The countdown to the 2025-26 NBA season is officially on, and with tip-off just weeks away, fantasy basketball managers are scrambling to finalize their draft boards. This year, the excitement is palpable, fueled by a new wave of rookies, high-profile trades, and evolving team strategies that could shake up fantasy leagues everywhere. If you’re prepping for your draft, you’re not alone—mock drafts, expert rankings, and advanced computer models are all in play as managers hunt for that perfect winning edge.
On October 9, 2025, SportsLine released its much-anticipated Fantasy basketball rankings after simulating the entire NBA season 10,000 times. The model, which has a track record of pinpointing breakout stars and undervalued gems, is once again serving up a blend of sleepers, breakouts, and busts that could make or break your fantasy campaign. Meanwhile, NBC Sports offered a deep dive into mock draft strategy, highlighting the joys and pitfalls of drafting from the 12th spot in a 12-team, 9-category league. Both sources provide a treasure trove of insights for managers eager to outsmart their competition.
Let’s start with some of the hottest names on the board. Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. has emerged as one of the top sleepers for 2025-26, according to SportsLine’s model. After a turbulent 2023-24 season spent out of the league, Porter found new life with the Clippers and then was acquired by Milwaukee at the trade deadline. In just 19.9 minutes per game, he averaged 11.7 points and 3.7 assists. But it was his late-season surge—posting 20.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.8 steals over his final five games—that really turned heads. Now, with Damian Lillard’s injury and subsequent trade, Porter is penciled in as the Bucks’ starting point guard. With only Giannis Antetokounmpo averaging more than 2.9 assists on last year’s roster, Milwaukee will be leaning heavily on Porter’s playmaking and ball-handling. The model notes that in 2022-23, Porter was one of just five NBA players to average at least 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and 1.4 steals per game—an elite fantasy profile if he can stay healthy and focused.
Porter’s upside is echoed in recent mock drafts. NBC Sports’ 12-team mock saw him selected at Pick 108, with the drafter remarking, "KPJ is penciled in as Milwaukee’s starting PG, and we’ve seen his tremendous upside in flashes throughout his career." The only question mark? Can he stay on the court and out of trouble for a full campaign. If he does, he could easily outperform his current average draft position (ADP) of 72 and become a league-winning value.
Another name making waves is Utah Jazz point guard Isaiah Collier. SportsLine’s model identifies Collier as a top breakout candidate this season. The No. 1 ranked prospect in the Class of 2023, Collier starred at USC before being drafted 29th overall by Utah in 2024. He started his rookie year as a backup but quickly claimed the starting job from Keyonte George, capping his season with averages of 15.9 points and 7.1 assists over his final seven games. The Jazz, now one of the league’s youngest teams after trading veterans Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and John Collins, are fully embracing a youth movement. The high-tempo Utah offense (fifth in pace last year) is tailor-made for Collier’s skill set. The model even ranks him ahead of more established guards like Klay Thompson and Jalen Suggs, despite their higher average draft positions. In NBC’s mock, Collier went at Pick 148, a potential steal for managers who believe in his breakout trajectory.
Rookies are always a hot topic, and this season is no exception. Cooper Flagg, who averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks at Duke, is the first rookie off the board in NBC’s mock (Pick 37). With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Flagg is expected to play a major role for Dallas right out of the gate. As the mock drafter put it, "Flagg is expected to take on a sizeable role in Year 1, and he could be utilized even more on offense while Kyrie Irving is out." His two-way ability makes him an intriguing early-round selection, though some managers may see his draft spot as a reach. Still, his upside is hard to ignore, especially in leagues that reward versatility.
Of course, not every high-profile name is a sure thing. The model is wary of Pelicans guard Jordan Poole, labeling him a potential bust for 2025-26. After serving as the No. 1 option for the Wizards last season, Poole now finds himself competing for touches in a crowded New Orleans backcourt. With Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III both coming off 20-point seasons, and rookie Jeremiah Fears (the No. 7 overall pick) also in the mix, Poole’s shot volume is expected to dip. "Poole is also a bit of a one-trick pony," the model observes, citing his scoring-heavy stat lines but middling contributions elsewhere. A possible midseason return by Dejounte Murray from an Achilles injury could further squeeze Poole’s minutes and usage. The model ranks Poole outside the top 20 fantasy point guards, a red flag for managers considering him at his current seventh-round ADP. In the NBC mock, Poole was taken at Pick 74, a spot that may look risky in hindsight if his role continues to shrink.
Draft strategy is always evolving, and this year’s mocks reflect a willingness to experiment. NBC’s drafter opted to punt three-pointers in the early rounds, focusing instead on rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and field goal percentage. This approach led to selections like Amen Thompson, Jalen Williams, and Paolo Banchero. Speaking of Banchero, he’s expected to build on a stellar 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.9 threes, albeit with room to improve his shooting percentages (45.2% FG, 72.7% FT). His dual eligibility at power forward and center only adds to his fantasy appeal, though managers will be watching for growth in efficiency and defense.
Mistakes and lessons learned are part of the draft process. The NBC mock drafter admitted to a misstep in selecting Deandre Ayton at Pick 60, noting that Banchero’s center eligibility could have allowed for a different positional focus. Later picks like Jakob Poeltl (coming off a career year and a new contract with Toronto) were highlighted as smart value plays. Ultimately, the roster built was heavy on defense and rebounding, light on three-point shooting—a calculated risk that could pay off if breakout candidates deliver.
As fantasy basketball drafts roll on and the NBA season nears, managers are reminded that fortune often favors the bold. With models like SportsLine’s providing data-driven guidance and mock drafts offering practical lessons, the stage is set for a season full of surprises, breakout stars, and maybe a few busts along the way. Whether you’re chasing upside with rookies like Cooper Flagg and Isaiah Collier or banking on veterans to bounce back, one thing’s clear: the 2025-26 fantasy basketball landscape is wide open, and the only certainty is unpredictability.
With tip-off just around the corner and drafts heating up, managers who stay informed and flexible will be best positioned to navigate the twists and turns of the new NBA season. Let the games—and the fantasy drama—begin!
