Fantasy Basketball SF/PF Rankings 2025-26: Draft Tiers

The approaching 2025-26 NBA schedule prompts this guide, accompanying my updated projections for fantasy basketball, incorporating both points and category evaluations. This resource arranges prominent small forwards and power forwards into distinct tiers, designed to assist in shaping your draft approaches within points-centric leagues.

[Initiate or participate in a fantasy basketball competition for the 2025-26 NBA year]

Bearing in mind, these tier classifications are not strict rankings. They are groupings of athletes exhibiting comparable potential and worth. Utilizing tiers in your draft offers adaptability, guaranteeing the acquisition of sufficient positional reserves. Moreover, specific player analyses are included for those engaging in category-based formats.

Tier 1: The fantasy pillars

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

• Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis excels in scoring, rebounding, and facilitating, making him a top pick in points leagues. His occasional category league deficiencies, such as turnovers and free throws, are irrelevant here. He merits consideration as a top-three selection.

Anthony Davis: Davis flourishes in points systems because of his defensive prowess, rebounding skills, and scoring ability. Although his history of injuries is a concern, he has been a top-five fantasy performer over the last three seasons while healthy, averaging over 52 FPPG.

Tier 2: Elite anchors

• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

• Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

• Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

• Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

• Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

LeBron James: Even at 40 years old (turning 41 in December), LeBron is still a dominant force in points leagues. Age seems to have no effect on the King.

Paolo Banchero: Orlando’s promising player is developing into a valuable fantasy asset similar to LeBron, excelling in various statistical categories. Placing him in the second tier may seem ambitious, but he has consistently improved his scoring, shooting frequency, and rebounding in each of his initial three seasons. Capitalize on his promising growth.

Kevin Durant: Regardless of the format, Durant warrants an early-round selection. He’s a skilled player, and his new position in Houston won’t impede his ability to score 25 points per game and exceed 40 FPPG.

Jalen Johnson: With the Hawks undergoing changes, his potential for assists will increase, building on his status as a versatile two-way forward. He is poised to join Giannis and Nikola Jokić in the exclusive 20-10-5 club this year.

Scottie Barnes: Barnes’ multifaceted approach is advantageous in points leagues, with his rebounds and assists enhancing his base value. As Toronto’s primary player, his substantial role ensures Tier 2 status.

Jaylen Brown: While bold, Brown is likely to achieve career-best statistics. Since 2021, in 31 games without Jayson Tatum, Brown has averaged 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. Factoring in his nearly four turnovers per game, that still approaches 45 FPPG. Though more suited for points leagues, he should be selected by Round 4 even in category leagues.

Tier 3: All-Star caliber

• Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

• Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

• Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

Jalen Williams: The third-year professional is expected to consistently average 20-5-5, making him dependable in points formats. He also excels in steals. His high base level makes him a reliable early-round choice in any format.

Franz Wagner: Building on his EuroBasket victory, Wagner enters the season confidently. Each year, he has improved his scoring, rebounds, and assists, and the Magic are projected to be a top team in the East. Embrace the excitement.

Zion Williamson: Remaining injury-free is crucial, but a healthy Zion could ascend to Tier 2 as the main offensive option for the Pelicans.

Tier 4: Reliable starters

• Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

• Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans

• Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets

• Josh Hart, New York Knicks

• Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

• Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors

• DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings

• Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Deni Avdija: In 20 games following the All-Star break, Deni achieved averages of 23.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He’s poised to become a recognizable figure in fantasy basketball this season across all formats.

Josh Hart: Hart contributes across various categories, and his rebounding and assists from the wing provide additional points league value. He is a dependable forward who rarely underperforms. However, last season was likely his best.

Pascal Siakam: Siakam’s participation and output are similar whether or not Tyrese Haliburton is on the court. His early third-round ADP is slightly excessive for points and category leagues, but he is expected to be a consistent, high-floor asset regardless of the format. It might be better to choose other Pacers later, such as Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, or Jay Huff.

Cooper Flagg: This rookie enters with significant anticipation. His defensive awareness, agility, and scoring capability position him as an intriguing high-potential player in all leagues. To secure him, it might be necessary to reach into the third round.

Tier 5: High-risk, somewhat high-reward vets

• Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers

• Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

• Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers

• Brandon Ingram, Toronto Raptors

Kawhi Leonard: Assuming the NBA investigation doesn’t lead to any consequences, Leonard seems prepared for the season’s start. He would be ranked higher if not for load management concerns.

Lauri Markkanen: Markkanen also performed well in EuroBasket, reminding everyone of his talent after last season’s issues. The Jazz are expected to be more competitive this season, but his current ADP of 43 seems high. Selecting Markkanen in the fifth round in 12-team leagues would be preferable.

Brandon Ingram: An ankle injury caused Ingram to miss a large portion of the 2024-25 season. He was also traded to the Raptors during the season. Injuries have been a recurring theme in Ingram’s career, but his production is consistent when healthy. Like George, his ADP is falling below 70 on Yahoo.

Tier 6: Upside swings

• Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

• Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

• Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Michael Porter Jr.: Porter Jr. is poised to achieve career-high points per game this year. Additionally, 10 rebounds per game is a possibility. He could provide more value than expected, especially since Brooklyn is projected to be one of the league’s weaker teams.

Matas Buzelis: With approximately 30 minutes of play expected, the Bulls will offer him greater opportunities in his second year. He is anticipated to surpass the 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists he averaged as a starter last season. He’s preferred for category leagues, but any scoring improvement benefits his potential in points leagues.

Ausar Thompson: The other Thompson twin is one to watch for a breakout. If his playing time increases into the high 20s or low 30s, he could average 13-15 PPG along with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and around two stocks per game. The Pistons are projected to improve, and his development is essential to their progress.

Tier 7: Solid vets playing big minutes

• RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors

• Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

• OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

• Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets

• Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

• John Collins, Los Angeles Clippers

• Andrew Wiggins, Miami Heat

RJ Barrett: While I may be overlooking a consistently undervalued asset in points leagues, I am uncertain he will maintain his performance with Brandon Ingram also vying for possessions. Last year, Barrett averaged 37 FPPG …

Julius Randle: Randle regained his form with the Wolves during the postseason. However, there are concerns he may not produce the usual statistics. He averaged fewer than eight rebounds per game for the first time in his career, and his scoring decreased to 18.7 PPG, the lowest in four seasons. He has refined his style, making him better for category leagues than points leagues.

John Collins: The Clippers are well-staffed, which reduces the risk associated with Collins’ fantasy value while playing for Utah. He is also efficient and contributes significantly in scoring, rebounding, and defense.

Cameron Johnson: As with Anunoby, efficiency significantly influences Johnson’s fantasy value. Both are preferred for category leagues due to their expected average of 15-18 PPG with average rebounding and assists, but a steady starting role with 30+ minutes per night.

Tier 8: Reliable role players

• Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

• Bobby Portis Jr., Milwaukee Bucks

• Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets

• Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee Bucks

• Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors

• De’Andre Hunter, Cleveland Cavaliers

• Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

• Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

• Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

• Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Tobias Harris, Detroit Pistons

• Klay Thompson, Dallas Mavericks

Santi Aldama: Although Jaren Jackson Jr.’s (toe) availability for the season’s beginning is uncertain, Aldama is a viable option for points and category leagues. His ADP has risen to 119th overall in the past week, and he could surpass that ADP due to Desmond Bane’s departure and JJJ’s temporary absence. Aldama has shown improvements in nearly all categories except for blocks per game and FT%.

Aaron Gordon: Gordon complements Jokić and consistently contributes in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He is an underappreciated all-around player.

Keegan Murray: A change of team would benefit him. In points or category leagues, there are too many players ahead of him for me to be enthusiastic.

Jonathan Kuminga: It is unlikely that he will be traded before the season starts, meaning he will be a bench player for the Warriors. Although not ideal, Kuminga could become one of the league’s top-scoring bench options.

Tier 9: Back-end depth

• Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs

• Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

• P.J. Washington Jr., Dallas Mavericks

• Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers

• Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs

• Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards

• Tari Eason, Houston Rockets

• Terrence Shannon, Minnesota Timberwolves

• Bilal Coulibaly, Washington Wizards

• Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks

• Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

• Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers

• Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors

• Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns

• Aaron Nesmith, Indiana Pacers

• Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers

• Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia 76ers

• Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

• Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

• Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

• Khris Middleton, Washington Wizards

Ace Bailey: Bailey is slated to begin as SF this year, and despite his defensive weaknesses, he can score effectively. Given the efficiency issues, targeting him late in points leagues is advisable over category formats.

Herbert Jones: With the hope that Herb remains healthy, he is a top defender in the league. His abilities are more beneficial for category leagues, but monitor him for late-round stocks and 3s.

Kyshawn George: Bilal Coulibaly’s injury could benefit this Canadian forward, allowing George to potentially enter the starting lineup. George is an emerging two-way player who demonstrated confidence in the Vegas Summer League and AmeriCup events. He is a sleeper whom I will target late in drafts across all formats.

Tari Eason: Although he may have to bide his time, he remains an efficient player, especially in category leagues. Jabari Smith Jr. is another player to consider.

Toumani Camara: Similar to Herb Jones, Camara has become a leading defensive player in the NBA. An offensive improvement would move him up a tier or two, but there are many players seeking opportunities in Portland.

Tier 10: Streamers

• Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Harrison Barnes, San Antonio Spurs

• Guerschon Yabusele, New York Knicks

• Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls

• Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Cam Whitmore, Washington Wizards

• Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

• Sam Hauser, Boston Celtics

• Royce O’Neale, Phoenix Suns

• Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies

• Dalton Knecht, Los Angeles Lakers

• Aaron Wiggins, Oklahoma City Thunder

• Justin Edwards, Philadelphia 76ers

• Ronald Holland II, Detroit Pistons

• Taylor Hendricks, Utah Jazz