Week 7 of the 2025-26 NBA season delivered dominant performances from elite guards and versatile forwards, with several players putting up championship-caliber fantasy numbers. Managers who had their studs locked in were rewarded handsomely, while those who sat the wrong players faced brutal opportunity costs.
Must-Starts: Week 7 Elite Producers
Tyrese Maxey (PHI) - Guard: 205.1 pts
Across 4 games this week, Maxey compiled 110 points, 18 rebounds, 21 assists, 12 steals, and 5 blocks while turning the ball over 9 times.
Maxey was the week's clear-cut fantasy king, delivering the highest point total of any player and showcasing elite two-way production. His 21 assists and 12 steals represented generational guard play, making him an automatic start in every format.
Deni Avdija (POR) - Forward: 195.9 pts
Across 4 games this week, Avdija posted 104 points, 32 rebounds, 35 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block with 17 turnovers.
Avdija's near-200-point week was carried by his elite playmaking and rebounding, giving forwards who drafted him tremendous value. His 35 assists across 4 games established him as an all-format must-start, though managers should monitor his turnover rate moving forward.
Trey Murphy III (NOP) - Forward: 189.5 pts
Across 4 games this week, Murphy III generated 109 points, 30 rebounds, 21 assists, 6 steals, and 1 block while committing just 8 turnovers.
Murphy's well-rounded week featured excellent perimeter defense and a rare combination of scoring and playmaking for a wing. His clean 8-turnover total across 4 games made him exceptionally efficient, justifying starting lineups.
Strong Starts: Reliable Options
- Nikola Jokic (DEN) - Center: 3 games, 173.2 pts (92 points, 26 rebounds, 32 assists) — Despite limited games, Jokic's assist total across 3 games showcased why he remains irreplaceable at center.
- Jamal Murray (DEN) - Guard: 3 games, 167.3 pts (109 points, 14 rebounds, 21 assists) — Playing alongside Jokic, Murray provided efficient scoring and playmaking with just 5 turnovers across 3 games.
- Derrick White (BOS) - Guard: 4 games, 164.1 pts (98 points, 18 rebounds, 25 assists) — White's 25 assists and steady perimeter production made him a reliable rotation piece across 4 games.
- Scottie Barnes (TOR) - Forward: 4 games, 183.9 pts (82 points, 32 rebounds, 29 assists) — Barnes' elite rebounding and assist numbers confirmed his viability as a four-position anchor, with 7 blocks providing defensive upside.
- Jalen Brunson (NYK) - Guard: 4 games, 162.1 pts (104 points, 8 rebounds, 29 assists) — Brunson delivered elite playmaking with exceptional ball security, committing just 7 turnovers across 4 games.
Disappointing Weeks: Turnover Concerns
- Anthony Edwards (MIN) — While Edwards scored 110 points across 4 games, his 17 turnovers represented careless play that undermined his overall fantasy value and made lineup decisions difficult.
- De'Aaron Fox (SAS) — Fox's 18 turnovers across 4 games overshadowed his 99 points and 25 assists, making him a frustrating start for managers who expected cleaner decision-making.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) — Across just 3 games, Towns delivered 145.3 points with limited assist production, disappointing managers who expected more volume from a primary scoring weapon.
Managers evaluating their rosters should use lineup tools to identify which players offer the best risk-reward profiles for upcoming contests.