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Tight Ends

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In each of the past two seasons, the No. 1 tight end in fantasy has been a rookie: Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions in 2023 and Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders a year ago.

With players such as Bowers and Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals atop fantasy draft boards this summer, a three-peat appeared unlikely.

Someone forgot to tell Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts, though.

After catching six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown last week against the Arizona Cardinals, the 23-year-old sits second in PPR points among tight ends. He has been held under 10 PPR points just once in six games.

Look out, Jake Ferguson. There’s a youngster hot on your tail.

Week 7 Tight End Rankings

2025 Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyProsECR â„¢ – Expert Consensus Rankings

Players to Watch in Week 7

Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns (vs. MIA) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,900]

The Browns are poor. However, the Dolphins have allowed the eighth-most PPR points per game to tight ends, David Njoku has a knee injury, and Dillon Gabriel has shown zero ability to push the ball down the field vertically.

Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers (at ARI) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,900]

In terms of PPR points per game, Kraft is seventh among tight ends at this point in the season. Now the 24-year-old faces an Arizona Cardinals team giving up the sixth-most PPR points per game to the position in 2025.

Players to Avoid in Week 7

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (at TEN) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,100]

Henry came roaring out of the gate this year, but he has slowed down considerably the past two weeks. A matchup with a Titans defense surrendering the ninth-fewest PPR points per game to tight ends isn’t likely to be a slump-buster.

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (vs. ATL) [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,400]

From all indications, Kittle is trending toward a return from injured reserve in Week 7. But his snaps could be limited in his first game back, and the Falcons are dead-last in PPR points per game allowed to the position this season.

Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans (vs. NE) [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]

Okonkwo had six catches for 46 yards last week—his second game of the season with over 10 PPR points. The Patriots have been kind to opposing tight ends in 2025, being 10th in PPR points per game given up this year.

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  Sean AllenOct 14, 2025, 05:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

Individual performance can only take a player so far in a fantasy manager’s esteem.

That is true for the most part. Your Nathan MacKinnon’s and Nikita Kucherov’s of the world notwithstanding, it’s important who a player shares the ice with when determining the hopes for their fantasy forecast.

Imagine you played in a fantasy hockey league in which, instead of drafting players, you drafted lines or defense pairings. And imagine you only got fantasy points from those lines or pairings when all the players in each unit was on the ice at 5-on-5.

In reality, our fantasy picks aren’t literally joined at the hip in this way, but it’s a good visualization of which lines are clicking or which pairs are working at the dawn of the season.

Here are the top lines by total fantasy points earned, but only when all three members are on the ice together at even strength.

Fantasy points

Forward line

Team

TOI20.6Colorado Avalanche45:5915.4Columbus Blue Jackets33:3713.4Los Angeles Kings38:5213.3Winnipeg Jets33:2112.9Chicago Blackhawks35:2712.1Detroit Red Wings29:3212.0Pittsburgh Penguins27:4211.8Montreal Canadiens22:2411.5Ottawa Senators20:4211.4Nashville Predators25:36

The takeaway here is simple: grab a piece of these lines where you can. Lehkonen, who is still available in 60% of ESPN leagues, is an obvious first target. But Monahan (73.0%) and Kuzmenko (81.7%) are also accessible ways into some of the top lines.

The Blackhawks unit should be widely available and all three have been getting power-play time with Connor Bedard.

In deeper leagues, Brazeau and Mantha will only go as far as Malkin carries them — and he tends to run hot and cold in recent seasons.

Jump ahead: Goalies | Power Play | Droppables

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But the gem to highlight overall here is Zack Bolduc (C, Montreal Canadiens, available in 40.3%). His even-strength line with veteran Gallagher and a healthy Dach has been getting fantasy points together in every standard ESPN category. Which is fine information on its own, but if we take the 5-on-5 restriction off on the points by line combinations, the Habs top power-play checks in with 12.8 fantasy points by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky and Bolduc.

Meaning Bolduc is a part of two, separate top 20 fantasy lines in the early going. His role on the top PP wasn’t a sure thing before the season, with rookie Ivan Demidov expected to get reps. But Bolduc makes sense as a specialist, especially given his run on power-play stats late last season with the St. Louis Blues.

Fantasy points

Defense pair

Team

TOI9.8Dallas Stars23:359.6Washington Capitals37:318.9Los Angeles Kings45:338.4Boston Bruins40:338.3Colorado Avalanche48:167.6Carolina Hurricanes25:227.5Toronto Maple Leafs39:517.4New York Islanders40:237.3Los Angeles Kings49:317.2San Jose Sharks26:05

Defense is a little different. You don’t necessarily want to just get “access” to a pair, as the points are muted and there isn’t quite as much trickle down points to be had. For example, Carlo doesn’t belong on fantasy rosters just because he and Rielly are a top 10 duo for fantasy. But there are still some possible back-end roster options that crystalize.

Lundkvist, Fehervary, Ferraro and Zadorov all have a case to be on rosters in deeper leagues.

The ice time allotted to Gostisbehere is probably the most actionable item though, as pairing up with Nikishin is boosting his overall totals. He was sheltered by the Canes at 5-on-5 last season, but this partnership is working exceptionally well so far. In addition to being in the mix for the lead on duo fantasy points, the Hurricanes have scored five goals while this pair is on the ice — most in the NHL for a pairing — and allowed only one.

Gostisbehere is available in 40.7% of leagues, with Nikishin available in 89.5%.

Goalie notes

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0:15

Cam Talbot robs Maple Leafs with save

Cam Talbot robs Maple Leafs with save

Obviously the “this week” and “season” statistics here are basically the same thing, but to stick with the format we’ll use all season, we’ll keep it. There’s not a lot to say about the goaltending field yet beyond a few injuries, as there just isn’t enough of a sample to plant any flags anew.

Colorado Avalanche in four games (four last week):

• Scott Wedgewood (crease share season/week: 100.0%/100.0%, fantasy points season/week: 19.4/19.4, 50.7% available)

We went through some of this “will he, won’t he” with Wedgewood last season, as he flirted with stealing extra playing time from Mackenzie Blackwood following a few strong performances before the trade that brought the tandem together. But the Avs handed Blackwood both the reins and the contract, so there won’t be much debate about who’s No. 1 once he’s healthy (possibly later this week). Still, Wedgewood retains value in daily lineup formats given his results to date and a likely 35% crease share.

Detroit Red Wings in three games (four last week):

• Cam Talbot (crease share season/week: 79.3%/79.3%, fantasy points season/week: 10.4/10.4, 90.1% available)

• John Gibson (crease share season/week: 20.7%/20.7%, fantasy points season/week: -8.4/-8.4, 76.8% available)

Well, this is an awkward start, isn’t it? We can’t write off Gibson just yet, but Talbot has gone from an afterthought to a must-roster goalie overnight. Hopefully your fantasy season doesn’t hinge on this crease battle, but value is value and it looks like the Red Wings might win enough games to make it matter.

Montreal Canadiens in three games (three last week):

• Sam Montembeault (crease share season/week: 66.3%/66.3%, fantasy points season/week: 2.4/2.4, 19.8% available)

• Jakub Dobes (crease share season/week: 33.6%/33.6%, fantasy points season/week: 8.0/8.0, 94.2% available)

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A rock-solid opening stretch for this duo, with Dobes continuing to answer the bell whenever called upon. The next few weeks should clarify how the starts are divided, but for now, it’s not quite time to scoop up Dobes. If his share pushes past 40%, it might be.

Utah Mammoth in three games (three last week):

• Karel Vejmelka (crease share season/week: 66.9%/66.9%, fantasy points season/week: 5.0/5.0, 65.7% available)

• Vitek Vanecek (crease share season/week: 33.1%/33.1%, fantasy points season/week: -1.8/-1.8, 99.0% available)

With Vanecek’s start already out of the way on Monday, Vejmelka could take all three of the Mammoth’s remaining games this week. After facing the Flames, Sharks and Bruins, his availability percentage might look a lot different than it does now.

Power-play notes

play

0:48

Leo Carlsson wins it in OT for the Ducks

Leo Carlsson lifts the Ducks with a clutch goal in overtime to defeat the Sharks 7-6.

Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (available in 76.7%): The Ducks have been dumping buckets of pucks at their two opponents so far this season. Carlsson is absolutely central to their attack and his role on the power-play is a prime one.

Sean Monahan, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (available in 73.0%): With 3:24 of power-play time per game so far, Monahan is helping drive the top unit for the Blue Jackets. That wasn’t guaranteed given Adam Fantilli’s continued emergence, but it strengthens the case for Monahan as an early-season waiver add, especially considering his top-line role at 5-on-5.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks (available in 80.0%): In 11:04 of total power-play time so far, Chicago’s top unit has managed only five shots on goal, while the second unit cashed in during Monday’s win. If the top group doesn’t start clicking soon, Rinzel is the most likely swap-out for a new look, with Artyom Levshunov and PP specialist Matt Grzelcyk waiting in the wings.

David Tomasek, RW, Edmonton Oilers (available in 99.3%): It would be an easier sell if Tomasek had a meaningful 5-on-5 role, but there could still be value here based solely on power-play exposure. He’s locked onto the first unit, which has two goals through two games and is generating plenty of chances.

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Anton Lundell, LW, Florida Panthers (available in 34.1%): The Panthers’ top unit has two power-play goals so far, but the second unit has four in less than half the ice time. Lundell is a must-add across all formats with three power-play points in four games.

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild (available in 62.9%): With two more power-play goals on Monday, the Wild’s top unit is up to six on the season (and a seventh came when Marco Rossi subbed out for Vladimir Tarasenko). This group is ridiculous, and Buium should be rostered everywhere for the power-play points alone.

Dougie Hamilton, D, New Jersey Devils (available in 14.9%): After two games of balanced power-play units, the Devils swapped Dawson Mercer and Luke Hughes off the first unit for Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton on Monday. The result? The top unit’s first tally with the man advantage.

Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (available in 79.1%): It’s likely just an effort to add some punch to the second unit, but for now Bjorkstrand remains a fixture on the first, while Brandon Hagel skates with the second group. If only Bjorkstrand could wedge his way into the top six at 5-on-5.

Droppables

Editor’s Picks

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There aren’t any must-drops this early in the campaign, at least not ones you don’t already know in your heart of hearts. It’s still a little too soon to cut bait on slow starts, but another week or two of weak production will start to separate the expendable from the essential.

In the meantime, here are a few names and early ice-time trends worth monitoring. We’ll revisit with a larger sample size if these players don’t start seeing more minutes.

• Frank Vatrano, RW, Anaheim Ducks (rostered in 76.5%): 12:14 TOI per game, 1.2 FPPG

• Adam Fantilli, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (rostered in 95.3%): 15:40 TOI per game, 1.6 FPPG

• Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Colorado Avalanche (rostered in 68.3%): 13:51 TOI per game, 0.5 FPPG

• Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens (rostered in 49.3%): 13:15 TOI per game, 0.4 FPPG

• Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (rostered in 87.3%): 14:25 TOI per game, 0.1 FPPG

• Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks (rostered in 97.6%): 15:57 TOI per game, 1.5 FPPG

Wait … less than 16 minutes per game for Pettersson? Really? That’s one we’ll be keeping a close eye on in the coming weeks.

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With the 2025 MLB regular season behind us, itâ€s time to review what we learned from a fantasy perspective and how we can apply it to next year.

In the coming days throughout October, weâ€ll be breaking down the standout seasons, the breakout candidates, the prospects to know, and our early 2026 rankings. You can see our catcher breakdown here, and our first base breakdown here.

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In this edition, weâ€ll cover the 2025 closer position and take a look at some situations to monitor this winter, as well as some relievers on the rise.

2025 POSITION BREAKDOWN: RELIEF PITCHER

The closer position remains volatile as we chase saves in drafts and on the waiver wire. This season, about half of the top 20 closers by ADP failed to match their draft value. Emmanuel Clase, the top closer in drafts, finished with only 24 saves and was suspended in late July. Devin Williams, usually second drafted, managed just 18 saves for the Yankees before losing the job to Luke Weaver and David Bednar. Mason Miller and Ryan Helsley, other top-10 draft closers, were traded to setup roles.

On the other hand, Josh Hader had an incredible season despite missing the final two months. Edwin Díaz enjoyed a successful bounce-back season. Andrés Muñoz and Jhoan Duran elevated their game to new levels. And we got some incredible values from the likes of Aroldis Chapman and Emilio Pagán. With a total of 215 different pitchers recording a league-wide 1201 saves, securing the category early in drafts will always have its merits, while examples like Chapman and Pagán prove that waiting remains viable if you can identify the right situations.

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2025â€s Top Ten Closers

1. Aroldis Chapman (Red Sox)

61 1/3 IP, 1.17 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 85/15 K/BB, 32 SV

Year 16 in the majors may have, incredibly, been Chapmanâ€s best yet. There was some ambiguity over who would emerge as Bostonâ€s closer this season, and in the end, it was the 37-year-old left-handed veteran proving he had plenty left in the tank. Chapman was still averaging 98.5 mph on the fastball, still generated an elite whiff rate, and displayed some of his best control with a career-low 6.6% walk rate in a full season. The Red Sox rewarded Chapman with a one-year contract extension for 2026 at $13.3 million.

2. Andrés Muñoz (Mariners)

62 1/3 IP, 1.73 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 83/28 K/BB, 38 SV

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Finally trusted with the full-time closer role, Muñoz enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign with a career-high 38 saves for the ALCS-bound Seattle Mariners. The 26-year-old right-handerâ€s skills have been incredibly consistent over the last three seasons. A secured role now makes him one of the top closers going into 2026.

3. Edwin Díaz (Mets)

66 1/3 IP, 1.63 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 98/21 K/BB, 28 SV

Díaz had a relatively disappointing 2024 after missing the 2023 season with a knee injury. Another year removed, he bounced back in a big way this season for the Mets, going from a 3.52 ERA to a 1.63 ERA with outstanding strikeout numbers. While his skills havenâ€t fully rebounded to otherworldly 2022 levels, mainly behind a 97 mph fastball that has lagged behind the 99 mph mark he was displaying pre-injury, he remains among the best closers in the game. He has the ability to opt out of the final two years and $37 million on his contract with the Mets and become a free agent, which most expect he will do.

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4. Jhoan Duran (Phillies)

70 IP, 2.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 80/19 K/BB, 32 SV

Duran, much like Muñoz, excelled this season as he was trusted with the full-time closer role, posting a career-high 32 saves. The save total saw a boost after he was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline, converting 16 of his 32 saves over the last two months in Philadelphia. The team has its locked-in closer over the next several seasons with three more years of team control, giving him the job security behind the elite skills that make him one of baseballâ€s top pitchers in the ninth inning.

5. Robert Suarez (Padres)

69 2/3 IP, 2.97 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 75/16 K/BB, 40 SV

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There was some concern going into the season surrounding Suarez and the way he ended his 2024 season. He put those questions to rest with an excellent campaign, leading the National League with 40 saves while maintaining outstanding ratios and an improved strikeout rate. The threat of Mason Miller behind Suarez may keep his draft price suppressed once again, but thereâ€s speculation that Miller could potentially be stretched out as a starter. Still, thereâ€s little reason to believe Suarezâ€s role would be in any jeopardy unless the team decides to cash in on a trade this winter.

6. Josh Hader (Astros)

62 2/3 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 86/19 K/BB, 28 SV

Hader mightâ€ve finished atop the rankings had he not suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the final two months, with his last appearance coming on August 8. Before that, he had converted 28 saves while displaying some of the best skills of his career, including a 7.8% walk rate and 21.1% swinging-strike rate.

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7. David Bednar (Yankees)

62 2/3 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 86/19 K/BB, 27 SV

Bednar was briefly demoted by the Pirates early in the season before returning in mid-April and putting together a strong bounce-back campaign, following a 5.77 ERA in 2024. He converted 17 saves for Pittsburgh and was the best reliever for the Yankees after joining New York at the trade deadline, converting ten more saves. With another year of team control, Bednar is in line to open the 2026 season as the Yankees†closer.

