Introduction

As the NBA gears up for another thrilling season, scoring remains a pivotal element of the game. While advanced statistics may dominate analysis, the heartbeat of basketball is the ability to put points on the board. In this article, we delve into the upcoming campaign and predict the top 10 scorers for the 2025-26 season, taking into account player health and trends to identify the likely candidates.

Predicting the Scoring Leaders

To establish our predictions, we exclude players who may not meet the games played threshold, such as Joel Embiid and Zion Williamson. We also consider aging curves, opting out of established stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant to make way for the league's rising talent.

10. Victor Wembanyama

Though Wembanyama's formidable defense steals the spotlight, his offensive game is poised for significant growth. He averaged 24.3 points per game last year, and with a few adjustments in his shot selection and playing tempo, a high-20s scoring average seems within reach.

9. Jalen Brunson

New York's Jalen Brunson has showcased his scoring abilities, averaging 26.4 points per game over the last three years. Under new coach Mike Brown, who brings a more dynamic and balanced offensive strategy, Brunson is set to enhance his scoring even further.

8. Devin Booker

After averaging a career-high 27.8 points in 2022-23, Phoenix's Devin Booker is primed for an explosive season. With increased usage expected and the departure of teammates, he is likely to reclaim his spot among the NBA's elite scorers.

7. Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham is expected to elevate his game further, building on his All-NBA status. With the right adjustments to his distance shooting and free-throw attempts, he could easily bump his scoring average close to 30 points per game.

6. Paolo Banchero

With his progressive improvement, Paolo Banchero is on the cusp of a breakout year. Averaging 25.9 points last season, he is slated to ascend higher as he continues to develop his scoring arsenal.

5. Nikola Jokić

The savvy Nikola Jokić, known for his passing, also boasts impressive scoring capabilities. Despite his preference for playmaking, his scoring ability remains undeniable, making him a consistent threat in the league.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has maintained a scoring average of over 30 points per game for the last three seasons. With fewer star players beside him, the opportunity for him to increase his scoring presence is significant.

3. Anthony Edwards

Progressing through his seasons, Anthony Edwards continues to improve his scoring output. His trajectory suggests he could hit around 29 points per game, especially as he refines his offensive skills.

2. Luka Dončić

Luka Dončić has the potential to reclaim the scoring title after an impressive 33.9 points per game last season. His renewed discipline from the offseason may catapult him back over the 30-point mark.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified himself as a scoring juggernaut over the past three years. With his isolation skills and impeccable foul-drawing abilities, SGA is set to lead the league in scoring once again.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be exciting as emerging stars vie for dominance in the scoring charts. With several players capable of eclipsing the 30-point mark, fans can anticipate fierce competition among the league’s top talents.