The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Beyond the chase for the NBA championship, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see who emerges as the league leaders in major statistical categories. From the scoring crown to the rebounding title to the assists race, every year sparks debates and bold predictions about which players can dominate the box score.
- Points Per Game (PPG) – Luka Doncic (32.1 PPG)
- Rebounds Per Game (RPG) – Nikola Jokic (13.1 RPG)
- Assists Per Game (APG) – Trae Young (11.1 APG)
- Steals Per Game (SPG) – Dyson Daniels (3.1 SPG)
- Blocks Per Game (BPG) – Victor Wembanyama (3.5 BPG)
- Turnovers Per Game (TO) – Luka Doncic (4.5 TO)
- Minutes Per Game (MPG) – Giannis Antetokounmpo (37.4 MPG)
- Field-Goal Attempts Per Game (FGA) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22.3 FGA)
- Field-Goal Percentage (FG%) – Jarrett Allen (70.2%)
- Three-Point Attempts Per Game (3PA) – Stephen Curry (11.4 3PA)
- Three-Point Percentage (3P%) – Zach LaVine (44.2%)
- Free-Throw Attempts Per Game (FTA) – Giannis Antetokounmpo (10.6 FTA)
- Free-Throw Percentage (FT%) – Stephen Curry (93.5%)
With household names like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mix, alongside young stars ready to take the next leap, the race for major categories, including points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), and assists per game (APG), will be one to follow. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and who could finish on top in each category this season.
Points Per Game (PPG) – Luka Doncic (32.1 PPG)
Luka Doncic is one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the NBA, and the 2025-26 season projects to be no different. With his unique combination of size, playmaking vision, and shot-making ability, the Slovenian is the favorite to reclaim the scoring crown. Since LeBron James will hit 41 years old at some point next season, the Lakers will allow Luka to do what he wills with the ball in his hands, and that will come with a scoring title.
What makes Doncic’s scoring output even more impressive is his ability to break defenses down in multiple ways, and he should do this even better since he is in the best shape of his career. Averaging 32.1 points per game would not only put him in MVP contention but also cement him as one of the greatest offensive engines of his era. Expect plenty of big scoring nights and highlight-reel performances from the Lakers’ superstar.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG) – Nikola Jokic (13.1 RPG)
Nikola Jokic remains the league’s premier all-around big man, and rebounding has always been one of his quiet strengths. His anticipation, positioning, and soft hands make him dominant on the glass, both offensively and defensively. With Denver relying heavily on him to anchor possessions, the Serbian’s rebounding numbers should again push him toward the top of the leaderboard.
Beyond just padding stats, Jokic’s ability to control the boards is critical to Denver’s pace and flow. Domantas Sabonis has been the rebounding stalwart over the past few seasons, but we think Jokic will focus more on dominating the glass than scoring in the 2025-26 season. Will this be another season where Jokic averages a triple-double again? We think so as well.
Assists Per Game (APG) – Trae Young (11.1 APG)
Trae Young will prove why he is one of the league’s most dynamic floor generals. Averaging 11.1 assists per game will showcase not only his passing brilliance but also his understanding of spacing and timing. Young is often criticized more than praised because of his defensive limitations, but there is no denying his elite passing ability.
His playmaking is especially dangerous out of the pick-and-roll, where his deep shooting threat forces defenses into tough choices. Leading the league in assists for the second-straight season (11.6 APG) would be another milestone in his rise as one of the premier playmakers in the game, and he should hit that mark with reinforcements in the form of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard.
Steals Per Game (SPG) – Dyson Daniels (3.1 SPG)
Dyson Daniels has arrived as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, winning Most Improved Player and finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season by posting a league-leading 3.0 SPG. Averaging 3.1 steals per game would put him in rare company historically and highlight his instincts on the defensive end.
Sure, defense has always been Daniels’ calling card, but this level of impact elevates him into an All-Defensive Team lock for the second-straight season. By generating steals that lead directly to transition offense, Daniels not only changes games defensively but also fuels momentum for his team. It is time we recognize how dominant Daniels can be on the defensive end by being a force in the passing lanes.
Blocks Per Game (BPG) – Victor Wembanyama (3.5 BPG)
Victor Wembanyama’s rim protection is already redefining defensive expectations for big men, and his third season projects another leap. Averaging 3.5 blocks per game (third-straight season with a leading mark) would firmly establish him as the league’s premier shot-blocker, a title many expected him to own the moment he entered the NBA.
His wingspan and timing make him nearly impossible to score over in the paint. What makes Wembanyama truly unique is that he can defend on the perimeter and still recover in time to erase shots at the rim. At this pace, Wemby could become one of the most dominant defensive players the league has ever seen, and he has to win the DPOY award first to start building his legacy.
Turnovers Per Game (TO) – Luka Doncic (4.5 TO)
While Luka Doncic’s usage makes him a scoring and playmaking machine, it also comes with drawbacks: turnovers. Leading the league at 4.5 per game won’t be ideal, but it will be a natural byproduct of carrying such a heavy offensive load. With the ball in his hands on nearly every possession, Luka is bound to commit mistakes while also creating the majority of his team’s offense.
