Joel Embiid, the center of Philadelphia 76ers, hasn’t played in more than 62 games this year. He’s expected to hover around 28 points, 10 rebounds, 1.5 blocks per game. Those stunning numbers make him a likely fourth- or fifth-round steal in fantasy basketball drafts. Despite concerns about his durability, Embiid enters the 2025-26 season in the best shape of his career, aiming to improve upon last season’s performance.
Last season, Embiid played just 30 games due to injury, averaging 24.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 5.3 assists per game (APG). He still set career-highs in steals and blocks this season, underlining his potential as a defensive game-changer. His scoring averages aren’t affected by anything, but his track record of past injuries doesn’t make him the most reliable option. He’s appeared in 30 or fewer games his last four out of six seasons. This combined makes him a risky pick, but the possible reward is huge for those willing to bet on it.
Sheppard’s Promising Future
Of the great cast of young talent in the breakout players category, Johnny Sheppard has established himself as a guy to keep an eye on this year. Described as the player most ready to produce in his class, Sheppard possesses a consistent three-point shot and strong combo guard skills. As he enters his second season, Sheppard is poised to earn significant playing time and could contend for an honorary “Sophomore of the Year” award.
Sheppard contended with difficult circumstances as a rookie, due largely in part to a highly competitive battle for perimeter positions on the Houston Rockets. Even still, he proved his upside when healthy, averaging 67 games across the 2021 and 2022 seasons with stellar stats. This year, he is presented with some exciting new opportunities. He should solidify himself as a near top-60 player in category leagues and prove to be even better in points leagues.
With a better roster around him, Sheppard’s development will be key for the Rockets. If he can learn to impact every game consistently it would certainly improve his game individually but raise the success the beats saw as a whole.
Drafting Strategies and Risks
As we get ready for fantasy basketball drafts this fall, there are plenty of player profiles that have caused a divide between experts. The most famous of these names is Zion Williamson, who currently has an ADP of 33.0. Find out why experts are high on Williamson being able to break out well beyond his ADP this year. If he continues to stay healthy, he’ll have no problem making it into the top 20 players.
Anthony Davis is the first pick for many fantasy players in the first round. One land use expert is skeptical of this move. What’s important to remember is the razor-thin line that separates high reward from high risk. They instead advise allowing another organization to take that risk for you. This line of thinking is indicative of a larger experience among impatient and crying fantasy managers who take risk into account against possible reward when drafting their players.
Even if Embiid’s ADP doesn’t fall into the 20s, his long-standing durability concerns make him a boom-or-bust pick for fantasy squads. Managers must carefully evaluate their own strategies when considering players like Embiid and Davis, balancing potential production against injury risk.
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