NBA 2025-26 All-Star Break: The “Silly Season” Begins
As the NBA approaches its 2025-26 All-Star break, the league enters a phase often dubbed “silly season” by analysts like Dan Titus from Yahoo. This period is characterized by an increase in teams intentionally losing games and unexpected players emerging as valuable assets in fantasy basketball. By season’s end, the landscape could shift dramatically, potentially introducing surprising names into the discussion of top performers.
Fantasy Basketball Standouts
Currently, the fantasy basketball scene has experienced some changes since our last update before the holidays, resulting in new standout performances for the coveted perfect lineup as of the All-Star break. Below, we detail the impressive performances by the leading players at their respective positions.
Cade Cunningham, Guard
When Cunningham delivered an impressive performance in November, many speculated he could be headed for an MVP-caliber season. Although the Detroit Pistons have managed to stay competitive at the top of the Eastern Conference, Cunningham’s journey has not been without obstacles, as injuries and a dip in form have affected him. Once scoring at an impressive average of 31.6 points in November, his monthly averages have not surpassed 25 points since. Nevertheless, he remains one of the league’s assist leaders, currently sitting at 9.6 assists per game, second only to Nikola Jokić.
Luka Dončić, Guard
Dončić’s dominance in the fantasy scene peaked when he recorded a remarkable 99-point outing against the Jazz in December during a stretch where Jokić was unavailable. However, his recent battle with a hamstring injury has sidelined him for the past four games, although he did make a brief appearance during a Team World matchup before the All-Star break. There’s hope that he will bounce back fully and contribute significantly once play resumes.
Nikola Jokić, Frontcourt
Jokić not only set the bar with a previous perfect score of 99 points but went above and beyond with an astonishing 108-point game against the Timberwolves on Christmas Day, achieving a triple-double of 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists. Unfortunately, a knee injury curtailed his playing time in January. Since returning, he has struggled to find his MVP form, averaging merely 23.3 points in February thus far.
Jalen Johnson, Frontcourt
Johnson has emerged as a standout player this season, often drafted later in the second or early third round but proving to be a top-five contributor. With the Hawks trading away key players like Trae Young and Kristaps Porziņģis, Johnson has taken on a leading role. Despite some inconsistency, he has averaged a triple-double in four recent games, putting him in contention to challenge Jokić for the overall top spot in fantasy scoring.
Kawhi Leonard, Frontcourt
Leonard enjoyed a stellar outing at the end of December, scoring 94 fantasy points fueled by 55 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 combined steals and blocks. Following a rocky start of 6-21, the Clippers have rallied to improve their standing, largely thanks to Leonard’s resurgence, which is reminiscent of his peak performance in the 2019-20 season. With James Harden traded to Cleveland, the team’s offensive scheme now revolves around Leonard, who must maintain his health to capitalize on this turnaround.
Tyrese Maxey, Utility
At the beginning of the season, Maxey seemed poised to challenge for the scoring title. As the All-Star break approaches, he’s positioned sixth in league scoring, averaging 28.9 points per game, alongside his ranking as sixth in High Score fantasy basketball with 55 points per game. Amid injuries to Joel Embiid and a suspension for Paul George, Maxey’s role as a key player will likely keep him in the forefront of High Score discussions and a vital piece for many playoff-bound teams.
Conclusion
Collectively, these performances highlight the dynamic nature of the current NBA season as teams and players navigate the grueling competition set to unfold in the final stretch.
