Early Fantasy Trends: Morant’s Struggles, Sarr’s Ascent and Kuminga’s Breakout
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The NBA’s second week has produced eye-catching numbers that are already reshaping early fantasy basketball strategy.
Antetokounmpo’s historic opening
Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo opened the season with six straight outings of at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists—the league’s second-longest streak to begin a campaign. Through six games he is averaging 34.0 points on 68.1% shooting and delivering 67.1 fantasy points per game (FPPG).
Cunningham joins elite company
Detroit guard Cade Cunningham has averaged 28.0 points, 12.0 assists and 2.0 steals over his past three contests. His 30-point, 10-assist, three-steal, three-block line against Orlando on Oct. 29 was a first in Pistons history; in the past decade, only Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and James Harden have matched those thresholds.
Dončić’s record pace in Los Angeles
Sunday’s triple-double was Dončić’s third since joining the Lakers last season and the 83rd of his career, seventh on the all-time list. He is the first player to average at least 40.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists over the first four games of a season, producing 70.3 FPPG so far.
Morant’s aggression disappears
Memphis guard Ja Morant is on pace for career lows in direct drives per 100 possessions, points on drives, field-goal percentage (39.3%) and minutes (28.5). A one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team preceded his 18-point, 10-assist return Monday against Detroit, after which he answered “No” when asked if basketball was still fun. The former Rookie of the Year frequently settled for jumpers instead of attacking the rim, a stark contrast to his trademark style.
Sarr looks like a top-25 asset
Washington center Alex Sarr, the No. 2 pick in 2024, is averaging 17.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks on 52.7% shooting and 81.0% from the line. His 41.0 FPPG in 27.3 minutes rank him inside ESPN’s top 15 on the Player Rater, giving the Wizards a potential franchise cornerstone.
Rollins seizes Milwaukee’s point-guard spot
With Kevin Porter Jr. sidelined, Bucks guard Ryan Rollins has averaged 43.5 fantasy points while shooting 62.3% overall and 61.1% from three over his past three games. The 2025 waiver-wire revelation has impressed with pace, defense and chemistry with Antetokounmpo, making it difficult to envision him leaving the starting lineup even when Porter returns next month.
Holiday’s resurgence in Portland
At 35, Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday is averaging 40.0 FPPG in 32.6 minutes, including a career-best 8.3 assists. Portland, 15th in offensive rating after finishing near the bottom last year, has leaned on his two-way production while waiting on injured rookie Scoot Henderson (hamstring).
Kuminga’s breakout appears real
Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga has logged 31.1 FPPG and a career-high 31.0 minutes while shooting 53.5% from beyond the arc. Improved rebounding, shot selection and on-ball defense have solidified his role in a veteran Warriors rotation and boosted his fantasy reliability.
With two weeks in the books, these trends are already influencing roster moves and early-season fantasy standings.
Source: ESPN
