Point Guard

RANK

NAME

Team

# Games

Analysis

1

Russell Westbrook

OKC

3

Westbrook has the help he needs on both sides of the ball and even with the addition of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Westbrook will still help out in just about every standard category. Stats won't plummet.

2

Stephen Curry

GSW

3

Curry proved last season that even Kevin Durant's presence couldn't stop him from producing at a high level. Expect top of the line stats in scoring, three's, assists and steals. 

3

Kyrie Irving

BOS

3

Irving takes over the Isaiah Thomas role which will include a ton of scoring. Just like Thomas, he'll get plenty of chances to create on the ball and will get just as many shot opportunities. He'll be a big assist help. 

4

Chris Paul

HOU

3

Even though Paul is playing alongside a skilled all-around guard in James Harden, Paul will thrive in the uptempo Houston offense and will compile plenty of points and assists and will not lose playing time b/c of Harden.

5

Damian Lillard

POR

3

Lillard remains the top scoring option in Portland and can be relied on for assists. The Blazers still have limited offensive weapons in the mid-court and that benefits the guards even more. He'll feast on shots. 

6

Eric Bledsoe

PHX

3

Bledsoe is healthy and takes back his role as not only the floor general but the top scoring option. Bledsoe will look to attack first and then shoot. He will provide assists and the Suns are limited inside offensively. 

7

Jrue Holiday

NO

3

With Rajon Rondo hurt, Holiday returns to playing the point and he'll not only get plenty of shots, but they'll be open b/c teams will have to focus on the Pelicans very skilled bigs. Having skilled bigs=more assist potential.

8

Dennis Schroder

ATL

3

Schroder takes over as the Hawks No. 1 overall option when it comes to running the offense. Schroder has good speed and his shot has improved tremendously and will provide assists and grab steals. He'll play a ton. 

9

Ricky Rubio

UT

3

Rubio takes over in Utah and just like in Minnesota, his main responsibility will be to feed the big man. He'll compile tons of assists, steals and we saw a much improved Rubio when it comes to shooting and shot selection.

10

Elfrid Payton

ORL

3

Payton came on strong in the second half of the season and while the shooting portion of his game is a work in progress, we can always rely on him to drive, dish a ton, and he'll get inside and grab a few rebounds. 

11

Jeff Teague

MIN

3

Teague will have his random nights when the offensive spotlight is on him when the lane is open, but Teague will have to be more of a traditional pass-first PG on this 'Wolves team. Teague has a good tear-drop shot. 

12

Dennis Smith Jr.

DAL

3

Team Owner Mark Cuban is invested in Smith and we should be as well. Smith commands the ball and the adjustment period shouldn't take a while. Smith will be more of a driver than shooter early. He'll also help w/ assists.

13

Derrick Rose

CLE

3

With Isaiah Thomas out until early 2018, Rose gets the starting nod and looked like he was moving very well in camp. Rose will have a balanced stat sheet of scoring, rebounding and assists and will get a lot of minutes early.

14

Jeremy Lin

BKN

3

While Lin does shift down the priority list when it comes to scoring, we can still rely on him to score in double figures and he makes excellent passes in the lane and will be a help with steals. 

15

John Wall

WSH

2

Wall would be right near the top of the list if he had a full slate of games, but with the Wizards roster not changing for the most part since last season, Wall will fill up the stat sheet and we'll see a lot of coast to coast play.

16

Lonzo Ball

LAL

3

Ball will mainly help with steals and assists as he adjusts to the league. Expect his shooting to improve throughout the season and he can still score in double figures in this offense. His passing is already eye-opening. 

17

Kemba Walker

CHA

2

Walker's stock is at an all-time high as he will need to take even more shots for the first couple of months of the season with Nicolas Batum out. Walker will also dish six to eight assists per game. 

18

Mike Conley

MEM

2

Another strong all-around guard with the short slate this week. Memphis is limping into the season already with some of their other options being hurt. As always, he will be called on to takeover the offense. 

19

Malcolm Brogdon

MIL

3

Brogdon will do just enough to be considered an effective fantasy option. Expect 10 points and 5-7 assists per game to start. The "Greek Freak" takes the ball out of his hands a bit and controls the offense.  

20

Darren Collison

IND

3

This is a good situation for Collison as he should be a consistent scorer and dime disher. When Collison is on, he'll continue to thrive and feed off the momentum. Expect a lot of set ups for Myles Turner both inside and out.

