The 2026-27 NBA season is officially tipping off, bringing with it the thrilling return of Yahoo Fantasy High Score contests! This isn't just about picking names; it's about identifying the players with the highest upside and the clearest paths to fantasy glory right out of the gate. We've scoured the matchups and team situations to bring you five indispensable fantasy targets for Week 1.
Key Fantasy Targets for Week 1:
Tyrese Maxey remains the engine for the star-studded Philadelphia 76ers.
Anthony Davis is primed for a massive role with the revamped Washington Wizards.
Brandon Miller is set to explode as the primary scorer for the Charlotte Hornets.
Desmond Bane could see a usage bump if Franz Wagner is sidelined for the Orlando Magic.
Rookie sensation Darius Acuff Jr. steps into a huge opportunity for the Sacramento Kings.
Maxey Leads the Charge in Philadelphia
Despite the splashy arrivals of Jaylen Brown and LeBron James in Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey is still projected to be the orchestrator of this formidable 76ers offense. His 2025-26 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, boasting career highs across the board with 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, alongside a bounce-back 46.2% from the field.
While usage might shift, Maxey benefits from having four games in Week 1. The defensive attention drawn by his new superstar teammates could actually free him up, creating more favorable scoring and playmaking opportunities. He's proven he can overcome tough matchups, making him a high-upside play against any opponent.
Davis Unleashed in Washington
Anthony Davis is finally set to make his long-awaited regular-season debut for the Washington Wizards, a team buzzing with potential thanks to Trae Young and top draft pick AJ Dybantsa. Davis, a perennial fantasy force, now finds himself in an intriguing situation that could see his numbers skyrocket.
Crucially, rookie AJ Dybantsa is dealing with an ankle sprain, potentially sidelining him for the opener. Any absence from Dybantsa immediately boosts Davis's offensive workload. The Wizards are expected to play at a blistering pace, and their Week 1 slate includes a matchup against the equally fast-paced Chicago Bulls, setting the stage for an explosive fantasy performance from AD.
Miller's Time to Shine in Charlotte
With the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller is finally inheriting the keys to the Charlotte Hornets offense. Entering his fourth season, Miller is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this increased usage and solidify his status as a legitimate scoring threat.
After an injury-shortened sophomore season, Miller bounced back significantly in 2025-26, averaging 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals across 65 games. His efficiency is improving, highlighted by a career-best 38.3% from beyond the arc. Week 1 offers enticing matchups against the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks, two teams that struggled defensively last season, along with the fast-paced Miami Heat. Potential absences of Coby White and/or Kon Knueppel could further amplify Miller's role.
Bane, the Magic's Offensive Spark
Desmond Bane's inaugural season with the Orlando Magic was a resounding success, where he posted impressive averages of 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals, while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three. His ability to get to the line (career-high 4.2 attempts) and convert at an elite 90.8% adds another layer to his fantasy appeal.
The critical factor for Week 1 is the shoulder injury to teammate Franz Wagner, which leaves him questionable for the opener. Last season, with Wagner off the floor, Bane saw a robust 24.5% usage rate and averaged a team-high 22.7 points per 36 minutes, along with increased rebounds and assists. Given Wagner's injury history, the Magic might be cautious, creating a prime opportunity for Bane to lead the charge offensively.
Acuff Jr.: Sacramento's Unexpected Rookie Star
Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. has been thrust into a massive role for the Sacramento Kings due to Ben Simmons' unfortunate torn Achilles' tendon. This unexpected turn of events has cemented Acuff Jr.'s status as a high-usage fantasy asset right from the start of his NBA career.
His preseason offered a glimpse of his potential, as he averaged 17.3 points (with two 3-pointers), 3.8 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in just 24.2 minutes per game. Surrounded by quality veterans like Zach LaVine, De’Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, Acuff Jr. has an ideal environment to thrive. His Week 1 schedule is also favorable, facing a LA Clippers team without Kawhi Leonard, and matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers who were top-half in opponent shooting percentage last season. Expect Acuff Jr. to hit the ground running!