It’s time to start prepping for fantasy basketball drafts as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. To help guide managers, this five-part series sorts players into draft tiers based on their position, with this article featuring the power forwards.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Note that a player\u2019s position can vary across fantasy sites,<\/a> so other eligibility is listed in brackets. The good, average, and bad categories are based on a player\u2019s latest season stats and Hashtag Basketball<\/a>. Tiers don’t necessarily\u00a0correlate to rounds.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Read more: <\/em><\/strong>point guards<\/em><\/a>, shooting guards<\/a>, small forwards<\/a>, centers<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, FG%, AST, BLK | Average: STL | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Giannis Antetokounmpo’s<\/a>\u00a0category ranking last season may seem discouraging, but his poor free-throw shooting is what dragged him down and forced managers into an early punt. In points leagues, he has consistently been a dominant force. With Damian Lillard<\/a> gone, the Greek forward\/center will need to do more offensively. Antetokounmpo is one of the best scorers and rebounders in the league, even averaging a double-double since 2017-18. He can do everything except shoot well at the charity stripe and hit threes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: REB, BLK, PTS, FG%, STL | Average: AST, FT% | Bad: 3PM, TO<\/em><\/p>\n 2025-26 will be Anthony Davis’s<\/a>\u00a0first full season with the Mavericks. Dallas has a stacked frontcourt with Dereck Lively II<\/a> and Daniel Gafford<\/a>. That could result in a slight dip in defensive stats for Davis, but it\u2019s not a cause for concern. While Kyrie Irving<\/a> is sidelined, the former Laker will carry the bulk of the offensive load. The biggest problem will be durability. In the past five years, the 32-year-old only suited up for 60+ games once. Other criticisms of his game are his shooting from three-point range and turnovers. Aside from that, Davis is a force on both ends of the court.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK | Bad: TO, 3PM, FG%, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n With the Raptors entering a rebuilding year, Scottie Barnes<\/a> was a popular early pick. However, he couldn’t build off his breakout campaign from 2023-24. Still, he was an excellent contributor in the five main categories, showcasing his versatility. The Florida native’s biggest weaknesses were turnovers and poor shooting splits. While his threes also declined, he has upside there. The 24-year-old remains the leader of the team, although the arrival of Brandon Ingram<\/a> indicates a slight dip in offensive numbers.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB, FG%, PTS | Average: AST, STL | Bad: FT%, 3PM, TO<\/em><\/p>\n While some Cavaliers took a step back in their production, Evan Mobley<\/a> took a giant leap forward. He earned the 2024-25 DPOY award and made his first All-Star appearance, thanks to his excellent shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. Offensively, the former third-overall pick’s best assets are points and a high field goal percentage. Free throws are his biggest weakness, and his three-point shooting was also underwhelming; however, he has made a significant improvement in that area.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, REB | Average: PTS, FG%, TO | Bad: AST, STL, 3PM, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n A hip fracture suffered in November limited Chet Holmgren<\/a> to playing in just 32 games. He’s had some health issues in the past, missing what would have been his rookie season due to a foot issue. Despite that, the seven-footer has already proved to be one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. If Holmgren can stay healthy, he could average a double-double. His offensive upside is somewhat capped due to the Thunder’s depth, but the 23-year-old is an excellent source of defensive stats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: REB, STL, PTS, AST, BLK, FG% | Bad: TO, 3PM, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Since breaking out in 2023-24, Jalen Johnson<\/a> has emerged as a fantasy goldmine. However, he’s only suited up for 92 games over the past two seasons due to injuries. