Highlighting the Elite Performers for Week 17
As the fantasy basketball season heats up approaching the playoffs, we revisit the standout athletes from Week 17. With an extended schedule due to the All-Star break, many players benefited from extra games to boost their performance potential. Now, with the postseason starting as early as Week 21 in Yahoo default leagues, it’s time to spotlight the elite performers of the past week.
Standout Players
Cade Cunningham, Guard
Surprising many, Cade Cunningham remains somewhat overlooked in the MVP discussions, despite leading the Detroit Pistons to a significant advantage over their Eastern Conference rivals. Currently, the Pistons hold a 5.5-game lead over the second-place Boston Celtics. This past week’s impressive 42-point game against the New York Knicks showcased his talent, which might finally gain him the MVP recognition he merits.
Luka Dončić, Guard
Luka Dončić may have seen his MVP campaign stall, yet he is in a strong position to vie for the scoring title in the 2025-26 NBA season, boasting an impressive average of 32.8 points per game. In a tight win against the Clippers, he recorded 38 points, alongside 6 rebounds and 11 assists. Despite a recent hamstring issue that kept him from three games before the break, Dončić secured a noteworthy performance at the end of the elongated week.
Nikola Jokić, Frontcourt
After struggling post-injury, Jokić had a remarkable comeback that harkened back to his earlier form. He brought in a spectacular stat line of 35 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists, and 5 defensive stocks despite his team’s loss to a Warriors squad missing Stephen Curry. This game marked his first return to the 90+ fantasy points club since Christmas, reaffirming his status as a top-tier fantasy player.
Victor Wembanyama, Frontcourt
Contributing to the Spurs’ eight-game winning streak, Wembanyama continues to raise his on-court presence. Though he had fluctuating performances recently, he showcased his skills with a compelling game that included 28 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals against the Kings, following an impressive showing during All-Star Weekend.
Kawhi Leonard, Frontcourt
This season’s resurgence for Kawhi Leonard is a sight to behold, though it appears to be overshadowed by the Los Angeles Clippers’ struggles. With the team aiming for just a Play-In Tournament slot, Leonard is still delivering, averaging nearly 30 points in February. His continued rise in performance hints at his potential to be a game-changer for fantasy teams in the final stretch of the season.
Paolo Banchero, Utility
Emerging onto the perfect lineup, Banchero contributed a notable 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists along with 4 blocks despite the Magic’s loss to the Suns. Although his scoring has been inconsistent this season, he occasionally shines, proving he can compete with the league’s top stats, even if it took two overtimes to secure his spot this week. Upcoming games against formidable opponents like the Lakers and Rockets could prove challenging for him and the team.
It’s an exciting time as we near the crucial weeks of fantasy basketball, and the performances in Week 17 give a glimpse into who might shape the playoff landscape.
