NBA Fantasy: Top 150 fantasy basketball category rankings for 2025-26

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Preseason action is less than a month away, meaning fantasy basketball prep is here! If you’re looking for an edge this season, RotoWire has you covered with their top 150 category league rankings. Read on to see the rankings, plus analysis for each player.

1. Nikola Jokić, DEN: While someone like Victor Wembanyama may have more upside, Jokić is still the safest pick in fantasy basketball for any format.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC: He may not be the triple-double threat that Luka Dončić is, but SGA is a better two-way player and a more efficient shooter.
3. Victor Wembanyama, SAS: Has the potential to be the best two-way player in the NBA this season, but his offensive game still needs some polish.
4. Luka Dončić, LAL: Took over the reins of the Lakers’ offense following the trade from Dallas. It looks like he’ll be coming into 2025-26 with a new body and mindset.
5. Cade Cunningham, DET: Leapt into first-round fantasy value last season while carrying the Pistons to the postseason. It’s possible he’s tapped out his usage, but better efficiency could be on the way.
6. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL: Free-throw percentage remains an issue, but Antetokounmpo could be primed for his best season ever with Damian Lillard no longer on the team.
7. Anthony Edwards, MIN: Has been one of the most durable stars in the NBA and took his 3-point shooting to the next level last year. To be truly elite in fantasy, he’ll need to increase his usage, his efficiency, or his defense.
8. Anthony Davis, DAL: Being a top 3 fantasy player is not out of AD’s wheelhouse. But injury issues continue to crop up, and he’s another year older.
9. James Harden, LAC: Like Anthony Davis, Harden can be a top 3 fantasy asset, but he’s on the wrong side of 35.
10. Trae Young, ATL: One of the best sources of 20-and-10 performances in the NBA. The shooting efficiency may not always be there, but he’s young enough to make strides
11. Devin Booker, PHO: Without their own draft picks, the Suns are motivated to make the playoffs, which may require Booker having the best year of his career.
12. Stephen Curry, GSW: Age and injury risk place Curry farther down this list than his upside. He can still put together an elite fantasy campaign that rivals nearly anyone.
13. Tyrese Maxey, PHI: There’s uncertainty in Philly, and Maxey struggled at times last season. But he’s proven to be one of the most efficient guards in the NBA and may now officially be the driver of the team’s offense, given Joel Embiid’s inability to stay healthy.
14. Jalen Williams, OKC: Emerged as an All-Star last season, and is one of the league’s more efficient two-way wings. A best-case scenario involves SGA taking a small step back and letting Williams develop a bit more following the team’s 2025 title.
15. Karl-Anthony Towns, NYK: It’s not clear what new coach Mike Brown’s gameplan will be, but it’s possible KAT will play more power forward this year. It may be good for the team, but it could hurt his fantasy value. Either way, he should be drafted within the first two rounds.
16. LeBron James, LAL: LeBron just doesn’t seem to slow down. He’ll handle the ball less with Luka Dončić around, but that could come with better efficiency and less wear and tear.
17. Evan Mobley, CLE: Won Defensive Player of the Year and took steps forward on offense, especially as a 3-point shooter and passer. If another leap comes, it’s possible Mobley reaches first-round value.
18. Donovan Mitchell, CLE: Didn’t reach the heights last season that he hit two years prior, but Mitchell remains one of the best shooting guards in the NBA.
19. Kevin Durant, HOU: KD has clear first-round fantasy potential, but the Rockets may ask him to play fewer minutes given his age and the surrounding talent.
20. Domantas Sabonis, SAC: The best triple-double threat we have at center besides Nikola Jokić. There are questions about Sacramento’s future, but Sabonis feels stable.
21. LaMelo Ball, CHA: Continues to flash first-round fantasy upside, but also continues to get injured. He also has more help than the past few seasons, which caps his usage in theory.
22. Scottie Barnes, TOR: Toronto’s 2024-25 season didn’t go as planned, but they’ve reloaded the roster with postseason aspirations. Barnes should remain the focal point of the team, but there are also numerous other playmakers in the starting five.
23. Jalen Brunson, NYK: The main man on the Knicks, Brunson is one of the most productive point guards in the NBA. It’s possible a small minutes reduction is on the way with new coach Mike Brown, plus added depth.
24. Jalen Johnson, ATL: Put up All-Star numbers last season before a season-ending injury. Atlanta has a lot of mouths to feed, but Johnson is theoretically the No. 2 option.
25. Josh Giddey, CHI: Put up the best numbers of his career post-All-Star break last season and still projects as the Bulls’ lead playmaker in 2025-26.