Shooting Guard

RANK

NAME

Team

# Games

Analysis

1

James Harden

HOU

3

Harden moves back to SG and while his assists may drop a tad, it shouldn't deter you as an owner. Harden will still fill up the stat sheet and he can take advantage of slower SG's throughout the season. Elite scorer. 

2

CJ McCollum

POR

3

The Blazers not adding more pieces completely benefits McCollum. He'll still be the second scorer and will get fed a lot as team's focus more on stopping Lillard. Expect a healthy amount of scoring and assists and steals. 

3

Klay Thompson

GSW

3

It's hard to tell where else Thompson will help consistently besides scoring, but he will lead the Warriors second unit offensively. Thompson is a strong perimeter defender and will be a big help with steals. 

4

Devin Booker

PHX

3

With limited inside weapons offensively, Booker will be a strong scorer as the Suns second option. Booker has good lane driving ability and he's definitely improved his mid range jumper off the dribble. 

5

Khris Middleton

MIL

3

Middleton is full healthy and will serve as the Bucks bailout option to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton is most efficient from the top of the key and he'll get plenty of shots. He'll also provide help on the glass.  

6

Victor Oladipo

IND

3

Oladipo maybe the second scoring option, but he'll be the top shooting option as Myles Turner will look to play inside for at least half of the game. Oladipo is more scoring dependant but will provide some assist and steals. 

7

Avery Bradley

DET

3

Bradley will have a similar role on the Pistons as he did on the Celtics. He's one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and he'll take over offensively. The key difference is a lack of a skilled guard next to him in the lineup.

8

D'Angelo Russell

BKN

3

Russell gets to finally leave all of the drama out West behind him and will be featured a lot both on and off the ball. It will take a month for him to find his groove offensively, but should be a top offensive weapon for the Nets.

9

Andrew Wiggins

MIN

3

The addition of Jimmy Butler, may keep Wiggins in the corner waiting for open jumpers unless he learns to not only drive more, but to follow up his shots. The more committed he is on defense, the more love he'll get. 

10

Rodney Hood

UT

3

Gordon Hayward being off the team opens up a lot for Hood and he should be featured a ton as the Jazz main shooter. Hood will provide minor assist and steals help and will play a lot of minutes. 

11

DeMar DeRozan

TOR

2

DeRozan would be top three on this list due to the all-around production and being essentially a 1A option on the Raptors along with Kyle Lowry

12

Eric Gordon

HOU

3

Gordon will be coming off the bench, but will still lead the Rockets second unit on offense. Gordon can play effectively both on and off the ball and can hit very deep three's. He also has a good back door cut to the basket. 

13

Jaylen Brown

BOS

3

Jaylen Brown will be picking up a lot more time with possession of the ball, but the question is will he be more of a driver or shooter? He should to combine both to his game to throw off the defense. Give him time to learn.

14

Jordan Clarkson

LAL

3

With Kentavious Caldwell-Pope suspended, Clarkson's stock rises at least for this week. Clarkson has good shooting ability from mid and long-range and he maintains good control of the ball. He can play at both PG and SG.

15

Bradley Beal

WSH

2

Beal would be much higher on this list with a full slate, but we saw a much improved Beal from an offensive and durability standpoint last season and he's learned to attack the rim more rather than settle with jumpers. 

16

Terrence Ross

ORL

3

Ross will need to play with a chip on his shoulder early because Jonathon Simmons is coming for his spot. Ross is very effective from the side of the basket on offense and is always moving on the court. 

17

JJ Redick

PHI

3

Redick does more of the intagibles when on the court. He'll always be moving to tire out his defenders and he has one of the quickest shot releases in the game. He's very effective on the pick and pop and is dominant from the key. 

18

Garrett Temple

SAC

3

Temple will get a lot of minutes early due to Buddy Hield's struggles and has a decent mid-range and drive game. Temple will have games where he provides some rebounding and assist help. Kings don't have a ton offensively. 

19

Kent Bazemore

ATL

3

Bazemore was awful last season. His decisions on the court were very frustrating to watch, but due to lack of depth, Bazemore will get a lot of minutes early. When he's on, he'll help with scoring and rebounding. He can score posting up. 

20

Tim Hardaway Jr. 

NY

2

Hardaway will be completely featured in the Knicks offense. He'll be the team's second scoring option and will get a ton of shots per game. Hardaway showed last season that he can be an effective shooter and driver. Scoring dependant.

Small Forward

RANK

NAME

Team

# Games

Analysis

1

Kevin Durant

GSW

3

The Warriors team hasn't changed much and neither will Durant's production this season. The Warriors offense will run through him for a good amount of the game and he'll help in all categories including blocks. 

