The 2026-27 NBA season is underway, and the opening week has already given fantasy basketball managers plenty to consider. From Tyrese Maxey’s strong start to Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance, several players are making early cases for a place among fantasy basketball’s elite.
Key Highlights
- Nikola Jokić leads the rankings, with his consistent production and durability strengthening his case.
- Tyrese Maxey and Jalen Johnson offer significant fantasy value through their scoring and all-around contributions.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama deliver across multiple categories, giving fantasy managers strong production on both ends.
- Durability and turnovers remain important considerations when evaluating top fantasy options.
Here are the top 10 fantasy basketball players after Week 1, ranked for standard points leagues, with a closer look at their production, roles and potential concerns.
10. Jayson Tatum: A High-Ceiling Option
Jayson Tatum remains an intriguing fantasy option as he works his way back from a torn Achilles tendon. Across 16 games last season, the Boston Celtics forward averaged 10 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.4 steals, showing the all-around production that makes him valuable in fantasy basketball.
Boston’s three-point-heavy offense and its standing among the league’s best offensive teams could help create opportunities for Tatum. However, his recovery and ability to sustain his workload remain important factors to monitor.
9. Tyrese Maxey: Taking Charge of the Offense
Tyrese Maxey made an encouraging early impression against the defending champion New York Knicks, finishing with 28 points and five assists. He also led his team in field-goal attempts, with 19, and free-throw attempts, with nine.
His willingness to take on a substantial scoring load gives him a strong fantasy foundation. If Maxey continues to receive this level of offensive responsibility, he could remain a productive option throughout the season.
8. Jalen Johnson: An All-Around Fantasy Contributor
Jalen Johnson’s combination of scoring, rebounding and playmaking makes him an appealing fantasy basketball option. Last season, he averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists, recording 48.3 fantasy points per game.
That well-rounded statistical profile gives Johnson value beyond scoring alone. His ability to contribute in several areas makes him a player worth watching as the season develops.
7. Cade Cunningham: A Reliable Offensive Engine
Cade Cunningham’s prominent role in the Detroit Pistons’ offense gives him a strong foundation in fantasy basketball. As a primary creator, he has opportunities to contribute through both scoring and playmaking.
Turnovers remain a potential drawback, however, particularly in standard points leagues where they can reduce his overall fantasy output. Cunningham could rank even higher in High Score leagues, where turnovers and missed shots do not count against players.
6. Anthony Edwards: Explosive Scoring Potential
Anthony Edwards delivered a standout performance in the season opener, scoring 45 points as he and LaMelo Ball combined for 66. Edwards finished with 66.5 fantasy points, or 70 points under the High Score format.
His ability to score from all three levels makes him a dangerous offensive option and a high-upside fantasy selection. When Edwards is finding his rhythm, his scoring alone can produce a major fantasy return.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo: Dominant Scoring, More to Give
Giannis Antetokounmpo opened the season with 35 points in 30 minutes against Minnesota, underlining his ability to deliver elite scoring production.
His one assist in the game is worth monitoring, particularly given the potential demands on his playmaking responsibilities without a true starting point guard. If his teammates consistently convert the opportunities he creates, Giannis could strengthen his case for an even higher position in fantasy rankings.
4. Victor Wembanyama: Defensive Stats Raise His Floor
Victor Wembanyama’s combination of scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking makes him one of fantasy basketball’s most valuable players. The reigning Kia Defensive Player of the Year averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.1 blocks last season, producing 53.4 fantasy points per game.
His defensive numbers are particularly important in fantasy formats, where blocks can significantly boost his total. With contributions across multiple categories, Wembanyama offers a strong statistical foundation even when his scoring fluctuates.
3. Luka Dončić: Elite Production With a Durability Concern
Luka Dončić remains one of the NBA’s most productive fantasy players. He recorded 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 30 minutes against Golden State, while attempting 12 three-pointers.
His ability to contribute in scoring, rebounding and playmaking gives him an exceptionally high fantasy ceiling. However, availability remains a concern: Dončić missed 50 games across the previous two seasons. That durability question helps explain why he sits behind the top two players in these rankings.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: A Two-Way Fantasy Force
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened the season with an impressive all-around performance against San Antonio in a rematch of the Western Conference Finals. He finished with 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks, recording 61.2 fantasy points, or 64 in the High Score format.
The reigning back-to-back Kia MVP averaged 50.4 fantasy points per game last season. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court makes him a dependable fantasy cornerstone, with defensive production adding to his scoring value.
1. Nikola Jokić: The No. 1 Fantasy Basketball Pick
Nikola Jokić takes the top spot thanks to his exceptional all-around production and ability to influence multiple areas of the game. His role as a primary ball-handler allows him to contribute through scoring, rebounding and playmaking, giving him a consistently high fantasy ceiling.
With Jamal Murray and DeMar DeRozan among the supporting options identified in the source, Jokić has the pieces around him to remain a central figure in the offense. His durability also strengthens his case: despite missing time through injury last season, he has played at least 65 games in each of his 11 NBA seasons.
For fantasy managers seeking a combination of production and reliability, Jokić remains the leading option heading into the new campaign.
Final Thoughts
The first week of the 2026-27 NBA season offers an early look at the players who could shape fantasy basketball standings. Jokić leads the list, while Gilgeous-Alexander and Dončić provide elite production, and Maxey and Johnson bring appealing all-around value.
Still, one week is only an early snapshot. Managers should continue monitoring playing time, team roles, injuries and statistical trends before making major roster decisions.
