The opening week of the
Leading the charge is Luka Dončić, who delivered a standout performance in the Los Angeles Lakers' 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz. The six-time All-Star recorded a season-high 86 fantasy points, fueled by a 52-point outing alongside eight rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. Now in his ninth season, Dončić has assumed the primary leadership role for the 3-0 Lakers and currently leads the league with an average of 63.7 fantasy points per game.
Elite Performances and Rising Stars
While Dončić holds the top spot, Nikola Jokić remains a formidable force. The three-time MVP nearly matched the Lakers star’s output, racking up 85 fantasy points during the Denver Nuggets' 141-135 overtime win against the Pelicans. Jokić’s stat line—35 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, three blocks, and two steals—underscores his unique value, building on a 2025-26 campaign where he led the league with 34 triple-doubles.
Other notable performances include Jalen Johnson, who continues to impress following his first career All-Star selection. Despite the Atlanta Hawks' 121-114 loss to the Houston Rockets, Johnson recorded 73 fantasy points, contributing 26 points, 16 assists, and nine rebounds. He has maintained a consistent floor, averaging 57.7 fantasy points per game. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum bounced back from a difficult season opener to secure 68 fantasy points in the Boston Celtics' 107-103 win over the New York Knicks, tallying 36 points and nine rebounds.
Strategic Moves for Week 2
For managers looking to optimize their salary caps, Ty Jerome has emerged as a compelling target. The Memphis Grizzlies guard is averaging 53.3 fantasy points per game, a significant jump from his previous output, making him a high-value acquisition at a $9.6M salary. Similarly, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. has proven to be a reliable asset, averaging 38.3 fantasy points per game while consistently logging heavy minutes. With an $8.0M salary, the Arkansas product offers substantial value for those looking to balance their rosters.
As the season progresses, experts advise patience with established stars who have yet to find their rhythm, provided they remain healthy. With most teams having played fewer than four games, the current landscape remains fluid. Looking ahead to upcoming matchups, the Golden State Warriors' 122.2 defensive rating makes them a prime target for managers looking to utilize their captain’s chip on high-scoring options like Jokić or Dončić during their respective games against the Warriors this week.