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> also doesn’t help. Staying healthy for the majority of the season would give managers tremendous value. The 2021 draft pick is a defensive ace who can score and rebound and has developed some playmaking chops. He’s never been a good shooter from the free-throw line or from range.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, FG% | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, TO | Bad: FT%<\/em><\/p>\n With Tyrese Haliburton<\/a> sidelined for the year, Pascal Siakam<\/a> moves up to become the offensive leader. He typically hovers around 20 PPG, which he can easily increase. The absence of Myles Turner<\/a> also gives the former Raptor more opportunities to bump up his rebounds and defensive production. While his fantasy ranking has dropped since joining the Pacers, Siakiam is set up for a career season. He has a very well-balanced skill set, and mainly just struggles with his free-throw percentage.<\/p>\n Good: REB, PTS, AST, STL | Average: BLK, FG% | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Some of Bam Adebayo’s<\/a> numbers took a small hit last year as his category ranking was one of his lowest. His points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage were the most notable drops. The emergence of Kel’el Ware<\/a> is likely a reason for that, and he could also force Adebayo to spend more time at the four. Still, he\u2019ll be relied on more offensively with Jimmy Butler<\/a> gone and Tyler Herro<\/a> injured. The 28-year-old is a double-double threat with great durability.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, AST | Average: STL, BLK, 3PM | Bad: FT%, TO, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Managers didn’t get to see much of Paolo Banchero<\/a> in 2024-25 as a torn oblique limited him to a career-low 46 contests. Although, availability hasn’t really been a concern for him in the past. Instead, poor shooting splits and high turnovers are his downfall. That makes the former first-overall pick more valuable in points formats, as he’s a solid contributor everywhere else. Desmond Bane<\/a>‘s arrival won’t dethrone Banchero as the team’s lead offensive option, but it could slightly cut into some of his numbers.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, PTS, STL, FG% | Average: REB, 3PM, FT% | Bad: AST, TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Grizzlies may have Jaren Jackson Jr.<\/a> available for the start of the season as he quickly recovered from a toe injury. Still, health issues have been a common problem throughout his seven-year career. That hurts his draft stock slightly. Jackson Jr. is a great source of steals and blocks, even though his numbers in the latter aren’t what they once were. He can also score and hit some threes, but he’s not much of a rebounder. With Bane gone, the power forward\/center will need to carry a heavier workload offensively.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, PTS, REB, AST, STL, BLK | Bad: 3PM, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Injuries have been the biggest roadblock for Zion Williamson<\/a>. The 25-year-old has played 214 of a possible 492 games across his career, even missing one season entirely. The forward is a risky pick for his durability issues, but he’s an excellent producer on both ends of the floor when healthy. Also, his transformation over the summer is giving managers some hope. The Pelicans traded away two stars over the offseason, leaving Williamson with a heavier workload. His worst categories are always threes, free-throw percentage and turnovers.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB | Average: AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%, FT% | Bad: TO<\/em><\/p>\n The Wizards traded Deni Avdija<\/a> to the Trail Blazers last offseason, leading to his best campaign yet. Despite not even starting every game, he increased his output in the scoring categories while maintaining his numbers on the other end. Anfernee Simons’<\/a>\u00a0absence only leaves Avdija more room to grow offensively. The 24-year-old fits well into Portland’s rebuild and will be one of their scoring pillars. He is a versatile producer with his worst stat being turnovers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, REB | Average: AST, BLK, 3PM | Bad: FG%, STL, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Despite Miles Bridges<\/a> seeing a sizeable reduction in minutes, his averages and fantasy ranking remained about the same as team injuries forced him to step up. However, some new faces could eat into some of the 27-year-old’s output. He can contribute to multiple areas, but his best stats come from points, rebounds, free-throw percentage and threes.