Bold Predictions for 2025-26 Fantasy Basketball

Fantasy basketball bold predictions are what separate championship teams from the pack. As we analyze NBA lineups, study NBA projections, and monitor the latest NBA news heading into 2025, certain players are screaming value or disappointment at their current ADP.

While checking the NBA injury report is crucial, identifying sleepers, busts, and breakout stars before your league mates do is even more important. These NBA fantasy bold predictions might seem controversial now, but they could be the difference-makers that win you your league.

Here are five fantasy basketball shockers that will reshape draft boards this season.

Josh Giddey Will Deliver First-Round Value

While many managers remain skeptical of his shooting, Giddey has all the tools to become a legitimate first-round asset this season. His role within the organization was cemented following a lucrative contract extension this summer.

Let's start with the elephant in the room: yes, Giddey's three-point shooting needs work. But his shot has steadily improved each season in the league. More importantly, his ability to stuff the stat sheet makes him nearly shooting-independent for fantasy purposes. Giddey has the legitimate upside to average a triple-double, joining elite company in fantasy basketball's most valuable category contributors.

What many overlook is Giddey's defensive production. He's a capable defender who generates steals at a solid rate, and his size allows him to contest shots effectively. In Chicago's uptempo system, he'll have even more opportunities to showcase his versatility. The Bulls have every incentive to invest heavily in their most valuable young asset, meaning Giddey should see significant minutes and usage. He's the primary playmaker on a team desperate for one, and that role alone makes him a fantasy goldmine.

Alex Sarr Will Crack the Top 50

Sarr's blocks production last season as a rookie was fantastic, showcasing elite defensive instincts that translate immediately to fantasy success. While his overall rookie campaign had its struggles, the underlying skills suggest a major leap is coming.

The biggest concern with Sarr was his poor field goal percentage, but context matters. Playing on a horrible team forced him to take difficult shots, including too many threes that weren't in his wheelhouse. Now, surrounded by veteran playmakers like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, Sarr will get much easier looks, especially around the basket, where his efficiency should soar.

Additionally, better rebounding numbers are almost inevitable. As Sarr gains strength and experience, his rebounding should improve significantly, adding another valuable category to his profile. The combination of elite blocks, improved shooting efficiency, and better rebounding could vault Sarr into top-50 territory—a massive win for managers who draft him in the mid-to-late-rounds.

Devin Booker Deserves a Top-5 Pick

This season is perfectly set up to be the best year of Devin Booker's career. The Suns don't have their draft pick, eliminating any tanking incentive. They're going all-in on winning, and Booker will be the primary engine.

Look at the roster construction—there's a severe lack of established playmakers and scorers outside of Booker and Jalen Green. Someone needs to carry the offensive load, and Booker is the obvious choice. Don't be shocked if he leads the league in scoring this season. He's proven time and again that he can be extraordinarily efficient even at high volume, a rare and valuable combination.

Booker's usage rate should skyrocket, and unlike some high-usage players, he doesn't sacrifice efficiency. He'll contribute across multiple categories while potentially delivering career-high scoring numbers. In a top-heavy fantasy draft, Booker deserves consideration alongside the established elite.

Dyson Daniels Will Bust

Daniels is coming off his Most Improved Player season, making this prediction a bit contrarian. However, several red flags suggest regression is coming.

The primary concern is his steals production, which drove much of his fantasy value last season. Whether through random statistical fluctuation, opponents avoiding him more strategically, or teams adjusting to his tactics, that steal rate is unlikely to sustain. Defensive stats are notoriously volatile year-to-year.

Offensively, Daniels saw increased involvement once Jalen Johnson was injured, but Johnson is starting this year healthy. The Hawks also added Kristaps Porzingis and depth pieces like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, which could reduce Daniels' minutes. Factor in Zaccharie Risacher's development potentially cutting into his usage, and Daniels faces a perfect storm of diminishing opportunities.

D'Angelo Russell Will Bounce Back

As much as the fantasy community wants Cooper Flagg to immediately dominate, D'Angelo Russell remains a crucial piece of the Mavericks' offense. Russell is the much-needed primary ball-handler and pick-and-roll maestro this team desperately needs.

Pick-and-rolls with Anthony Davis should be more successful with Russell orchestrating than having Flagg run them. Russell's shooting ability means he provides value even off-ball, spacing the floor and hitting threes. The guard depth on Dallas is questionable at best—Kyrie Irving might return, but conflicting reports make his status uncertain.

Russell should see significant minutes and usage, leading to a fantasy bounce-back that makes him a steal in the middle rounds. Don't let recency bias blind you to his proven ability to produce when given the opportunity.