8. Trevor Megill (Brewers)

47 IP, 2.49 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 60/17 K/BB, 30 SV

After converting 21 saves for Milwaukee in 2024, filling in for Devin Williams, Megill opened the season as the teamâ€s closer with Williams traded to the Yankees over the offseason. He ran with the opportunity, converting 30 saves with outstanding ratios before a right flexor strain landed him on the injured list in late August. Megill made just one more appearance on the final day of the regular season before Milwaukeeâ€s postseason run.

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9. Carlos Estévez (Royals)

66 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 54/22 K/BB, 42 SV

Estévez was a big regression candidate as he seemed to pitch well above his peripherals in 2024. Instead, he posted a nearly identical season, including a carbon copy 2.45 ERA on his way to leading baseball with 42 saves. Still, the red flags remain, as Estévez saw a sharp dip in his swinging-strike rate while issuing more walks, a ratio heâ€ll have to correct if heâ€s to repeat his success next season.

10. Kenley Jansen (Angels)

59 IP, 2.59 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 57/19 K/BB, 29 SV

The 2025 top ten is bookended by a pair of 16-year veterans. And like Chapman, Jansen proved he can still get it done with an outstanding 16th season. The 38-year-old right-hander should certainly get another chance to add to his 476 career saves in 2026.

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2026 Rising Relievers

Braydon Fisher (Blue Jays)

Fisher had an outstanding rookie season for the Blue Jays, earning a call-up after posting a 1.62 ERA with 22 strikeouts over 16 2/3 innings in Triple-A. The 25-year-old right-hander made an impact in the Toronto bullpen, recording a 2.70 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 62/19 K/BB ratio across 50 innings. His 22.3% K-BB rate was the best in the Blue Jays†bullpen. While Jeff Hoffman remains under contract for two more seasons, he doesnâ€t have the longest track record as a closer, and it would not be surprising to see Fisher in the mix for saves sometime in 2026 should Hoffman struggle next season.

Ronny Henriquez (Marlins)

The Marlins found a gem when they claimed Henriquez off waivers from the Twins before the season. The 25-year-old right-hander had a breakout season in Miami, posting a 2.22 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 98/27 K/BB ratio across 73 innings, earning seven wins and converting seven saves. His 23.4% K-BB rate was tops in the Marlins†bullpen as he collected plenty of strikeouts behind a strong 16.7% swinging-strike rate. Henriquez worked his way into a share of saves in a closer committee and, at worst, should go into the season in the mix for saves once again.

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Connor Phillips (Reds)

Phillips posted an 8.01 ERA across 19 starts in Triple-A in 2024 before reinventing himself as a reliever in 2025 after recovering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. He posted a 2.84 ERA across 38 innings in the minors, earning himself a promotion on June 20. The 24-year-old right-hander went on to record a 2.88 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 32/12 K/BB ratio across 25 innings in Cincinnati. Flashing a 98 mph fastball and 15.4% swinging-strike rate, Phillips could be in line for a significant role in the back end of the Reds†bullpen next season, especially if the team loses closer Emilio Pagán in free agency.

Matt Svanson (Cardinals)

Svanson is another name to watch for in 2026. The 26-year-old right-hander went under the radar this season despite a breakout performance, posting a 1.94 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and a 68/20 K/BB ratio across 60 1/3 innings for the Cardinals. Svanson has positioned himself for a pivotal role in the St. Louis bullpen in 2026. And while JoJo Romero and Riley Oâ€Brien finished the season in a closer committee, neither has a large track record in the ninth inning, nor have they separated themselves from a skills perspective.

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2026 Situations to watch

The main things to watch for over the offseason when it comes to closers are the vacant situations left by pending free agents and teams with ambiguous roles without established closers. The biggest name on the market will be Devin Williams. The 31-year-old right-hander had a disappointing season in New York, posting a 4.79 ERA over 62 innings while losing the closer role. Still, his underlying metrics remained strong while he maintained an elite strikeout rate. Thereâ€s a good chance heâ€s given an opportunity to close wherever he lands. Other big names to watch for include Emilio Pagán, Raisel Iglesias, Kenley Jansen, Luke Weaver, and Ryan Helsley. Robert Suarez of the Padres can also exercise an opt-out and enter free agency.

2026 Top 12 Closers

1. Andr̩s Mu̱oz РMariners

4. Aroldis Chapman – Red Sox

8. Robert Suarez/Mason Miller – Padres

10. Raisel Iglesias – Free Agent

11. Carlos Est̩vez РRoyals

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  Sean AllenOct 13, 2025, 03:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway, and every team has played at least twice in the league’s first week, with the New York Rangers playing a league-leading four times.

If you’re in daily leagues, paying attention to the upcoming schedule and player pickups is essential to keeping your roster competitive.

Every Monday, we’ll mine the waiver wire for lesser-rostered performers who have the potential to help fantasy teams in a variety of leagues. We’ll also present several strong streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead.

Resources: Goalie depth chart | Daily lines | Projections | Play for free | Player rater | Most added/dropped | Mock draft lobby | How to watch

Forwards

Anton Lundell, LW, Florida Panthers (2.87 FPPG, 38.0% available): While the best advice is to not overreact to early-season results that get amplified by the excitement of the return of hockey, you don’t want to sleep on a potential breakout when there are other reasons to buy in. Lundell’s availability is slipping quickly, but there might still be time to pickup the Panthers’ answer to Aleksander Barkov’s likely season-long absence. Bonus for custom leagues: Lundell’s LW eligibility is like getting a free extra center in your lineup.

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Elias Lindholm, RW, Boston Bruins (3.43 FPPG, 35.9% available): While we are on centers you can sneak into your lineup at other positions, can you find it in your heart to forgive Lindholm’s disappointing first season with the Bruins? The Bruins have seemingly forgiven him and trotted him back as the center atop their very top-heavy depth chart. Lindholm has two goals and two assists across the first three games, and looking like he’s in sync with David Pastrnak this season.

Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators (5.10 FPPG, 69.9% available): Set aside for a moment Pinto’s role as a member of the Senators top power-play unit; his even-strength line with Claude Giroux and Ridly Greig already has three goals across two games when on the ice together. They are also one of the top 10 lines early in the season for shot attempts rate. Now, recall that Pinto also gets to take the ice with Ottawa’s top catalysts on the advantage.

Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken (3.00 FPPG, 85.9% available): It makes sense when you consider the results to this point of his career, but it still looks weird to see Beniers available in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. Before you get completely tired of him, remember he isn’t 23 until November and the early returns from this season show him as the Kraken’s true No. 1 center. His line with Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle is getting top-tier 5-on-5 minutes and staying together on the power play.

Marco Kasper, C, Detroit Red Wings (2.00 FPPG, 30.1% available): Just like the 2021-22 version of Dylan Strome, Kasper finds himself between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. While Kasper’s wingers are on a different team and a little longer in the tooth, there is still a lot of potential. This line is fourth in shot attempts rate in the league at this stage, but is also a wash on scoring with two goals for and two against. Kasper also has a physical component to his game and should remain fantasy relevant through a combo of points and hits.

See also:

• Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (2.25 FPPG, 79.5% available)

• Dmitri Voronkov, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (2.60 FPPG, 35.3% available)

• Andrei Kuzmenko, LW, Los Angeles Kings (2.27 FPPG, 82.5% available)

• Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (2.60 FPPG, 77.4% available)

• Artturi Lehkonen, LW, Colorado Avalanche (2.33 FPPG, 62.0% available)

• Owen Tippett, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (2.00 FPPG, 35.5% available)

Defense

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Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild (3.05 FPPG, 70.3% available): The optimist wants to recommend a pickup of Buium because he is getting full control of the blue line for the Wild power play and the results have been great. But that minus-4 rating is very real. Buium and Jared Spurgeon have been on the ice for zero goals and allowed three at 5-on-5. It’s made more stark by two other Wild D pairs both sitting in the top five for shot attempts rate in the league, as Spurgeon and Buium rank 61st.

