Happy New Year, hoops heads. With the calendar flipping to 2025, here are 10 bold predictions for the rest of the NBA season. I tend to be more of a realist, but with so many injuries and trade rumors in flux, I honed in on some compelling situations that could impact fantasy basketball. Let’s get it!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will finish as the top player in 9-cat leagues
It’ll be tough with Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama standing in his way, but SGA has been the top player in 9-cat over the last month, putting up MVP-worthy numbers.
Over that span, SGA has averaged 33.4 points, 5.7 boards, and 5.3 assists. In addition, he averaged 2.3 3s, 2.3 steals, 1.3 blocks and 2.5 turnovers per game with 57/36/92 shooting splits. He’s doing it all for fantasy managers and, with this type of production and efficiency on both ends, he’ll push both those aforementioned centers for the top spot for the remainder of the season.
The Cavaliers will win 70 games
As unlikely and ridiculous as it sounds, the 29-4 Cavs are on pace for 71. Only three teams have won at least 70 games in the regular season in NBA history. If they keep winning at this torrid rate, it’ll bode well for anyone rostering Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
The Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler
Pat Riley doesn’t want to trade Butler but knowing he could walk for nothing next season, he’ll wise up to take a combination of draft compensation with young talent in exchange for his disgruntled star.
Stephen Curry needs help in the worst way, and Butler’s two-way skill set and his clutch, hard-nosed demeanor will mesh well in a win-now, all-in environment like Golden State.
Zach LaVine gets traded to the Lakers
LaVine’s contract has been the hang-up for opposing franchises wanting to make a move, but his production has been strong enough for specific teams to take a swing. The Lakers fit the bill, as bringing in LaVine gives them a certified bucket to offset LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves.
A package centered around a first-round pick, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura should get it done if the Lakers are serious about trying to compete in a grueling Western Conference.
Immanuel Quickley is a top-40 player in points leagues for the rest of the season
The Toronto point guard hasn’t been able to catch a break this season. Before returning on Wednesday, Quickley played in three regular-season games after dealing with an ankle and a rare elbow injury. So why am I so bullish? Coming into the season, he was one of my breakouts for his high scoring, assist and steal potential. His return on Wednesday (21 and 15) showcased a bit of all of that.
Whether in points leagues or 9-cat, Quickley will go off as fantasy managers intended when they drafted him as early as a high fifth-rounder.
The Kings move DeMar DeRozan to the bench
Lou Williams reportedly heard rumblings about former HC Mike Brown floating the idea of converting DeRozan into a sixth-man role, but nothing materialized. At some point, the Kings staff will have to open up more usage and opportunity for former top-five pick Keegan Murray. His development’s been halted since bringing in DeRozan and if the future matters, bringing an aging vet who can still get a bucket off the bench seems more tenable for a team fighting for a playoff spot.
Zion Williamson won’t play 20 games for the Pelicans this season
The oft-injured former No. 1 pick has been out for two months with a hamstring injury. While some positive reports have trickled in recently, I’d use this as an opportunity to sell for whatever you can get in fantasy leagues. Williamson’s lack of availability and seeming disinterest in staying in New Orleans make the situation bad.
James Harden finishes higher than Tyrese Haliburton in 9-cat leagues
As of Thursday, Haliburton ranks 26th, while Harden is 41st. With Kawhi Leonard returning, Harden’s assist rate and efficiency will improve, as will having another floor-raiser like Leonard back in the lineup. Despite being in the top 30, Haliburton has disappointed this season, and there’s been no indication that Haliburton’s production will return to the first-round value we saw over the past two seasons.
Cam Thomas averages 30 points per game ROS
Thomas averaging a 30-piece assumes Cameron Johnson gets moved by the deadline. Thomas is averaging 24.7 points per game through Thursday, but he and D’Angelo Russell could legitimately hoist 20 shots a game as the Nets prioritize the lottery over winning games.
The Rockets make a move
Houston has been steadfast in its unwillingness to part with any of its current roster, but as we inch closer to the deadline, we’ll see the Rockets make some tweaks. Their 22-11 record is third in the Western Conference and a half-game back on the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies. While they definitely don’t have to make a trade, some alluring vets could put an already overachieving squad over the top. De’Aaron Fox, perhaps??
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