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Sacramento Kings Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
16 Oct 2026
00:31:30
OVERVIEW
Sacramento Kings players bring significant fantasy basketball uncertainty, forcing tough draft decisions about Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and the rookies. I break down how the team’s chaotic roster, questionable management decisions, and role ambiguity affect fantasy value, identifying spots where you can find upside or should proceed with caution in both points and category leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Domantas Sabonis’s fit and role are clouded by the Kings’ unstable rotations and the addition of Ben Simmons, making him riskier than his ESPN ADP of 19 suggests, but still offering top-25 upside in the right situation.
Zach LaVine is a value pick in the 90–100 range, given his efficiency and scoring even in bad scenarios last year; concerns about his assists persist, but workload and age are not major worries.
Keegan Murray’s defensive stats from last year are unlikely to sustain, especially with Ben Simmons playing; his shooting regression also limits upside, but he’s worth a late top-100 flyer if usage bumps up.
Darius Acuff Jr. profiles as a flyer only: rookie guards are almost always inconsistent and inefficient, yet his extremely high preseason usage makes him an intriguing gamble in the late rounds.
Ben Simmons is a deep category-league target only if you need rebounds and assists, expecting “the 6-6-6 line”; he brings defensive support but very low usage and health risk.
Maxime Raynaud is strictly a stash and only in weekly, deep leagues, since even as a 30-minute starter last season he was just a back-end value; he has no clear path to relevant minutes barring a Sabonis trade or injury.
DeAndre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa shouldn’t be drafted outside of the deepest formats; Hunter’s ADP around 91 is inexplicable given his empty lines, and Achiuwa’s value evaporates once healthy bodies return.
Fantasy managers must monitor the Kings’ rotation chaos closely and avoid over-investing in highly uncertain situations.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:32 Sacramento Kings’ big questions 5:11 Projected starting five and role analysis 13:34 Keegan Murray and Darius Acuff Jr. breakdown 17:51 Ben Simmons outlook 20:01 Bench and stash options 26:37 End-of-bench names and deep league flyers 28:38 Injuries and schedule impacts 30:26 Final remarks
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San Antonio Spurs Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
15 Oct 2026
00:28:03
OVERVIEW
San Antonio's fantasy basketball landscape comes with tricky questions around player roles, minute allocations, and how new rotations shake up draft value for key Spurs. I analyze Victor Wembanyama's tier among elite fantasy picks, uncertainty surrounding Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De'Aaron Fox, plus where production and upside could outpace or fail draft cost.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Victor Wembanyama should be taken at pick 1 or 2 in nearly every format, despite category rankings sometimes pushing him down; worry less about Durant-style transformations if you're building for ceiling and opportunity.
Wembanyama's category-league value is inflated by block scarcity, but his points-league floor is still elite—just note the risk that his minutes may not rise dramatically from last season.
Stephon Castle is a points-league buy inside the top 50, but category leagues demand caution due to weak steals, threes, and skepticism about his free throw gains; don't reach above his ADP in that format.
De'Aaron Fox is hard to trust, with volatile stats in steals and free throws, and faces minutes and usage pressure from other guards; only draft if the price drops to the 90s.
Dylan Harper has substantial upside if his shooting holds or usage spikes, but the floor is shaky if efficiency dips or minutes plateau—he is a justified target in the 80s but not a lock for that range's value.
Devin Vassell now lacks category league appeal due to reduced usage, injury history, and limited opportunity to handle the ball; more valuable as a boring floor in deeper leagues.
Avoid drafting Julian Champagnie, Tobias Harris, and Keldon Johnson in 12-team leagues—their roles and production profiles won't provide standard-league value.
Luke Kornet is the stash in case of a Wembanyama injury but otherwise not worth standard-league consideration.
Carter Bryant may emerge for deep leagues as the Spurs invest in his development, but shooting remains a concern.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:31 Spurs fantasy questions and rotation dilemma 4:05 Victor Wembanyama draft value and risks 5:28 Stephon Castle projections in points vs. category leagues 7:55 De'Aaron Fox volatility and draft range 12:15 Dylan Harper's upside and risk 15:34 Devin Vassell's changing role, why to avoid 17:37 Bench pieces: Champagnie, Harris, Keldon Johnson, Kornet, Bryant 23:25 Backup guards, big men, and deep league considerations 23:33 Best targets, fades, stashes 25:44 Injury updates and schedule notes 27:02 Closing remarks and site updates
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft Pick 9 - Copper Flagg Ascension
15 Oct 2026
00:33:38
OVERVIEW
This episode breaks down a fantasy basketball mock draft from the ninth pick, anchored around Cooper Flagg. I walk through my draft decisions, evaluate the value and risk of specific players, and explain how to adapt on the fly as the board shifts. The analysis is practical for anyone drafting in standard 9-category leagues, with an eye toward roster construction, value pockets in the mid rounds, and avoiding common pitfalls.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cooper Flagg at pick 9 is reasonable, with a worst-case scenario of finishing around 16th—his floor and upside make him a safe first-round anchor, and the risk of a total bust is low, even in year two.