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, STL, BLK, 3PM | Average: REB, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: AST<\/em><\/p>\n OG Anunoby’s<\/a> first full season with the Knicks was much better than when he was traded there in 2023-24. Despite a star-studded lineup, he was heavily involved on both ends of the floor. The London native’s availability was another factor contributing to his strong finish, as he suited up for a career-high 74 matches. Although injuries have been a long-standing issue, which adds some risk. The biggest knock on Anunoby’s game is assists, which managers don’t rely on him for anyway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, AST, FT% | Average: FG% | Bad: TO, STL, BLK, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Julius Randle’s<\/a> first season with the Timberwolves had its ups and downs. His scoring average dropped to under 20 PPG for the first time since 2019-20. The 30-year-old also finished with his lowest category ranking since 2021-22. Still, he was solid in the three main categories. Randle faces competition in the frontcourt with Rudy Gobert<\/a> and Naz Reid<\/a>, so not much is expected to change for him this season.<\/p>\n Good: FT%, PTS, 3PM | Average: REB, BLK, TO | Bad: FG%, AST, STL<\/em><\/p>\n Infamous for his silly season shenanigans, Lauri Markkanen<\/a> fell even further short of expectations in 2024-25. He had one of his worst rankings in years as he appeared in his fewest games yet. That makes the Finnish forward a very risky pick. However, he’s generating plenty of trade buzz, and a move could help. His best assets are his scoring, rebounding and three-point shooting. He also offers some stocks.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, 3PM, FG% | Average: BLK, FT%, TO | Bad: AST, STL<\/em><\/p>\n The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr.<\/a> to the Nets over the offseason. The 27-year-old’s staples are his three-point shooting and rebounding, with some numbers elsewhere. It’ll be an adjustment for him to be on a team where he’ll have to generate his own looks without two top-tier playmakers. Still, his shot attempts will jump. Porter Jr. could also miss games in silly season if Brooklyn has nothing to play for.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, TO | Average: FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, STL, PTS, REB, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n With Zach LaVine<\/a> gone and the Bulls lacking star power, 2025-26 can be Matas Buzelis’<\/a> time to shine. The 2024 11th overall pick got hot near the end of last season. Now that he has a starting job and with more minutes available, managers have plenty to be excited about. Buzelis still needs to develop his game, but he flashed his potential as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker.<\/p>\n Good: REB, TO | Average: PTS, AST, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG% | Bad: FT%<\/em><\/p>\n The Grizzlies are shorthanded for the first few weeks of the season, thrusting Santi Aldama<\/a> into a bigger role. Injuries have been a common problem for Memphis, which means managers may see more of him throughout the year. He could also see more usage because of Bane’s absence. Aldama has shown that he can do a bit of everything and has continuously improved his fantasy ranking. The 24-year-old’s biggest weakness is free-throw percentage.<\/p>\n Good: STL, REB, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Tari Eason<\/a> is coming off his best season and should be in for a heavier workload with VanVleet sidelined. His calling card is his defensive abilities, especially in steals. The 24-year-old also showed signs of growing his offensive game by averaging double-digit points for the first time. However, injuries have hindered him most over the past two years and he will still come off the bench.