Hot Starts and Cold Spells: Eight NBA Card Names to Watch as 2025 to 26 Opens

The new season tips on Tuesday with a star packed doubleheader. Shai Gilgeous Alexander and the champion Thunder host Kevin Durant and the Rockets, then LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Lakers face Stephen Curry and the Warriors. Collectors always track those headliners, but over the last month a different group has been moving prices and attention.

Using Beckett Online Price Guide trends since September 21, here are four players gaining steam and four cooling off, written with the hobby in mind.

Victor Wembanyama: Back from a shortened year and looking like a favorite for Defensive Player of the Year if he stays healthy. At 7 foot 3 with that wing span, optimism has pushed many of his cards higher. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Panini Hoops Anti Gravity 13.

Matas Buzelis: Earned a starting role late as a rookie and changed the narrative fast. Before the promotion he averaged 5.8 points in 14.0 minutes. As a starter he jumped to 13.0 points in 26.8 minutes. Buyers are betting that rise continues in Chicago. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Panini Prizms Green 252.

Bogdan Bogdanovic: Gave the Clippers scoring pop after the midseason move and helped steady the second unit. With a refreshed rotation in Los Angeles, his reliable shooting has nudged several issues upward. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Panini Mosaic Purple 138.

Terrence Shannon Jr.: Minnesota brought him along slowly, then the minutes came and he stuck. The 6 foot 6 guard closed strong and enters 2025 to 26 with real momentum and a bump in hobby interest. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Select Orange Flash Prizms 78.

Joel Embiid: Two seasons removed from MVP, yet only 58 total games played across the last two years. Coming off knee surgery, Philadelphia will be careful early. Some collectors are waiting to see a longer healthy stretch, and prices have cooled. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Donruss Playmakers 5.

Zach Edey: Strong rookie start in Memphis, then an ankle injury set him back. With a possible two month absence to open the year, buyers have paused and prices reflected that patience. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Panini Prizm Black Purple Ice Prizm 64.

Jaylen Wells: Exceeded expectations as a second round find for the Grizzlies, but the sophomore season test is real. A bit of worry about regression showed up in recent pricing. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Donruss Optic Photon Prizms 252.

Baylor Scheierman: Limited minutes in Boston with a late uptick that included two starts and some playoff cameos. Collectors want more proof before pushing higher, and several rookies dipped heading into opening night. Pictured card callout: 2024 25 Panini Mosaic Rookie Scripts RS BAY.