Guard play in 2025-26 centers on ball-dominant creators who score and distribute. SGA tops the list after guiding Oklahoma City to a title and earning a four-year, 285 million extension; Doncic is with the Lakers after a blockbuster swap; Edwards, Curry and Mitchell sit close behind.

Brunson, Cunningham, Booker, Harden and Morant complete the top-10, each offering heavy usage and clutch upside. The ranking prizes efficiency, durability and playmaking, while rosters shift around new coaches. Fantasy managers should target this group for volume scoring, assists and multi-category value.

The Suns beat the Lakers 113-104 to close preseason 3-1, resting most regulars after their China trip. Deandre Ayton posted a 10-13 line as the anchor inside, while Jared Butler erupted for 33 in a night Phoenix leaned on a young, energy-forward group (Nigel Hayes-Davis, Rasheer Fleming, Khaman Maluach, Jordan Goodwin). Luka Doncic returned for LA as LeBron James sat with nerve pain and Bronny James appeared briefly. The win sets a confident tone and a clearer early-rotation path ahead of a week off before the opener vs Sacramento.

Dončić was solid in his return, matching Butler with 22 while the Lakers leaned on deep shooting to stay in touch early. Phoenix’s bench group helped swing momentum at key junctures, keeping the final impression positive as Ott builds from a camp-tested base. The upcoming regular-season tilt vs the Kings on Oct. 22 looms large, with Ott likely juggling minutes and evaluating the Suns’ depth against a robust Western slate.

Luka Doncic shines in his preseason return for the Lakers, dropping 25 in 22 minutes on 7-of-15 shooting with 4 triples as LAL builds an early edge before reserves swing momentum. Austin Reaves pours in 25 in 31 minutes, while Deandre Ayton adds 13 boards and defensive pop. LeBron James rests with sciatic concerns, opening the door for extended rotation work and fantasy upside behind a healthier frontcourt.

Phoenix’s Jared Butler erupts for 35, underscoring the Suns’ edge when their roster tightens. The game highlights Lakers depth and rotation questions, hinting at early-season fantasy narratives around Doncic’s conditioning, Reaves’ expanded role, and Ayton’s two-way impact to anchor the lineup.