<\/p>\n Good: PTS, REB, BLK, FG%, FT% | Average: STL | Bad: AST, 3PM, TO<\/em><\/p>\n Despite playing only 40 games, John Collins<\/a> made a huge fantasy resurgence. Some of his numbers were among the best of his career. However, he’s now playing for a Clippers team that has a lot of mouths to feed. Some of his stats should take a hit, but it also helps that he’s no longer on a tanking team. The 28-year-old is relatively versatile, but lacks most in assists and threes.<\/p>\n Good: AST, STL, BLK | Average: REB | Bad: PTS, 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n 35-year-old Draymond Green<\/a> showed signs of regressing in 2024-25, yet just managed to rank inside the top 100. The long-time Warrior has consistently been a good source of assists, rebounds, steals and blocks and a triple-double threat. His numbers don’t jump off the page, and he doesn’t offer much value elsewhere, but as long as he’s healthy, he remains a decent fantasy option.<\/p>\n Good: REB, BLK, TO | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM, FT% | Bad: AST, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The Kings are without Keegan Murray<\/a> for the beginning of the season, as he recently underwent thumb surgery. Even once he returns, his ceiling is capped as he’s sharing the court with three high-usage stars. The former fourth overall pick took a step back last season because of that. He offers 3-and-D numbers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Average: AST, STL, 3PM, FG%, FT%, TO | Bad: PTS, REB, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n It appears that Nikola Jovic<\/a> will win the starting spot over\u00a0<\/span>Kel’el Ware<\/a>, at least for now. The 22-year-old has flashed his ability to contribute to multiple categories, and with increased minutes, he can have a career year. However, he\u00a0has yet to reach 50 games in his three-year career due to injuries, which is a cause for concern.<\/p>\n Good: BLK, FT%, TO | Average: PTS, REB, STL, FG% | Bad: AST, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Tobias Harris’<\/a> fantasy ranking and scoring took a considerable drop in his first season with the Pistons. That was the result of being a veteran on a team loaded with young talent and depth. The 33-year-old’s minutes were slightly reduced, and his production often fluctuated. Harris’ situation likely won’t improve, but he offers some defensive numbers and points on decent splits.<\/p>\n Good: REB, TO | Average: PTS, BLK, 3PM, FT% | Bad: AST, STL, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Jabari Smith Jr.<\/a> is coming off a disappointing year. While the arrival of Kevin Durant<\/a> doesn’t help his situation, VanVleet’s injury does. He slots in to start at the four and can provide some rebounds, blocks, points and threes.<\/p>\n \u00a0Average: STL, BLK, 3PM, FT%, TO | Bad: FG%, PTS, REB, AST<\/em><\/p>\n Kyshawn George<\/a> finished outside the top 200 in category leagues in his rookie campaign, but he’s projected to finish higher this year. While it’ll be hard for him to do so immediately with two veterans taking up usage, the 21-year-old’s time should come later in the season. George has solid defensive abilities and should have a sixth-man role.<\/p>\n Average: PTS, REB, STL, BLK, TO | Bad: FT%, AST, 3PM, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n The situation between the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga<\/a> is messy, raising concerns over his role. That makes him a risky pick, even for his scoring upside and defensive prowess.\u00a0The best-case scenario for him and managers is a trade.<\/p>\n Good: FG% | Average: PTS, REB, AST, FT%, TO | Bad: STL, BLK, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Managers didn’t get to see much of Aaron Gordon<\/a> last year as injuries limited him to 51 contests. He’s not the most appealing fantasy player, but he offers some points, rebounds and assists with good shooting efficiency.<\/p>\n Good: 3PM, BLK, FT% | Average: PTS, STL, TO | Bad: FG%, REB, AST<\/em><\/p>\n With the Trail Blazers embracing their youth movement, Jerami Grant’s<\/a> impact is decreasing. He still offers some value for his points and defensive stats, but he’s a risky pick, and durability is his biggest weakness. Over the past five seasons, Grant’s suited up for 60+ games once.