Fantasy basketball lets you build and manage a roster of real-life NBA players, earning points based on their actual game performances. Think points, rebounds, assists, and steals—it’s all fair game.
Key Terms to Know:
League Types:
If you’re playing in a points league, players earn points for every stat they tally. Pro tip: Focus on versatile players who can stuff the stat sheet—think stars who rack up points and contribute across categories like rebounds, assists, and steals.
Setting Up Your League
In a Snake Draft, draft order alternates each round. Meanwhile, an Auction Draft lets you bid on players with a set budget where you have to manage your (virtual) backroll.
Research and Rankings: Before your draft, scope out player rankings on popular platforms like ESPN and Yahoo. Better yet, run a couple of mock drafts to sharpen your skills and build your strategy.
Draft Flow:
Understanding Positions:
Draft Advice:
Keep tabs on NBA news, injuries, and rotation changes. Knowing who’s on fire and who’s hitting a slump can be the difference between a win and a loss. Follow reliable sources like ESPN, NBA Twitter, and our very own newsletter.
Looking for this season’s fantasy studs? You can’t go wrong with Nikola Jokić, who is as reliable as they come with his triple-double potential. Rookies like Victor Wembanyama (yes, the hype is real) and Scoot Henderson are also worth a late-round pick if you’re feeling risky.
Keep an eye on breakout candidates like Cade Cunningham and Anthony Edwards, who could take their games—and your fantasy team—to new heights this season.
Fantasy basketball isn’t just about the stats—it’s about community, competition, and having fun. Here’s how to make the most of the experience:
Fantasy basketball is all about the hustle, the hype, and the heart. Whether you’re chasing the championship or just in it for the fun, with these tips, you’ll be ready to dominate the season like a true baller. Let’s go, GISTers! 🏀💪
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