Building a championship-winning fantasy basketball team is no easy feat. Success hinges on strategy, deep knowledge, and a touch of calculated risk-taking. Consistency, especially from players who are not among the top draft picks, is critical.
Dependable Stars and Their Durability
Joel Embiid is a name that resonates with fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Projected to average over 60 fantasy points per game, Embiid has proven his mettle on the court. He averaged 61 fantasy points per game last season, a testament to his prowess. However, his resilience remains a concern; Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season and managed only 39 games last year.
In contrast, Nikola Jokic stands out as a model of consistency. Playing 79 games last season and never fewer than 69 games in any season of his career, Jokic is a reliable pick for any fantasy team. His consistency not only ensures steady fantasy points but also minimizes the risk associated with player absences.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are other marquee names who captivate fantasy managers' attention. James played 71 games last season, a notable improvement over his average of 52 games in the previous three seasons. Nevertheless, he'll turn 40 this season, adding an element of uncertainty. Davis, who played 76 games last season, has struggled with injuries throughout his 12-year career. He has played more than 70 games in consecutive seasons only once.
Rising Stars and Injury Concerns
Ja Morant, despite his immense potential, missed 73 games last season due to suspension and injury. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged an impressive 26.7 points per game (PPG), 7.5 assists per game (APG), and 5.8 rebounds per game (RPG). At 25 years old, Morant's future is bright, but his availability remains a gamble.
Kevin Durant, entering his 18th NBA season at age 36, played 75 games last season. His experience and skill are undeniable, but the wear and tear of a long career could be a factor as the season progresses.
Kyrie Irving is another player whose talent is offset by injury concerns. Over the last five seasons, he has averaged 26.7 PPG with impressive shooting percentages—49.3% from the field, 39.9% from the three-point range, and 91.2% from the free-throw line. Despite ranking 22nd in fantasy points per game last season, his lower ranking (47th) in total fantasy points highlights his limited availability, averaging just 44.2 games per season over the past five years.
Injury-Prone Yet Potent Performers
Zion Williamson offers a mix of spectacular potential and frustrating absences. He averaged 26.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons. However, Williamson only managed to play 90 of 236 possible regular-season games during that period. Playing a career-high 70 games last season, he showed a glimpse of what he could achieve, including a 10-game stretch where he averaged 27.1 PPG.
Kawhi Leonard is another high-risk, high-reward player. Playing 68 games last season, Leonard finished with the 27th-most fantasy points in the league. However, his season ended on a sour note, missing 12 of the Clippers' last 14 games, including the playoffs, due to knee issues.
As the fantasy basketball season approaches, managers must weigh these considerations carefully. While superstars like Embiid, Jokic, and Durant offer high points per game, their durability and game availability significantly impact their overall fantasy value. Emerging talents such as Morant and Williamson present both promising futures and problematic injury histories. The challenge lies in balancing these factors to craft a team that can withstand the rigors of a long NBA season and lead to fantasy basketball glory.