As 2026 nears, the new year brings a chance for a fresh start, something fantasy basketball managers might be eagerly anticipating depending on their 2025 outcomes. I’ve been scoring high on Yahoo Fantasy for the past two months and recently achieved my season’s highest score. Unsurprisingly, none of the top-performing players this week caught anyone off guard.
Nikola Jokic, hailed as the best basketball player globally, leads into 2026 boasting the highest single-game fantasy score. On Christmas Day, he racked up an astonishing 108 fantasy points in the Nuggets’ 142-138 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic’s stat line included 16 rebounds, 15 assists, and 2 blocks, marking a remarkable 56-point triple-double. The previous top fantasy performance belonged to Cade Cunningham, who scored 101 points in November.
While topping Jokic’s career-best Christmas Day performance will be challenging, the season is still early. Let’s review the rest of the standout lineup from the final week of 2025.
Cade Cunningham, the Pistons’ guard, has been dethroned as the season’s overall leading scorer but remains a consistent fantasy contributor. As of Sunday, he was behind only Jokic and Luka Doncic in fantasy points per game, boasting a top score of 59.2. With the Pistons’ deep roster, Cunningham’s floor is solid, though he truly excels against weaker defenses or in tightly contested games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), less mentioned here, boasts a strong consistent fantasy floor though his ceiling is limited due to fewer peripheral stats. He is dependable in steals but less so in rebounds and assists. Last Tuesday, SGA nearly recorded a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals against the Grizzlies.
Nikola Jokic deserves a quick recap for his dominance this season. Averaging 70 fantasy points per game, he leads the field by a significant margin—over 20 points higher than the 12th-ranked Donovan Mitchell. It’s clear Jokic will be a key fantasy asset in championship lineups this season.
Kawhi Leonard, now healthy after missing most of November, has been on fire lately. In December, he averaged 29.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, with impressive 40+ point games recently, including a 55-point explosion against the Pistons. His resurgence is a boon for fantasy managers.
Scottie Barnes had a standout game Sunday, with a career-high 25 rebounds, a triple-double, and key plays that led to the Raptors forcing overtime and winning. While such rebounding feats are rare for Barnes, his all-around game makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
Jamal Murray, tied to the Nuggets like Jokic, had a strong Christmas Day showing with 60 fantasy points and peaked with a 31-point, 7-rebound, 14-assist night earlier in the week. The Nuggets lead the NBA’s scoring race at 125.8 points per game, and Murray’s playmaking is crucial to their offense.
Fan Take: This update showcases the extraordinary talent dominating fantasy basketball, reflecting real NBA stars’ growing impact on the game. For fans, it highlights how player performances translate into fantasy success and builds excitement for what’s ahead as the 2025-26 season unfolds.
