Spurs' 2025-26 schedule is packed with marquee matchups, boosting Victor Wembanyama's fantasy upside and Keldon Johnson's steady contributions as San Antonio faces top teams early.

Across the league, Donovan Mitchell anchors CLE, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle lead NYK, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero pace ORL, and Chris Boucher's Celtics arrival adds frontcourt depth. Derrick Rose's Bulls legacy and LaMelo Ball's Hornets add veteran and breakout appeal for fantasy managers.

Brunson and Hart say childhood dreams still guide them: the ultimate aim is a championship with the Knicks, framed as a team journey and continuous self-improvement rather than individual glory. A near-miss in last season’s East finals fuels the drive. Opening night against Cleveland tests that mindset as New York chases a deep playoff run, with fantasy-friendly production from the Brunson-Hart backcourt and a supportive cast ready to deliver clutch moments all season.

NBA 2K26 kicks off with Nikola Jokic perched at 98 OVR as the game’s top-rated star, paired with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also at 98 and taking the cover role. Giannis checks in at 97, anchoring a powerful trio at the summit of ratings. The launch list spreads across the league’s brightest talents—Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Victor Wembanyama among the top 20. The mix flags how fantasy value aligns with star power: Jokic’s all-around production remains the floor, while coaching roles, roster moves and use rates shape upside for the rest. The broader top-20 cadence signals who to chase early and who could surprise at launch, including veterans and marquee youngsters. September 5, 2025 marks the virtual bell for PS4/PS5, Xbox, PC and Switch, with early access for special editions.

For fantasy managers, the lineup underscores a familiar blueprint: anchor Jokic, lean on SGA’s all-around floor, and watch the Giannis tier for multi-category impact. Wembanyama’s 94 OVR projects as a rookie ceiling play, while Luka’s 95 in this league-lens scenario signals dramatic upside if the Lakers’ roster synergies hold. The ratings set a framework for early drafts and daily move decisions, including age curves, injury risk, and potential positional shifts that affect sleepers and breakout candidates across 30 teams.

The Knicks pivot into a new season with a clear win now mindset after a deep playoff run. New York fires Tim Thibodeau and turns to Mike Brown to shepherd a refreshed, high ceiling squad that will lean on a familiar core of Brunson, Towns, Hart, Anunoby and Bridges while sprinkling in established veterans. Clarkson and Yabusele were added to bolster a leaky bench, and one roster spot remains as chatter swirls about further upgrades. In a conference softened by injuries to key rivals, New York looks primed to be a top contender in the East.

Miles McBride is identified as a likely trade chip should the Knicks pursue more depth or wing versatility. Clarkson will push for minutes, potentially shrinking McBride's role, while a veteran guard could fill the final roster slot. McBride remains a popular fan favorite whose 3 point shooting keeps him valuable to several teams around the league. The composition hints at a rotation built for a rugged, defense-minded playoff push with enough scoring to balance the talent at the top.

The overarching storyline centers on how the offense harmonizes around Brunson while Towns brings floor spacing and interior presence, with Bridges and Anunoby serving as versatile wings. Clarkson supplies instant scoring off the bench, and Yabusele adds frontcourt depth with multi positional potential. If the right deal lands McBride or another guard, the Knicks could accelerate their ceiling while maintaining a strong defensive identity. The season hangs on fit, minutes, and how quickly new pieces mesh with the core.