TITLE: Lauri Markkanen’s Scoring Surge Headlines Eric Karabell’s Latest Fantasy Basketball Forecast
SLUG: fantasy-basketball-karabell-2025-26-outlook
CONTENT:
ESPN senior fantasy analyst Eric Karabell outlined three key scenarios for managers to monitor in his column published Nov. 20, 2025. The writer highlighted Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen’s hot start, the potential rise of two New Orleans Pelicans rookies, and the continued growth of several Boston Celtics contributors.
Markkanen chasing a 30-point average
Through games played Nov. 20, Markkanen is one of six NBA players scoring 30.0 points per game. The 28-year-old forward is attempting 21.5 shots per night, fourth-highest in the league, and knocking down 3.8 three-pointers per contest. Karabell noted that Markkanen slipped to the sixth round in ESPN average draft position after appearing in only 47 games last season and averaging 19.0 points. In his first season with Utah (2023-24) he posted 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds over 66 games.
Markkanen’s current 35.9 minutes per game are a career high, raising durability concerns, but the Jazz lack established scorers following center Walker Kessler’s season-ending shoulder injury. Rookie wing Ace Bailey is expected to reach roughly 15 points per game by December, and point guard Keyonte George continues to run the offense despite shooting struggles. Karabell warned that injuries or a possible trade could alter Markkanen’s role but advised fantasy managers to capitalize on the scoring surge for now.
Rookie duo in New Orleans
Karabell predicted that Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears and center Derik Queen could finish the year as top-100 fantasy options. New Orleans dismissed head coach Willie Green earlier this month and promoted assistant James Borrego, leading to expanded roles for both lottery picks.
Fears, 19, scored 24 points against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday but logged just one rebound and one assist. He also recorded seven steals in a recent game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Karabell sees an 18-to-20-point scoring window, along with useful steals and three-pointers, if the rookie remains aggressive.
Queen has started the past few games and, according to Karabell, already looks more effective than second-year center Yves Missi. The analyst projects double-digit rebounds for Queen even after point guard Zion Williamson returns from injury. Both rookies are available in more than 80% of ESPN leagues, with Queen offering stronger roto appeal because of boards and blocks.
Celtics shooters expected to rebound
Boston led the NBA in three-pointers made and attempted last season. Entering play Wednesday, the club ranks sixth in makes and second in attempts but is shooting 34.7% from long range, 21st in the league. Last year the Celtics converted 36.8% from deep, good for 10th.
Despite the dip, guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard and wing Jaylen Brown are all producing more ESPN fantasy points than a season ago. Pritchard is averaging 25.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 6.0 threes over his last three games against the Nets, Clippers and Grizzlies. Karabell believes the guard can sustain top-50 value as his usage climbs.
Brown has moved into the top 20 in both points and roto scoring formats, while White is shooting 35% from the field, a mark Karabell expects to rise. Offseason addition Anfernee Simons and specialist Sam Hauser have struggled early, but the analyst remains optimistic that Boston’s primary perimeter threats will regain efficiency.
Source: ESPN
