Dejounte Murray is delivering across the board for fantasy managers so far this season. Once averaging 21.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 9.2 APG and 2.0 SPG for the 2021-22 San Antonio Spurs, Murray had fallen off the radar after a torn Achilles limited him to 45 games across his first two New Orleans Pelicans seasons. In 2026-27, he is back to being a modest fantasy building block, averaging 20.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 6.3 APG with 2.3 SPG and 1.3 BPG for a struggling team. His usage is back, and his 49% field goal and 88.9% free throw shooting are especially valuable in any format.
Elsewhere, Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is averaging a near-triple double, making him a favorite for managers who prioritize rebounds and assists without sacrificing shooting percentages. Bulls guard Josh Giddey's 33.3% field goal shooting is unlikely to last, and Magic forward Anthony Black, now with Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs out, is a player to add. Black averaged 18.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 5.0 APG during December and January games last season, and Orlando must give him minutes.
Turnovers are also up across the league. Teams were averaging 16.6 turnovers per game entering Tuesday, compared with 14.5 last season. That matters most in points leagues or roto formats that count turnovers. Clippers guard Darius Garland, averaging 7.0 assists and 6.0 turnovers per game, is a notable example. The turnover spike may normalize, but it is worth monitoring.
The early-season picture offers plenty of value for managers willing to act on trends. Players returning from injury, expanded roles and shifting usage are reshaping fantasy outlooks, and managers who move quickly may gain an edge.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing