Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is averaging 29.1 ESPN fantasy points per game through 11 games — down sharply from 43.5 last season — amid reduced shot attempts, assists, and minutes, according to Eric Karabell’s NBA fantasy notebook published Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
Harden, 37, has seen his field goal attempts drop from 16 to 12 per game and free throw attempts fall from 7.5 to 4.8. He recorded just 13 assists and nine turnovers across his last three games. His current usage appears intentional, part of a broader Cleveland strategy to pace stars for the playoffs.
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Donovan Mitchell is scoring 22.8 points per game — down from 27.9 last season — and Evan Mobley is underperforming across categories, falling short of projected 20-point, 10-rebound production. The Cavaliers’ improved bench includes second-round rookie Meleek Thomas, who is shooting 47.8% from three-point range, Croatian forward Mario Hezonja at 19.9 minutes per game, and starter Peyton Watson.
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel is out one month after re-injuring his hamstring in a six-minute return from the initial injury. Knueppel, 21, led the NBA in three-pointers as a rookie and appeared in 81 games last season. Teammate Grayson Allen, 31, has shown extreme scoring variance: 27 points Monday, zero points in his previous outing.
Brooklyn Nets rookie point guard Mikel Brown Jr., the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft, is being managed cautiously due to a preseason ankle injury and recent rest protocols. He is shooting 34.6% from the field and has missed multiple games. Karabell projects Brown, 20, to soon become the Nets’ clear No. 3 offensive option with potential for 15.0 points and 6.0 assists per game.
Cleveland’s Darius Garland leads the NBA with 5.1 turnovers per game. His 1.4 rebounds per game — including three games with zero boards — is historically low for a starting point guard. Karabell calls the turnover rate unsustainable and notes Garland’s lack of focus.
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac grabbed only three more rebounds than an average fan in one game against Dallas — a sharp decline from his 12.6 rebounds per game two seasons ago. Zubac recently missed five games with a sprained ankle.
Chicago Bulls center Nic Claxton made his season debut over the weekend, playing 18 minutes and recording four points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. He is rostered in 42.5% of ESPN fantasy leagues and expected to start soon.
Toronto Raptors point guard Jamal Shead posted 30 points and 27 assists with just four turnovers in two starts replacing injured Immanuel Quickley. Shead, 6-foot tall, shoots 38.5% from the field for his career. Quickley is expected to return shortly.
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