With the end of the NBA regular season on the horizon, on-court intensity is leading directly to elite fantasy production. Particularly in Week 23, the Top Fantasy Basketball Performers featured some of the league’s biggest stars stepping up at just the right time with eye-popping stat lines as players clamor for postseason positioning.
And while Luka Dončić was conspicuously missing from this week’s rankings because of concerns about suspension and injury, the overall level of play remained very high. From versatile big men to up-and-coming young stars, Week 23 showed who is peaking at just the right time as the postseason approaches.
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Top Fantasy Basketball Performers Week 23 Rankings
Here’s a breakdown of the five players who delivered the highest fantasy points per game during Week 23:
- Victor Wembanyama (Spurs)
- Nikola Jokić (Nuggets)
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics)
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks)
- Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers)
Each of these players not only produced impressive numbers but also played a key role in their team’s late-season push.
Victor Wembanyama Leads the Way
Victor Wembanyama continues to show why he is one of the prospects the NBA has ever had. His second minute in the league, the first with the Spurs, has been phenomenal. The player has been a fantasy darling all season, but he took his game to new heights this week.
Wembanyama averaged 38.7 points, 17.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.7 blocks during week 23. He fills the stats in all categories uncommon for a player in his position. He also had three double-doubles in the points-rebounds and scored assists categories. The most outstanding part of his performance was the efficiency; Wembanyama scored 62.5% and 38.9% from field-average and three-point average, respectively. His 93.3% free-throw average for 9.7 attempts made him the most valuable fantasy player of the week.
Nikola Jokić’s All-Around Brilliance
Nikola Jokić showed, once more, why he is still one of the game’s most complete players. The Denver Nuggets’ superstar center had two mind-blowing, manufacturer- and creating-outings.
In a marquee matchup against San Antonio, Jokić scored 40 points and had 13 assists and eight rebounds — with three blocks. The performance was followed up with a triple-double against Utah, in which he recorded 15 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists.
What’s remarkable about Jokić is that he exerts control over the game independently from how many shots he takes. Even when he has off-scoring games, his passing and rebounding make him a concentrated fantasy contributor. His versatility, but string of consistent performances keep him a lynchpin for fantasy prosperity.
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Jayson Tatum’s Strong Return
The return of Jayson Tatum from injury has been impressive. Having recovered from a torn Achilles, there was also the question of how soon he could rediscover that form. Week 23 might have offered a final answer.
Over three games, Tatum averaged 23.7 points, 14.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists along with 2.7 steals with his ability to contribute in many facets of the game on display. His near triple-double averages showcase not just his scoring, but also the contributions he makes as a playmaker and defender.
Maybe most important, Tatum’s games drove the Celtics to high-powered wins — including a couple of times when the team cruised past 130 points with ease. His energy, efficiency and leadership imply that he is completely back — and maybe peaking at just the right time for a deep playoff run.
Cooper Flagg’s Breakout Week
Cooper Flagg had probably the most headline-grabbing performances of the week. The rookie sensation announced himself with a record-creating arrival, delivering back-to-back scoring explosions that resulted in him cementing his name in the record books.
In one game, Flagg scored 51 points and in the next matched it with 45 points making him the youngest player in NBA history to score 50+ points in a single match. Over that pair of performances he scored an insane 33-of-57 from the field and 8-of-13 from three point range.
Flagg’s effectiveness from the free-throw line was also notable, as he sank 22 of his 24 attempts. His 96 combined points across the two games were the most scored by a rookie in consecutive games since Wilt Chamberlain. These performances not only showcase his scoring prowess but also indicate he could be a future star.
Deni Avdija’s Efficient Contributions
Deni Avdija did not get as many games as some others on this list, but he made every opportunity count. Only playing two games during Week 23, the Trail Blazers forward provided extremely efficient and impactful displays.
Avdija posted averages of 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists — so he was flirting with a triple-double. He scored well below his usual efficiency from the floor but made up for it with effective free-throw shooting and contributions elsewhere.
His contributions were vital in granting Portland critical victories late in the year. Avdija’s all-around contributions are useful in multiple categories, making him a fantasy asset at this critical time of year.
Key Takeaways from Week 23
Week 23 offered up a few important trends that ought to be on fantasy managers’ radars:
- Top players are hitting their stride as the playoffs near
- New young talents like Wembanyama and Flagg are becoming superstars
- Versatility remains the name of the game, with players making contributions in several different categories.
- Especially with limited games, efficiency has huge fantasy value
These observations should assist fantasy players in making more informed decisions as the season speeds toward its conclusion.
Final Thoughts on Top Fantasy Basketball Performers Week 23
Those Top Fantasy Basketball Performers Week 23 happen to include a combination of familiar faces and some up-and-comers stepping up at just the right time. From Wembanyama’s onslaught to Flagg’s historic scoring tear, this week produced performances you won’t soon forget.
With the regular season winding down, expect these players to keep doing what they have always done at a high level. Both the close fixtures and rising expectations of fantasy managers to stay on top of player form, injuries, team motivation and all relative can give some added edge this season.
With the playoffs approaching, the stakes are at their highest for leagues across the country — and if Week 23 proves anything, it’s that things will only get better.
