Jacob Dunne’s 2025 Rest-of-Season Points League Rankings: November Edition

We’re officially two weeks into the NBA season, and there have already been as many surprises as what you’d find on a Thanksgiving table at a random relative’s house. From breakout stars to early-season duds, the fantasy landscape has shifted dramatically since my preseason Points League Draft Rankings dropped in late September.

Back then, I emphasized one core principle — availability is the best ability — and that still rings true. But now that the games are real, we’ve got fresh data, new rotations, and some early-season overreactions (and corrections) to sift through. Let’s dive into the biggest movers and shakers from my initial Top 250 rankings to my Rest-of-Season November update.

📈 Biggest Risers

Alperen Şengün (Preseason: #17 → Current: #6 overall)
The breakout is officially here. Şengün has become the heartbeat of Houston’s offense — averaging elite fantasy numbers with improved passing and consistency. Bonus: the Rockets’ playoff schedule features four games each week. Cash money.

Tyrese Maxey (Preseason: #15 → Current: #9 overall)
Maxey’s usage and efficiency are skyrocketing, and he’s playing like a top-10 fantasy asset. With all the injury risks in Philly, his workload should remain elite all year.

Zion Williamson (Preseason: #30s → Current: #19 overall)
When healthy, Zion is a walking 40+ fantasy points per night — and so far, he’s looked the part. His offseason physical transformation seems to be paying off. Only time will tell if it holds, but for now, I’d ride the wave or sell high.

Kawhi Leonard (Preseason: #80s → Current: #20s)
A massive leap for a player I completely faded on draft day. Kawhi looks healthy, engaged, and back in vintage form. He’s even said he’ll play back-to-backs — let’s hope that holds all season.

Joel Embiid (Preseason: #70s → Current: #40s)
Climbing slightly overall, but still a major availability risk. He’s not playing back-to-backs and is on a 20-minute limit, though he’s been productive even in limited time.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Preseason: #40s → Current: #30s)
The defensive stats are still elite, but the rebounding inconsistency and foul trouble continue to frustrate managers. He’s a top-tier talent who just needs to stay out of foul trouble. A classic buy-low candidate.

Kyshawn George (Preseason: #170s → Current: #70s)
One of the biggest sophomore surprises early on. George’s versatility and efficiency have earned him real minutes and real fantasy respect. If he were on a competitive team, he’d be ranked even higher. Love the talent.

Kyrie Irving (Preseason: Unranked → Current: #180s)
Not ranked initially due to uncertainty about his recovery from last year’s torn ACL, but there’s optimism now. Jason Kidd hinted Kyrie could return before the end of 2025. Worth stashing if you’ve got the bench space.

Jrue Holiday (Preseason: #150s → Current: #100s)
Holiday’s been excellent to start the season. If he were on a competitive team and guaranteed to play down the stretch, he’d be a top-50 asset. The looming shutdown risk gives me pause, but he’s still producing strong value for now.

📉 Biggest Fallers

Anthony Davis (Preseason: #9 overall → Current: #30s)
Still elite on a per-game basis, but the constant injury scares and load management concerns drag down his rest-of-season outlook.

LaMelo Ball (Preseason: #20s → Current: #30s)
Like clockwork, Ball started hot — but he’s already dealing with another ankle issue, his career-long Achilles’ heel. Until he proves he can stay on the floor, I’m hesitant to rank him higher. If you roster him, I’d look to sell high after another few strong outings.

🏆 Jokić vs. Wemby: The Top Tier Debate

Even though Victor Wembanyama has been absolutely destroying the league, his recent matchup against the Suns (31.8 fantasy points) reminded us he’s not entirely matchup-proof just yet. He’s still learning, still evolving — and still otherworldly.

Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić remains the definition of dependable dominance. He hasn’t posted a 90-point “masterclass” yet, but his floor is higher than most players’ ceilings. In points leagues, that week-to-week steadiness is priceless. Consistency wins championships — and Jokić embodies that.

⚙️ Ranking Philosophy Reminder

These Rest-of-Season Rankings continue to weigh three major factors:

• Age and durability: Players with consistent health and no chronic injury red flags rise.

• Injury/load management risk: Frequent rest days and injury histories push players down.

• Team competitiveness: Contenders prioritize production; tanking teams spark shutdown concerns.

Because in points leagues, availability is the best ability.

Rest of Season Fantasy Basketball Points League Rankings

💬 Sound Off

Who do you agree with? Who’s ranked way too high (or too low)? And who do you think will make the biggest leap in my December update?
Drop your takes in the comments — I want to hear your boldest rest-of-season predictions.