The key is that Doncic’s positives far outweigh his negatives. Even with the turnovers, his offensive production remains unmatched, and many of his giveaways come from ambitious passes that keep defenses on edge. For the Lakers, it’s a trade-off they’re willing to accept because Luka’s playmaking brilliance drives everything they will do moving forward.
Minutes Per Game (MPG) – Giannis Antetokounmpo (37.4 MPG)
Giannis Antetokounmpo will have to carry a very heavy load for the Milwaukee Bucks next season. He rarely takes plays off, anyway, constantly pushing the tempo on offense and anchoring the defense on the other end, but things are a little different. The Bucks won’t have much talent outside of him, and we expect The Greek Freak to play the most minutes as a result.
The Bucks will need every ounce of his energy as they chase a playoff appearance despite waiving Damian Lillard and only replacing him with Myles Turner. No doubt, Giannis’ ability to sustain such a high workload while maintaining elite efficiency is remarkable, and his willingness to log heavy minutes will be a testament to both his conditioning and his desire to win.
Field-Goal Attempts Per Game (FGA) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (22.3 FGA)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become arguably the most versatile scorer in the league, and his field-goal attempts reflect that role. At 22.3 shots per game, SGA will have the green light to create offense whenever Oklahoma City needs it. This will come one season after he led the NBA in field-goal attempts, taking 21.8 shots per game.
As OKC will remain on top of the Western Conference to defend their NBA Title, Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive responsibility will remain sky-high. His blend of efficiency and volume keeps him in the conversation for both scoring titles and MVP consideration for the second-straight season.
Field-Goal Percentage (FG%) – Jarrett Allen (70.2%)
Jarrett Allen’s offensive game is simple but extremely effective. With a predicted 70.2% shooting clip, he will thrive by finishing lobs, dunks, and close-range attempts created by guards. His role as a pick-and-roll finisher and offensive rebounder ensures he takes the highest-quality shots available.
Allen led the league in field-goal percentage last season (70.6%), and we don’t see a way he doesn’t do it again. Playing alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, Allen’s finishing ability around the rim keeps the Cavaliers’ offense flowing and makes him one of the most efficient big men in the game because he knows his limitations.
Three-Point Attempts Per Game (3PA) – Stephen Curry (11.4 3PA)
Even deep into his career, Stephen Curry remains the league’s most prolific three-point shooter. With a predicted 11.4 attempts per game, Curry will continue to stretch defenses in ways no other player can replicate. That will come after Curry led the league in attempts for two straight seasons (11.8 3PA and 11.4 3PA). Amazingly, Curry has led the league in three-point makes eight times over his career.
The Warriors’ offense still revolves around Curry’s shooting gravity, even at the player’s advanced age. His willingness to fire from deep forces defenses to extend far beyond the three-point line, creating driving lanes for teammates. We don’t see a single player with a bigger green light than Curry, and that is why he is predicted to launch over 11 three-pointers per game in 2025-26.
Three-Point Percentage (3P%) – Zach LaVine (44.2%)
Zach LaVine’s shooting touch has reached elite levels, and at 44.2% from beyond the arc, he will be the NBA’s deadliest marksman according to our prediction. His ability to knock down shots both off the catch and off the dribble will be important for the Kings, but we see the sharpshooter proving he is the main man from the arc right now.
Defenses already respect LaVine’s athleticism and driving ability, and his efficient outside shooting only compounds the problem. It might be easy to throw Stephen Curry’s name into the mix in terms of percentages, but at nearly 38, he probably won’t be able to nail the consistency he used to while continuing to move without the ball. As a result, we think it will be LaVine getting it done the best from beyond.
Free-Throw Attempts Per Game (FTA) – Giannis Antetokounmpo (10.6 FTA)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentless attacking style consistently puts pressure on defenses, leading to a league-high 10.6 free-throw attempts per game. Few players can match his ability to generate fouls simply by overpowering opponents in the paint. His physical dominance ensures he’s a fixture at the charity stripe.
While free-throw efficiency has been a challenge in the past, Giannis’ volume ensures defenses pay a price for trying to contain him physically. His knack for drawing fouls not only racks up points but also forces opposing big men into foul trouble, because they would rather foul him than let him score. Because of that, he will have the most attempts, even more than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Free-Throw Percentage (FT%) – Stephen Curry (93.5%)
Stephen Curry’s free-throw shooting remains a masterclass after leading the league last season for the fifth time in his career. At a predicted 93.5% clip next season, he is once again expected to be the most reliable player in the league at the line. There isn’t anyone else more automatic than him.
For Golden State, Curry’s free throws are actually momentum builders. Every trip to the line solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. In a league filled with high-scoring guards, Curry’s elite efficiency from the stripe will set him apart as he looks to lead the league in FT percentage for the sixth time.
