We’re still pretty early on in the season, but it’s always a good time for some hot takes. What follows will be the totally legitimately definitive ranking of each NBA team when it comes to their fantasy production.
I took the top 100 players in total value and by per-game value, figured out how many were on each team, and ranked them. Very scientific stuff, I know. But no worries, there is a point. We’ll discuss what that means for each team, and for fantasy owners that may have the players mentioned, or have their eye on a player mentioned.
If a team has fantasy gold, does that mean they have great pace? Is it because they have a great record? Without further ado, here are your answers.
1. Milwaukee Bucks
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 6
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 6
Real-life record: 9-4 (1st)
How we got here:
Well, the Bucks are pretty good, don’t you think? The Bucks players and their fantasy owners have benefited greatly from all their good players playing plenty of minutes and not missing games. The same six guys that are in the top 100 for per-game value are also in the top 100 for total value as a result: Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, and Donte DiVincenzo.
Giannis has been a bit of a disappointment in 9-cat for people who burned a 1st or 2nd round pick on him on draft day. He’s ranking in the 60’s in per-game and total value. Donte DiVincenzo AKA “The Big Ragu” is enjoying his expanding role and predictably running away with the opportunity. The big surprise has to be Bobby Portis, who is averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds on a career-high 54.9% shooting from the field.
Where we go from here:
All these guys are pretty much a lock to maintain their value as the Bucks and coach Mike Budenholzer aren’t really known for resting their guys. Brook Lopez is constantly slept on and he’s somehow only rostered in 77% of Y! leagues. If he’s somehow available, go scoop him up. If there’s someone you’re not pumped about but other people seem to be, he’s a decent guy to try to wrangle free from their owner. Same goes for The Big Ragu.
Bobby P’s numbers look like they’ll mostly hold, but expect a regression in the field goal percentage and the rebounds a bit. It’s doubtful he maintains a hold on top 100 value, but top 150 should be easy so long as he keeps getting 23.5 minutes per game. The key to his value will be every time Giannis needs to skip a game due to injury or potential load management. He’s only rostered in 59% of Y! leagues so you can go scoop him up until he cools off.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 6
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 5
Real-life record: 9-5 (4th)
How we got here:
The 76ers keep winning basketball games, even without their main guys available. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have already missed multiple games which have opened up opportunities for guys like Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, Shake Milton, and Danny Green to step up. They’re sitting at 4th in pace as well, which helps to elevate every player on the roster when it comes to fantasy.
Joel Embiid has gotten off to a blazing hot start as he sits at 10th in overall value even after missing three games. It’s a real sell high opportunity with him if you happen to be someone who believes his previous injury history will be a recurring theme.
Where we go from here:
Shake Milton looks like an absolute stud and he’s a hold in all formats, even when the 76ers get bodies back. All that preseason talk about his development seems to be coming to fruition as he’s averaging 16.9 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting a blazing 50.4 percent from the field. He can probably keep this up, though he’ll likely see a regression just a bit in field goal percentage. But the dude shot 48.4% last season, so…
If there’s anyone in this group I don’t completely buy into, it’s Danny Green. He’s always in the top 150 with his 3-and-D style of play which sees him producing value in three-pointers, steals, and blocks while not hurting you anywhere. That said, there are a lot of talented guards in Philadelphia when you add Tyrese Maxey to the mix as well, so his minutes may not always be there. You probably can’t trade him, so holding him, for now, is okay but you can probably just drop him to free up a stream spot.
3. Charlotte Hornets
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 6
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 6-8 (8th)
How we got here:
Aha! So fantasy ISN’T real life?!?! The Hornets actually do look like a playoff team and the rapid emergence of LaMelo Ball has to be a primary factor to go along with the addition of Gordon Hayward to a nice, young squad. The Hornets have played 14 games, which explains why they’re more represented in total value and not as much in per-game value.
Devonte’ Graham and Miles Bridges are the ones that didn’t make the per-game side, and the list is rounded out with Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington. None of these guys are really surprising to anyone who has been following fantasy basketball the last two years, but LaMelo is a welcome surprise. The dude looks like he could be special.
Where we go from here:
Miles Bridges doesn’t maintain top 100 value, but he’s worth a hold in most scenarios. He’s also a lot more appealing in keeper leagues and dynasty leagues for his long-term outlook. Watching LaMelo and Bridges connect on those lobs is a real treat and Bridges is an absolute athlete. Devonte’ Graham might sneak into top 100 per-game value, or he might get lost altogether as LaMelo steals the spotlight, it’s really tough to tell.
