NBA · Forwards · 2026

Best Fantasy NBA Forwards to Start in 2026

Live rankings based on recent fantasy performance and injury status. Updated daily. Click any player for a full start/sit analysis.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Top 3 Forwards Right Now

#1 🔥

Giannis Antetokounmpo

MIA

51.1

avg fantasy pts (recent)

Jayson Tatum

BOS

46.7

avg fantasy pts (recent)

LeBron James

PHI

46.1

avg fantasy pts (recent)

Full Forwards Rankings

#	Player	Avg Pts	Tier	Analysis
1	Giannis Antetokounmpo MIA	51.1	START	Analysis →
2	Jayson Tatum⚠ Injury BOS	46.7	?	Analysis →
3	LeBron James PHI	46.1	START	Analysis →
4	Cooper Flagg DAL	43.5	START	Analysis →
5	Deni Avdija POR	42	START	Analysis →
6	Kawhi Leonard⚠ Injury TOR	41.1	?	Analysis →
7	Domantas Sabonis SAC	40.6	START	Analysis →
8	Jalen Johnson⚠ Injury ATL	39.9	?	Analysis →
9	Paolo Banchero⚠ Injury ORL	39.7	?	Analysis →
10	Pascal Siakam⚠ Injury IND	38.5	?	Analysis →
11	Kevin Durant HOU	38.4	START	Analysis →
12	Jimmy Butler III⚠ Injury GSW	38.2	?	Analysis →
13	Michael Porter Jr. BKN	38	START	Analysis →
14	Brandon Miller CHA	36.7	START	Analysis →
15	Jaylen Hoard OKC	36.3	START	Analysis →
16	Julius Randle BKN	35.3	START	Analysis →
17	Zion Williamson NOP	34.9	START	Analysis →
18	Franz Wagner ORL	34.2	START	Analysis →
19	Paul George⚠ Injury BOS	33.8	?	Analysis →
20	Brandon Ingram⚠ Injury LAC	33	?	Analysis →
21	Jabari Smith Jr. HOU	32.4	START	Analysis →
22	Miles Bridges PHX	32.4	START	Analysis →
23	Jaden McDaniels MIN	31.9	START	Analysis →
24	Lauri Markkanen UTA	31.1	START	Analysis →
25	Precious Achiuwa SAC	30.3	START	Analysis →
26	Ace Bailey UTA	29.7	START	Analysis →
27	Julian Reese WAS	29.5	START	Analysis →
28	Jonathan Kuminga MIN	29.2	START	Analysis →
29	Tobias Harris⚠ Injury SAS	29	?	Analysis →
30	Paul Reed DET	29	START	Analysis →
31	Moussa Diabaté CHA	28.9	START	Analysis →
32	Naji Marshall DAL	28	START	Analysis →
33	Trey Murphy III⚠ Injury NOP	27.9	?	Analysis →
34	Santi Aldama⚠ Injury DAL	27.8	?	Analysis →
35	Saddiq Bey NOP	27.8	START	Analysis →
36	OG Anunoby NYK	27.3	START	Analysis →
37	Chimezie Metu DET	27.3	START	Analysis →
38	Kyshawn George WAS	27.2	START	Analysis →
39	Duncan Robinson DET	27.2	START	Analysis →
40	Obi Toppin⚠ Injury IND	26.9	?	Analysis →

Get a roster-specific recommendation

These rankings are position-wide. PlayCaller's AI agent knows your team, your league scoring, and your opponents — and gives you a decision tailored to your roster every day.

Try Free for 7 Days →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I start at forwards in fantasy this week?

Top forwards to start: Giannis Antetokounmpo (51.1 avg pts), Jayson Tatum (46.7 avg pts), LeBron James (46.1 avg pts). Rankings update daily based on recent performance and injury reports.

What are the best NBA forwards to pick up on waivers?

Check the full rankings table above for forwards with high recent averages who may be available in your league. PlayCaller generates roster-specific waiver recommendations when you connect your Sleeper, ESPN, or Yahoo league.

How do I know which forward to start tonight?

Use the start/sit tier labels above — START means a strong play, FLEX means a borderline play, SIT means avoid if possible. For a personalized recommendation based on your specific roster and league settings, connect your league to PlayCaller's AI agent.

Other NBA positions

NBA Guards NBA Point Guards NBA Shooting Guards NBA Small Forwards