26. Chet Holmgren, OKC: Injuries have been an issue early in Holmgren’s career, but it feels like this season could be a major step in his offensive development.
27. Amen Thompson, HOU: One of the league’s best athletes, Thompson also proved to be one of the league’s best and most versatile two-way players. His main barriers to elite fantasy production are the lack of a 3-pointer and subpar free-throw shooting.
28. Jaren Jackson Jr., MEM: A 3-and-D center with increased offensive potential due to Desmond Bane being traded to the Magic.
29. De’Aaron Fox, SAS: About to begin his first full season with the Spurs, Fox could make one of the best one-two punches in the NBA with Victor Wembanyama.
30. Derrick White, BOS: With the Celtics in a gap year, White has plenty of upside in an increased offensive role. However, if the team doesn’t perform well, it’s possible he sees rest days down the stretch.
31. Bam Adebayo, MIA: One of the safest centers you can draft in fantasy basketball. Adebayo is a focal point for the Heat on both ends of the floor.
32. Paolo Banchero, ORL: The leader of the Magic who looks like a star in the making. A healthier and improved supporting cast should only help him become more efficient.
33. Pascal Siakam, IND: With Tyrese Haliburton out and Myles Turner in Milwaukee, Siakam projects as Indiana’s lead option.
34. Dyson Daniels, ATL: Had one of the best steals seasons in NBA history. But the downside risk might be more than the upside risk on a team that made significant additions in the offseason.
35. Tyler Herro, MIA: Miami’s No. 1 option took an efficiency leap last season by trimming the fat out of his offensive game. The team has more options this season, but Herro still projects to put up All-Star numbers.
36. Jaylen Brown, BOS: Could have a monster season with the Celtics in a gap year, but there’s downside risk of Brown being rested down the stretch if the team struggles.
37. Alperen Sengun, HOU: Continues to expand his offensive game. A consistent 3-point shot would take his fantasy value to the next level.
38. Ja Morant, MEM: Absences have diminished Morant’s fantasy value, but he’s in a great position this year to have high usage with Desmond Bane in Orlando.
39. Trey Murphy III, NOP: A shoulder injury ended Murphy III’s fantastic season early. He’s situated to be New Orleans’ No. 2 option behind Zion Williamson.
40. Cooper Flagg, DAL: Will have to compete for usage early in the year with Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell – later Kyrie Irving. But Flagg projects as someone who can stuff the stat sheet regardless of role.
41. Austin Reaves, LAL: The No. 3 option behind Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Despite that, Reaves can put up great fantasy value through efficient shooting and solid playmaking.
42. Myles Turner, MIL: Replacing Brook Lopez, Turner should get plenty of open catch-and-shoot 3s generated by Giannis Antetokounmpo. He also has excellent shot-blocking upside if the Bucks continue to play drop coverage.
43. Desmond Bane, ORL: Steps into a new situation coming from the Grizzlies to the Magic. It’s unclear how much of a backseat he’ll take to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
44. Jamal Murray, DEN: Injuries have been a slight issue for Murray, but he’s still Denver’s No. 2 option and has a locked-in two-man game with Nikola Jokić.
45. Franz Wagner, ORL: Inconsistent 3-point shooting has been strange for Wagner, but if he can find his shot, there’s room for him to increase his fantasy value.
46. Joel Embiid, PHI: Health is a concern, and he wasn’t himself when on the court last season. Finding an appropriate draft slot for him is difficult.
47. Kawhi Leonard, LAC: Had a strong end to last season when healthy, but health remains the concern for Leonard – as does age.
48. Deni Avdija, POR: Put up fantastic numbers to end 2024-25, but is it replicable? At the very least, there’s more usage available after Deandre Ayton was bought out and Anfernee Simons was traded.
49. Darius Garland, CLE: Doesn’t look like he’ll begin the season healthy, but Garland has 20-and-10 upside every time he takes the court.
50. Brandon Miller, CHA: Was having a breakout sophomore season before a season-ending injury. Miller still projects as the Hornets’ No. 2 option behind LaMelo Ball and a potential two-way force.
51. Zion Williamson, NOP: Another season was lost for Williamson, who can’t stay healthy. There’s still plenty of upside, but fantasy managers need to make contingency plans.
52. Zach LaVine, SAC: Production fell after being traded to Sacramento, but LaVine could find more chemistry this season and be hyper-efficient again.
53. Jimmy Butler III, GSW: Fit in extremely well with the Warriors after being dealt there in the middle of last season – and 2025-26 should be no exception. Age and injury history drop him down the draft board.