Graham is shooting a putrid 31.5% from the field this season and you have to imagine that normalizes at some point, but there’s not a lot of promise seeing as how he shot just 38.2% from the field last season. He’s a borderline player in 9-cat settings, and I’ve already moved him for a future pick in my league to free up a streaming spot. You might consider doing the same if you hope to win field goal percentage in a competitive league.
4. Toronto Raptors
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 5
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 5
Real-life record: 4-8 (13th)
How we got here:
The Raptors have really struggled but they’re starting to turn it around. The Raptors keep a short rotation most times as Nick Nurse usually plays the same 9 guys big minutes, which is great for fantasy. Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet are the obvious guys and they’re joined this season by O.G. Anunoby and Chris Boucher in the top 100 fantasy players early on in the season.
Chris Boucher was seen by many as an end of bench option for fantasy purposes with an unclear role and now he’s putting up enough stats to be 15th overall in 9-cat, even with a game where he inexplicably saw 4 minutes earlier in the season. Wow.
Where we go from here:
The time of Chris “Bobby” Boucher is here to stay and I’m here for it and have been for a good long while now. He’s silenced the haters and pretty much put Aron Baynes out of the rotation. It seems only a matter of time before he’s starting.
O.G. Anunoby seems to be a big part of what the Toronto Raptors want to do, so he’s a hard hold for the rest of the season too. All these guys are safe and should return this value all year.
5. Utah Jazz
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 5
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 8-4 (3rd)
How we got here:
Finally one of those bum Western Conference teams makes the list. The Jazz are playing good, if not exciting, basketball right now and the resurgence of old man Mike Conley has been a key factor in that. Conley is sitting at 49th in total value on the season and he’s joined in the top 100 by Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, Jordan Clarkson, and Royce O’Neale. O’Neale does not make the top 100 in per-game value.
Donovan Mitchell has been a real disappointment at 69th in total value, but he’s starting to heat up a bit and the Jazz have only played 12 games. Plenty to like here from the Utah Jazz.
Where we go from here:
Royce O’Neale is worth a roster spot only until Joe Ingles returns from his right Achilles soreness. O’Neale can basically be seen as a placeholder for old man Ingles for the time being. O’Neale might be worth a roster spot all season, but he’s probably safe to drop for someone more promising.
All the other guys on this list are holds and locks to get top 100 value. Mike Conley may see a regression in field goal percentage, but his free throw percentage should normalize to make up for it. He’s safe and his stats are in line with two seasons ago where he was also a top 100 value in fantasy hoops.
6. Indiana Pacers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 5
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 8-4 (3rd)
How we got here:
Malcolm Brogdon, Myles Turner, Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert, and Justin Holiday make up the five players who are in the top 100 for total value. It’s a little bit awkward because LeVert hasn’t played a game with the Pacers and might for a while now, but he’s taking the spot of Victor Oladipo who is also a top 100 player, so I’m counting it.
The Pacers are yet again playing some great basketball and it’s nice to see Sabonis out there doing work again. The Pacers have only played 12 games and Brogdon and Turner rank 5th and 6th respectively for total value still. They’re crushing it this season so far.
Where we go from here:
As mentioned in the blurb above, it’s probably a sell-high moment for Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon if you want to go that route. There’s no way they both stay in the top 6 for fantasy value, but if you can get a solid second-round player for either, it’s probably time right now to pull the trigger.
Justin Holiday won’t hold onto top 100 value. If he does, I’ll eat my shoe. Feel free to stream him for now though.
7. Phoenix Suns
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 5
Real-life record: 7-4 (4th)
How we got here:
Chris Paul. End. I kid, but I’m a huge fan and the Suns are a really fun team to watch and root for. Mikal Bridges, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Cameron Johnson are also putting up top 100 value per game. Cam Johnson isn’t in the top 100 for total value.
The Suns are playing good basketball and they’re putting up fantasy value by being efficient. They’re tied for last place for pace, which is pretty crazy. Mikal Bridges seems to have made an astronomic leap from season two to season three in his young career, which is exciting to watch.