2

LeBron James

CLE

3

While the blocks and three pointers may not be as high for James as Durant, James will still drive the lane a ton, take command of the offense and grab a ton of rebounds and steals on the defensive end. 

3

Jimmy Butler

MIN

3

Butler will be featured as more of a slasher. Technically he's the Timberwolves second scoring option. He will position himself in the post and is a shutdown perimeter defender. He'll provide a ton of help on both sides of the ball. 

4

Paul George

OKC

3

Even though George is now the third scoring option on the Thunder, he'll get plenty of opportunites to drive. George is also an excellent defender and will grab a ton of rebounds, steals and will even help with blocks. 

5

Gordon Hayward

BOS

3

Hayward will get to play a similar role in Boston as he did in Utah. Hayward will get a lot of immediate screens and will look to get open on the key off the ball. Hayward will get time with the ball to create and is good at running the floor.

6

Tobias Harris

DET

3

Harris will be featured a ton at the top of the paint. Harris is more of a slasher who follows up his own shots and keeps plays alive. Expect consistent scoring, rebounding and steals. Harris is never afraid to fight in the lane. 

7

Brandon Ingram

LAL

3

Ingram will get to serve as a point-forward for the Lakers and will get a good amount of time with the ball. Ingram will look to drive the lane a bit more this season and should be able to provide some help with rebounds and assists. 

8

Evan Fournier

ORL

3

Fournier will still serve as the Magic's top shooting weapon. Aaron Gordon may have the ball a bit more, but Fournier will be the ultimate bailout option from mid and long-range. He'll get plenty of shots and provide some assist help. 

9

Trevor Ariza

HOU

3

Ariza's offense will come from hitting the knockdown three, but he does have good lane driving ability. Ariza is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and will be a big help with steals throughout the season. 

10

Robert Covington

PHI

3

Covington will be able to take advantage of smaller wing players and he'll rotate to both forward spots. Covington faced health issues last season, but when in, he'll help in every fantasy basketball category including blocks and three's.

11

Wesley Matthews 

DAL

3

Matthews will play a similar role as he did last season. Matthews will set the screen and then look to post on the high side. He has the ability to pop out and hit long range jumpers. Matthews will help grab long rebounds. 

12

Taurean Prince

ATL

3

Prince is one of the prime pieces of the Hawks rebuild and will get a chance to get more shots and work in the post. Prince was more of an attacker and his offensive game improved a ton throughout last season. Expect a lot of minutes.

13

Bojan Bogdanovic

IND

3

This is a big spot for Bogdanovic because the Pacers are dealing with injuries. Expect Bogdanovic to get more shots and he'll take a lot of long range jumpers. Bogdanovic has showed lane-driving potential, but mainly stuck to shooting. 

14

TJ Warren

PHX

3

Warren has been dealing with Back issues throughout the last couple of weeks, but he should be ready to go and start (at least for now). Expect Warren as the third scoring weapon to score 12-15 points per game with some steals. 

15

Otto Porter Jr.

WSH

2

Porter is another Wizards player who's learned to attack the lane more. He'll get fed by a doubled Wall if he cuts. Porter will score in the teens mainly, but he'll grab rebounds and be a major steals help. He has a short slate this week. 

16

Danilo Gallinari

LAC

2

Gallinari will serve as the Clippers second offensive weapon, but if Blake Griffin stays in his lane (literally) Gallo could become the Clippers top shooting weapon. He shoots a lot from downtown but will look to attack if the lane is open. 

17

Josh Jackson

PHX

3

Jackson can run and play multiple positions. He'll be in competition for a starting job early and his focus is mainly attacking the rim. Jackson has incredible reach and will be able to pull down rebounds. Look to trade for him early on. 

18

Wilson Chandler

DEN

2

Chandler was a sneaky all-around producer last season. He can bring up the ball and help in all categories. Chandler can also play up to four positions on the court if needed and that will help his production even more. 

19

Josh Richardson

MIA

2

Richardson is expected to take on a much bigger role on the Heat this season and can play at multiple positions. Richardson is very balanced between shooting and driving. He'll provide some rebound and assist help. He's got quick moves.

20

Maurice Harkless

POR

3

The Blazers have a limited amount of depth in their mid-court and Harkless will get the majority of minutes at the position early. Harkless will mainly score from inside the arc but can step back and hit three's. 

Power Forward

RANK

NAME

Team

# Games

Analysis

1

Giannis Antetokounmpo

MIL

3

An all-around fantasy producer who can play four positions on the court and will bring up the ball a fair amount. He provides a ton of help in all standard categories and is without Jabari Parker until early 2018. 

