Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team hinges on strategy, knowledge, and the ability to take calculated risks. As fantasy basketball enthusiasts gear up for the new season, understanding player performance and projected outcomes is crucial. Let's dive into the key insights and player stats that could shape the upcoming season.
Key Players and Their Projections
Joel Embiid remains a fantasy powerhouse, projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game. Last season, he averaged 61 fantasy points, showcasing his prowess on the court. However, Embiid's durability poses a question mark; he has never played more than 68 games in a season and managed only 39 games last year. This inconsistency could be a risk for fantasy managers relying heavily on his output.
Nikola Jokic, on the other hand, provides a stark contrast in reliability. Jokic played 79 games last season and has never dipped below 69 games in his career, making him a dependable pick for fantasy teams. Consistency is key, and Jokic has proven to deliver, season after season.
Veterans and Their Endurance
LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers offer contrasting tales of endurance. James played 71 games last season, after averaging only 52 games over the previous three seasons. As he turns 40 this season, questions about his sustainability arise. Meanwhile, Davis played 76 games last season—an impressive feat given his history. Over the previous three seasons, Davis averaged only 44 games. Notably, he has surpassed the 70-game mark in consecutive seasons only once in his 12-year career.
Kevin Durant, entering his 18th NBA season at 36 years old, played 75 games last season. This level of endurance at his age is remarkable and could make him a valuable asset to fantasy teams, assuming he maintains this form.
Young Stars and Their Potential
Ja Morant, now 25 years old, embodies both potential and caution. Despite missing 73 games last season due to suspension and injury, Morant boasts impressive stats over the past three seasons, averaging 26.7 points per game (PPG), 7.5 assists per game (APG), and 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG). His ability to bounce back and avoid further disruptions could significantly influence fantasy standings.
Zion Williamson’s explosive talent is apparent in his averages of 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. However, his health remains a concern, having played only 90 out of a possible 236 regular season games in that period. Last season, Williamson played a career-high 70 games, hinting at what he can achieve if he stays healthy. A late-season surge saw him average 27.1 PPG over a 10-game stretch, tantalizing fantasy managers with his potential output.
Injury Concerns and Reliable Performers
Kawhi Leonard, who played 68 games last season, finished with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league but missed 12 of the Clippers’ last 14 games, including the playoffs, due to knee issues. His performance is an epitome of risk and reward in fantasy basketball—stellar when on the court but plagued by injury woes.
Kyrie Irving also presents a mix of elite performance and availability concerns. Averaging 26.7 PPG with impressive shooting splits—49.3% FG, 39.9% 3P, and 91.2% FT—Irving is a scoring machine. However, his average of just 44.2 games per season over the last five years raises red flags. Ranked 22nd in fantasy points per game last season, his total fantasy points ranking fell to 47th due to his limited availability.
As the fantasy basketball season beckons, striking a balance between high-risk, high-reward players and reliable performers will be critical. Understanding each player's historical performance and potential trajectories can make the difference in building a championship-winning team.