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (2.25 FPPG, 90.1% available): Third pair, schmird pair. Nikishin and Shayne Gostisbehere have averaged 12:41 together at 5-on-5 and have been on the ice for five — yes, a league-leading five for a defensive pair — goals at even strength.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers (1.87 FPPG, 62.8% available): Maybe we got a little too hyped on the shiny new toy by collectively drafting Seth Jones and mostly ignoring Ekblad. But they are both on the Cats’ top power-play unit, and that will probably stay true at least until Matthew Tkachuk returns later this season. Ekblad and Gustav Forsling are a formidable first pair and have been dominating the shot attempts through three games (61.8% Corsi for), with four goals while they are on the ice together.

Andrew Peeke, D, Boston Bruins (2.73 FPPG, 93.3% available): His 6.7 fantasy points from only hits and blocked shots is the early high-water mark for the season. If you are looking for a cheap defender that can contribute at the bottom of your lineup, look no further.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks (2.03 FPPG, 81.0% available): Averaging 3:43 per game on the power play? Almost all of that with Connor Bedard and the top unit? And only one goal allowed at 5-on-5 with his regular defense partner, Matt Grzelcyk? Sign us up.

See also:

• John Klingberg, D, San Jose Sharks (2.45 FPPG, 96.8% available)

• Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings (2.40 FPPG, 34.5% available)

• Matt Roy, D, Washington Capitals (2.10 FPPG, 86.6% available)

• Artem Zub, D, Ottawa Senators (3.60 FPPG, 92.6% available)

Editor’s Picks

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Goaltenders

Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth (2.50 FPPG, 67.9% available): The Blackhawks, Flames, Sharks and Bruins are on tap for this week and none of the games are in back-to-back sets. Vejmelka might be seen in a much more positive light at this time next week, and his 5.0 fantasy points per game aren’t exactly shabby at the moment.

Scott Wedgewood, G, Colorado Avalanche (3.93 FPPG, 59.8% available): Mackenzie Blackwood is likely out for at least two more games, perhaps longer. Wedgewood is reaping the benefit in the meantime, with 11.8 fantasy points and 100% crease share. The Sabres and Blue Jackets are on tap to start the week.

See also:

Short-term streamers

Justin Brazeau, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (2.97 FPPG, 88.1% available): The potential for Brazeau to continue earning his fantasy keep depends entirely on Evgeni Malkin. Can Geno keep up this pace? Probably not. Still, you could do worse in the short-term in deeper leagues.

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Ryan O’Reilly, C, Nashville Predators (1.70 FPPG, 35.2% available): Defensive fantasy metrics don’t mean too much this early in the season, but it’s at least worth noting that the Predators have the best fantasy schedule on paper, with a four-game road trip through Canada against the Senators, Leafs, Canadiens and Jets. It’s worth starting O’Reilly on his volume alone, but the opponents also bode well.

Frank Nazar, C, Chicago Blackhawks (3.00 FPPG, 59.3% available): Combine O’Reilly with Nazar and you have a center to start every day of the week. Playing away from Bedard at even strength, Nazar is more than holding his own with Teuvo Teravainen and Tyler Bertuzzi on his flanks. The trio has three goals at 5-on-5 (granted, also two against).

Jack McBain, C, Utah Mammoth (2.30 FPPG, 94.8% available): If Barrett Hayton continues to miss time, McBain gets to continue playing up the lineup alongside Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.

Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (4.80 FPPG, 71.0% available): This is a very cautious recommendation. Jarry looked good in his start against the Islanders and, on paper, the Ducks, Kings and Sharks are collectively a solid schedule for a goaltender. But there are concerns. The Ducks have dominated possession through two games, and the Sharks have handed out negative fantasy points to opposing goaltenders. That said, looking for goalie help in the early season isn’t easy and Jarry will be available.

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You canâ€t win your league in the first two rounds, but you can certainly set yourself up for success. Pairing two players that fit together is vital and will influence every pick for the rest of your draft in category leagues as you establish a build.

Using Yahoo ADP to determine the first 12 picks, I went through and drafted the best player to pair with them in round two. Since every draft will be different, Iâ€ll also mention other options to consider, but the focus here will be on the best fit based on who is available, if all things go according to how I think they should.

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Pick 12: G Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Pair with: F Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

The pairing may not have led to a championship for the Suns, but now that theyâ€re no longer on the same team, they can make things work for you in fantasy. Booker should see a jump in production with Durant and Bradley Beal gone, and KD should help make up for any of Bookâ€s inefficiencies. Both can provide well-rounded production while being among the league leaders in points, which gives you plenty of flexibility for the rest of your draft.

Other options: Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, Tyrese Maxey

Pick 11: C Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Pair with: G Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

While Iâ€m not a huge fan of taking Sabonis in the first round, starting your team with him and Amen and leaning into punting three-pointers gives you a strong direction. Not many centers provide the rebounds and assists that Sabonis does, and this gives you a strong field goal percentage immediately. Thompsonâ€s defensive production makes up for Sabonis†lack of steals and blocks, and youâ€ll have to figure out the free throws in later rounds, but this gives you an elite start in three categories and strong production in a handful more.

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Other options: Alperen Sengun, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams

Pick 10: G Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Pair with: G James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

There arenâ€t many players that provide elite production in points, assists, free throws and threes like Young can. Of course, Harden is one of those players, and both have been able to provide at least one steal per game for a while, which helps. Both turn the ball over a ton and miss a ton of shots, which means it would be best to go ahead and punt those two categories; it probably isnâ€t worth your time to try and make up for those weaknesses. However, you can be dominant in a handful of categories.

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Other options: Donovan Mitchell, Domantas Sabonis, Stephen Curry

Pick 9: C Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Pair with: G Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Under Mike Brown, Towns could take a hit in production if he spends more time playing alongside Mitchell Robinson, specifically on the glass. However, heâ€ll remain efficient and one of the best sources of three-pointers at the center spot. Add in the greatest shooter in league history, who is also able to provide value in a handful of other categories. Towns is a poor shot blocker for a center, so leaning into that as a punt build would be a good idea.

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Other options: Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell

Pick 8: F Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Pair with: F Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

AD doesnâ€t hit many threes, but heâ€s elite elsewhere. Pairing him with Mobley, who is also a decent passer for a big, sets you up for a nice build if youâ€re willing to punt triples and free throw percentage. Pairing these two bigs gives you dominance on the glass and defensively without setting you back in points and assists, which is difficult to find early on in your draft.

Other options: Chet Holmgren, Amen Thompson, Jalen Johnson

Pick 7: G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Pair with: G Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cunningham enjoyed a breakout season last year, with his main weakness being turnovers. Insert Mitchell, who doesnâ€t turn the ball over quite as much, but still provides plenty of points, rebounds, assists and threes. Mitchell is coming off a down season, but his bounce back should fit nicely next to Cade. Checking points and assists off this early is a great start.

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Other options: Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams, Tyrese Maxey

Pick 6: G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Pair with: G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Edwards adds something new every season, and last year, he became one of the most prolific shooters in the league. He provided dominant value in points and threes and was still decent everywhere else, aside from field goal percentage. Combining him with Maxey works well; the 76ers guard had a poor field goal percentage as well, but he provided elite points, threes, assists and steals. Starting with these two guards is an elite pairing to begin your draft.

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Other options: Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson

Pick 5: F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Pair with: F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Everyone knows how dominant Giannis can be, and his limitations are obvious; he isnâ€t going to provide threes, and heâ€s going to miss a ton of free throws. Johnson, who has been a subpar shooter, isnâ€t reliant on those categories to be a monster in fantasy. Pairing Giannis, who should be more productive than ever this season without as much help, with Johnson, who appears to be ready to take yet another step forward, gives you a clear direction for the rest of your draft.

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Other options: Amen Thompson, Paolo Banchero, Domantas Sabonis

Pick 4: G Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Pair with: C Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

Doncic provides dominant points, rebounds, assists and threes. Sengun gives you a big man that helps in three of those four categories. Both are subpar free throw shooters and pretty average providers of defensive stats. Sengun fits like a glove next to Luka, and everything from this offseason indicates that the Houston center could take a massive leap forward this year.

