Harden and Gobert lead list of 15 NBA stars missing fantasy projections

Fifteen NBA players are failing to meet fantasy basketball projections as the 2026-27 season progresses. The group includes established veterans and young prospects who are struggling with shooting slumps, altered roles, or physical setbacks. League participants must now decide which players offer enough floor value to keep on rosters and which require immediate replacement.

James Harden, 37, is averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists for the Cleveland Cavaliers. While these numbers provide a solid baseline, they suggest he may no longer provide the explosive weekly scores he produced earlier in his career. Managers are adjusting their expectations of his ceiling accordingly. Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves continues to pull down 12.0 rebounds per game, but his scoring has fallen to 7.4 points on 42.5 percent shooting. This decline in efficiency near the basket is drawing attention to his offensive contribution.

Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls is averaging 9.1 points on 36.9 percent shooting over seven games. His role has shifted due to roster changes, though he maintains decent rebounding and assist numbers. Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans faces similar pressure after the return of Dejounte Murray and the inclusion of Jeremiah Fears in the starting lineup. Both teammates are taking a larger share of shots, reducing Murphy's offensive output.

Derrick White of the Boston Celtics is scoring 11.1 points per game, a dip from his previous two seasons where he averaged more than 16. New roster dynamics in Boston suggest he may not return to prior offensive peaks. Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls is averaging 13.0 points on 40.0 percent shooting, with increased competition from Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson limiting his opportunities.

Younger players are also struggling. Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks is averaging 11.0 points on 34.5 percent shooting and was recently removed from the starting lineup. Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks is scoring just 6.1 points on 30.8 percent shooting. Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns faces a complicated role due to the additions of Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks. Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks is hitting career lows in scoring and shooting, raising the possibility he will move to the bench as Kel'el Ware gains time.

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets is shooting at a career-low 35.8 percent from the field. Mitchell Robinson of the Boston Celtics has yet to record a double-double. Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors is dealing with a shoulder injury and poor shooting efficiency. Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers remains inconsistent and continues to shoot below 40 percent from the field despite recent starts.