54. Coby White, CHI: Projects as Chicago’s leading scorer this season, and secondary playmaker behind Josh Giddey.
55. Immanuel Quickley, TOR:  Injuries and the Raptors’ struggles derailed Quickley’s 2024-25. But he should be the team’s starting point guard and in contention for leading scorer every night.
56. OG Anunoby, NYK: Had a great season with the Knicks, but stayed exceptionally healthy for his injury history. He could also see fewer minutes with new head coach Mike Brown in place.
57. Jordan Poole, NOP: Goes from being the No. 1 option in Washington to the No. 3 option in New Orleans, but Poole showed the ability to be productive and efficient in a sixth-man role while in Golden State.
58. Walker Kessler, UTA: One of the better shot-blockers and rebounders in the NBA, Kessler fits the mold of a prototypical big man.
59. Nikola Vučević, CHI: Impressed last year with efficient shooting. It’s possible the Bulls will look to deal him around the trade deadline, which adds downside risk.
60. Kristaps Porziņģis, ATL: Health also a concern, but Porziņģis can put up All-Star numbers when available.
61. Josh Hart, NYK: Coming off a career year fueled by playing an absurd amount of minutes, Hart could see his production drop if coach Mike Brown reins things in or decides to play bigger.
62. Alex Sarr, WAS: Poor shooting efficiency held Sarr back as a rookie, but he was a strong shot-blocker and showed off some passing vision. Marginal increases across the board would go a long way in making Sarr a good fantasy center.
63. Lauri Markkanen, UTA: Struggled last season and missed time due to injury and rest. This could be a redemption year for Markkanen, but drafting him still comes with risk, given the Jazz project to be near the bottom of the standings again.
64. Ivica Zubac, LAC: Coming off the best season of his career, but will the Clippers pull back his minutes with the offseason additions of Brook Lopez and John Collins?
65. Jalen Green, PHO: Efficiency has been an issue for Green, but he’s still a quality source of points and 3s, and young enough to make developmental strides.
66. Paul George, PHI: Injuries keep piling up for the veteran, who is coming off a season in which he didn’t look like himself. A bounceback is possible, but draft with caution.
67. Miles Bridges, CHA: A source of well-rounded production at forward, though could see a step back in role if LaMelo Ball stays healthy and Brandon Miller establishes himself as a true No. 2 option.
68. Jalen Duren, DET: Has 15-and-15 upside every time he takes the court. More minutes and better defense would take his fantasy value to the next level.
69. Julius Randle, MIN: Firmly the No. 2 option in Minnesota, Randle’s ceiling isn’t as high as it once was, but his floor is solid.
70. DeMar DeRozan, SAC: Put together solid numbers on his new team, and should be in a similar position this year, though his age is starting to become a factor.
71. Fred VanVleet, HOU: Coming off a down season, it’s possible VanVleet is entering a new phase of his career where he takes a backseat to the other high-usage players on Houston.
72. Mikal Bridges, NYK: Arguably the most durable player in the NBA, though he didn’t assert himself in New York’s gameplan last season.
73. Payton Pritchard, BOS: Last season’s Sixth Man of the Year who should have an opportunity to see starter-level minutes and usage in 2025-26.
74. Michael Porter Jr., BKN: Traded from the Nuggets to the Nets, how well will Porter Jr. fare away from the easy shots Nikola Jokić generates for his teammates?
75. Brandon Ingram, TOR: How big of a role will Ingram have on his new team? Either way, he struggles to stay healthy.
76. Onyeka Okongwu, ATL: Played well in an expanded role to end last season, but how much will Kristaps Porziņģis cut into Okongwu’s workload?
77. Anfernee Simons, BOS: It’s possible the team doesn’t prioritize his minutes in Boston. 
78. Cam Thomas, BKN: Signed the qualifying offer to become an unrestricted free agent next season. If Brooklyn doesn’t feel they can keep him, they have little incentive to play him big minutes.
79. Jakob Poeltl, TOR: Coming off a great season, though saw extra touches with teammates often sidelined. Remains Toronto’s clear starting center, but likely with less upside.
80. Andrew Nembhard, IND: Projects as Indiana’s primary playmaker with Tyrese Haliburton out, though it remains to be seen how much Nembhard can actually scale up his game.
81. Jalen Suggs, ORL: Saw increased usage last year with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missing time, but with Desmond Bane in the fold for 2025-26, there are a lot fewer touches for Suggs.
82. Shaedon Sharpe, POR: With Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton out of town, Sharpe has the potential to establish himself as Portland’s go-to scorer.
83. Donovan Clingan, POR: Expected to start at center as a sophomore and had excellent rebounding and block rates as a rookie.
