As the All-Star break looms, NBA Fantasy managers are locked in a fierce battle, with star power shining and hidden gems emerging to reshape playoff hopes. Week 15 delivered an electrifying display of individual brilliance and crucial fantasy point hauls, forcing savvy GMs to make critical decisions.
Key Fantasy Takeaways from Week 15
- Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber run continues, solidifying his status as an All-Star starter.
- Luka Dončić and Tyrese Maxey delivered monster fantasy performances, cementing their elite status.
- A healthy Joel Embiid is a fantasy juggernaut, reminding everyone of his scoring and rebounding prowess.
- Brandin Podziemski and Naji Marshall emerged as budget-friendly waiver wire heroes.
Jaylen Brown's Unstoppable Surge
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown isn't just playing at an All-Star level; he's redefining it. Fresh off his first career selection as an All-Star starter, Brown continued his phenomenal season in Week 15, posting an incredible 57.5 fantasy points per game (FPPG) across four contests. This consistent high-level production has pushed his season average to a staggering 50.5 FPPG for 2025-26.
Often stepping up in the absence of Jayson Tatum, the 2024 Finals MVP has shown a remarkable ability to not only score but also impact the game across the board. His recent surge includes pulling down 10 or more rebounds in three of his last four games. Brown is undeniably the engine behind the Celtics' impressive 28-17 record, making him a cornerstone for any fantasy roster.
Fantasy Titans Unleashed: Dončić, Maxey & Embiid
Week 15 was a masterclass in fantasy dominance, highlighted by several players delivering career-defining numbers. Leading the charge was Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers' phenom. He dropped a jaw-dropping 77 fantasy points in a victory over the Denver Nuggets, securing his fifth triple-double of the season with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Dončić's incredible 71.3 FPPG last week underscores his status as a perennial fantasy monster.
Not to be outdone, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey had his second-best performance of the entire season, racking up 76 fantasy points against the Indiana Pacers. Maxey's defensive prowess was on full display with an astonishing eight steals, complementing his 29 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. His reliability and consistent output have propelled him to 2389 total fantasy points, a testament to his breakout campaign.
Adding to the 76ers' fantasy firepower, Joel Embiid roared back from earlier season injuries with a season-high 73 fantasy points in an overtime thriller against the Houston Rockets. The seven-time All-Star stuffed the stat sheet with 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists, and crucial defensive plays. Embiid's return to form, averaging 57.2 FPPG in his last four games, signals a huge boost for managers who stuck with him.
Waiver Wire Wonders: Unearthing Hidden Value
As the fantasy season progresses, finding overlooked talent on the waiver wire can be the difference-maker. Two names currently generating significant buzz are Brandin Podziemski and Naji Marshall.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is heating up, delivering 36.8 FPPG over his last six outings. This is a dramatic increase from his prior 19.2 FPPG average, directly tied to the extended absence of Jimmy Butler III due to a torn ACL. At a salary of only $9.4M, Podziemski presents a compelling value proposition for those in need of guard depth.
Similarly, Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks is making a strong case for inclusion. The versatile forward has averaged an impressive 43.4 FPPG in his last seven games, highlighted by a 55-fantasy point effort against the Warriors. With the Mavericks battling for playoff positioning, Marshall's increased role and production make his $8.4M salary an absolute steal. Don't miss the chance to play NBA Fantasy — Salary Cap Edition and capitalize on these insights!
