Crafting a dominant fantasy basketball team begins with securing top-tier talent in the initial rounds of your draft or by making strategic salary cap allocations. However, the path to a championship extends far beyond these early selections.
To truly distinguish your team and build a roster capable of winning it all, identifying high-upside prospects and essential complementary pieces in the middle rounds is crucial. This season, which players fit this description and deserve your attention?
Here are the potential difference-makers who can significantly elevate your fantasy squad.
Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Milwaukee Bucks (87.2 ADP)
Kevin Porter Jr. rejoins the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-year contract, poised to contend for the starting point guard position following Damian Lillard`s departure. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just 19.9 minutes per game, demonstrating impressive efficiency with 49.4% shooting from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. His versatility allows him to excel whether starting or coming off the bench, proving his capability to thrive during periods of increased usage. Porter`s scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and effective 3-point shooting make him a valuable fantasy asset this season.
Onyeka Okongwu, C, Atlanta Hawks (92.9 ADP)
Onyeka Okongwu stepped into the starting center role for the Atlanta Hawks last season, enjoying a career-best year. He averaged 13.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 8.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks in under 28 minutes of play. Furthermore, Okongwu showcased developing 3-point range and improved passing skills. With Clint Capela no longer with the team, Okongwu is expected to command more minutes and a larger offensive role this season. His diverse skill set, efficient scoring, and defensive upside are all highly attractive for fantasy managers.
Payton Pritchard, PG, Boston Celtics (97.2 ADP)
With Jayson Tatum sidelined and Jrue Holiday traded, Payton Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is slated for a starting role and significant minutes alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Last season, Pritchard contributed 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, hitting 40.7% of his 3-point attempts. While his off-ball scoring is top-tier, this year could see him expand his playmaking duties, positioning him as an excellent fantasy target with strong potential for points, threes, and assists.
Brandon Miller, SF/SG, Charlotte Hornets (103.0 ADP)
Brandon Miller stands out as a dynamic scorer and emerging talent, capable of delivering points, three-pointers, assists, and steals. Before a wrist injury last season, he recorded averages of 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Now fully recovered for training camp, Miller is anticipated to be a focal point of the Hornets` perimeter-centric offense. His potential for a breakout season, assuming he stays healthy, makes him a prime target for managers looking to bolster their scoring and 3-point categories.
Ausar Thompson, SF/PF, Detroit Pistons (108.4 ADP)
Ausar Thompson is expected to make significant strides for the Pistons this season. Fully recovered from last season`s injury setbacks, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across 59 games, frequently displaying flashes of his dynamic playmaking ability. Coach JB Bickerstaff intends to grant Thompson more offensive involvement this year, encouraging him to drive to the basket and initiate pick-and-rolls. This news is music to the ears of fantasy managers. His elite defense coupled with increased scoring opportunities makes him a robust draft choice across all fantasy formats.
Andrew Nembhard, PG/SG, Indiana Pacers (111.6 ADP)
Andrew Nembhard is primed for a major breakout season. With Tyrese Haliburton out indefinitely, Nembhard is set to assume the role of the Pacers` primary floor general. Last season, in eight games without Haliburton, Nembhard averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, and his playing time could surge into the mid-30s this year. Nembhard`s knack for accumulating assists, contributing defensively, and scoring efficiently makes him a valuable pick with considerable upside in both points and playmaking categories.
Kel`el Ware, C, Miami Heat (128.8 ADP)
Kel`el Ware concluded his rookie season with strong performances, averaging 11.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over his final 49 appearances, often starting alongside Bam Adebayo. In 36 starts, he consistently achieved a double-double, highlighting his defensive presence and rim protection capabilities. The Heat regard him as a crucial component of their frontcourt. With projected starter minutes, Ware`s combination of rebounds and blocks positions him as a high-floor fantasy option that should not be overlooked.
Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls (132.1 ADP)
Matas Buzelis is the leading candidate to start at power forward for the Chicago Bulls over Patrick Williams, making him a prime target for your draft board. The 2024 first-round pick averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 31 starts last season. He finished the season strong, posting 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers per game in his final 16 contests. Combining scoring, 3-point shooting, and elite rim protection, Buzelis offers significant upside across all fantasy formats.
Rupert Hollis 
Jasper Carew