Every NBA week rewrites the script for fantasy managers, and analyst Eric Karabell has highlighted four developments that could redefine the 2025-26 season.
Randle’s fast start in Minnesota
Julius Randle is averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists through 11 games, adding more than one steal per contest while shooting efficiently. The forward ranks fifth on ESPN’s Player Rater at 48.1 fantasy points per outing, well ahead of any Timberwolves teammate and far exceeding his sixth-round average draft position. Anthony Edwards sits outside the top 50 after missing four games with a hamstring strain and seeing dips in rebounds (4.1) and assists (3.3).
Westbrook pushing for a top-50 return
Signed by Sacramento less than a week before opening night, Russell Westbrook is supplying 33.2 fantasy points in 28.3 minutes. In five starts the 37-year-old guard is at 20.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 3.2 three-pointers, highlighted by a 23-16-10 triple-double against Golden State. With the Kings at 3-8, Karabell notes that moving Westbrook permanently into the first unit could cement a top-50 finish.
Nembhard’s expanded role in Indiana
Indiana guard Andrew Nembhard, a 10th-round pick who missed two weeks with a shoulder injury, has played 30 minutes in three straight games, averaging 20.3 points and 7.3 assists. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined all season by an Achilles injury, Karabell projects Nembhard to hover around 35 fantasy points per game even after backup T.J. McConnell’s return.
Minimal fantasy fallout from Beal injury
Bradley Beal’s season-ending setback affects few leagues; the guard was rostered in only 14.9% of ESPN formats and producing 10.2 fantasy points on 8.2 points in 20.2 minutes. Karabell sees limited upside in adding Chris Paul, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Bogdan Bogdanovic or Brook Lopez because Beal had not been providing significant statistics.
Managers are advised to watch Randle, Westbrook and Nembhard closely while resisting the urge to chase replacements for Beal’s limited production.
Source: ESPN