Where we go from here:
The scariest thing about The Better Bridges is that he’s putting up 38th overall value despite seeing about 1/3 of his usual steals per game. His blocks have doubled over last season, but there’s potential here if he starts to steal the ball at a normal rate for him that he can put up top-25 value overall. That’s a real steal for a guy that had an ADP of 84.9 on Yahoo!
Booker and Ayton owners probably are none too pleased as both guys are just barely in the top 100, but the team is winning so that’s not likely to change. The best you can do is just hold on and hope for the best. CP3 hasn’t had a crazy stretch of games just yet, but you have to feel like they’re coming. He’s usually H2H gold, but he has been coasting so far, so we’ll see. Cameron Johnson has had some good games, but can probably be dropped in favor of a streaming spot.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 5
Real-life record: 6-7 (7th)
How we got here:
Andre Drummond, Larry Nance Jr., Collin Sexton, and Darius Garland are about to be joined by newly acquired Jarrett Allen and look like one of the most promising young cores in the NBA all of a sudden. They’ve had more injuries than the average team, especially with Sexton and Garland (also known as “Sexland”). Kevin Love has only appeared in two games this season, freeing up Larry Nance Jr. to shine.
Where we go from here:
Larry Nance Jr. can’t maintain his 25th in overall value, no matter how well he plays. He’s mainly sitting there due to increased opportunity with Sexland sidelined, so now is a good time to sell high. If you want to target Sexton’s owner to see if they will part with him, it would be worth your time. They may be frustrated that he hasn’t been playing. The same goes for Garland’s owner.
9th. Los Angeles Clippers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 5
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 9-4 (2nd)
How we got here:
The Clippers are scary good again and they’re pretty much just coasting to wins. Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka, and Patrick Beverley make up the top performers on this squad. Pat Bev and Ibaka don’t make the per-game 100.
Kawhi Leonard owners have to be thrilled as he’s putting up 11th overall total value in large part thanks to finally playing both games in back-to-backs. That’s a huge development this season for him. It warms my heart that people are hating on Nic Batum and he’s only owned in 55% of Y! leagues, but he’s currently putting up 34th overall value in 9-cat. He needs to be picked up until it’s for sure he’s not going to be relevant anymore.
Where we go from here:
PG and Kawhi will obviously continue to be studs. Patrick Beverley is an interesting guy who usually flirts with standard league level value, and he should continue to do so again this year with no real competition for the starting point guard spot.
Batum looks like he’ll slowly lose minutes to Marcus Morris as the latter player returns from his injury. Batum is still worth a roster spot for now, but he’s someone to continue monitoring to see if his role decreases. If he continues to flirt with 25 minutes per game, he should continue to be easy money. Ibaka might be a buy-low candidate, depending on what you’re targeting. He can get you blocks, rebounds, and points, and his numbers have all decreased a bit on a stacked team, but as he gets acclimated I expect them to normalize a bit.
10th. Sacramento Kings
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 5
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 5-8 (12th)
How we got here:
The Kings are NOT playing good basketball, but they clearly have some people standing out in the fantasy hoops realm. Those people would be Richaun Holmes, Harrison Barnes, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and De’Aaron Fox. It’s good to see Richaun Holmes finally getting the minutes he deserves, and Tyrese Haliburton is on fire for a rookie.
Fox owners have to be a bit disappointed this season as he’s basically seen a regression in every single statistic and just barely squeaks into the top 100 for total value.
Where we go from here:
It’s time to target Fox aggressively. As I’m writing this article, he’s going off for 35 points, 12 assists, and 3 steals and there’s still almost 7 minutes left in the game. Wow. Maybe wait for another stinker, but the Kings are invested in this kid, and for good reason. They may see a lot of roster shake-ups since they can’t seem to be a functional basketball team, but Fox is one guy who will absolutely be safe.
Buddy Hield is another guy to target aggressively as he’s really come on recently. Haliburton will probably fall out of the top 100, but the rest are safe.
11. Brooklyn Nets
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 8-6 (5th)
How we got here:
It’s a top-heavy team and they’re good. All the top guys are in the top 100, quite obviously. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are all top 100 players, and they’re joined by poor Joe Harris who is always underrated. Even with Kyrie out for the last SIX GAMES, he’s still 46th overall in total value. That’s astonishing and it’s because he was ballin’ before he went MIA.
This team will be a lot of fun. Not sure they’ll win a championship, but they’re going to win a lot of games.
