2025 SI NBA 100 Rankings, Nos. 10–1: Victor Wembanyama Has Arrived

Rankings ahead of the 2025–26 season reshape betting markets: Tatum’s likely season-long Achilles absence reduces Boston’s title and win-total odds, elevates Eastern contenders, and shifts MVP futures toward Jokic, Giannis and Doncic. Player-prop value appears on Wembanyama blocks and Edwards’ three-point attempts, while LeBron-Doncic pairings could alter Lakers’ game lines.

2025–26 NBA Rankings: What the Top Names Mean for the Season

The annual player rankings set the tone for team expectations and wagering markets heading into 2025–26. Injuries, shifting rosters and evolving skill sets have changed the calculus: some franchises will be downgraded, while others gain clearer paths to the playoffs. Below are the key profiles and immediate betting implications.

Key Player Profiles and Projections

Donovan Mitchell — Cavaliers’ Dynamic Scorer

Mitchell averaged 24 points and five assists while powering a 64-win campaign. He remains an explosive three-level scorer who can produce blockbuster scoring nights and highlight-reel dunks. Expect his scoring props and game-over/under lines to stay aggressive; he’s a frequent candidate for 30+ point games.

Cade Cunningham — Emerging Franchise Point Guard

Cunningham broke out with 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and improved efficiency while staying healthier than before. His All-NBA credentials cement him as a focal point for his team’s offense, making his assists and triple-double props attractive for bettors when matchups favor high-usage guards.

LeBron James — Veteran Playmaker Entering Age 40

LeBron delivered 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds last season and remains a high-impact offensive force despite advancing age. With reduced minutes likely and new co-stars in place, his counting stats might dip, but he still influences game lines heavily—look at his assists and team totals in early-season markets.

Jayson Tatum — Major Injury, Major Impact

Tatum tore his right Achilles in the playoffs and is expected to miss significant time, likely altering Boston’s outlook. Without Tatum, Celtics’ title and win-total odds decline, and opposing teams facing Boston will see lines adjust accordingly. Bettors should be cautious on Celtics futures until his recovery timeline is clear.

Anthony Edwards — Two-Way Scoring Threat

Edwards averaged 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists and became one of the league’s most prolific three-point shooters, hitting 39.5% on 10.3 attempts per game. His elevated three-point volume creates value in over/under 3PT and points prop markets, particularly in matchups that allow transition attempts.

Victor Wembanyama — Defensive Unicorn

Wembanyama posted 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and led the league with 3.8 blocks per game. His size and timing reshape opponents’ offense, making block totals and opponent shot attempts inside the paint key wagering angles. Expect his defensive props to be among the most bet-on nightly.

Luka Doncic — High-Usage Offensive Engine

Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 50 games while shouldering massive offensive duties. Questions about his defense persist, but offensively he remains one of the most reliable MVP candidates. Look to his game lines for consistent high totals, and watch how a stabilized roster affects his efficiency.

Giannis Antetokounmpo — Two-Way Juggernaut

Giannis remains a dominant scorer and rim protector, posting approximately 30.4 points with north of 60% efficiency in the referenced season. His impact on team win totals and playoff odds is profound; game lines against Giannis-led teams often understate his two-way influence, so consider that when handicapping matchups.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Defensive and Offensive Balance

Gilgeous-Alexander combines near-33-point scoring with 51.9% shooting, 37.5% from three, 6.4 assists and stout defense. He leads in defensive win shares and offers dependable player-prop stability; his steals and scoring props can be profitable in favorable matchups.

Nikola Jokic — The Triple-Double Machine

Jokic averaged roughly 29.6 points and 10.2 assists, raising his three-point percentage to around 41.2% while maintaining elite playmaking. As the centerpiece of his team, Jokic is a perennial MVP favorite and a central factor in futures markets; his availability and the roster around him drive long-term betting lines.

Betting Implications and Market Moves

Tatum’s injury is the clearest market mover: Boston’s title odds and win totals should drop, creating value on other Eastern contenders. Jokic, Giannis and Doncic are logical MVP and futures favorites — expect heavy action there. Player-prop angles to watch: - Wembanyama shot-block totals and opponent interior attempts. - Edwards three-point attempts and makes on volume-driven nights. - Mitchell and Doncic 30+ point game props in high-pace matchups. - LeBron’s assist and minutes-based props early in the season while roles settle.

Monitor injury reports and training camp depth charts; early-season lines will adjust rapidly.

Plus, LeBron James remains in elite territory and the arguments for the top three spots could get spicier this season.

Si