Maxey tops scoring charts, Tatum set to return shortly

Every week in the NBA presents its own narrative, filled with both unexpected developments and disappointments, compelling fantasy basketball managers to discern what to trust as they move forward. We may offer some assistance. If any of these insights materialize … do not be taken aback.

Don’t be surprised if … Philadelphia 76ers PG/SG Tyrese Maxey finishes as the top scorer in fantasy points this season

This may not seem overly audacious since Maxey heads into the All-Star break holding this distinction, having accumulated 2,804 fantasy points (averaging 53.9 per game). Last season featured two clear MVP candidates in both real-life and fantasy contexts, with Oklahoma City Thunder PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Denver Nuggets C Nikola Jokic being the only players to exceed 4,000 points. Jokic was exceptional, averaging 69.7 fPPG, while Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned league MVP honors, averaged 58.7 fPPG. Maxey, who participated in only 52 games, had an average of 45.5 fPPG.

This season, Maxey has truly emerged as a star, although it is important to note that his durability is a key factor in his leading the league in fantasy points. Maxey, logging the most minutes per game (38.6 MPG), has only missed two games. Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) was sidelined for the five games leading up to the break and may miss additional time. Jokic (knee) missed 16 games before returning two weeks ago. While SGA and Jokic are superior fantasy options on a per-game basis (as is Los Angeles Lakers PG Luka Doncic), Maxey is consistently available. This should be acknowledged.

Does this imply that fantasy managers in points formats should consider trading Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, or Doncic straight up for Maxey? Well, injuries can affect anyone, including Maxey. No qualified player has averaged more than 38 MPG since James Harden during the 2015-16 season with the Houston Rockets. The 76ers have indicated a desire to manage Maxey’s minutes, and they have already begun to do so in February. Nevertheless, Maxey continues to perform, even as Joel Embiid excels. The Thunder and Nuggets appear to have a more secure playoff position, which may lead them to be cautious with their MVP candidates. The 76ers do not have this advantage.

I find it difficult to justify trading Gilgeous-Alexander or Jokic for Maxey, even though it seems plausible that Maxey will lead the league in fantasy points. However, trading for Doncic appears more reasonable.

Don’t be surprised if … Boston Celtics PF/SF Jayson Tatum makes his return on March 1

Tatum and the Celtics are taking a measured approach regarding his comeback from an Achilles injury, not committing to any specifics about his participation in regular-season games. However, it is advisable not to take their statements at face value. Tatum is already engaged in practice and has taken part in 5-on-5 scrimmages. The contending Celtics are eager to have Tatum back on the court as soon as possible. While they may manage his minutes and avoid back-to-back games, he is likely to return well before the playoffs commence — and he will significantly benefit fantasy managers. While we shouldn’t anticipate an average of 48.4 fantasy points per game like last season, expecting more than 40 fPPG in approximately 30 minutes seems reasonable.

The Celtics are set to host the rival 76ers on Sunday night, March 1, in a nationally broadcast game on NBC. This appears to be an excellent opportunity to showcase one of the league’s top 10 players making a notable return from a significant injury. It may feel premature, considering he participated in last season’s playoffs, but it is true that every athlete recovers from injury at their own pace. The absence of Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard for the remainder of the season should not influence perceptions of Tatum.

Regardless, it is surprising that Tatum barely surpassed 50% rostered in ESPN standard leagues this week, while Memphis Grizzlies PG Ty Jerome, LA Clippers SF/SG Bennedict Mathurin, and Miami Heat SF/SG Jaime Jaquez Jr. are being added in numerous leagues and have higher roster percentages. While we shouldn’t expect Tatum to score 50 fantasy points on March 1 … it would be unwise to rule it out.

Elsewhere around the NBA

• Speculating about which star players will be unavailable for the closing weeks or months is somewhat disheartening. At least there is clarity regarding Washington Wizards PG Trae Young and C/PF Anthony Davis. The Wizards provide clear information in this regard. Will Indiana Pacers C Ivica Zubac (ankle) suit up for his new team before October? That may seem far-fetched. He was not injured when the Clippers traded him. Now he appears to be, which is indeed frustrating. We require the rebounds. Utah Jazz C Jusuf Nurkic is not injured, but his playing time is minimal. Where have all the rebounders (aside from Cardwell, lol) gone?

• The Milwaukee Bucks must allow PF/C Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) to play or face backlash from fans and the league office. The Greek Freak has already stated he is fit and ready to compete. It is one thing to sit Zubac; Giannis is a top-5 star. It benefits fantasy managers that he is insisting on playing, and it is unfortunate that this has become the norm. While Giannis may not participate in every game, averaging around 45 fantasy points per game would be satisfactory.

• I am somewhat surprised that new Bucks acquisition SG/SF Cam Thomas is not among the most-added players after he scored 34 points against the Magic in a recent outing. Fantasy managers typically gravitate towards such performances. However, since Thomas contributes very little in other statistical categories, that performance amounted to only 44 ESPN fantasy points. Embiid has recorded at least 44 fantasy points in nine of his last 10 games.

• Dallas Mavericks PG/SG Kyrie Irving (knee) began Wednesday with a roster percentage of 58.8% in ESPN leagues, which is significantly higher than Tatum. The only scenario in which Irving would play this season was if the Mavericks (similar to the Celtics) were in contention, but it has been evident for months that this is not the case. It is advisable to let Irving go. He will not be playing this season.

• Two teams feature a pair of “qualified” players among the top 15 in assists per game. The Nuggets are the obvious choice, with Jokic and Jamal Murray. The other team is not the Lakers with Doncic and LeBron James, as the latter does not qualify. However, two players from the Jazz do qualify. It is uncertain if or when Keyonte George (ankle) will return, but backup Isaiah Collier is accumulating assists in his absence. In fact, Collier averages 9.5 APG in his 12 starts. That is comparable to Cade Cunningham’s average. Collier is not a prolific scorer and remains a poor 3-point shooter, but his assists and steals are legitimate.

• It would be unexpected if LeBron chooses to retire from the NBA after this season. Not to speculate, but he seems like a prime candidate for an extended, attention-grabbing, King-like, full-season celebration, with other franchises organizing ceremonies and presenting extravagant gifts. He desires it all, and he certainly deserves it. James, at 41, is still averaging 42.4 fPPG, ranking 21st in the league. This is not akin to Kyle Lowry at the end of the bench, you know. James is likely to play in the 2026-27 season, at the very least. This is positive news for fantasy managers. Consider acquiring him in a dynasty league if you aim to win next season. Flags fly forever.