Where we go from here:
Poor Joe Harris is probably a drop at this point. There simply won’t be enough touches for him with the three big dogs back in action. Kyrie has been upgraded to questionable for the next Nets game as I’m writing this article, making Average Joe’s fate writing on the wall. The three top dogs are top 10 fantasy players, it’s just a matter of them staying healthy and actually…. you know… playing (cough cough Kyrie).
12. Los Angeles Lakers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 11-3 (1st)
How we got here:
The Lakers are just demolishing teams left and right, and there’s no end in sight as they likely roll to their next championship. The rich just get richer, don’t they? Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol are in the top t00 in total value. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope actually appears in the top 100 for per-game value, while Gasol and Harrell do not.
Marc Gasol is definitely a surprise here as it seems he’s revitalized after joining a very talented team. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has missed four games, thus the per-game production that doesn’t translate to total value.
Where we go from here:
All of these guys seem safe except Marc Gasol. He isn’t really doing a whole lot in any stat and his value is currently being buoyed by shooting 87.5% from the line and 46.5% from the field, both marks that he probably can’t maintain. KCP is only owned in 14% of leagues and you should add him if you need points and threes.
13. Atlanta Hawks
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 5-7 (10th)
How we got here:
The Hawks looked good for a moment until they didn’t. Trae Young’s sharp downturn in play has been a big part, as has his reported internal feud with teammate John Collins. De’Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter join those two in the top 100 overall, though Huerter doesn’t make the per-game list. Clint Capela, on the other hand, sneaks in at 80th in per-game value.
Owners of Trae Young and John Collins have to be a bit disappointed as both guys just rank in the 50’s for 9-cat. Hunter is probably the biggest surprise, but Huerter is a bit surprising as well.
Where we go from here:
The Hawks are in a bit of disarray as they just can’t seem to win games. Still, all the listed guys are young and should continue to have a place in ATL, should they stay there. Trae and John Collins are guys to think about trying to wrangle free from their owners as both guys will assuredly be better and a trade of JC could be in short order to clear the air. Huerter just barely cracks the top 100 and is worth a roster spot for now, but if the situation changes and his minutes get taken away, don’t be afraid to drop him without looking back.
14. San Antonio Spurs
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 4
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 7-6 (6th)
How we got here:
The Spurs and head coach Gregg Popovich just simply refuse to die. They started out rough but now they find themselves directly in the mix as they seem to be season after season. Some good play from DeMar DeRozan, Keldon Johnson, Dejounte Murray, and Patty Mills has been a big reason. Patty Mills doesn’t make the per-game 100.
Keldon Johnson has to be one of the biggest fantasy stories of the season, and he’s still somehow only rostered in 75% of Y! leagues. If your league is one that he isn’t owned in, please go fix that ASAP.
Where we go from here:
Patty Mills has been the biggest beneficiary of Derrick White missing time, it would appear. He’s only rostered in 37% of leagues right now, but it should be way higher until White’s return is imminent.
LaMarcus Aldridge is a noticeable omission from this list, and it’s a buy-low moment. There’s a lot of negativity around him right now because of a pretty slow start, but he’s going to turn it on at some point you’d have to imagine. It’s possible he’s done, but you probably won’t have to give up much to find out.
15. Memphis Grizzlies
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 3
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 6-6 (9th)
How we got here:
The Ja Morant injury was absolutely unfortunate and it’s good to see him back. Jonas Valanciunas, Tyus Jones, and Kyle Anderson make the top 100 in total value, while Kyle Anderson “Slo-Mo” doesn’t crack the 100 in per-game value. Ja Morant, John Konchar, and Xavier Tillman do.
The fact that the Grizzlies have managed to stay afloat without Ja is a testament to the strength and depth of this team.
Where we go from here:
Konchar can obviously be ignored since he’s getting DNP-CD’s right now. Tillman isn’t a must-add just yet but he’s inching his way in that direction to see if he can keep this up after Morant is fully ramped up. Kyle Anderson’s sell-high window might have slammed shut, but with Ja back he’s not going to put up the 84th overall value he’s had up until now. He’s a fine player but just won’t see that much usage. It may be worth it to still float some offers to see if you can get some value in return.
Tyus Jones is a drop everywhere as De’Anthony Melton ramps up and Ja returns. He filled in admirably, but he’ll likely see his minutes reduced game by game.
