Fantasy

NBA Fantasy: Forward tiers rankings for 2026-27

Ranking the starting forwards across the NBA into tiers for the upcoming fantasy basketball season.

Dan Bruno, RotoWire.com

September 21, 2026 8:49 PM

Despite turning 38 at before the start of the 2026-27 season, Kevin Durant is still a Tier 1 fantasy forward.

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Forward is the deepest and most valuable position on a fantasy basketball draft board, and it’s where most leagues are won. Whether you play category leagues, points leagues or High Score leagues, you need forwards who fill the stat sheet: points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

These 2026-27 fantasy basketball forward rankings sort the top 25 NBA forwards into five tiers, so you know which names are worth an early pick, which ones carry injury risk, and where the value hides in the middle rounds. Honorable mentions, rookie sleepers and deep-league targets are also flagged.

Tier 1

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

Flagg put up solid numbers across the board in his rookie campaign, averaging over 20 points per game and even showing the potential to rack up stats on the defensive side. His all-around ability and status as the No. 1 offensive option on his squad, along with the natural improvement expected in his second season, have him on track to shine as one of the most valuable forwards in the game. Those defensive counting stats make him a nine-category building block, while the expected usage bump keeps him climbing the board in points leagues as well.

Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Barnes does it all. From scoring to defending and everything in between, the versatility in his game is almost unmatched. With 30 double-doubles, 50.7 percent shooting from the field and 81.5 percent shooting from the foul line last season, he is a player who can make all the difference. That blend of rebounds, assists, steals and blocks without a percentage drag makes him the prototype category-league forward.

Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

At 38-years-old at the end of September, Durant still stands out as a top-tier producer. His scoring efficiency is what puts him above some of the other most impressive players in the game, as he has shot better than 50 percent from the field in each of the last 13 seasons while continuing to chip in regularly on the glass and the defensive end. He is at his most valuable in category leagues due to efficiency, but those concerned about age and load management can still feel confident drafting him in High Score leagues where only the best game in a week counts.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami Heat

Antetokounmpo was hampered by injury trouble last season but should be ready to pick up where he left off as one of the most dominant forces in the league. After 13 seasons, including one championship with the Bucks, he is set to begin a new chapter with the Heat, where he is likely to shine alongside a well-balanced squad. He is a monster in points leagues and the best ceiling play at the position in High Score, but category managers will need to build around his free-throw shooting and turnovers.

Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Johnson put the league on notice last season with 49 double-doubles and 13 triple-doubles. He also delivered very respectable efficiency, shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from deep. Additionally, he is locked in as the clear-cut first option for the Hawks after the departure of Trae Young. That triple-double frequency makes him a cheat code in high-score leagues and a rare forward who fills nearly every column in category formats.

Tier 2

Kawhi Leonard, Toronto Raptors

Leonard is one of the most fearsome players on both ends of the floor. The only reason not to consider him a top-tier forward is his history of injury trouble. However, all indications are that he is ready to go as he rejoins a competitive Raptors squad. His stat profile translates best to category leagues, but his injury concerns make him the easiest click in High Score.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Tatum is absolutely a top-tier forward in the league, but it would be irresponsible not to consider that he is still fresh off a tough injury. He will also have to adjust to a new dynamic due to a few roster changes for the Celtics.

Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ers

Brown is set to kick off the season in a totally new situation with the 76ers. The massive amount of talent in their projected starting lineup makes it unlikely that he will carry the same load that allowed him to achieve a career-high in points per game last season. That usage crunch stings most in points leagues.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Banchero has been impressive since day one and should keep it up entering his fifth season. With a mix of size and technique, he is a player who will stuff the stat sheet even on an off night. The volume makes him a stud in points leagues.

Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Mobley has not been a player to stand out too often, but he is as consistent as they come and gets the job done with efficiency. He should continue to prosper in a familiar role, especially with a great playmaker in James Harden leading the offense. Blocks, field goal percentage and low turnovers make him a category-league special, even if the lack of big scoring nights limits him elsewhere.

Tier 3

Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Holmgren showed notable improvement in his third season and should continue to work his way up the ranks as one of the more impactful two-way forwards. His efficiency from long range is a great asset for a player of his size. Blocks plus threes plus efficiency is one of the rarest combinations in fantasy, and it makes him a difference maker in category leagues.

Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

Avdija took his game to new levels last season, averaging over 20 points per game and putting up numbers across the stat sheet. With a bolstered squad around him, he should be able to thrive without being suffocated by opposing defenses. He fills every column for category managers and offers real triple-double upside in High Score formats.

Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Siakam has quietly been one of the most productive forwards in the league for a long time now. The addition of Ivica Zubac beside him in the frontcourt should help his efficiency on offense. He is the definition of a safe points-league floor, week in and week out.

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Markkanen has been limited by injuries over the last few seasons but has shown that he can fill it up on the offensive end. With a revamped squad around him and a clean bill of health, he is set up to excel in his 10th season. He’s valuable in all league types, though the efficiency boost makes him the most valuable in category formats.

LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers

James is 41 years old heading into the season, which is a legitimate reason to manage expectations regarding his durability and overall production. Nonetheless, his ability to contribute across the stat sheet is unparalleled, and the new abundance of talent in the 76ers’ lineup should provide an ideal environment for him to flourish. The potential for scheduled rest, but the ability to still provide triple-doubles, makes him a great High Score target.

Tier 4

Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic

Wagner is a brilliant offensive contributor who scores with efficiency. The familiar surroundings with the Magic should allow him to keep it up, and the scoring and secondary playmaking pile up quickly in points leagues.

OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Anunoby brings value by impacting both ends of the floor, including shooting from deep with elite efficiency. He is a pure category-league asset in that sense, since the modest rebound and assist totals make him fairly replaceable in points formats.

Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

Williams was held back by injuries last season but could easily bring himself back into the conversation as one of the most capable forwards in the game. He is well-rounded enough to start in any format and should come at a discount on draft day.

Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz

Jackson Jr. can pile up value on both ends of the floor. His new setting with the Jazz improves the chances that he produces toward his higher potential. He is one of the best blocks-and-threes sources in the game, which is category-league gold.

Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Buzelis showed flashes in his rookie season and solidified himself as an all-around contributor last season. He can be expected to keep building on his already impressive capabilities, making him a worthwhile ceiling play in all formats.

Tier 5

Julius Randle, Brooklyn Nets

Randle may have some flaws in his game, but at the end of the day, he can put up stat lines to rival the best. He should thrive as a top option with the Nets, and the volume and double-doubles make him a reliable points-league and High Score starter.

Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

Miller averaged over 20 points per game in each of the last two seasons and is in line to serve as the top offensive option for the Hornets. His game translates well across all formats.

Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

Bridges does his best work by racking up steals and blocks on one end while knocking down the three ball on the other. His iron-man reputation also contributes to his overall value. He’s a favorite of risk-averse category managers.

Michael Porter Jr,, Brooklyn Nets

Porter Jr. is one of the most under-the-radar scorers in the league, especially considering his efficiency, hitting 48.5 percent from the field over the last four seasons. He is also a strong rebounder, which makes him a useful efficiency piece in category leagues despite the absence of assists and defensive stats.

Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards

Davis is a top-tier producer when healthy. However, he has been limited to fewer than 57 games played in five of the last six seasons, including three seasons with no more than 40 games played. That history hurts in all leagues, but matters the least in High Score.