Dunkest NBA Fantasy Tips, R53: The eternal Russell Westbrook
Dunkest Round 53 is coming! Check out the NBA fantasy basketball tips for every position and the latest injury updates. Don’t be caught off guard!
Everything you need for Dunkest NBA Round 53 (it’s free and playable on iOS, Android, and the web).
From position-by-position NBA fantasy basketball tips to injury updates and projected lineups, here’s a ready-to-use kit with all the tools you need to tackle the day like a pro.
Dunkest: All the Latest Updates
Dunkest keeps growing, and the latest update brings a range of new features designed to make the gaming experience even smoother and more intuitive. Remember to update the app to get immediate access to all the new functionalities.
Teams at rest and Dunkest Average Score
All players from teams on bye, including coaches, injured, and suspended players, will receive their average score and will behave as follows:
- They take their average score in Round 1
- No gain or loss in market value
- If selected as captain, they do NOT multiply their score by 1.5
- Score is halved if placed on the Bench
NBA Fantasy Captain Picks
Are you unsure who to make captain for the Dunkest round? Here are our tips, one for each turn.
Centers
Ivica Zubac (Indiana Pacers, 12.2 cr)
His first two games after returning to the court didn’t have a huge impact, but there were positive signs: increased playing time and a near double-double with 11 points and 8 rebounds in the latest game against the New York Knicks. In Tier 2 he will face the Milwaukee Bucks, who will be on a back-to-back — and lately they’ve been allowing more than usual to opposing centers. This, combined with the Pacers’ long injury list, makes him a strong candidate for a major role.
Brook Lopez (Los Angeles Clippers, 7.3 cr)
The veteran Lopez has regained space thanks to Zubac’s trade and Niederhauser’s injury, and with John Collins sidelined, his numbers are on the rise. Facing Sacramento in Tier 1 – the worst defense in the league against centers – we can chase the potential value increase. The stat backs it up: in the last four games in which he has played more than 25 minutes, he has averaged 30.1 FPT.
Forwards
Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls, 11.5 cr)
He is coming off four very solid games, averaging 30.8 FPT with 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. In Tier 3 against a Grizzlies team devastated by injuries and currently on a seven-game losing streak, he has all the tools to be the ideal safety net in case other selections underperform.
Tristan da Silva (Orlando Magic, 8.0 cr)
The absence of two scorers like Franz Wagner and Anthony Black greatly increases Tristan da Silva’s value in our teams, especially considering his affordable cost that allows us to save several credits. In recent games the Miami Heat have been among the worst teams at defending wings, if not the worst overall, and he comes in with an average of 29.6 FPT over the last five games – the perfect calling card to make us trust him.
Guards
Russell Westbrook (Sacramento Kings, 11.1 cr)
People say about him: stat-padder, hot-headed, dysfunctional… but he also has flaws. Russell Westbrook is experiencing that usual stretch of the season when his numbers start to rise, giving us flashes of the player he once was. Over his last three games he has averaged 40.7 FPT, and the next target is the Los Angeles Clippers. And surely Russ – who is definitely not the kind to hold grudges – will have no reason to give 100% against a former team, right?
Isaiah Collier (Utah Jazz, 9.4 cr)
One of the most interesting players for this game day is Isaiah Collier: a low cost under 10 credits, but more importantly, the stats suggest he could be the steal of the day. Without Keyonte George, his averages skyrocket from 16.2 to 29 FPT, with 17.3 points, 9.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game – nearly a double-double on average. Add the Jazz injury list, which now includes Lauri Markkanen, with John Konchar and Keon Bailey still to be evaluated, and the value opportunity looks ready to be served.
Coach
Billy Donovan (Chicago Bulls, 4.4 cr)
In what could turn into a battle to see who loses more, the Memphis Grizzlies would surely be leading the way, with a seven-game losing streak and a roster heavily depleted by injuries. On the other side, Donovan’s Bulls look more ready, healthier and hungrier. Even if both teams will likely remain outside the play-in zone, we expect Chicago to come out on top in this matchup.
Fantasy Basketball Dunkest NBA 2025/26 List
To make life easier for all draft mode enthusiasts, we’ve made the Dunkest NBA 2025/26 List available for download in Excel format below, allowing you to prepare for the auction in the coming days.
Remember, you’ll find the Dunkest List with all updated stats for each player in our Statistics section, including credits, Dunkest points (PDK), and capital gains.
Play NBA Fantasy Basketball!
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