Other options: Jalen Williams, Paolo Banchero, Kevin Durant

Pick 3: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Pair with: F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

SGA and JDub are an excellent fit on the court for the Thunder, and the same can be said in fantasy basketball. Both are well-rounded, which gives you a lot of flexibility for the rest of your draft. SGA is obviously one of the best players in fantasy basketball, so adding a player that doesnâ€t take away from any of his strengths, such as shooting percentages and steals, just helps make him more valuable.

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Other options: Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Johnson, Amen Thompson

Pick 2: C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Pair with: C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Why not pair one unicorn with another? Starting with these two basically gives you a win in blocks every week, but theyâ€re both dynamic enough to still provide value in other categories and not have a clear weakness early on in your draft. Of course, you canâ€t really go wrong with anyone when you start with Wemby, which is why heâ€s a consensus top-three pick. Holmgrenâ€s hip injury last season really limited his production, but being healthy to start this season should help him bounce back.

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Other options: Evan Mobley, Jalen Williams, Scottie Barnes

Pick 1: C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Pair with: F Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

You canâ€t go wrong when you start with Jokic. His well-rounded dominance allows you to build your team however you want. Iâ€m not a huge fan of taking Banchero this early, but with a few of my other favorite options taken at this point, I think thereâ€s a case to be made. Jokic makes up for Bancheroâ€s shooting percentage limitations, and it leans into points, rebounds and assists, which are the strongest parts of Jokicâ€s game. But again, this one isnâ€t as strict; you can pair Jokic with anyone.

Other options: Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, really anyone

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• 

  Eric KarabellOct 13, 2025, 11:47 AM ET

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  Eric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of “The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments”.

Many statistical surprises will occur during the upcoming NBA season, and fantasy managers should be prepared for all the angles for their leagues, regardless of format.

Here are potential surprises for each team for fantasy purposes. Will some/most/few of these things occur?

Don’t be surprised if …

Atlanta Hawks PF Jalen Johnson is a top-10 roto player

Johnson might have gotten to that level last season if not for the shoulder injury that shut him down in January. Johnson can be a 20/10 player with more than a block, steal and 3-pointer per game. Who does that? Not many players. If he gets hurt again, we must reevaluate.

Boston Celtics SF/SG Jaylen Brown averages 30 PPG

Brown averaged 26.6 PPG several seasons ago, but now that PF/SF Jayson Tatum is out for much of the season, he needs to score more. SG/PG Derrick White might be the better value coming two rounds later, but Brown will see a career-best in shots. Tatum (Achilles) makes his season debut in March. Stash him if you have an injured list slot, but not for the bench in redraft formats.

Brooklyn Nets PG Egor Demin averages 14 PPG and seven APG

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Demin, 19, played a season for BYU, and while he didn’t shoot particularly well or score as much as many expected, he is a gifted passer and, at 6-foot-9, he rebounds well. There will be triple-doubles in his future. The Nets have a few scorers. Demin, despite his rookie status, will end up on fantasy rosters this season. He might be the No. 2 rookie for fantasy, too.

Charlotte Hornets PG LaMelo Ball maddens fantasy managers for the fourth consecutive season

The numbers are always terrific, except for one: Ball has performed in only 105 games over the past three seasons. He had offseason surgery on his wrist and ankle. Perhaps that fixes everything, but at least Joel Embiid has played in 60-plus games four times. Ball did it once. The Hornets are bad, which means there is a likelihood of them sitting good players after the All-Star break to tank for the draft, too.

Chicago Bulls C Nikola Vucevic is a top-10 roto/categories player, yet again

Vucevic averages 18 and 10 every season with 3-pointers and solid shooting, and finally his ADP reflects his value — to a point. Going in the top 30 might be the highest ADP for him in a while. Perhaps that is a fair tradeoff for someone about to turn 35, but he finished last season No. 8 on the Player Rater. Ignore his defense and love the fantasy numbers.

Cleveland Cavaliers PF/C Evan Mobley finally averages 20 and 10

Yes, we should predict this every season until he does it. He’s only 24 and still improving. Moving on.

Dallas Mavericks SF/PF Cooper Flagg scores the most fantasy points on the team

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This one is cheating a bit, because nobody thinks Flagg will produce bigger numbers than C/PF Anthony Davis. He should play more, though. Davis has reached 65 games in one of the past seven seasons, and there is no reason to push him with fellow bigs Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II on the roster. Investing in Davis can be perilous for the impatient. Wonderful player, but brittle. Flagg averages 17 and 7, shoots well, and there is little reason to think he can’t suit up at least 75 times.

Denver Nuggets SF/PF Cameron Johnson averages three 3-pointers

Johnson comes over in trade for Michael Porter Jr., and while he can’t possibly maintain the shooting volume he did in Brooklyn, the shots he sees should be better thanks to the passing skills of C Nikola Jokic. Johnson seems a bit too downgraded in drafts. He can still average 18 PPG.

Detroit Pistons SF/PF Ausar Thompson is a bit overvalued in drafts

Amen Thompson, the twin brother who plays for the Houston Rockets, is the one you covet in fantasy. He scores and boards, with ample steals and blocks. The one on Detroit also goes in the top 100 of ADP, and he too should pile on the steals, but he isn’t much of a scorer or shooter. Neither twin has much of an outside shot, either.

Golden State Warriors SF/SG/PF Jimmy Butler III falls short of top-50 fantasy status

Butler finished last season 77th on the Player Rater, but this isn’t stopping him from being a top-50 pick in ESPN ADP. OK, so what might change for the positive? Well, Butler shouldn’t be traded this season, so that’s good, but he also hasn’t suited up for more than 65 games since the 2016-17 campaign. It’s about the playoffs for Butler. His numbers went up a bit with the Warriors last season, but not close to 20 PPG. Do not reach in drafts.

Houston Rockets C Alperen Sengun averages a career best seven APG

That’s a lot for a 7-footer who hasn’t topped five APG before, but PG Fred VanVleet (knee) is done for the season, there really isn’t a pure point guard available and the offense was already going through the team’s center anyway. Sacramento Kings C Domantas Sabonis averaged seven APG in two seasons before last year. Sengun has the skills to do so and flirt with being a top-10 roto player as well. He was No. 19 last season.

Indiana Pacers PG/SG Andrew Nembhard averages 16 PPG and 7.5 APG

That would make Nembhard, a borderline top-100 selection in current ADP, a potential top-50 option. PG/SG Tyrese Haliburton is out for the year, and it is hard to see PG T.J. McConnell (hamstring), currently injured, seeing his minutes rise so much. Nembhard runs this team for this season and performs well.

LA Clippers PG/SG James Harden finishes as the No. 3 fantasy option yet again!

Harden, 36, surprised many a fantasy manager with his return to excellent statistical performance last season, when only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic topped him on the Player Rater. Why would this season be different? OK, so Harden is older than most, but this is his offense again, and he shouldn’t fall to the middle of Round 2 in drafts. These fine numbers are repeatable.

Los Angeles Lakers PG Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring at 31.5 PPG

What?! Nothing against SGA and Jokic, but it is only natural to expect Doncic, in better shape and more comfortable in this offense, to perform better than he did for the Lakers last season. And he was great for the Lakers. SF/PF LeBron James will have another outstanding season, but Doncic will take over the offense and earn his second scoring title. He might even finish as fantasy’s No. 1 player.

Memphis Grizzlies PG/SG Scotty Pippen Jr. becomes a top-100 fantasy option

Pippen started 21 games for last season’s Grizzlies, averaging 14.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 5.7 APG, with steals, 3-pointers and strong shooting in them. There might not be major statistical upside for him, but PG Ja Morant (ankle) is always hurt, and Pippen is a better passer than newcomer PG Ty Jerome. Pippen is a solid late-round sleeper, and not only in deep formats.

If Kel’el Ware’s minutes rise as expected, the Heat big man could average a double-double in his second season. Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Miami Heat C Kel’el Ware averages 14 PPG and 10.5 RPG

Ware put up solid numbers in the second half of last season when he joined the starting lineup, shifting C/PF Bam Adebayo to power forward. Now, Ware gets a nice spike in minutes. This is going to be a top-100 player, but he isn’t being drafted as one.

