While securing top-tier talent in the early rounds or through salary cap leagues is crucial for a strong fantasy basketball team, true championship contention often hinges on identifying high-upside players and essential complementary pieces in the middle rounds. These are the picks that can truly differentiate your roster from good to great. This season, knowing which mid-round players possess that game-changing potential is key. Here are eight such players poised to elevate your fantasy squad.
- Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Milwaukee Bucks (ADP 87.2)
- Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks (ADP 92.9)
- Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics (ADP 97.2)
- Brandon Miller, SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets (ADP 103.0)
- Ausar Thompson, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons (ADP 108.4)
- Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers (ADP 111.6)
- Kel`el Ware, C, Miami Heat (ADP 128.8)
- Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls (ADP 132.1)
Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Milwaukee Bucks (ADP 87.2)
Kevin Porter Jr. is back with the Milwaukee Bucks on a new two-year contract and is expected to contend for the starting point guard position following Damian Lillard`s departure. Last season, he demonstrated his efficiency, averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 19.9 minutes per game, with impressive shooting splits of 49.4% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. His versatility allows him to excel whether starting or coming off the bench, particularly thriving in periods of increased usage. Porter`s blend of scoring, playmaking, and three-point shooting prowess makes him an excellent fantasy value for the upcoming season.
Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks (ADP 92.9)
Onyeka Okongwu emerged as the Atlanta Hawks` starting center last season, enjoying a career year. He averaged 13.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 8.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in under 28 minutes. Furthermore, he showed promising three-point potential and improved playmaking skills. With Clint Capela no longer on the team, Okongwu is projected to see significantly expanded minutes and usage this season. His versatility, efficient scoring, and strong defensive upside make him a highly appealing fantasy asset.
Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics (ADP 97.2)
With Jayson Tatum sidelined and Jrue Holiday traded, Payton Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is slated to step into a starting role and receive substantial minutes alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Last season, Pritchard averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an impressive 40.7% from three-point range. While his off-ball scoring is elite, this year he could see a significant expansion in his playmaking responsibilities, positioning him as a strong fantasy target with considerable upside in points, three-pointers, and assists.
Brandon Miller, SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets (ADP 103.0)
Brandon Miller stands out as a versatile scorer and a rapidly ascending star, capable of contributing across points, three-pointers, assists, and steals. Before a wrist injury last season, he was averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Now fully cleared for training camp, Miller is expected to be a cornerstone of the Hornets` perimeter-focused offense. He possesses breakout potential if he can maintain his health, making him a compelling target for managers prioritizing scoring and three-point production.
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons (ADP 108.4)
Ausar Thompson is anticipated to make a significant leap forward for the Pistons this season. Fully recovered from last season`s medical setbacks, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in 59 games, showcasing flashes of dynamic playmaking. Coach JB Bickerstaff reportedly plans to give Thompson more offensive touches and responsibility this year, encouraging him to attack the rim and run pick-and-rolls. This news is music to fantasy managers` ears. His elite defensive skills combined with expanded scoring opportunities make him a solid draft target across all fantasy formats.
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers (ADP 111.6)
Andrew Nembhard is primed for a major breakout season. With Tyrese Haliburton unfortunately out for the season, Nembhard steps up as the Pacers` primary floor general. Last season, in eight games without Haliburton, Nembhard averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and an impressive 6.6 assists, and his minutes could easily climb into the mid-30s this year. Nembhard`s knack for accumulating assists, contributing defensively, and scoring efficiently makes him invaluable, with substantial upside in both points and playmaking categories.
Kel`el Ware, C, Miami Heat (ADP 128.8)
Kel`el Ware concluded his rookie season with strong performances, averaging 11.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over his final 49 games, often starting alongside Bam Adebayo. In his 36 starts, he consistently delivered a double-double while highlighting his defensive prowess and rim protection capabilities. The Miami Heat view him as a crucial component of their frontcourt. With projected starter minutes, Ware`s combination of rebounds and blocks positions him as a high-floor fantasy target that savvy managers should not overlook.
Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls (ADP 132.1)
Matas Buzelis is currently the front-runner to secure the starting power forward spot over Patrick Williams for the Chicago Bulls and should be high on your draft target list. The 2024 first-round pick averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31 starts last season, finishing particularly strong with averages of 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers per game in his final 16 contests. Combining scoring, effective three-point shooting, and elite rim protection, Buzelis offers significant upside across all fantasy formats.
