Fantasy Basketball Stars Facing Late-Season Fades

Injuries, fatigue, and playoff positioning could limit minutes for top fantasy players

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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As the NBA season winds down, several high-profile fantasy basketball stars are at risk of fading late due to a variety of factors, including injuries, tanking teams, and heavy workloads. Players like Lauri Markkanen, Paul George, Joel Embiid, Ja Morant, and Stephen Curry could see reduced minutes or even shutdowns as their teams manage their health and playoff positioning.

Why it matters

Late-season fades can be devastating for fantasy basketball managers, who need to be proactive in managing their rosters to maintain competitiveness in the playoffs. Identifying these at-risk players early and having a plan to replace them or mitigate their decline is crucial for fantasy success.

The details

Several factors are contributing to the potential late-season fades for these fantasy stars. Markkanen and the Jazz may limit his minutes if the team prioritizes draft positioning. George and Embiid's heavy minutes over their careers have led to increased injury risk, and their teams may rest them more as they secure playoff spots. Morant's ongoing ankle issues and the Grizzlies' playoff positioning could lead to a shutdown, while Curry's lingering injuries and the Warriors' short bench raise concerns about his workload down the stretch.

  • The NBA trade deadline has passed, meaning managers can no longer swap out these fading stars.
  • The fantasy basketball playoffs are approaching in March, when these late-season fades are likely to become more pronounced.

The players

Lauri Markkanen

A forward for the Utah Jazz who could see reduced minutes if the team prioritizes draft positioning over the remainder of the season.

Paul George

A veteran forward for the Philadelphia 76ers who is showing signs of wear and tear and may receive more rest days as the team secures a playoff spot.

Joel Embiid

The star center for the Philadelphia 76ers, who continues to be plagued by injuries and health concerns, and may receive more rest days as the team's bench is shortened.

Ja Morant

The polarizing point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, whose ongoing ankle issues and the team's playoff positioning could lead to a potential shutdown later in the season.

Stephen Curry

The league's leading three-point shooter and ninth-ranked scorer for the Golden State Warriors, whose lingering injuries and the team's short bench raise concerns about his workload and potential rest days down the stretch.

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What’s next

Fantasy managers should closely monitor the injury reports and rest plans for these at-risk players, and be prepared to make roster moves to replace them on their fantasy teams. Prioritizing durable players with consistent roles and monitoring playoff positioning will be key to navigating the late-season volatility.

The takeaway

Late-season fades can be devastating for fantasy basketball managers, but identifying these high-risk players early and having a plan to mitigate their decline is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the playoffs. Proactive roster management and a focus on durable, consistent performers will be key to success in the final stretch of the fantasy season.