5 biggest fantasy basketball takeaways from NBA Opening Night: Top5 picks deliver, while another star emerges Dan TitusOctober 22, 2025 at 6:11 PM 0 The NBA's grand return to NBC wasn't just a nod to its '90s heyday — it was a fullblown renaissance.
- - 5 biggest fantasy basketball takeaways from NBA Opening Night: Top-5 picks deliver, while another star emerges
Dan TitusOctober 22, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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The NBA's grand return to NBC wasn't just a nod to its '90s heyday — it was a full-blown renaissance. A double-OT thriller and true breakout performances, this was the most exciting opening night in recent memory.
Let's break down the five biggest takeaways from a night that impacted fantasy basketball.
🔥 Fantasy MVP race: Luka vs. SGA begins now
Two future Hall of Fame guards opened the season with absolute masterclasses. We got a dose of what to expect from the Lakers with LeBron James on the shelf — Luka Dončić going OFF. Dončić dropped a filthy 43/12/9 line with three stocks across 40 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an MVP, scoring title, Finals MVP and championship season, woke up in the second half to close out the Rockets in double OT, finishing with 35/5/5 and 4 stocks in 47 minutes. He hit a game-tying middy to get to the first overtime, then ended the game with two clutch free throws to seal the victory.
Could we be foreshadowing an eventual battle for fantasy MVP? Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama would like a word, but they're playing catch-up after an outstanding season debut for both top-5 fantasy picks.
High Score point total:
Luka Dončić - 82 fantasy points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 62 fantasy points
🚨 Alperen Şengün ascending into a fantasy star
Şengün didn't just ball — he dominated the court in a game-high 49 minutes, dropping 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists with a deep bag of post work with uncharacteristic efficiency. He shot lights out, hitting a career-best five 3s and knocking down 10-of-11 free-throw attempts.
If he's shooting free throws even at an 80% clip with at least 1.5 3s, those are game changers for his fantasy value. It's only one game, so I don't want to overreact, but that felt like a statement game that stamped Şengün as the primary option on the Rockets.
High Score point total: 73 fantasy points
✅ Add Cason Wallace. Right now. Seriously.
If you waited to pick him up, you might already be too late. Wallace got the start in place of Jalen Williams and delivered, scoring 14 points (5-10 FG, 3-8 3PT, 1-2 FT) with 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
He was my top waiver pickup this week, so make sure he's not on your waiver wire in all leagues. While he may not produce to this level every game, he's a reliable source of 3s and steals as long as J-Dub remains out of the lineup.
High Score point total: 43 fantasy points
❓Is it too early to press the panic button on Deandre Ayton
Ayton had a forgettable opener: 10 points (5-7 FG, 0-2 FT), 6 boards, 1 block and 4 turnovers with plenty of invisible stretches. The Lakers' rhythm was off, and Ayton admitted that he's a "confusing pick-and-roll target," which led to costly turnovers by LA. Ayton had a 15.4% usage rate in his Lakers debut, which is pretty low considering he's typically in the 21% range throughout his career.
It's just one game, so no need to fully panic. However, Ayton's performance certainly doesn't instill confidence if you spent a top-70 pick on him.
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⛔ Rockets have no PG — and it's a problem
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard combined for six turnovers — not what you want to see from your primary ball-handlers. Amen did a good job getting downhill and creating scoring chances, while Sheppard looked a bit over his head.
The offense looked sloppy at several points throughout the game, and maybe it's just early-season jitters and chemistry issues that'll take time to resolve. Still, I was left with the impression that it wouldn't surprise me to see the Rockets — at some point — add a traditional PG to be another table-setter for this team.
For now, fantasy managers will be more than happy with Amen running the show, attempting seven 3s and dishing out five assists. Sheppard's share of the offense looked promising, too; he just didn't come through. There are better days ahead, just don't be surprised if the Rockets' front office decides to hedge with a veteran PG down the line.
🏀 Bonus box score nuggets -
Jimmy Butler = the new free-throw merchant?
Butler scored a team-high 31 points and went 16-of-16 from the line. Butler made one fewer free throw than all of the Lakers combined.
Steph Curry's muted performance
Curry scored 23 points, hitting three 3s with 3 steals.
Jonathan Kuminga's revenge tour
Kuminga got the start over Al Horford. If that continues to hold, he's an add in points formats and deep category leagues. JK changed the game in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his 17 points and adding 9 boards, 6 dimes and a steal in 32 minutes.
Buddy Hield is still a flame thrower:
Hield hit five 3s and is a streamable option if you're needing a 3s specialist in deeper leagues.
Austin Reaves will feast until LeBron returns:
Reaves is going to continue to cook as the second option in LA. He produced 26 points with 9 assists and 2 steals. The five turnovers hurt, but he'll be better as the season matures.
Source: "AOL Sports"
Source: ShowBiz MAG
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