2025-26 Fantasy Basketball League Rankings Simplified

Sport: NBA

Here are the initial fantasy basketball rankings for category leagues for the 2025-26 NBA season. Don’t forget to explore our Top 25 Points League Rankings.

Ranking Methodology

The rankings are derived from the weighted average of per-minute statistics from the past three seasons. Adjustments are also made for player age, projected minutes, and anticipated games played, along with some manual tweaks for accuracy. The overall goal is to provide a balanced baseline for rankings.

Statistics Considered

The rankings focus on eight core category league statistics: points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, three-pointers made, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. Turnovers are not factored in; however, these rankings can still be beneficial for 9-category leagues as great players often have higher turnover rates, and avoiding them could lead to a subpar team.

Tiers of Players

Players are categorized into tiers, indicative of their relative value. Generally, the specific ranks within the tiers are interchangeable, but those in higher tiers are more desirable than those lower down. As we descend the rankings, distinctions become less defined, especially at the lower end, where potential and team needs should guide selections rather than strict adherence to tiers.

Injury-Concerned Players

Predicting the number of games played by injury-prone players like Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, or Kristaps Porzingis is challenging. While lower game counts are expected, their exact number remains uncertain. With a conservative game count, Embiid may still shine, especially during fantasy playoffs, but their rankings reflect caution due to these uncertainties. You may choose to take a chance on them, however.

Rookies and Veterans

Rookies often lack a consistent statistic line for category fantasy leagues, so it’s wise to wait 2-3 years before drafting them. Even noteworthy players, like Cooper Flagg, may lead to overcommitting. In contrast, veterans tend to need more rest than younger players, so building a fantasy team with players primarily under 30 is recommended, although drafting legends like Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant is acceptable yet may lead to game absences.

Key Picks

The first overall pick comes down to either Nikola Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both of whom have stood out over the last three years. Ultimately, the choice hinges on personal preference as the balance of risk and reward is less favorable with Victor Wembanyama at the top spot.

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Rankings for Category Leagues