2

Anthony Davis

NO

3

Even with DeMarcus Cousins playing on the other side of the paint, Davis will still score, rebound and block shots at a really high level. Health is always a concern, but lack of possesion with the ball isn't. 

3

Draymond Green

GSW

3

Don't expect to much scoring from Green except from right under the basket. Expect a lot of rebounds, steals and blocks. Green will also provide assist help to cutters when he's doubled. 

4

Harrison Barnes

DAL

3

Barnes will be the Mavs top scoring option this season from all areas but the paint. Barnes is also a committed defender and we can expect him to gram six to eight rebounds and get steals. 

5

Ben Simmons

PHI

3

Simmons already qualifies at three positions on some of the fantasy websites and he'll be switching positions throughout the game. When Markelle Fultz is in he'll play more inside. Expect all-around production from him. He'll run point too.

6

Carmelo Anthony

OKC

3

Anthony will see a few more open shots with the attention not solely on him. Westbrook and George require a lot of attention. Anthony will also grab five to seven rebounds per game. Expect more shooting than driving this season. 

7

Aaron Gordon

ORL

3

The Magic's offense will run a lot more through Gordon. His shot has improved over the last season, but he's still a much better attacker than driver. Gordon will help grab rebounds and block shots due to his high reach. 

8

Julius Randle

LAL

3

Randle has to have a chip on his shoulder with other players at the position trying to take playing time away from him. Randle is effective solely in the paint scoring and rebounding. Expect him to be fed a good amount in the post. 

9

Dario Saric

PHI

3

With Joel Embiid on a major minutes restriction to start the season and Ben Simmons playing at different positions, expect Saric to log a ton of minutes coming off the bench. He'll help big with scoring, rebounding, thee's and blocks. 

10

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

BKN

3

If Hollis-Jefferson can shake his health issues, he will be a big part of the Nets inside game. Hollis-Jefferson will look to score and rebound on the low block, but has shown the ability to slash down the lane effectively. 

11

Jae Crowder

CLE

3

The Cavs switched their whole lineup to get Crowder in there. Crowder will look to cut a lot when James has the ball and he has a good mid-range game. Expect a combo of short and long-range scoring and steals on the perimeter. 

12

Marcus Morris

BOS

3

Morris has the opportunity to earn even more playing time because the Celtics do not spend a lot of time covering the paint. Morris has a reliable mid-range game, but has shown attacking ability and will take contact. Expect boards. 

13

Ersan Ilyasova

ATL

3

Ilyasova is effective both from the high post and squaring up to the basket. He'll score mainly from the elbow and follows his shots up nicely. He's very effective in the post on defense and should be able to log a lot of minutes. 

14

Zach Randolph

SAC

3

The Kings youth up front needs help and Randolph will be one of the teacher's on this team and should log a lot of minutes early. He'll hit shots from inside and outside the arc. When Randolph is in the lane he's very hard to box out. 

15

Derrick Favors

UT

3

Favors is healthy and will be needed to help with mid-range scoring early. Before his injury, Favors was seeing a lot of success in the post and will help with rebounds and blocks. The Jazz lack depth and minutes won’t be an issue. 

16

Blake Griffin

LAC

2

Griffin will be the Clippers top offensive weapon and played a lot more in the post last season and found a ton of success because of his size. Expect a lot of scoring and at least eight rebounds per game. He has a short slate this week. 

17

Kristaps Porzingis

NY

2

Porzingis will finally get to show what he can do as the Knicks top scoring weapon. Porzingis will hit shots from way behind the arc and when he drives he always follows his own shots. Expect points, boards and blocks. Short slate week 1.

18

Thaddeus Young

IND

3

Young is purely a slasher and will thrive if the lane is open. Young should get open looks with the amount of attention Myles Turner requires. Expect Young to help out with rebounds and steals as he is a strong defender on the perimeter.

19

Al-Farouq Aminu

POR

3

Aminu will take advantage of the Blazers lack of depth early and will provide similar stats as Thad Young. Aminu is mainly an attacker. He follows his own shots up and will rebound. Expect him to play 25-30 minutes per game. 

20

LaMarcus Aldridge

SAS

2

With Kawhi Leonard hurt, expect Aldridge to score more as the team's interim top scoring and rebounding weapon. Aldridge mentally will be in a much better place as he and the Spurs management hashed out their differences. 