16. Portland Trail Blazers
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 3
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 8-5 (5th)
How we got here:
Portland is all about Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, and those guys are both currently in the top 4 for total value. On their backs, the Trail Blazers have managed a winning record. Enes Kanter joins them for 50th overall total value.
Portland is in the top 9 for pace and they have almost no incentive to change things up. The usage that doesn’t go to the two top dogs pretty much gets diffused among the rest of the roster, making all of those guys less valuable than they would be in other situations.
Where we go from here:
Jusuf Nurkic is out for a few months at least, which is really unfortunate. He’s a buy-low candidate, but only if you can get a bargain price. In the meantime, Enes Kanter will continue to get big minutes and he’s a stud in fantasy even if he’s a bit underwhelming in real life. He’s owned in 63% of leagues and that number should be higher.
17. Denver Nuggets
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 3
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 6-6 (8th)
How we got here:
Everything should always start and end with Nikola Jokic. The dude is playing outside his mind right now and there seems to be no end in sight. He’s joined in the top 100 for total value by Will Barton and Monte Morris. He’s joined in the top 100 for per-game value by Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray.
Jamal Murray just inches his way into the top 100 on a per-game basis while MPJ is 8th in per-game production.
Where we go from here:
Michael Porter Jr.’s absence has been felt hard in the overall record as well as in the fantasy production here. Will Barton is probably a sell high as there’s no way he keeps this up, though you’ll probably have a hard time finding a buyer. Monte Morris, on the other hand, is only owned in 23% of leagues and that should be way higher. He’s ballin.
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are absolutely buy-low candidates. You’ll probably have better luck with Jamal Murray, who has been playing poorly, instead of MPJ who has been out due to COVID. Murray just exploded as I was writing this article, but he could have another dud. He won’t be this bad all season.
18. Boston Celtics
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 8-4 (2nd)
How we got here:
The Celtics have only managed to play 12 games so far, which has deflated their total value a bit. Jaylen Brown has proven the haters wrong and Jayson Tatum is the best 19-year-old on the planet (this is a joke, he is older). On the per-game side, they’re joined by Marcus Smart and Robert Williams. Kemba Walker returned the day this article was written for his first game of the season.
Where we go from here:
First and foremost, Kemba Walker shouldn’t be sitting in anyone’s IL spots or on any waiver wires. He should finish in the top 100 this season after only missing 12 games. Brown and Tatum will continue to be studs of course, but Kemba’s return will push Smart out of the top 100 most likely. Robert Williams is currently out in the league’s health and safety protocols but he’s someone to keep an eye on as a breakout candidate as his competition for the starting gig is pretty mediocre, at best. He’s not a must-add by any means, but someone to watch for if they get hot.
19. Houston Rockets
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 4-7 (14th)
How we got here:
With the James Harden drama over, the Rockets can finally focus on basketball again. The offense is going to start and end with Christian Wood on most nights. He’s joined in the top 100 total value by Victor Oladipo. In the top 100 for per-game, they also have John Wall and Eric Gordon.
The Rockets will rebuild, and they’ll likely rebuild stronger than before with the toxic Harden at the helm. I’m excited to see what they can do.
Where we go from here:
I’d leave Oladipo and Wall for some other owner to deal with as they’re both likely to miss too many games to have decent overall value. Both might finish in the top 100, but they’ll cost you wins any given week by simply just sitting back-to-backs or not playing because of lingering injuries.
Eric Gordon, on the other hand, is only owned in 41% of Y! leagues at the moment and he’s probable for Monday’s game against the Bulls. Smart money says he steps into a larger offensive role without the black hole that was Harden, so he’s someone to snatch up everywhere to see how it plays out. Wood should cruise to top 50 value on the season, and maybe even rise to top 30 value if he can knock down more of his free throws, which seems possible given his career mark of 72.4% compared to this year’s 65.2%. Even if he doesn’t, he’s found money in most scenarios.
20. Miami Heat
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 4
Real-life record: 4-7 (12th)
How we got here:
The Miami Heat are really struggling just a season after making the NBA finals with a subpar roster. Jimmy Butler has already missed 5 games this season due to an ankle issue and then the health and safety protocols. The Heat were absolutely decimated by the health and safety protocols of the league, which has cost them wins and tanked player values.
Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson are the only two players to crack the top 100 for total value as a result. Jimmy Butler and Kelly Olynyk make the top 100 on a per-game basis.
