Bold predictions for the 2026-27 season

Separating yourself in fantasy basketball requires a strong draft and savvy moves on the waiver wire throughout the season. But it also takes some foresight -- seeing things before everyone else seems to.

With that in mind, we asked our fantasy hoops experts for their boldest predictions for the 2026-27 NBA season. If any of these come true, they could swing fantasy leagues in a big way.

Here are André Snellings, Eric Moody, Erik Karabell, Steve Alexander, Jim McCormick and Michael F. Florio with their hot takes.

Kel'el Ware finishes top 30 on the Player Rater

McCormick: Myles Turner represents real traffic for Ware, although the Milwaukee Bucks might be compelled to prioritize Ware's exposure given a massive advantage in rebounding on both sides of the court. For an otherwise undersized, wing-centric roster, Ware represents a key frontcourt building block from the Giannis package. There is overlap with Turner in trailing plays and protecting the rim, but I'm betting on talent and playing time to meet in Milwaukee this season.

Someone other than Nikola Jokic leads the league in fantasy points this season

Snellings: Jokic has led the league in total fantasy points for six straight seasons. Last season, Jokic led the league in fantasy scoring average as well -- enough so that he produced over 500 more fantasy points than second place, despite playing in just 65 games. This year, however, there are three players with a reasonable chance to overtake him.

Luka Doncic was second in fantasy points last season and, while he was a Maverick, had a season with a higher fantasy scoring average than Jokic (only in fewer games). With LeBron James no longer with the Lakers, Doncic could be in for his biggest fantasy season. Another contender, Victor Wembanyama, is coming off his best season and should still be improving at still only 22 years old. Finally, Giannis Antetokounmpo has historically produced seasons of similar scoring averages to Jokic and, with his new role on the Miami Heat, could produce one of his better fantasy seasons.

Julius Randle returns to being a top-25 player in points leagues

Florio: Randle is back as the top option on an offense, just as he was during his early days with the New York Knicks. Twice in a three year span, Randle averaged over 24 points per game. Over that time, he averaged at least 9.9 rebounds each year, while twice averaging over five assists per game. I also expect him to attempt more threes with the Brooklyn Nets, just like he did during his Knicks days. Once again the focal point of an offense, volume wins out and props him to another breakout fantasy basketball season.

Walker Kessler finishes as a top-20 player in category leagues

Moody: The stage is set for Kessler to have a career season. Shoulder surgery limited him to just five games last season, but he's back on the court entering his first year with the Los Angeles Lakers. Playing alongside Doncic should lead to more easy baskets, similar to what we saw with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford in Dallas. Kessler already gives managers excellent field goal percentage, rebounds and blocks. If he plays 30+ MPG, it's possible he can lead the league in blocked shots and crack the top 20 in nine-category leagues.

The Washington Wizards compete in the East

Alexander: I think Alex Sarr might be the odd man out in Washington and I've gotten to the point where I think I actually trust Anthony Davis and Trae Young, while AJ Dybantsa, Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly (among others) are all somewhat intriguing. But if AD and Young are healthy and on the same page, the Wizards could shock people in the East. The Wizards might be the ultimate risk vs. reward team.

LeBron leads Philadelphia 76ers in assists, finishes top 5 in the league

Karabell: James remains a wonderful passer, and it sure seems likely that he will run this talented offense when he is on the floor. Why not predict James leads his new team in assists and finishes top five in the league? We can debate how often James suits up and for how many minutes, and James may shoot less than ever before. But he will always pass. Tyrese Maxey has always been more shooting guard than point guard, so let's watch James as he averages at least 8.0 APG -- a figure Maxey has never approached.