2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: Bold Predictions – Eastern Conference

Let’s be bold. If there’s any time to do so, this is it. As we look ahead to the start of the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season, we know that some crazy stuff is going to happen. It always does, and this year will be no different. The intention, though, is to try and figure out what those things will be. Prior to the tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA season, let’s take a spin through the Eastern Conference and take a look at a bold prediction for each team.

Fantasy Basketball Bold Predictions – Eastern Conference

Aaron Wiggins Has a Career Year

After spending five years as a supporting player in Oklahoma City, Wiggins has a new home for the upcoming season. The Atlanta Hawks dealt for the forward, and his workload should expand as he now fills a vital depth role. He hasn’t played more than 23 minutes in a game or averaged more than 12 points per game in his career, but both should change this season. Wiggins should also make more than his high of 1.7 three-pointers per game as he takes advantage of his increased opportunity.

Egor Demin Goes 17/6/5 with 3 Three-Pointers

As a rookie, Demin scored 10.3 points in 25 minutes per game while adding just over three rebounds and three assists per game. There were some clear growing pains, but the potential and upside are also present. This offseason, Demin worked on maximizing both, and the results were already on display both in Summer League and preseason action. Not only can he knock down three-pointers, but Demin is now showing the ability to drive to the hoop. Adding Julius Randle and Mikal Brown will also improve the overall product in Brooklyn.

Jordan Walsh Flirts with a Double-Double

Things look very different in Boston this season, and one of them involves Walsh opening the season as the likely starting power forward. Last season he averaged 5.4 points and four rebounds per game in about 17 minutes. No, he’s not going to play 34 minutes per night, and we can’t simply double last year’s production either. But in his third career season, let’s look for Walsh to take the next step after he finished with a 62.3% true shooting rate last year.

Sion James is the Sixth Man

As a rookie, James played in all 82 games and started 19. He averaged 23 minutes per game, and his defensive abilities were on full display. He did a little bit of everything with 5.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer per game. This season, James now has a year of experience under his belt, and he figures to be the first player off the bench for Charlotte. I’m looking for the offense to improve, maybe 10 or 11 points per game, while adding a few more rebounds and assists.

Josh Giddey Has 25 Triple-Doubles

We know that Giddey is a good player and he’s being drafted as such. I was going to say that he’d finish the season averaging a triple-double, but that might be a little extreme. I settled on 25 triple-doubles for the season, as Giddey will be highly involved this season with few obstacles to production. Last season he averaged 17 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game, so is it really as bold as it sounds? Instead, we can just focus on the fact that Giddey is really good.

Peyton Watson Goes 15/5/2/1.5

For this first time in his career, Watson enters the season as the clear starter. It comes after he averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in about 30 minutes of action last year. So is saying that Watson will average 15 points and five rebounds per game really that bold? Maybe it is in the sense that I’m saying Watson will continue his success while also making three-pointers and blocking 1.5 shots per game. He’s the rare forward who can block shots while also knocking down three-pointers. That should earn him more playing time.

Isaiah Joe Adds a Three

Depth was an issue for the Pistons last year, so they traded for Joe, who simply couldn’t fit on a crowded Oklahoma City team. Joe hasn’t played more than 22 minutes per game in his career, but he averaged a career-high 11.1 points along with 2.5 three-pointers per game last season. I’d expect there to be some increase to his role this season, which means 3.5 three-pointers and 15 points per game shouldn’t be out of the question.

Jay Huff is a Blocked Shot and Three-Point Machine

Last season was the land of opportunity for the Indiana Packers. Now, they are healthy and looking to do damage once again. After proving himself in 21 minutes a game last season, Huff is ready for a larger role this season. He averaged 9.5 points and four rebounds per game, but that’s burying the headline. He blocked 1.9 shots per game last year and made 1.5 three-pointers. I’m looking for both of those numbers to increase this season.

Davion Mitchell is an Assists Machine

Mitchell took a larger role last season, and it agreed with him. The point guard averaged 9.3 points and 6.5 assists per game last year, which sets the tone for 2026-27. Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo wiped out a lot of Miami’s depth, and Mitchell is in a great spot to capitalize. He’s already proven to be a strong distributor, and now it’s time for the next step.

Ryan Rollins Shouldn’t be Overlooked

After Rollins averaged 17.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game last year, he’s not going to surprise anyone this season. The Bucks were simply a mess, and Rollins’ 24.2% usage certainly drove his production. However, that doesn’t mean he didn’t earn those numbers. More importantly, though, he’s going to have a similar role this season, except that now, he should be more comfortable and prepared for it.

Karl-Anthony Towns Distributes Once Again

While it wasn’t part of the plan, Towns is playing for his next contract. He’s going to be motivated from a personal standpoint, and the Knicks as a team are highly motivated to repeat. In the postseason, New York turned their fortunes around in the first round when they utilized their center as a distributor. In the regular season, Towns averaged three assists per game with a previous career high of 4.8. This season, I’d expect to see him set a new career high, at a minimum.

Anthony Black Builds on Last Season

Black is coming off a career season last year, but I’d look for him to build on that. The 21-year-old guard took advantage of Orlando’s injuries to average 15 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. The initial reaction could be to expect a regression now that the Magic are healthier, but instead, I’m looking for Black to build on that now that he’s proven what he’s capable of.

Dominick Barlow Makes an Impact

Do we really expect Joel Embiid to be healthy all season? With Ariel Hukporti now out for the year, Barlow represents significant insurance for the oft-injured center. The 76ers will also try their hardest to keep Embiid healthy for the postseason, which means we should expect to see a lot of Barlow. In 24 minutes per game last season, Barlow averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. With an extended role and some more experience under his belt, Barlow should be good for 10-12 points and about six or seven rebounds this season.

Collin Murray-Boyles is a Legit Sixth Man

The acquisition of Kawhi Leonard changed everything for the Raptors. Adding a true superstar to the mix takes the pressure off everyone and Murray-Boyles is no different. After being drafted ninth overall last season, Murray-Boyles had a solid rookie season with 8.5 points and five rebounds per game. The versatile forward should be ready to take the next step. He averaged 14.4 points per game in the postseason last year, and the inclination to rest Leonard will give the second-year forward even more playing time.

Kyshawn George Keeps on Scoring

in the first half of last season, George went off and was an offensive threat. Injuries then took hold; his season ended after just 48 games. George averaged 14.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game as he showed why Washington drafted him in the first round two years ago. Having Trae Young running the offense now should also help George take things to the next level, as Washington appears to be building a strong chemistry.

When you get done here, make sure to check out our full 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit!