With NBA preseason underway, fantasy basketball managers are preparing for the 2026-27 campaign. Yahoo High Score rewards positive statistical contributions without penalising missed shots or turnovers, making all-around production and explosive performances especially valuable.
Key Takeaways from 2025-26 High Score
- Nikola Jokić leads the rankings: The Denver Nuggets superstar topped the league with 68.7 High Score Fantasy Points per game, thanks to his elite scoring, rebounding and playmaking.
- Luka Dončić finishes second: Averaging 64.3 HSFP, Dončić's scoring and all-around production made him one of fantasy basketball's most valuable players.
- Versatility drives fantasy value: Players such as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Johnson and Victor Wembanyama benefited from contributing across multiple statistical categories.
- High Score changes draft strategy: With no penalties for missed shots or turnovers, players who generate high-volume production can be especially valuable in Yahoo's format.
Here are the 10 leading players by average High Score Fantasy Points (HSFP) during the 2025-26 NBA season.
10. Donovan Mitchell: The Spider's Explosive Single-Game Spikes (49.1 HSFP)
Donovan Mitchell, despite a mid-season trade joining James Harden, proved his immense value in High Score. While his average dipped slightly post-trade, his ability to deliver individual monster games is pure gold when every point counts.
His 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and especially his sneaky 1.5 steals per game, kept him ahead of other guards. That defensive impact, often overlooked in standard leagues, was his separator.
9. Jaylen Brown: Unleashed in Boston, Now a Sixers Weapon (50.1 HSFP)
When Jayson Tatum was sidelined for much of 2025-26, Jaylen Brown seized the spotlight. He transformed into a primary offensive force, which directly translated to High Score dominance.
Brown averaged an impressive 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, earning him an All-NBA Second Team selection. Now with the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid, his sheer talent still promises massive performances, even if his usage adjusts.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo: The Greek Freak's Undiminished Power (53.1 HSFP)
Even with just 36 games for the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo's sheer impact in High Score cannot be overstated. When he suited up, he was a statistical wrecking ball.
Giannis posted 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists a night. Although his defensive stats (0.9 steals, 0.7 blocks) were slightly down, his paint presence remained elite. Now healthy and with the Miami Heat, expect him to reclaim even more of his all-around fantasy glory.
7. Jalen Johnson: Atlanta's All-Around Fantasy Gem (53.5 HSFP)
Jalen Johnson's breakthrough All-NBA season was a masterclass in versatile production, perfectly suited for High Score. While his 22.5 points weren't league-leading, his elite 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists propelled him into the top tier. This Atlanta Hawks phenom became the only player ever to record 30 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals in a single game on November 13th.
6. Tyrese Maxey: The Sixers Guard's Scoring Surge (53.5 HSFP)
Tyrese Maxey posted career highs of 28.3 points per game in 2025-26, alongside 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.9 steals. Although sharing the Philadelphia backcourt with additional star talent could affect his workload, his scoring explosiveness and playmaking make him a strong High Score option.
5. Victor Wembanyama: Defensive Dominance Drives Fantasy Value (55.0 HSFP)
Victor Wembanyama averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, adding 3.1 blocks and one steal. His elite rim protection and rebounding significantly boosted his fantasy production, while his growing role with San Antonio makes him a potential MVP candidate heading into 2026-27.
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The MVP's Consistent Fantasy Production (55.1 HSFP)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game, with 1.4 steals for Oklahoma City. The reigning back-to-back MVP combined elite scoring with impressive shooting efficiency, making him one of the most reliable high-end fantasy options.
3. Cade Cunningham: Detroit's Playmaking Fantasy Star (56.1 HSFP)
Cade Cunningham averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game, nearly recording a double-double for Detroit. With Jalen Duren returning and additional shooting options joining the Pistons, Cunningham's playmaking and all-around production should keep him among the leading High Score performers.
2. Luka Dončić: The Lakers Superstar's Scoring Masterclass (64.3 HSFP)
Luka Dončić averaged an NBA-best 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game, adding 1.6 steals for the Lakers. Although an April injury ended his season early, his outstanding production across 64 games puts him firmly among the top fantasy targets for 2026-27.
1. Nikola Jokić: The Nuggets Star Reigns Supreme (68.7 HSFP)
Nikola Jokić topped the rankings with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game, alongside 1.4 steals. Leading the league in both rebounds and assists, the Denver Nuggets centre's remarkable all-around production made him Yahoo High Score's most valuable player in 2025-26.
Final Verdict
Jokić and Dončić headline the rankings, but the top 10 shows why versatility matters in Yahoo High Score. From Cunningham's playmaking to Wembanyama's shot-blocking, players who contribute across the box score can deliver excellent fantasy returns. For 2026-27, managers should prioritise both consistent production and the potential for explosive individual performances.
