Jan. 8, 2026 — ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Karabell listed several developments that could reshape NBA fantasy basketball rosters in the coming months, ranging from Kawhi Leonard’s sustained surge with the Los Angeles Clippers to a possible late-season comeback for Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
Leonard producing top-10 numbers despite durability concerns
Karabell noted that Leonard, 34, is averaging 59.3 fantasy points over the past 30 days, second only to injured Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić in that span. The forward delivered 55 points and 108 fantasy points against the Detroit Pistons and followed with 44 points and 75 fantasy points versus the Utah Jazz. After missing 10 contests early, Leonard has not sat out since Thanksgiving, putting him on pace to exceed the 60-game mark for only the second time in seven seasons.
Celtics optimistic Tatum can help in April
Tatum, recovering from an Achilles tear, is rostered in just 20.2 percent of ESPN leagues. Karabell wrote that all medical updates have been positive and projected a March return in limited minutes. He suggested the All-Star forward could average roughly 18 points, six rebounds and two three-pointers in about 25 minutes per game during April, providing a late boost for both Boston and fantasy managers.
Grizzlies rookie Coward flashing star potential
Memphis swingman Cedric Coward, the No. 11 pick in the 2025 draft, remains available in more than 65 percent of ESPN standard leagues despite averaging 13.7 points and 26.7 minutes. Karabell referenced Draymond Green’s comparison of Coward to a young Leonard and highlighted the rookie’s 28-point, 16-rebound performance against Philadelphia as a sign of an impending breakout. An ankle injury is not expected to sideline Coward for long.
Additional fantasy notes
• Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff leads the league with 80 blocks but is rostered in only 8.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
• Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace tops the NBA in total steals yet offers limited production elsewhere.
• Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels sits second in steals and posts stronger all-around stats when Trae Young is out.
• New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, scoring 29.2 points per game, finished Monday’s loss to Detroit without an assist, highlighting week-to-week volatility in head-to-head formats.
• Sacramento Kings wing Zach LaVine has scored 20 points in each of his first two games back but is averaging only 5.4 combined rebounds and assists this season.
• Center Brook Lopez’s nine three-pointer outburst for the Clippers on Dec. 26 has not turned into sustained production with Ivica Zubac now healthy.
• Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is logging heavy minutes and strong numbers; Karabell cautioned that managers might consider trading him before another potential absence.
Karabell emphasized that managers seeking upside should monitor trade markets for Leonard, stash Tatum ahead of any official return date and act quickly on emerging talents such as Coward.
Source: ESPN