The myth of the sophomore slump is overrated when evaluating prospects with elite rookie production; history supports betting on further improvement into year two.
There is a deep pool of undervalued players between picks 30–70 (names like Jalen Brunson, Devin Booker, Darius Garland, Franz Wagner, Cam Boozer), making a balanced approach in the mid rounds especially beneficial in auctions.
Player-specific notes: Jalen Johnson’s ADP is volatile but presents strong upside when he falls; Jaren Jackson Jr. and Joel Embiid have risky profiles at their current slots; position eligibility and role inconsistency are real concerns for players like Kel'el Ware.
Adaptability is essential: Don’t lock into a pre-set list based only on rank—always stay flexible and act based on how the board develops, not just who you wanted to take at each spot.
Chasing upside with late-round flyers (guys like Jeremiah Fears, Marez Johnson Jr., Jake LaRavia) makes more sense than defaulting to low ceiling, high floor veterans after round 10.
The difference between a player ranked 50th or 70th is marginal; leagues are won by nailing breakout values, not by obsessing over small ranking gaps.
Don’t worry about running out of useful waiver wire players in deeper leagues; continual churn and breakout opportunities keep the player pool fresh.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:32 Cooper Flagg at Pick 9: Draft Philosophy 5:50 Mock Draft Begins 8:41 Second Round and Building Around Flagg 10:05 Navigating the Middle Rounds (Value Picks, Flexibility) 14:38 Late-Round Strategies and Flyers 29:04 Analyzing Final Team, Lessons Learned, and Projected Standings 32:13 Draft Strategy Reminders and Closing
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Portland Trail Blazers Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
15 Oct 2026
00:31:59
OVERVIEW
If you're targeting Portland Trail Blazers for fantasy basketball, this episode breaks down where the real value lies—and where you should hold back. I break down confusing rotation battles, highlight mispriced players like Damian Lillard and Donovan Clingan, and analyze usage outlooks that will shape your draft strategy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Damian Lillard is ranked too low given his preseason performance and likely role; I'm comfortable taking him inside the top 50, and think he still has top 35 upside, especially if he plays 32+ minutes. Age and injury risk are real, but not enough to drop him to the 70s or 80s.
Deni Avdija was the best player on this team last season, but expecting a repeat of his 6.7 assists and 29% usage is unrealistic with Ja Morant and Lillard healthy. There's still value in round 4 (sometimes late round 3), but do not chase last year's stats.
Donovan Clingan is being drafted too early for a two-category contributor (rebounds and blocks). I do not support spending a 30s or 40s pick; he makes more sense in the 60s or 70s.
Scoot Henderson is in line to start, but has yet to prove "must-draft" status; improvement is possible in year four, but risk remains due to unclear rotation and limited standout fantasy skill.
Ja Morant faces the toughest usage squeeze, with no realistic path to last year’s minutes or 33% usage; target him only in the 80s or later for points leagues and don't reach earlier in category leagues.
Jrue Holiday's upside now depends on injuries and his scalability; his value will slide with decreased usage and ball-handling responsibility, making him justifiable mainly as a late-round or deeper league option.
Shaedon Sharpe's season-long outlook is poor thanks to a meniscus repair and expected slow return; not someone to stash outside very deep or dynasty formats.
Among late picks or stash options, Robert Williams III makes sense only if Donovan Clingan goes down and Williams gets the minutes—and don't count on big health or upside otherwise.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:28 Portland’s rotation questions 5:53 Deni Avdija’s changing value 8:42 Damian Lillard’s real range 13:20 Projected starting lineup 13:35 Donovan Clingan’s limitations 16:28 Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson outlook 21:03 Bench & deep rotation (Morant, Holiday, Rob Williams III) 27:19 Roster depth & long shots 28:29 Targets, fades, stash picks 29:31 Injury updates 30:21 Playoff schedule notes 30:57 Upcoming show teasers & wrap-up
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Phoenix Suns Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
14 Oct 2026
00:30:53
OVERVIEW
Phoenix’s fantasy basketball outlook is shaped by major uncertainty at center and a lack of high-upside options after Devin Booker. I break down who actually deserves your attention in drafts, why I’m skeptical of certain ADPs, and how the Suns’ roles, usage trends, and schedule impact key decisions for both category and points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Center is a mess after Mark Williams’ season-ending injury, with Ossa Iguodaro and Khaman Maluach both questionable long-term holds; I'd rather take a late shot on Maluach for his superior upside but have low confidence in either as a set-and-forget option.
Devin Booker’s current ADP (mid-to-late 20s on Yahoo and ESPN) is too high given his declining efficiency, reduced playmaking, and lack of standout steals, making him only worth a third-round pick at best in standard category leagues.
Jalen Green’s fantasy profile remains empty outside of scoring, with bad shooting percentages and minimal defensive stats; he’s fine as a late-round flier, with slightly more appeal in points leagues around pick 100 due to likely increased minutes.
Miles Bridges continues to drop in drafts, reflecting his diminishing athleticism, lower minutes, and lack of defensive stats; around pick 120 is fair value, but there’s little upside there unless injuries hit the Suns’ main options.
Dillon Brooks’ strong numbers last year were inflated by a spike in usage and injuries elsewhere; don’t draft him inside the standard league top 150, as his role and efficiency will revert and he contributes little outside points.
Collin Gillespie only becomes viable if two Suns’ guards are out, since he needs both minutes and usage to provide value; he’s a stash in deep leagues or games-cap formats, not a priority late-round pick.
Luke Kennard remains a streaming specialist for threes but needs more usage to crack 12-team viability, and Jordan Goodwin is a deep-league monitor for rebounds and steals off the bench.
The Suns have the best playoff fantasy basketball schedule in the league (fewest back-to-backs and 4-4-4 game splits), so if a Suns player becomes relevant, there’s no reason to hesitate because of games played.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:31 Suns’ roster overview and center chaos 2:39 Jalen Green and Devin Booker roles and value 7:17 Miles Bridges, Dillon Brooks, and main starter analysis 10:52 Bench projections: Iguodaro, Maluach, Gillespie 19:33 Role players and deep-league stashes 27:34 Best and worst fantasy targets, injury updates, and schedule impact 30:07 Closing remarks
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Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft Pick 7 - Cade Cunningham Build
14 Oct 2026
00:30:57
OVERVIEW
This episode of Locked On Fantasy Basketball centers on a live 12-team, 9-category mock draft from the 7th pick, with a focus on the decision to take Cade Cunningham in the first round. The episode provides argument and detail for key fantasy basketball draft strategies, including player tiers, over/undervalued targets, draft position nuance, and late-round upside choices. The analysis includes practical recommendations for both established stars and high-upside sleepers, clarifying how close calls at specific draft spots can affect your season.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Selecting Cade Cunningham at pick 7 is reasonable but not without risk, mainly due to last season’s free throw percentage and concerns that reduced creation may hurt efficiency. It's a workable pick, but there is no clear "must draft" after the elite top few.
The difference between players such as Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, LaMelo Ball, and Josh Giddey at their ADPs is very slim; over-fixating on this tier can distract from avoiding truly bad picks or missing late-round upside.
Drafting for ceiling late is more important than getting precise order right in the middle rounds; prioritize the chance to land breakouts at picks 100+ instead of getting bogged down splitting hairs between clustered mid-round guards.
Rebounds and big man stats can be a problem if you neglect frontcourt depth early, as highlighted by a team build that missed out on several centers and forwards by waiting too long.
Taking risks on players like Kawhi Leonard or Joel Embiid becomes justifiable after they drop far enough, but the risk/reward changes notably with their sliding draft positions and ongoing health concerns.
Rookie of the Year race looks tight, with Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson both sitting at 24% odds in Kalshi’s prediction markets; market action could reveal value in those bets, but uncertainty is very high.
Some hyped young players (e.g., AJ Dybantsa, Day'Ron Sharpe) are being drafted earlier than their projectable opportunity might warrant, while others like OG Anunoby and Julius Randle are sliding, offering potential value.