<\/p>\n Good: TO, 3PM | Average: FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, PTS, REB, STL, BLK<\/em><\/p>\n The Celtics look very different this season. One major change is Sam Hauser<\/a> starting at power forward. He’s never finished inside the top 200, but this is his chance to climb the rankings and improve some of his numbers. The 27-year-old’s best assets are his scoring and three-point shooting.<\/p>\n Good: REB, BLK | Average: PTS, STL, 3PM | Bad: AST, FG%, FT%, TO<\/em><\/p>\n P.J. Washington<\/a> is coming off one of his best seasons due to team injuries. However, his value is tied to the Mavericks’ health, as he doesn’t have as much of an impact when the team is at full strength. The 27-year-old is a 3-and-D guy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good: REB, FG% | Average: STL, BLK, TO | Bad: 3PM, PTS, AST, FT%<\/em><\/p>\n Jeremy Sochan<\/a> can do a little bit across multiple categories, but he’s yet to rank inside the top 150 in category formats. The Spurs also have new players incoming, which could further impact his role.<\/p>\n Good: FG%, TO | Average: BLK, FT% | Bad: PTS, REB, AST, STL, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n Obi Toppin<\/a> has had some big performances, but they have never been consistent enough to maintain fantasy relevance. This year could be his chance with Haliburton out. The 27-year-old can score, rebound and block shots.<\/p>\n Average: REB, FG%, TO | Bad: FT%, PTS, AST, STL, BLK, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n It wasn’t until silly season that Kyle Filipowski<\/a> got on the fantasy radar. With increased minutes and some starts, he contributed good points, rebounds, threes and stocks. The sophomore probably won’t have much value until that point in the year.<\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: FT% | Bad: AST, PTS, REB, STL, BLK, 3PM, FG%<\/em><\/p>\n Following two years of a limited role with the Rockets and multiple injuries, Cam Whitmore<\/a> is joining the Wizards. He’ll come off the bench, but should get more playing time and has more upside now.<\/p>\n Good: TO | Average: REB, BLK, FG%, FT% | Bad: AST, PTS, STL, 3PM<\/em><\/p>\n After years of being stuck in a limited role with the Raptors, Chris Boucher<\/a> will see more opportunities with the Celtics. He can improve his points, rebounds and blocks, but he’s not the most reliable.<\/p>\n Rui Hachimura<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Kelly Oubre Jr.<\/a> (SG, SF)<\/p>\n Caleb Martin<\/a> (SG, SF)<\/p>\n Taurean Prince<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Justin Champagnie<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Taylor Hendricks<\/a> (SF, C)<\/p>\n Patrick Williams<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Jarred Vanderbilt<\/a> (C)<\/p>\n Noah Clowney<\/a> (C)<\/p>\n Jonathan Isaac<\/a> (SF, C)<\/p>\n Harrison Barnes<\/a> (SF)<\/p>\n Collin Murray-Boyles<\/a> (C)<\/p>\n Georges Niang<\/a><\/p>\n Guerschon Yabusele<\/a> (SF, C)<\/p>\nFantasy Basketball Power Forward Tiers 2025-26<\/h2>\n
Tier 1<\/h3>\n
Giannis Antetokounmpo (C)<\/h4>\n
Anthony Davis (C)<\/h4>\n
Tier 2<\/h3>\n
Scottie Barnes (SG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Evan Mobley (C)<\/h4>\n
Chet Holmgren (C)<\/h4>\n
Tier 3<\/h3>\n
Jalen Johnson (SF)<\/h4>\n
Pascal Siakam (SF, C)<\/h4>\n
Bam Adebayo (C)<\/h4>\n
Paolo Banchero (SF, C)<\/h4>\n
Jaren Jackson Jr. (C)<\/h4>\n
Tier 4<\/h3>\n
Zion Williamson (SF)<\/h4>\n
Deni Avdija (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 5<\/h3>\n
Miles Bridges (SF)<\/h4>\n
OG Anunoby (SF)<\/h4>\n
Julius Randle (C)<\/h4>\n
Lauri Markkanen (SF)<\/h4>\n
Michael Porter Jr. (SF)<\/h4>\n
Matas Buzelis (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 6<\/h3>\n
Santi Aldama (SF, C)<\/h4>\n
Tari Eason (SF)<\/h4>\n
John Collins (C)<\/h4>\n
Draymond Green (C)<\/h4>\n
Keegan Murray (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 7<\/h3>\n
Nikola Jovic (C)<\/h4>\n
Tobias Harris (SF)<\/h4>\n
Jabari Smith Jr. (C)<\/h4>\n
Kyshawn George (SG, SF)<\/h4>\n
Jonathan Kuminga (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 8<\/h3>\n
Aaron Gordon (C)<\/h4>\n
Jerami Grant (SF)<\/h4>\n
Sam Hauser (SF)<\/h4>\n
P.J. Washington (SF)<\/h4>\n
Tier 9<\/h3>\n
Jeremy Sochan (C)<\/h4>\n
Obi Toppin<\/h4>\n
Kyle Filipowski (C)<\/h4>\n
Cam Whitmore (SF)<\/h4>\n
Chris Boucher (C)<\/h4>\n
Tier 10<\/h3>\n
Tier 11<\/h3>\n