With the 2025-26 NBA season crossing the 70% mark this February, fantasy managers are no longer looking at draft boards; they are looking at the finish line. As the fantasy playoffs loom, identifying the players poised for a dominant final stretch is the difference between a championship and a early exit. In the latest NBA fantasy basketball projections, ESPN analyst Eric Karabell highlights why veterans like Julius Randle and rising stars like Andrew Nembhard are the keys to postseason success.
Julius Randle’s Push for a Top-10 Fantasy Finish
As we head into the final months of the season, Julius Randle has silenced the skeptics who questioned his fit with the Minnesota Timberwolves. While many expected a dip in usage playing alongside Anthony Edwards, Randle has maintained an elite statistical profile. Karabell suggests that managers should not be surprised if Randle finishes the 2025-26 campaign as a top-10 fantasy point producer.
Randle’s value in the Timberwolves' system stems from his unique role as a secondary playmaker. His ability to rack up double-doubles while contributing 4-5 assists per game provides a high floor that few power forwards can match. For teams making a deep playoff run, Randle’s historical durability is his greatest asset. Unlike other stars who may face "load management" in late March, Randle’s high-volume approach makes him a cornerstone for NBA fantasy basketball projections through the end of the regular season.
Andrew Nembhard: Solidifying Top-50 Status
One of the most significant developments of the current season has been the continued ascent of Andrew Nembhard. While he first caught the national eye during the 2024 postseason, his performance throughout 2025 and the early months of 2026 has transformed him into a legitimate top-50 fantasy asset. Playing in the Indiana Pacers' league-leading pace-up offense, Nembhard has found a perfect balance between scoring and facilitating.
Nembhard’s value is bolstered by his versatility. He has proven capable of sliding into the primary point guard role when Tyrese Haliburton rests, while still maintaining efficiency as an off-ball threat. For fantasy managers, Nembhard provides a rare combination of steals, three-pointers, and high-percentage finishing. As the Pacers fight for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, expect Nembhard’s minutes and usage to remain at a premium, making him a vital piece for any roster.
Assessing the 2025-26 Rookie and Sophomore Classes
Navigating the late-season landscape requires a clear understanding of the league's younger talent. In February 2026, we are seeing a clear divide between the breakout sophomores and the emerging true rookies. Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier, now in their second professional seasons, have moved past the "rookie wall" and are providing consistent mid-round value. Filipowski, in particular, has become a favorite in NBA fantasy basketball projections due to his rare ability to provide blocks and triples from the center position.
Meanwhile, the true rookie class of 2025 is beginning to make its mark as rotations tighten. Egor Demin and Kon Knueppel are the names to watch on the waiver wire. While rookies often struggle with consistency early in the year, Karabell notes that these two have the skill sets to provide a late-season spark. Demin’s size and vision make him a triple-double threat, while Knueppel’s sharpshooting can help managers climbing the categories in the final weeks of the season.
The Health Factor: LaMelo Ball and Dejounte Murray
No late-season forecast is complete without addressing the high-stakes outlook for LaMelo Ball. When on the court, Ball is an undisputed top-five fantasy talent, capable of carrying a team single-handedly with his elite assists and perimeter scoring. However, as has been the case throughout his career, his availability remains the primary concern for managers. If Ball can stay healthy for the final 20 games of the season, he is the ultimate "league winner."
In New Orleans, Dejounte Murray has settled into a productive rhythm alongside Zion Williamson. Murray’s fantasy floor remains incredibly high due to his defensive contributions. Even on nights when his shot isn't falling, his ability to generate steals and rebounds from the guard position keeps him firmly in the elite tier. As the Pelicans push for a top-four seed in the West, Murray’s veteran leadership and statistical versatility will be on full display.
Strategy for the Fantasy Playoffs
The key takeaway from the mid-February NBA fantasy basketball projections is the importance of role security. Whether it is Randle’s established volume in Minnesota or Nembhard’s rising importance in Indiana, the players who are locked into 30+ minutes on contending teams are the safest bets for fantasy glory. As you look to make your final trades or waiver claims before the deadline, prioritize players with clear paths to usage and a history of late-season reliability.
Sources & Original Reporting
