, for deeper leagues or streaming options, players such as Russell Westbrook III and Chris Paul may not hold the same weight as before, but could offer value if utilized properly.
As the fantasy season unfolds, these rankings will guide managers in making informed decisions and establishing a competitive roster for their teams. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the guard position promises excitement and unpredictability in the upcoming NBA season.