Milwaukee Bucks C Myles Turner averages career highs of 18.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG

Turner, the longtime Pacer who switched allegiances, has been a fantasy fixture in roto formats for the blocked shots, and we like centers who hit 3-pointers and shoot well. We also like centers who rebound more than 6.5 times per game. That should happen now with the Bucks, who have a bit of a stripped-down roster.

Minnesota Timberwolves C/PF Naz Reid scores more fantasy points than C Rudy Gobert

This nearly occurred last season, but Gobert held on with an unlikely, massive performance in April (19.4 PPG, 13.6 RPG). Otherwise, Reid was the better player in points formats, and since he is younger, more versatile and has the new contract, we should expect more minutes and production, too. Reid can rebound more than he has in the past. He averaged 18.1 PPG and 9.7 RPG as the starting center. This could be the year Gobert falls shy of 10 RPG.

New Orleans Pelicans SF/SG Trey Murphy III averages a team-leading 23.5 PPG

Murphy blossomed into a star last season, averaging 21.2 PPG, but there is clearly upside for more. He averaged 25.1 PPG during 13 January games. Murphy hasn’t been the most durable option, but he looks like A.C. Green (look him up) compared with overrated PF Zion Williamson when it comes to durability. It’s an odd team, with SG/PG Jordan Poole running “point,” but Murphy should be the signature player.

New York Knicks SF/SG Josh Hart is a draft day bust

Many of us are big Hart fans, but there is no way new Knicks coach Mike Brown is playing him 37.6 MPG. Hart led the league in the category last season with Tom Thibodeau relying so much on his starters. Hart already had finger surgery this summer, and his back hurts. Expect something like his 2023-24 numbers, which are fine and valuable, considering his proclivity for rebounding at a position where few do that, but not top-50 worthy.

Oklahoma City Thunder C/PF Chet Holmgren is a top-20 fantasy option

Holmgren seems to be a bargain pick in the fourth round of ESPN ADP, and his third NBA season really should deliver his best numbers yet. Perhaps potential investors are concerned about durability after Holmgren missed 50 games last season with a broken hip and lost his rookie season to a broken foot. He also played in all 82 games in 2023-24. There could be a run at 20 and 10 here, with myriad blocks and a growing number of 3-pointers. Take Holmgren over injured Grizzlies C/PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (toe).

Orlando Magic SG/SF Desmond Bane scores the most fantasy points on the team

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This is bold, but Bane comes from Memphis and should see excellent usage, contributing points, rebounds, assists, steals, 3-pointers and solid shooting while taking away some numbers from others. This is nothing against new teammates PF/SF Paolo Banchero and SF/PF Franz Wagner, but it’s not as if they are big rebounders or 3-point shooters. Bane is the draft day bargain here.

Philadelphia 76ers C Joel Embiid plays in 62 games

You know what, let’s be optimistic that this mountain of unpredictability can suit up enough to satiate fantasy managers and average 28 PPG, 10 RPG and 1.5 BPG. Embiid (knee) isn’t promising anyone anything, but he did perform in 66 and 68 games in the two seasons prior to 2023-24, so there is more of a track record for qualifying for league awards than there is for missing more than 62 games again. Take the chance if he somehow slips into the fifth round.

Phoenix Suns C Mark Williams plays in 65 games

That prediction seems like enough to pique the interest of potential investors, because production has rarely been an issue for this 7-footer. Williams averaged 15.3 PPG and 10.2 RPG for last season’s Hornets over 44 games, and they couldn’t wait to move him elsewhere. A trade to the Lakers failed. Williams is also an attractive fantasy option because he is a center who hits his free throws; he made more than 80% last season. The Suns can feature him.

Portland Trail Blazers C Donovan Clingan averages a double-double

It took Clingan a while to shed the look of a raw rookie last season, but then he delivered 10.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG and 1.7 BPG in seven April contests. Can we expect that production over six months? Perhaps not, but Clingan is a legit 7-2, a huge body and a franchise building block. It wouldn’t take much to make him a top-100 overall player.

Sacramento Kings PG Dennis Schroder averages six APG

This is more for deeper roto formats because Schroder might not do much else for a fantasy roster, but he always seems to end up with plenty of assists. The Kings started SG/PG/SF Malik Monk 45 times last season, and he averaged 5.6 APG, but Schroder is better suited to run an offense, and Monk is a sixth-man type. Schroder fits the criteria for potential assists at little draft cost along with Utah’s Isaiah Collier, Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter, Clipper Chris Paul, Portland’s Scoot Henderson (this is the year!) and Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley.

San Antonio Spurs PG/SG Stephon Castle averages 18 PPG and 5.5 APG

Yeah, PG De’Aaron Fox is still here, and we’re not predicting bad things for him, but Castle should get ample opportunity to run the offense and set Fox up for more 3-point shots because his volume was way down last season. Castle isn’t much of an outside shooter, but he can run an offense and get to the foul line. His second season should be even better than his first.

Toronto Raptors C Jakob Poeltl averages his first double-double

Poeltl delivered career bests for Toronto last season with 14.5 PPG and 9.6 RPG, and we cannot help but notice that a player who typically hurts fantasy managers with his free throw shooting went from 55.1% to 67.4%. OK, so not exactly Mark Price (look him up) but certainly more palatable. Poeltl is annually a player to target in the sixth or seventh round. Hopefully, he can participate in 70 games.

Utah Jazz PF/SF Lauri Markkanen returns to top-50 fantasy performance

Markkanen is a draft day bargain in ESPN ADP, going outside the top 75 despite delivering huge numbers in his first two Utah campaigns. This isn’t a durable player, but few complained in 2022-23 when he averaged 25.6 PPG and 8.6 RPG. He hits 3-pointers and, before last season, field goals. He’s hardly too old to return to prior levels.

Washington Wizards SF Cam Whitmore scores the most fantasy points on the team

Keeping with this mini-theme, Whitmore never had a chance in Houston, but a big scorer lurks. How about 20 PPG? He might not do much else for fantasy managers with rebounding or passing, but we should have doubts about which Wizards even stick around for 82 games. This team is tanking again. SG/PG CJ McCollum and SF Khris Middleton will be on contenders eventually. Whitmore might produce like Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas statistically, except he isn’t even being drafted in fantasy. Just give him the ball.

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Injury Report and Waiver Wire Targets

The Dallas Cowboys won’t have CeeDee Lamb back this week to face the Carolina Panthers, but he could potentially return in Week 7. KaVontae Turpin, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Calvin Austin III and Christian Watson have also been ruled out.

Ja’Marr Chase is listed as questionable with an illness, while Quentin Johnston is questionable with a hamstring injury. Those are two of the more impactful situations to follow at any position this week.

Jauan Jennings, Jonathan Mingo and Van Jefferson are also questionable.

On the waiver front, managers should find a handful of options. Indianapolis Colts wideout Josh Downs, for example, is still available in more than 50 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues. He’s caught 10 passes on 13 targets over the last two weeks and has a fair matchup with the Cardinals, who have allowed the 18th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise Brown has averaged just over five receptions and 50 yards this season and has a terrific Sunday night matchup. The Detroit Lions have been solid defensively this season but have surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing WRs.

Brown is still available in roughly 50 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues.

Kendrick Bourne is coming off of a 10-catch, 142-yard outing and is still available in over 60 percent of Yahoo and ESPN leagues. Troy Franklin, Tre Tucker, Darnell Mooney and Isaiah Bond are other waiver targets to consider this week.

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Figuring out where to rank players is difficult enough in any particular season. But how about doing it with an eye towards what the NBA may look like in five years? Thatâ€s the point of this exercise, with Rotoworld basketball writers Raphielle Johnson and Noah Rubin combining to put together their top-25 fantasy list for 2030. While the list is primarily populated with players currently in the NBA, there are a few who have yet to play an official NBA game.

Some players, whether in the NBA now or yet to reach that point, will break through by 2030. Hereâ€s our top 25, and it should not be surprising who leads the way.