84. Ausar Thompson, DET: Improved as last season went along following a blood clot issue. There’s massive upside if Thompson can see 30 minutes per game consistently.
85. Mark Williams, PHO: Puts up monster numbers per-minute, but staying healthy has been an issue.
86. Cameron Johnson, DEN: Moving from Brooklyn to Denver means Johnson is the team’s No. 3 option at best, but is competing with Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon for secondary touches.
87. Rudy Gobert, MIN: Not as impactful as he once was, Gobert’s days as an elite fantasy center are behind him.
88. Devin Vassell, SAS: Last season was derailed by injury, but Vassell also continues to drop down the offensive pecking order.
89. Matas Buzelis, CHI: Finished last season strong and has intriguing fantasy value due to his athleticism and blocks upside from the forward position, not to mention better-than-expected 3-point shooting.
90. Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC: Played well while sharing the court with Chet Holmgren, but has a capped upside for that reason.
91. Jarrett Allen, CLE: Allen’s shot-blocking has been decreasing, and it seems like the Cavaliers may start prioritizing playing Evan Mobley more at center.
92. Kel’el Ware, MIA: Earned coach Erik Spoelstra’s trust midway through last season and was a strong per-minute producer as a rookie. Could break into the next tier of fantasy centers if he sees 30 minutes per game.
93. Naz Reid, MIN: One of the best sixth men in the NBA, Reid always has the potential to put up big numbers if Rudy Gobert or Julius Randle miss time.
94. Scoot Henderson, POR: Development has been slower than expected, but there’s more usage available this season.
95. RJ Barrett, TOR: Has the potential to slip to Toronto’s No. 4 offensive option this year behind Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley.
96. Christian Braun, DEN: Coming off a breakout season in which he was one of the best transition players in the NBA, but can Braun scale up his game any further within Denver’s offense?
97. CJ McCollum, WAS: Has always had a high fantasy floor, but McCollum doesn’t fit the Wizards’ rebuilding plans, which gives him downside risk.
98. Draymond Green, GSW: Remains a triple-double threat with defensive upside, but age gives him more risk than in years past.
99. Keegan Murray, SAC: Hasn’t made sizable strides offensively and may be stuck as a fourth option.
100. Nic Claxton, BKN: Coming off a down year, Claxton needs to get back to doing traditional big man things to bring his fantasy value back up.
101. Brandin Podziemski, GSW: Started off last season slowly but improved as the campaign progressed, and is in line to see more usage if/when the Warriors’ three main vets miss time.
102. Stephon Castle, SAS: Took his game to the next level when Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox were out last season. Needs to improve 3-point shooting, but there’s the potential for Castle to be San Antonio’s No. 3 offensive option.
103. Deandre Ayton, LAL: Theoretically sees less usage with the Lakers than with the Trail Blazers, but should have a higher FG%.
104. D’Angelo Russell, DAL: Expected to be Dallas’ starting point guard while Kyrie Irving rehabs from a torn ACL.
105. Tari Eason, HOU: An excellent per-minute fantasy player, but there are numerous barriers to him seeing starter’s minutes.
106. Andrew Wiggins, MIA: Played well after being dealt to Miami in the Jimmy Butler III deal, but Wiggins projects as the team’s No. 4 offensive option.
107. Toumani Camara, POR: An underrated 3-and-D player, but it’s not clear how much he can scale up his game relative to his teammates.
108. Jaden McDaniels, MIN: A fantastic defender who is gaining more confidence on offense.
109. John Collins, LAC: Puts up great numbers when given starter’s minutes, but that won’t necessarily be available on the Clippers – a deep and versatile roster.
110. Zach Edey, MEM: Won’t be ready to start the season but gained steam toward the end of his rookie year and projects as a nightly double-double threat.
111. Jaden Ivey, DET: Improved his 3-point shooting before suffering an early season-ending injury. Still, in theory, Detroit’s No. 2 offensive option.
112. Malik Monk, SAC: Trade rumors make Monk’s fantasy value murky for 2025-26, but we know he can produce when given a significant role.
113. Santi Aldama, MEM: Made strides last year as a playmaker and efficient shooter. An increased role could be in store with Desmond Bane in Orlando
114. Bilal Coulibaly, WAS: A quality defender who is still far too inconsistent on offense, though his development track was always expected to be long.
115. Bradley Beal, LAC: Health reasons have caused for a fall into a reduced role across the past handful of years – something that may not change with the Clippers.
116. Keyonte George, UTA: If George can clean up his offensive efficiency, he could have a small breakout. However, Isaiah Collier and rookie Walter Clayton Jr. are nipping at his heels.
