Welcome to “The Loser Lineup,” where we investigate what teams eliminated from playoff contention should do to elevate their fantasy basketball game. As the dust settles on this season’s disappointments, it’s time for these teams to strategize, rebuild and reinvigorate their rosters for a chance at redemption next season. Join us as we explore the top moves and player valuations that could change the fantasy landscape in the coming year.
This story will be continually updated as each NBA team heads to Cancun and we add them to the losers’ lineup.
The Magic surpassed last year’s win total by 13 games, the second-largest margin in the league. Paolo Banchero earned his first All-Star berth, and Franz Wagner achieved career highs in points, rebounds and assists. But what really caught the league by surprise was Orlando’s move to become a top-three defensive team, a testament to their potential for growth and future performance.
One of the most exciting developments this season was Jalen Suggs’ mini-escape. His improved defense and field goal shooting make him a promising prospect for next season. Likewise, Wendell Carter Jr. is expected to see an increase in his numbers, especially if the Magic decide not to re-sign Goga Bitadze.
These potential player developments suggest a bright future for the Orlando Magic.
As we look ahead to next season, there are still some uncertainties for the team. It’s too early to know if Anthony Black or Cole Anthony will take over the point guard duties or if Jonathan Isaac can maintain his performance for fantasy relevance. However, one thing is certain: there is a lot to expect from this young Orlando unit. Don’t be surprised to see them invest in some much-needed shooters to pair with Banchero and Wagner this summer as they continue to shape their roster for the future.
Fantasy managers had an unexpected victory with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden playing more than 68 games this year. All three were great values relative to their ADP, but can we trust them in the future? Leonard’s knee is hurting again, forcing him to miss several games against the Mavericks, so he still hasn’t lowered his injury risk. And he has more.
Leonard and Norman Powell are the only notable players under contract beyond 2025. James Harden is an unrestricted free agent looking for a deal, while Paul George and Russell Westbrook could exercise their player options to remain with the team.
Ivica Zubac is coming off his best season and looks safe, with no competition in the frontcourt at the moment. Still, with so much going on with this team’s stars, a lot could change this offseason.
More on the Clippers’ offseason outlook
What will move the 76ers fantasy? Finally, Tobias Harris will leave there. After one of the worst max deals in recent memory, the Sixers will have considerable financial flexibility this offseason. Locking down Tyrese Maxey is of utmost priority, and it will be interesting to see how Daryl Morey and Elton Brand choose to build around their two stars – knowing that recent iterations have blown up, especially with Joel Embiid off the floor.
However, not everything is in the front office. Embiid, a perennial MVP candidate, hasn’t been able to stay healthy and I expect his availability issues to move him down a few spots on draft boards next year.
Lowering the demand on his usage rate from the big three could help on the health front — and in turn, force Philly to be less dependent on its big man. Given Maxey’s track record, he’s overdue for more touches.
Back to the front office. Will they attract another star? Or look for multifaceted players to solve the team’s lack of athleticism, playmaking ability and shot creation? Otherwise, these problems will continue to worsen for this underperforming team.
More on the 76ers’ offseason outlook
Serve one for the Bucks because it wasn’t even close to Milwaukee’s Best. After starting 30-13, things didn’t improve after HC Adrian Griffin was removed. The Bucks finished the regular season with a 17–19 record with a first-round exit under Doc Rivers.
Injuries played a role, but the lack of continuity affected the game. Taking the summer off to get healthy is key, with Khris Middleton missing 27 games during the regular season and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles) missing multiple games in a first-round loss to the Pacers.
It helps that most of their key players are under contract for next season, but they will need to accelerate the development of Andre Jackson Jr. and Marjon Beauchamp. Between injuries, lack of money and lack of draft picks, the Bucks will be looking for depth if they want to remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.
More on the Bucks’ offseason outlook
Heat Culture suffered a setback following last season’s finals appearance. Tyler Herro has missed 34 games this season, and newly acquired Terry Rozier (neck) and Jimmy Butler (knee) were unavailable in the playoffs.
With Rozier, Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Herro taking up most of the team’s space, it will be difficult to make needle-worthy moves that don’t include at least one of them. Trading Herro and Duncan Robinson’s $19 million-per-year contract makes sense financially, but it will also open up more opportunities for rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Another player to keep an eye on is Nikola Jović. After the All-Star break, he started 24 games and accumulated 14.7 points with 8.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 threes and 1.0 steals per 75 possessions. If he can get close to 30 minutes a night, that’s a decent fantasy profile worth investing in.
More on the Heat’s offseason outlook
The obvious move for this team to get back in order next season is to bring back LeBron James. He still plays at an elite level and his success creates space for others. Fantasy managers could feel comfortable drafting James in the third round next year.
And while Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell have had their best fantasy campaigns in years, I would explore including Russell or Austin Reaves in a trade package to bring in a true point guard who can reduce the demand for a near-40 prospect. LBJ from -years.
The other glaring change that needs to be made is leaving Darvin Ham as the head coach of this team. His inability to make in-game adjustments and frequent adjustments to rotations have worn thin, and it’s clear this team needs another leader in the locker room.
More on the Lakers’ offseason outlook
The Pels have plenty of fantasy upside, as four players have ranked in the top 100 in leagues across nine categories this season. Zion Williamson narrowly missed the cut at 103. Although the current roster has won 49 games and earned the eighth seed in the West, a first-round sweep all but guarantees change is coming. Given the rise of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones becoming one of the best defenders in the league, we could be looking at a scenario with Zion or Brandon Ingram being traded.
Their salaries plus C.J. McCollum’s take up a significant portion of New Orleans’ cap space, so moving one of them would give the Pelicans more flexibility to address some needs in the frontcourt and second unit.
Of course, if Zion or BI are moved, it will cause fantasy upheaval, so we’ll wait and see how this plays out.
A sweep in the first round, let alone an exit, is grounds for dismissal for one of the Big Three. Devin Booker is the franchise player, which leaves Bradley Beal or Kevin Durant. And since Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause (yuck), the Suns should be vigilant exploring trade options for KD.
Phoenix re-signed Grayson Allen, but there are many more holes to fill, and KD’s move could yield more role players or mobilize capital for the future. If that happens, Booker could reach first-round draft status next season.
More on the Suns’ offseason outlook
