Fantasy Basketball Insights for the 2025-26 NBA Season
With the commencement of the 2025-26 NBA season, fantasy basketball enthusiasts are meticulously refining their draft approaches, aiming to uncover underrated players while steering clear of possible disappointments. In formats that prioritize scoring, the distinction between a player’s real-world performance and their fantasy worth becomes increasingly significant. Here, we examine three guards who are better left off high-scoring rosters this season.
Players to Avoid in High-Scoring Formats
Josh Hart, G/F, New York Knicks
Josh Hart experienced a breakout season last year, contributing an impressive 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. While he finished among the top 40 in points leagues due to his productive output across multiple statistics, much of this success was contingent on the opportunities provided to him.
Now with Mitchell Robinson back in the mix, Hart is expected to return to a sixth-man role, cutting into his playing time and limiting his scoring opportunities. His effective rate of generating 1.0 fantasy points per minute was notable, yet this will likely hinder his capacity to produce while coming off the bench. Furthermore, he has recently struggled with a back injury. Given his average draft position (ADP) is around the fifth round, Hart is a player to avoid in formats that prioritize high scores.
Jalen Suggs, G, Orlando Magic
Defensively, Jalen Suggs stands out, yet his fantasy prospects took a hit with the signing of Desmond Bane by the Orlando Magic, who will dilute Suggs’ usage rates. Bane’s presence is expected to limit Suggs’ shot attempts, relegating him to more of a supplemental role in the offense, even if the team’s pace improves slightly this year.
Last season, Suggs showcased his potential but missed 47 games due to injury. When on the court, he averaged 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals, managing a commendable fantasy points per minute average of 1.07. However, higher-profile teammates like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are likely to secure a larger share of the offensive load, diminishing Suggs’ high-scoring upside. His talents are better suited for category formats rather than configurations like High Score, where his value may not be fully realized.
Jrue Holiday, G, Portland Trail Blazers
The recent trade to the Portland Trail Blazers marks a new chapter for veteran guard Jrue Holiday, but it may not bode well for his fantasy stock in high-scoring formats. As he transitions to a team in the midst of a rebuild, his offensive contributions are anticipated to diminish further; he has already seen a drop in his scoring to below 13 points per game and a career-low assist rate of 17% last season.
Holiday’s role seems to be morphing into that of a steadying presence rather than a dynamic scorer, which is not ideal for the high-risk, high-reward nature of High Score formats. Last season, he recorded an output of just 0.82 fantasy points per minute, hinting at a decline in his overall fantasy value. While he may still possess some utility in standard formats, his current ADP suggests expectations that are too lofty for a high-scoring format.
As the season unfolds, fantasy managers must navigate these considerations carefully to optimize their rosters for the unique demands of High Score play.