117. Herbert Jones, NOP: One of the better defensive players in the NBA and has shown offensive flexibility in a limited usage role.
118. Bobby Portis, MIL: A solid frontcourt sixth man who could see an increased role if Milwaukee’s other role players can’t step up.
119. Kevin Porter Jr., MIL: Projects as Milwaukee’s starting point guard and potential No. 2 option, though he has some competition from Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony.
120. Norman Powell, MIA: Had a late-career boom with the Clippers last year but seems unlikely to reach those heights again with the Heat.
121. Bennedict Mathurin, IND: An aggressive scorer who could see an expanded role with the Pacers down Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
122. Tobias Harris, DET: Had a solid year with the Pistons but may fall down the pecking order if Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson make strides.
123. Dereck Lively II, DAL: Continues to expand his game but injuries and a timeshare with Daniel Gafford have cut into Lively II’s value.
124. Donte DiVincenzo, MIN: Didn’t live up to expectations during his first year in Minnesota but could take on an expanded role with Mike Conley aging and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the Hawks.
125. T.J. McConnell, IND: Should see an increased role with Tyrese Haliburton out but is unlikely to reach 30 minutes per game.
126. Cason Wallace, OKC: An excellent backcourt defender who can rack up steals, but there’s only so much room for him to operate on offense behind OKC’s Big 3.
127. Kyle Filipowski, UTA: Showed off a dynamic skillset last year but remains part of a cluttered frontcourt.
128. Quentin Grimes, PHI: Demonstrated untapped upside at the end of last season when Philly’s key players were out, but there won’t be that kind of role available this season.
129. Isaiah Collier, UTA: Has good passing vision and can bully his way to the free-throw line, but Collier needs to improve the rest of his offensive game.
130. Aaron Gordon, DEN: Missed much of last season due to recurring injuries, but had an improved 3-point shot that could carry into 2025-26.
131. Collin Sexton, CHA: A great producer when given the minutes, but how many minutes will actually be available in Charlotte?
132. Kyrie Irving, DAL: Worth a late-round pick to stash on injured reserve while he recovers from a torn ACL.
133. Aaron Nesmith, IND: Mostly a 3-and-D player but could expand his role during Indiana’s gap year minus Tyrese Haliburton.
134. Jrue Holiday, POR: Had been seeing a reduced role with the Celtics, and is now in an unclear role with the rebuilding Trail Blazers.
135. Bub Carrington, WAS: Shooting efficiency and defense need work, but Carrington looked ready as a rookie to be a quality playmaker sooner than later. However, CJ McCollum’s presence creates a role concern.
136. Jabari Smith Jr., HOU: Does most of his offensive work as a spot-up shooter and in transition while being a mobile big defender, though he may be stuck as a role player in Houston’s roster.
137. P.J. Washington, DAL: Has settled into a nice role with Dallas but is competing for frontcourt minutes and touches with the likes of Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg.
138. Dejounte Murray, NOP: Recovering from a torn Achilles, Murray may be back in action sometime around the New Year.
139. Keon Ellis, SAC: Emerging as a great 3-and-D guard, but his role is a bit uncertain given the other guards Sacramento employs.
140. Kyle Kuzma, MIL: Could be Milwaukee’s No. 2 option, though that spot is relatively up for grabs after Giannis Antetokounmpo.
141. Yves Missi, NOP: Serviceable as a rim-protector on defense and rim-runner on offense last season, but he may not be able to scale up his usage.
142. Daniel Gafford, DAL: Has tons of per-minute upside but is splitting time with Dereck Lively II.
143. Scotty Pippen Jr., MEM: Ja Morant’s missed time has pushed Pippen Jr. into a bigger role at times, where he’s played well.
144. Kyshawn George, WAS: Displayed intriguing defensive potential last season and is capable of racking up both steals and blocks. A more consistent 3-pointer could vault him up the rankings.
145. Jay Huff, IND: Seems likely to begin the season as Indiana’s starting center while Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman recover from torn Achilles tendons. Huff has a 3-and-D skillset.
146. Zaccharie Risacher, ATL: Slowly but surely became more productive as a rookie, but how much usage is available in Atlanta?
147. Cam Whitmore, WAS: Couldn’t blossom in Houston but could have more opportunities on a rebuilding team like Washington.
148. Dylan Harper, SAS: May have to come off the bench as a rookie but could still easily find his way into sixth-man minutes.
149. Ayo Dosunmu, CHI: Should see secondary touches for the Bulls and can stuff the stat sheet on occasion.
150. Dennis Schröder, SAC: Sacramento’s guard rotation is unclear, but Schröder can be fantasy-relevant when seeing starter’s minutes.