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

1. C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Age (as of October 10): 21

After taking the NBA by storm as a rookie, Wembanyamaâ€s impact was muted last season due to a blood clot that sidelined him from the All-Star break onward. The 7-foot-3 phenom has been given a clean bill of health and is poised to usher in a new era in the NBA. Before his season-ending injury in February, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks and 3.1 three-pointers per game with 47.6/35.2/83.6 shooting splits.

2. F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Age: 18

Flagg has yet to play in an official NBA game, but the incoming rookie is deserving of being high on any list thatâ€s looking ahead to five years from now. He wonâ€t turn 19 until just before Christmas, making it possible (likely, even) that the Mavericks forward still will not have reached his prime by 2030. Heâ€s got all the skills a franchise could want in a cornerstone, which is a void the Mavericks need to fill after trading Luka DonÄić to the Lakers.

3. G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 27

Gilgeous-Alexander, who won NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP honors while leading the Thunder to their first title last season, is still not 30 years old. Yet it feels like heâ€s been around for far longer than that, with the Canadian point guard being the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft. Who knows how many titles and individual accolades heâ€ll have on his résumé by the time 2030 rolls around, but SGA should remain one of the best assets in fantasy basketball.

4. G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Age: 24

Cunninghamâ€s production has increased in each of his four NBA seasons, with the 2024-25 campaign being the one in which his growth coincided with that of the franchise he leads. Appearing a career-best 70 games, Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.1 three-pointers. The Pistons point guard recorded career-high averages in points, assists, blocks and three-pointers with a 46.9/35.6/84.6 shooting split. If Cunningham can keep the turnovers in check, as he averaged 4.4 per game last season, heâ€ll be an even better player to have rostered in fantasy leagues.

5. G Luka DonÄić, Los Angeles Lakers

Age: 26

Like many who follow basketball, DonÄić was stunned when the Mavericks traded him to the Lakers in late January. He appeared in a career-low 50 games in 2024-25, appearing in 60 or more in each of his first six seasons. While LeBron James remains active currently, the Lakers have already made it clear that the franchise has begun the “DonÄić Era,†and this summer, he signed an extension that runs through the 2028-29 campaign. As long as Luka is healthy, heâ€ll be one of the best players in fantasy basketball in 2030.

6. F/C Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Age: 24

Mobleyâ€s fourth NBA season was his best, with the Cavaliers forward/center averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers per game. His role on the offensive end of the floor expanded in the first season of Kenny Atkinsonâ€s tenure as head coach, and thereâ€s still plenty of room for growth. The only question is what will Clevelandâ€s frontcourt look like in 2030. Will Mobley continue to share the court with another big man, as he currently does with Jarrett Allen? Or will he shift to center full-time?

7. G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Age: 24

Like Mobley, Edwards†position could change by the time the year 2030 rolls around. Current Timberwolves starting point guard Mike Conley turns 38 on October 11, meaning there could come a point in the near future where Edwards is either sharing the backcourt with Rob Dillingham or being utilized as an uber-athletic scoring point guard. Whatever is decided, Ant-Man has the skill needed to be a cornerstone for his franchise and fantasy rosters.

8. C Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

Age: 23

Åžengün, who led Türkiye to a silver medal at EuroBasket this past summer, turned 23 in late July. While his scoring average decreased by two points compared to his 2023-24 number, the Rockets center earned his first All-Star Game appearance last season and averaged a double-double for the first time in four NBA seasons. Åžengünâ€s all-around skill set makes him a center who should be highly valuable in fantasy leagues five years from now, especially if he were to develop a more reliable perimeter shot.

9. G/F Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Age: 22

After taking on a supplementary role as a rookie, the versatile Thompson figured more prominently in the Rockets†rotation last season. And with Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, the 2025-26 season could be a preview of whatâ€s to come for Thompson. Compared to his rookie season, the 6-foot-7 wingâ€s averages improved in all major categories while shooting nearly 56 percent from the field. Like Åžengün, Thompson is in a position where things could get truly scary if heâ€s able to develop a consistent perimeter shot over the next five years.

10. F/C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 23

The biggest concern for Holmgren is the injuries. After sitting out the entire 2022-23 season with a foot injury, he was limited to 32 games last season by a broken hip. Sandwiched in between those two seasons was a 2023-24 campaign in which Holmgren did not miss a game. When on the floor, heâ€s a gifted frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center, and that versatility will serve Holmgren well over the next five years.

Victor Wembanyama is clearly the most valuable player in dynasty leagues.

11. F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Age: 23

Like Holmgren, availability has been an issue for Johnson during the early stages of his NBA career. Heâ€s appeared in more than 60 games just once and is coming off a 2024-25 campaign in which he was limited to 36 appearances. However, Johnson did finish last season with career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots while shooting 50 percent from the field. As long as he stays relatively healthy, the tools are there for Johnson to be a highly impactful fantasy player in 2030.

12. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas Jayhawks

Age: 18

Peterson is the first of three players on this list who have yet to play a college game, much less enter the NBA. But the Kansas freshman is that good. A combo guard who can play on or off the ball, the 6-foot-5 Peterson is on the short list of many regarding the top draft-eligible prospects for 2026. Winner of the 2025 Naismith Trophy Boys School Player of the Year award, Peterson was also a McDonaldâ€s All-American this past season.

13. G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 24

Maxey, who will turn 25 in early November, has averaged 25.9 and 26.3 points per game over the last two seasons. While there are significant questions regarding teammate Joel Embiidâ€s injury history, the 2024-25 campaign was the first in which Maxey failed to play at least 60 games. In five years†time, he should be the cornerstone in Philadelphia and an elite player worthy of first-round consideration, regardless of league format.

14. F Cameron Boozer, Duke Blue Devils

Age: 18

The 6-foot-9 Boozer, whose father Carlos enjoyed a 13-year NBA career, was a two-time winner of the Gatorade National Player of the Year award while in high school. The combination of build, athleticism and skill set makes the younger Boozer a player capable of playing anywhere in the frontcourt, and that versatility tends to make for an excellent fantasy option. Like Peterson and another player a little further down on this list, Boozer is projected to be among the top draft-eligible talents for 2026.

15. G Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers

Age: 25

While it remains to be seen how Haliburtonâ€s recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon will go, heâ€s already one of the best players in fantasy basketball when healthy. Last season, he averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers per game while leading the Pacers to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Heâ€ll miss the entire 2025-26 campaign, but Haliburton should remain one of the best players in fantasy basketball in 2030.

16. F Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Age: 24

After three seasons in which he played at least 70 games, Wagner suffered an oblique injury that limited him to 60 appearances last season. However, he was excellent when on the floor, providing fourth-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. A healthy Wagner can be an even greater asset, regardless of league format, because of his efficiency and versatile game. Like a few of the players above him on this list, Wagner needs to improve his perimeter shot, as heâ€s shot 28.1 and 29.5 percent from three over the past two seasons.

Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew pick their “guys†for the upcoming fantasy season.

17. F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Age: 24

The reigning champion Thunder have three players on this list, and none are over 27 years old. Williams can be plugged in just about anywhere within a lineup; thatâ€s how versatile his game is. Due to injuries, he even spent some time at the center position last season. Williams†averages have increased in each of his three NBA seasons, and he earned third-team All-NBA and second-team All-Defense honors in 2024-25. He wonâ€t be 30 years old until the latter stages of the 2030-31 regular season and still has not begun his athletic prime.

18. F Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Age: 27

Like Haliburton, Tatum is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered during last seasonâ€s playoffs. However, the Celtics starâ€s recovery will be interesting to watch, as he has not been officially ruled out for the 2025-26 season. Will Tatum attempt to return? And how would that impact the next five years of his NBA career? Tatum already has eight NBA seasons under his belt, but he has the skill set that can make him a serious factor in fantasy basketball when 2030 rolls around.

19. F AJ Dybantsa, BYU Cougars

Age: 18

The third and final current collegian on this list, Dybantsa will also be in contention to go first overall in next summerâ€s draft if he declares. The 6-foot-10 forward will be the biggest story in the state of Utah this season, especially with the Jazz in the midst of a rebuild. Dybantsa was the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2025 and is a three-time FIBA gold medalist. Dybantsaâ€s explosive athleticism and varied skill set make him a player who can have a significant impact in fantasy basketball by the time 2030 rolls around.