Where we go from here:
Jimmy Butler has to be my absolute favorite buy-low candidate. If you can wrestle him away from his owner, he ranks 31st in per-game value in 9-cat. He just simply hasn’t been able to get on the floor this year. When he does, watch out. If you can part with a 4th rounder or lower, you’re looking at a steal.
I can’t see Duncan Robinson or Kelly Olynyk maintaining top 100 production when the Heat are at full strength, but both of these guys are worth a stream when they’re hot like right now.
21. Orlando Magic
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 3
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 6-7 (6th)
How we got here:
With Evan Fournier out, Terrence Ross has been doing a lot of the scoring. TRoss is joined by Nikola Vucevic and Khem Birch in the top 100 for total value while Evan Fournier makes an appearance in the per-game 100.
When Markelle Fultz went down with an ACL injury, he was a potential top 100 player. Replacement Cole Anthony hasn’t seemed to have figured out the NBA game just yet.
Where we go from here:
Perhaps most surprising is the absence of Aaron Gordon from this list. He’s a fantastic buy-low candidate as his minutes get back to where they should be and he takes on more of the playmaking without Fultz. I wouldn’t give up anything better than a 7th or 8th rounder, but you can probably find a good deal to get him as he’s really struggled out the gate. Fournier is a buy-low candidate, but it’s hard to justify it as it looks like he’s just not going to play for them right now with mysterious “back spasms” that have kept him out of 9 straight games.
If he does return, Terrence Ross is an easy drop. Khem Birch is pretty surprising and it will be interesting to see if Mo Bamba ever secures the backup role again with Birch playing well. If you need a big who boards, Birch is certainly in play.
22. New York Knicks
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 6-8 (9th)
How we got here:
The Knicks got off to a hot start and then came crashing back down to earth in no time flat. Julius Randle looked like Jesus disguised as Julius Randle for a minute, but he’s back to his old ways. Mitchell Robinson joins Randle in the total 100, while Alec Burks also qualifies for the top 100 per game.
Immanuel Quickley continues to eat into Elfrid Payton’s minutes as New York’s new basketball obsession. It’s nice to see Mitchell Robinson mostly staying out of foul trouble and getting 30.2 minutes per game. He’s been good for 24th overall total value in 9-cat
Where we go from here:
Randle, Mitch Rob, and Alec Burks are worth rostering. Alec Burks is currently injured but he’s working his way back and he should be able to resume the same role when he comes back, one would imagine, with the Knicks reeling and looking for wins. Thibs usually trusts his guys and Burks received 27.7 minutes per game in the three games he played. He’s someone to consider stashing, but the rest of the Knicks roster can safely be avoided like the plague.
23. Dallas Mavericks
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 3
Real-life record: 6-6 (7th)
How we got here:
Kristaps Porzingis has only recently started playing this season, but otherwise, it’s just been the Luka Doncic show. They’ve also been affected by health and safety protocols with a few games with multiple bodies out. Luka is joined in the top 100 by Tim Hardaway Jr. Dorian Finney-Smith makes the top 100 on a per-game basis.
Where we go from here:
If you have Tim Hardaway Jr. on your roster and you haven’t been shopping him, you need to get on that ASAP. The return of DFS, combined with the return of KP, will take away a lot of his usage and leave him outside the top 100 though he may finish in the top 150.
There’s not a lot to like in Dallas, fantasy-wise, outside of Doncic and Porzingis.
24. Golden State Warriors
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 6-6 (11th)
How we got here:
The Warriors looked really bad and then Steph Curry got angry at the disrespect and popped off for a career-high. Draymond Green still hasn’t really gotten up to 100% conditioning and Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins have looked pretty bad so far. Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins are the only two players to crack the top 100.
Where we go from here:
Draymond is a buy-low candidate. As long as you aren’t looking for much scoring, he’s a multi-cat contributor. Oubre is one of my favorite buy low candidates as well as you have to figure he cracks the puzzle that is the Golden State Warriors offense at some point. Wiggins is playing like garbage in real life, but he’s had some nice games too so he’s in the top 100 for now. It’s hard to say if he stays there or not, but the opportunity certainly is there.
25. Detroit Pistons
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 3-9 (15th)
How we got here:
The Pistons are bad and they should feel bad. Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee are the only two players to crack the top 100. Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose are on the team and have nice games sometimes, but they don’t even play in every game.