Center

RANK

NAME

Team

# Games

Analysis

1

Karl-Anthony Towns

MIN

3

Expect Towns to be in the running for the NBA MVP this season. He'll get a ton of time with the ball and he'll produce all over the court. Points, rebounds, blocks, steals and he'll even hit decent amount of three-pointers. 

2

DeMarcus Cousins

NO

3

Cousins will still be able to produce and will even get some time bringing up the ball because of Rondo's injury. Cousins will help big-time in all categories, including assists early because he will have the ball on the perimeter some.

3

Kevin Love

CLE

3

Love will shift to the Center spot and this will work out well for him. He's got a ton of post moves and is very aggressive in the lane. Expect a lot of double-doubles and he'll still shoot from the outside but hopefully not as much. 

4

Rudy Gobert

UT

3

Gobert will dominate the low block once again this season and with Favors back, less will be asked of him defensively. Expect a lot of low-block scoring, defensive and offensive rebounding, blocks and a ton of playing time. 

5

Al Horford

BOS

3

Horford was one of the most effective scorers from outside last season and with the departure of other strong defenders, he'll need to play a bit more inside. His rebounding numbers should increase a bit and will still get a lot of shots. 

6

Andre Drummond

DET

3

Drummond is mainly a defensive presence as he'll mainly score on dunks, put-backs and baby hooks, but he's one of the hardest to box out from the paint. Expect more rebounding and blocks than scoring. Nightmare from the FT line. 

7

Nikola Vucevic

ORL

3

Vucevic will get plenty of love in the paint. He has incredible footwork and can work his way inside spinning to either side. He always positions himself in the right spot for a second chance scoring opportunities. Expect double-doubles.

8

Myles Turner

IND

3

Turner will take over as the Pacers top option on offense and team's forget that as effective as Turner is inside, he'll also knockdown treys from the outside. He'll pull bigger defenders out of the paint. Expect points, boards, and blocks. 

9

Brook Lopez

LAL

3

New year, same story with Lopez! Lopez loves playing outside of the paint and he's one of the few Centers who can't be relied on for consistent rebounding. He is one of the most effective scoring/shooting Centers in the game. 

10

Jusuf Nurkic

POR

3

Nurkic will be very effective as the Blazers third overall option and top scoring big man. Nurkic showed a lot of skills in the post and positions himself nicely to grab rebounds. He's very effective with one hand inside. 

11

Clint Capela

HOU

3

Capela faced a few health issues last season, but he'll be one of the few Rockets committed to defense. Capela will get plays called for him inside except when Houston is on the run. Expect him to grab six to eight rebounds per game. 

12

Dirk Nowitzki

DAL

3

Nowitzki will be used to pull out bigger defenders because even at his age, he's still able to be effective from downtown. Nowitzki will also be playing more in the paint and we can expect more rebounds from right inside.

13

Nikola Jokic

DEN

2

Jokic is one of the most productive Centers in the game and even with Paul Millsap on the squad, he'll still be just as efficient of a scorer from in and outside the paint and will grab a ton of boards and blocks. He has a short slate. 

14

Hassan Whiteside

MIA

2

Whiteside is another double-double machine and he has his way in the paint on and off the ball. Whiteside could be relied on for steals and blocks, but has the short slate this week. 

15

Steven Adams

OKC

3

Adams will get a lot more run with Enes Kanter off the team and will score from right under the basket mainly off put-backs. Expect Adams to pull down seven to nine boards this season. Can he keep up with the Thunder's pace?

16

Greg Monroe

MIL

3

It's hard to tell how much Monroe will actually play per game, but at least early on, he should exceed 20 minutes per game. When Monroe is on, he'll score in volume from the post and grab eight to 10 rebounds. Has to prove himself. 

17

Marc Gasol

MEM

2

Gasol is very effective all over the court. He'll serve as the Grizzlies second scoring option and is effective from beyond the arc. Expect points, rebounds, three's and blocks. He has a short slate this week. 

18

Tristan Thompson

CLE

3

Thompson will come off the bench this season, but he'll still play 25-30 minutes per game and work the give and go with his teammates. Thompson will take advantage of weaker second units and will score and grab rebounds. 

19

DeAndre Jordan

LAC

2

Lob City has gone through changes, but the Clippers will still try to set Jordan up for dunks and alley-oops. He won't score any other way. Expect a lot of rebounds and blocks. He's a much more appealing options with a full slate. 

20

Willie Cauley-Stein

SAC

3

There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the Kings big men, but Cauley-Stein should be able to log 25-30 minutes and will get scoring chances from under the basket. He will provide decent rebounding and blocks numbers.