20. G Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

Age: 19

The second overall pick in the 2025 draft, the 6-foot-6 Harper can be used anywhere on the perimeter. During his lone season at Rutgers, he spent most of his time on the ball but can also take on an off-ball role. On a Spurs roster that includes Wembanyama, Deâ€Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, that may be something Harper has to do early on, but heâ€s capable of progressing into a lead playmaker role over the next five seasons.

21. F Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Age: 22

The 6-foot-10 Banchero has recorded increased points and rebounds averages in each of his three NBA seasons, but turnovers have limited his impact in fantasy basketball, especially in category leagues. However, that should not be the case in 2030, when Banchero may be beginning his athletic prime. Five years from now, this spot on the list may prove to be egregiously low for Banchero.

22. G LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Age: 24

Despite his age, Ball has already played five NBA seasons. However, while production has not been an issue for the Hornets†point guard, staying on the court has. The 2021-22 season is the only one in which Ball has played at least 60 games; heâ€s appeared in 47 or fewer in each of the last three. The injury concerns have knocked Ball down many fantasy draft boards; hopefully, that wonâ€t be an issue five years from now.

23. C Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Age: 30

Jokić is the only player on this list aged 30 years or older. However, the skill set and elite production cannot be ignored, especially for a player whose game is not reliant on “jump out of the gym†athleticism. The Joker has been the top-ranked player in fantasy basketball in per-game value in four of the last five seasons, and no lower than second in totals in six straight. Will Jokić still be in the NBA in five years†time? Weâ€ll see, but the track record of excellence is why he has to be on this list.

Nikola Jokić headlines Rotoworldâ€s Preseason Top 200, but key injuries across the league make this one of the most unpredictable fantasy seasons in years.

24. F Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Age: 24

After earning his first All-Star Game appearance in 2023-24, Barnes recorded similar numbers last season. And heâ€s capable of doing more, provided he becomes a more consistent shooter. Barnes shot 27.1 percent from three last season and is a career 30 percent shooter from deep on 3.6 attempts per game. He doesnâ€t have to turn into the next Stephen Curry, but consistent shooting would improve Barnes†fantasy profile, given what he can already do as a playmaker and defender.

25. G Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Age: 27

Young has played 73 games or more in three of the last four seasons, and most recently, he led the NBA in assists. Having averaged a points/assists double-double each of the last three seasons, the Hawks†point guard can remain a fantasy force for years to come. Something to watch is how young players like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels progress, as their development may benefit Young in the turnover category. Heâ€s averaged at least four per game each of the last six seasons, lowering Youngâ€s value in nine-cat formats.

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Lamar Jackson will miss his second straight game on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 4.

The Ravens struggled without Jackson in Week 5. A similar outcome is expected against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. The injury will not just affect the AFC standings, but plenty of fantasy football matchups.

Elsewhere in the AFC North, Ja’Marr Chase is questionable for the Cincinnati Bengals’ clash with the Green Bay Packers.

Below is a look at all of the significant injury news affecting fantasy football matchups in Week 6.

• Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL: Out (hamstring), per team injury report.
• Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN: Questionable (illness), per Underdog.
• Kyler Murray, QB, ARI: Questionable (foot), per Underdog.
• Brock Purdy, QB, SF: Out (toe), per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
• Bucky Irving, RB, TB: Out (foot/shoulder), per Underdog.
• Mike Evans, WR, TB: Out (hamstring), per Underdog.
• Chris Godwin, WR, TB: Out (fibula), per Underdog
• Alvin Kamara, RB, NO: Questionable (ankle), per New Orleans Football’s Mike Triplett.
• Juwan Johnson, TE, NO: Full participant in Friday practice (ankle), per Triplett.
• Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR: Out (calf), per Underdog.
• Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT: Not on injury report (knee), per Underdog.
• CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL: Out (ankle), per Ed Werder.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET: Not on injury report (wrist), per Underdog.
• Terry McLaurin, WR, WSH: Did not practice Friday (quad), per team injury report.
• Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC: Questionable (hamstring), per team injury report.
• Xavier Worthy, WR, KC: No injury designation, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
• Zay Flowers, WR, BAL: Questionable (shoulder), per team injury report.
• Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL: Did not participate in Friday practice (hamstring), per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
• Alec Pierce, WR, IND: Will play Sunday (head), per Underdog.
• Brock Bowers, TE, LV: Not expected to play (knee), per ESPN’s Ryan McFadden.

Lamar Jackson Out For Second Straight Week

The Ravens could be in for another week without Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore lost 44-10 to the Houston Texans in Week 5, a game in which the Ravens were not competitive in.

A similar fate likely awaits the Ravens in Week 6 versus the Rams. With that in mind, fantasy football players should turn away from most Ravens pass-catchers.

Zay Flowers was the only Ravens pass-catcher to have more than two catches in Week 5. Flowers is questionable for Sunday with a shoulder injury of his own.

Derrick Henry’s workload did not significantly increase with Jackson out either. He had 33 yards on 15 carries in Week 5.

The Rams defense has been more susceptible to concessions through the air, but that is Baltimore’s weakness at the moment. Sean McVay’s team held its last three opponents under 100 rushing yards, a bad sign for Henry’s Week 6 fantasy stats.

Mac Jones, Sam Darnold and Trevor Lawrence are among the potential pickups to replace Jackson in Week 6.

Baltimore has a Week 7 bye and there’s a chance Jackson returns for the Week 8 clash with the Chicago Bears, but that is still to be determined.

Ja’Marr Chase Questionable For Clash With Packers

Ja’Marr Chase is listed as questionable with an illness for Cincinnati’s trip to Lambeau Field.

If Chase plays, he’ll be catching passes from Joe Flacco, who was named the starting quarterback earlier in the week after his trade from Cleveland.

Chase put up mixed numbers with Jake Browning at quarterback. He had a pair of 100-yard performances, but also recorded 50 and 23 receiving yards in the two other games.

Flacco appears to be an upgrade over Browning, but the Bengals won’t go back to the high production level they had with Joe Burrow under center.

Green Bay poses a tough matchup for the Bengals as well. The Packers held two of their four opponents under 200 passing yards.

If Chase can’t play, or you don’t trust the matchup, Kendrick Bourne, Tre Tucker, Rashid Shaheed and Hollywood Brown are among the best waiver-wire pickups at wide receiver.

Brown could be a sneaky waiver-wire pickup for a potential high-scoring affair between the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. He has the most targets and receptions on the Chiefs roster, but his play has been overshadowed a bit by Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy and the big-play potential of Tyquan Thornton.

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Oct 10, 2025, 10:00 AM ET

All of our pre-draft content is available in our Fantasy basketball draft guide, which includes rankings and projections for H2H points as well as roto/category leagues.

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It also includes player profiles, strategies for every kind of draft, expert mock drafts, sleepers, busts, breakouts, rookie rankings and much more from some of the best minds in fantasy basketball.

When it comes to draft day, you’ll want to print out our handy rankings cheat sheets (so you can keep track of which players have been drafted and who you should grab next). Next, our ESPN draft tips cheat sheet is a collection of our best pre-draft content, including the five players each of our experts are targeting in drafts.

Finally, our NBA schedule grid will help you select players who will play extra games during the fantasy playoffs and avoid those with thin schedules.

Draft tips cheat sheet

Download a PDF of our cheat sheet, which includes sleepers, busts, breakouts, Eric Karabell’s “Do Draft” and “Do Not” draft lists, André Snellings’ ultimate draft board and more. Just click, print and win! »

Top 150 fantasy basketball rankings: H2H points league scoring

André Snellings ranks his top 200 players for fantasy basketball leagues that use standard ESPN head-to-head points league scoring systems. Download PDF »

Top 150 fantasy basketball rankings: Roto/category league scoring

Snellings ranks his top 200 players for fantasy basketball leagues that use eight-category (points, 3s, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, field goal percentage and free throw percentage) rotisserie (roto) scoring systems. Download PDF »

Schedule grid

Plan ahead for your head-to-head and weekly matchups so you have players with quality schedules and avoid those who play fewer games. Download PDF »

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