The third week of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered more excitement with many high-scoring matchups and close contests. Once again, several players put up incredible individual performances. While the top three names in our Power Rankings are familiar, Nikola Jokić surged back to the number one spot. The rankings also welcomed two new players into the top five, highlighting a dynamic week in fantasy basketball.
👑 Jokić’s Dominant Return to the Top
Nikola Jokić reminded everyone why he’s a fantasy superstar, climbing back to his usual top spot. He had a fantastic four-game week, leading the Nuggets to an undefeated record. The talented center was incredibly close to recording three consecutive triple-doubles to end the week. His offensive game was on another level, shooting an amazing 69.6% from the field, including a sharp 47.4% from three-point range. Across these games, he averaged 31.3 points in just 33.3 minutes per contest.
🌟 All-Stars Continue to Impress
Although he swapped places with Jokić, Luka Dončić still provided excellent all-around value in his two games. The Lakers guard had some trouble with his overall shooting accuracy (36.4%), but he was effective from deep, making 38.1% of his three-pointers. He still managed to average 28.5 points, 12.0 assists, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 block. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo held steady at number three. He had a strong week for the Bucks, scoring 33 points or more in three of his four games and recording two double-doubles along the way. His high usage was clear, especially in a game against the Bulls where he took an incredible 32 shots.
🔥 Newcomers Shake Up the Rankings
This week saw two new players enter the top five. Donovan Mitchell was on fire, leading the Cavaliers to three straight wins. He kicked off his week with a massive 46-point game against the 76ers, shooting very efficiently. He continued to play well in his other games, contributing solid numbers across the board. The other new face is Deni Avdija of the Trail Blazers, who had a breakout performance. His role in the offense grew significantly, as he averaged an impressive 30.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. His increased shot attempts show he is ready to have a career-defining season.
👀 What to Watch for Next Week
Looking ahead, some top players have favorable schedules that could lead to more big fantasy performances. Both Luka Dončić of the Lakers and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks are scheduled to play multiple games against teams that are not among the league’s top-10 defenses. Fantasy managers can expect these superstars to continue putting up impressive stats in the coming week.
