Leading the way are two ball-dominant guards who began the 2025-26 season in Los Angeles County.Fantasy Basketball: Anthony Davis, Giannis among preseason rankings ‘misses’A look back at some of the players whose placement in our 2025-26 preseason Top-200 rankings missed the mark. Raphielle Johnson,G Luka Dončić, Los Angeles LakersPreseason rank: 4Dončić being as productive as he was this season certainly wasn't a surprise, given the career track record. However, he finished as the league's scoring champion for the second time in his NBA career, averaging 33.5 points along with 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 4.0 three-pointers per game.

Also leading the league in field goal, three-point and free throw attempts, and three-pointers per game, Dončić shot nearly 48 percent from the field.Even with an average of four turnovers per game, the Lakers' star provided top-5 value in 8-cat and points leagues. Depending on what happens with LeBron James in free agency this summer, it's fair to ask if Dončić can crack the trio of Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama atop the 9-cat rankings in 2026-27.G James Harden, Cleveland CavaliersPreseason rank: 17Of course, the preseason rankings were compiled when Harden was still with the LA Clippers.

Although his scoring average decreased by nearly five points after the trade from the Clippers to the Cavaliers, his efficiency improved. Harden shot 46.6 percent from the field post-trade, and his turnover average decreased.As a result, Harden's offensive rating improved, which factored into him finishing the regular season as a top-25 player in 8-cat, 9-cat and points league formats. A productive run in the postseason may be all that's needed for Harden to solidify his future in Cleveland, with the front office potentially being willing to offer him an extension that did not appear to be coming from the Clippers.F Cooper Flagg, Dallas MavericksPreseason rank: 49We thought highly of Flagg's fantasy potential going into the season, and the rookie forward did not disappoint.

Appearing in 70 games, the Rookie of the Year favorite averaged 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.0 three-pointers while shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 82.7 percent from the foul line.Head coach Jason Kidd's decision to start Flagg at point guard paid dividends for fantasy managers, especially with Kyrie Irving (knee) not playing and multiple other rotation players being limited due to injuries of their own. Even with Irving back in the fold next season, Flagg has top-25 fantasy potential.F Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn NetsPreseason rank: 57Like many, we expected Porter's fantasy value to receive a boost with his move to Brooklyn, even if it meant that he had no chance of playing in the postseason.

The lone negative for fantasy managers was the veteran forward's availability, or lack thereof, after the All-Star break. However, that does not erase what Porter did when available. In 52 appearances, he averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.4 three-pointers while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 85.9 percent from the foul line.Porter finished with career-best averages in points, assists and three-pointers.

Hopefully, the Nets are in a position next season where the front office is willing to compete throughout the season instead of prioritizing its draft position, as Porter can be incredibly valuable to fantasy managers.F Brandon Ingram, Toronto RaptorsPreseason rank: 76The move from New Orleans to Toronto paid dividends for Ingram and those who had faith in him, as availability was no longer an issue. The 77 games were the most in a season for him since his rookie campaign, and the Raptors' wing earned his second All-Star Game appearance. Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers per game while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 82.0 percent from the foul line.

Providing sixth-round value in 8-cat formats, Ingram was a top-50 player in points leagues.G Payton Pritchard, Boston CelticsPreseason rank: 82Coming off a season in which he won NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors, Pritchard was well-positioned to offer greater value this season. Jayson Tatum (Achilles) was unavailable, and the Celtics bid farewell to multiple veterans in free agency or via trade. Pritchard began the season as a starter, but would return to a reserve role in early February, and his production never suffered.He finished the regular season with career-high averages in points, rebounds and assists, and Pritchard has appeared