The Next Wave of NBA Fantasy Basketball Breakouts: Beyond the Obvious Picks
Last season, savvy fantasy managers reaped the rewards of identifying undervalued players like Tyler Herro and Ivica Zubac before they became household names. That edge – the ability to predict unexpected success – is the difference between a playoff berth and an early exit. As we look ahead to the 2025-26 NBA season, a new crop of players is poised to deliver outsized fantasy value, and identifying them now could be your league’s winning move.
The Rise of the 3-and-D Wing: Brandon Miller’s Ascent
Currently being drafted around 85th overall in ESPN leagues, Brandon Miller represents a significant opportunity. Experts like Jim McCormick foresee Miller cracking the top 40 on the Player Rater. This isn’t based on hype, but on tangible factors. Miller’s coaching staff clearly trusts him to create his own shot, and his offensive versatility is rapidly expanding. He’s developing into a potent 3-and-D wing, mirroring the trajectory of players like Trey Murphy III. Few players his size possess his combination of slashing ability and shooting prowess, making him a uniquely valuable fantasy asset.
Bounce-Back Candidates: Betting on Health and Elite Production
The risk-reward proposition surrounding injury-prone stars is always a central theme in fantasy basketball. André Snellings boldly predicts that both Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard will finish within the top 50 in fantasy points, with at least one cracking the top 20. While both players have a history of missed games – combining for 108 missed games last season – Snellings argues that this year presents a different scenario. Both are entering the season relatively healthy, and a mere 60-65 games at their peak levels would be enough to justify their draft position and deliver substantial fantasy returns. This is a calculated gamble, but one with potentially massive payoffs.
Boston’s 3-Point Barrage: Even Without Tatum
Despite the significant loss of Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics are projected to remain a 3-point juggernaut. Eric Karabell predicts that four Celtics – Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, and Sam Hauser – will finish among the top 10 in made 3-pointers this season. Last year’s Celtics led the league in both 3-point attempts and makes, and that volume isn’t likely to diminish significantly. With Tatum sidelined, opportunities will abound for these sharpshooters, making them incredibly valuable in leagues that reward 3-point shooting.
Unlocking Sleeper Potential: Matas Buzelis’s Breakout
Often overlooked in drafts due to a less-than-stellar previous season, Matas Buzelis is generating buzz among fantasy experts. Steve Alexander is aggressively targeting Buzelis, believing he’ll be a top-25 fantasy player. Alexander anticipates the Bulls will give Buzelis around 30 minutes per game, allowing him to showcase his well-rounded stat set – blocks, steals, 3-pointers, rebounds, and assists. His versatility makes him a potential league-winner for those willing to take a chance on his upside.
LaMelo Ball’s Return to Dominance: A Health-Dependent Upside
LaMelo Ball’s fantasy potential is undeniable when healthy. Eric Moody predicts Ball will finally play over 70 games this season, unlocking his top-15 fantasy potential. Averaging 25.2 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.9 RPG, and 3.8 3-pointers last season demonstrates his all-around impact. Fully recovered from ankle and wrist surgeries, and with Charlotte’s improved depth to manage his workload, the conditions are ripe for a healthy and productive season. The key, of course, is staying on the court.
The Shifting Landscape of Fantasy Value
These predictions highlight a crucial trend in modern fantasy basketball: identifying players whose situations are poised to change dramatically. Whether it’s a young player taking on a larger role, a star returning from injury, or a team adjusting its offensive strategy, recognizing these shifts is paramount to success. The ability to anticipate these changes – to see the potential before it’s reflected in draft rankings – is what separates the casual player from the championship contender.
What are your boldest fantasy basketball predictions for the 2025-26 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
