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Following an exhilarating SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, the NBA Playoffs kicked off this weekend with eight Game 1 matchups. The results showcased a wide range of outcomes, from staggering blowouts (Grizzlies-Thunder) to nail-biting overtime thrillers (Clippers-Nuggets), along with everything in between. The star players rose to the occasion as the intensity ramped up. Here’s a look at the top five fantasy standout performers from the opening games of each series:
**#1. Nikola Jokić, Nuggets**
**Last Week:** 67.8 FP/G | **Season Rank:** 1 (64.3 FP/G)
Whether in the regular season or playoffs, Jokić consistently ranks among the elite due to his extraordinary talent for filling the stat sheet. After enjoying some extra rest since the regular season concluded, the Joker delivered a stellar performance in Saturday’s thrilling Game 1 overtime win against the Clippers, scoring 29 points, distributing 12 assists, grabbing nine rebounds, making three steals, and blocking one shot. He shot 24 times, sinking half of those attempts. Despite hitting only 1 of 4 from beyond the arc, a significant dip from his career-best 41.7% shooting in that category during the regular season (where he averaged a personal-best of 4.7 attempts per game), he still showcased his usual excellence.
**#2. Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks**
**Last Week:** 61.7 FP/G | **Season Rank:** 10 (46.8 FP/G)
Another key player who played a crucial role in his team’s Game 1 victory was Towns, who led the Knicks to a hard-fought 123-112 win over Detroit. KAT posted a classic double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, complementing his stat line with five assists, four steals, and two blocks, all while shooting an impressive 10-for-14 from the floor. His scoring and rebounding were on par with his regular-season averages—24.4 points and a career-high 12.8 rebounds—and his contributions in other areas surpassed his typical output, advancing him to second place on this list.
**#3. Paolo Banchero, Magic**
**Last Week:** 57.2 FP/G | **Season Rank:** 17 (43.3 FP/G)
The Magic posed a significant challenge to the Celtics, especially for a stretch in Game 1, where Banchero was a standout contributor. The talented forward led all scorers with 36 points on a 14-for-27 shooting night, including 4-for-7 from three-point range. Additionally, he secured 11 rebounds—marking his fourth double-double in the last six games—and rounded out his performance with four assists, a steal, and a block. Although Orlando fell short by nearly 20 points despite his impressive effort, it highlights the vital role Banchero will need to play throughout the series for the Magic to stay competitive.
**#4. James Harden, Clippers**
**Last Week:** 56.7 FP/G | **Season Rank:** 12 (45.0 FP/G)
As mentioned in Jokić’s section, the series opener between the Clippers and Nuggets was a nail-biter, and Harden did his utmost to match Denver’s MVP candidate. The Beard delivered with a double-double of 32 points and 11 assists, along with six rebounds and a block, while logging an exhausting 43 minutes in the overtime loss. He was notably aggressive, taking 22 shots and successfully making half, including four of nine attempts from long range.
**#5. Jimmy Butler III, Warriors**
**Last Week:** 56.4 FP/G | **Season Rank:** 56 (35.9 FP/G)
The Warriors pulled off a commendable road victory against the Rockets to wrap up the Game 1 schedule on Sunday night. While Stephen Curry naturally played a pivotal role, Butler made a significant impact as well. Drawing on his vast playoff experience, Butler ended with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and a game-high five steals during the 95-85 win. He notably matched Curry’s co-team-high with 19 shot attempts and took a couple of threes, signaling the promising usage fantasy players can anticipate from the seasoned veteran as the playoffs progress, justifying Golden State’s decision to acquire him.