I’ll have to admit right here that I didn’t believe Jerami Grant could be a main option on an NBA team and he’s exceeded all expectations. He’s really a stud and congrats if you drafted him.
Where we go from here:
There’s not a lot of incentive here to win games, so it’s hard to recommend hanging onto Mason Plumlee. Look instead for the Pistons to start turning their attention towards younger guys like Saddiq Bey, Sekou Doumbouya, and Isaiah Stewart. None of these guys are even close to top 100 value though.
26. New Orleans Pelicans
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 4-7 (13th)
How we got here:
We all thought the Pelicans would be good and Zion Williamson would be the next LeBron James. Guess that’s not the case, hm? Lonzo Ball has gone down with an injury now and the Pels have to be in a bit of a panic mode as they try to figure out how to win. Brandon Ingram and Steven Adams are the only players to crack the top 100 for 9-cat right now.
It never really made much sense to pair Adams with Zion and I don’t think it’s really working, so it will be interesting to see if some roster moves happen at some point this season.
Where we go from here:
Zion has to be better than he has been, you would imagine. He’s a buy-low candidate. Lonzo Ball’s injury doesn’t sound too serious, but there hasn’t been a lot of information. I’d buy low on him too. BI and Adams are probably safe with how they’re producing now.
27. Oklahoma City Thunder
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 2
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 1
Real-life record: 6-6 (10th)
How we got here:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing better than they should be playing. They’re winning games when they probably should be tanking. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort make the top 100 in total value while it’s just SGA in the per-game 100.
Where we go from here:
Darius Bazley is someone I personally didn’t buy into to begin the season and it looks like I may have been right. Still, the opportunity is there for him to produce and while that exists it makes him a buy-low candidate. He may rattle off a stretch of games that will make him look like a stud.
Dort is probably safe to produce, but I doubt he’ll be a top 100 talent when all is said and done and probably benefits from playing every game. SGA is sitting at 33rd total value on the season with just 12 games under his belt. Dude is a stud and should continue to be studly.
28. Chicago Bulls
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 1
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 5-8 (11th)
How we got here:
Lauri Markkanen has only appeared in six games this season, which is less than half of the possible games. LaVine has been popping off, but it hasn’t been enough to keep the Bulls winning. LaVine is 19th in 9-cat total value and 23rd in per-game value while Lauri is 73rd in per-game value on the season.
Despite having the third-highest pace, the Bulls only managed one player in the top 100 overall total value. Something isn’t quite working.
Where we go from here:
Coby White is probably a buy-low candidate. He has some really nice lines that are followed by duds but eventually, the second-year player has to figure it out as he’s basically learning on the job. Lauri’s also a buy-low candidate if a frustrated owner wants to offload him for a 7th or 8th round player you’re not enamored with. The rest of the Bulls roster can be ignored outside of streaming.
29. Washington Wizards
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 1
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 3-8 (14th)
How we got here:
Similar to Zach LaVine with the Bulls, Bradley Beal has done everything in his power to keep the Wizards competitive and it just hasn’t worked. Beal sits at 18th in overall total value and 5th in per-game value. Russell Westbrook can’t stay on the floor and when he does he puts up numbers but the real-life impact of his play isn’t the best. Thomas Bryant sits at 77th on the season in per-game fantasy production before his season was ended by injury.
Where we go from here:
There’s really not a whole lot to like here on the Wizards for fantasy purposes. You can look at other teams unless one of these guys catches fire.
30. Minnesota Timberwolves
Number of players in top 100 for total value: 1
Number of players in top 100 for per-game value: 2
Real-life record: 3-8 (15th)
How we got here:
Karl-Anthony Towns can’t stay on the floor, having suited up for only 4 games this season. The T’Wolves have only played 11 games anyway, so that really deflates their overall value. Malik Beasley is 72nd overall in total value. KAT is 2nd overall in per-game production.
The T’Wolves look pretty bad out there, so there’s just not a whole lot to like.
Where we go from here:
Towns is obviously a buy-low candidate here with his insane ability to produce should he ever see the floor again. He’ll get over the COVID, but he’s struggling mentally as well. Beasley might just be here to stay as it’s hard to see anyone else stepping up to take the opportunity from him. D’Angelo Russell is an unappealing buy-low candidate. There’s not a ton of upside, but if you need points and assists he’s not a bad target. His free throw shooting should normalize and he probably sneaks into the top 100 at some point.