Always aim for positional balance and consider scarcity late—players like Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, and Payton Watson can round out weak categories if the player pool thins out.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:00 Mock draft setup and draft spot analysis 6:05 Live draft: First round decisions and Cade Cunningham pick 8:34 Evaluating mid-first and second rounds; tiers and target clusters 12:10 Value picks, risk tolerance, and positional runs 17:02 Addressing weak categories and late-round strategies 24:17 Final roster review and projected standings
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft Pick 10 - Kevin Durant Build
14 Oct 2026
00:31:04
OVERVIEW
This episode features a 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft picking from the 10th spot, focusing on how to navigate difficult value decisions across key rounds. I break down positional needs, tier drops, ADP oddities, and my thinking behind specific picks and pivots, highlighting how to react when your preferred targets go earlier than expected.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Kevin Durant is a strong and often clear option at pick 10, with a notable tier gap separating him from Anthony Edwards, especially given Edwards’ less optimal playoff schedule.
Groupings in the late first and early second round—like Jamal Murray, Donovan Mitchell, LaMelo Ball, Karl-Anthony Towns—show limited difference in expected value, so don’t sweat exact order but be strategic about position and category fit.
Consider playoff week schedules when choosing between similar-value players; stars like Anthony Edwards may need to be dropped in ranks if their teams have only two-game weeks in crucial fantasy rounds.
Don’t hesitate to grab players a few spots ahead of ADP if they fill a glaring positional need or offer high upside late, such as taking Alex Sarr at center after missing out on primary targets.
Pay attention to real-time draft trends—runs at certain positions can leave you with less-than-ideal options later, as seen with point guards and centers in this draft, so be ready to pivot to backup plans like Darius Acuff, Ayo Dosunmu, or John Collins.
Some names with lower ADPs, like Miles Bridges or OG Anunoby, continue dropping deeper into drafts, allowing for late value swings if your build can handle risk or uncertainty.
Always track your position eligibility and categorical balance throughout the draft, particularly in rounds 8–12 when benches fill out; positional flexibility can be a tiebreaker for swing bench picks.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:31 Mock Draft Setup and Opening 4:34 First Round Player Decisions (picks 1–12) 7:01 Second and Third Round Value Clusters 11:00 Mid-Draft Pivoting and Runs on Positions 16:00 Center and Point Guard Scramble 21:00 Late-Round Strategies and Targeted Upside 26:50 Final Bench Picks and Draft Wrap-Up 29:39 Reviewing Team Builds and Projected Standings 30:31 Closing Thoughts and Next Mocks
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Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
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Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Philadelphia 76ers Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
13 Oct 2026
00:29:28
OVERVIEW
Philadelphia features some of the most complex fantasy basketball scenarios this season due to extreme top-end usage and uncertain roles behind the stars. I lay out the cases for Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and others, tackling where their current fantasy prices don't match the likely outcome, and highlight why some are outright fades.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Maxey is a risky pick at his current ADP (8 on Yahoo and ESPN), as nearly every statistical category last year trended toward his ceiling and regression is likely even without the new arrivals. I barely justify him at 11 and can't touch him top 15 in points leagues.
Joel Embiid is a hard avoid for me inside the top 50, regardless of per-game upside, because of extensive injury history with repeat meniscus surgeries. I won't pair him with other high-risk health guys like Anthony Davis or Kawhi Leonard.
Jaylen Brown is undervalued by standard category league rankings but makes sense in round 3 or 4 in points leagues, especially if the minutes jump under Nick Nurse offsets some usage loss. Anywhere in the 50s is great; avoid if he goes top 20.
LeBron James is sliding a bit too far in drafts—I'm okay with him in the 40s in points leagues and 50s in category leagues, even projecting usage and scoring dips. His assist rate should rise and he remains a uniquely productive fantasy asset if he plays.
VJ Edgecombe should not be chased at last year's 60s or 70s prices, as increased competition for usage and minutes mean only a significant injury pile-up pushes him past the No. 3 or 4 option in the rotation. Late stash or deep league play only.
The Sixers bench does not offer easy handcuffs: Anthony Simons needs nearly all starters to be absent to matter, and backup big men Adem Bona and Dom Barlow are both injured. Jabari Walker's name is worth monitoring if big men remain unavailable.
The Sixers are healthy now, but injury histories of their stars mean rotational chaos is possible. However, the scenario where Edgecombe or any bench piece truly breaks out is still a deep-league or desperation play.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:32 Philadelphia’s Use and Role Dilemmas 4:45 Tyrese Maxey: Risk Evaluation 7:28 Jaylen Brown Value and Format Differences 10:18 Joel Embiid and LeBron James: Ranking and Injury Concerns 17:29 VJ Edgecombe and Starting Five Impact 20:52 Bench Uncertainty and Deep League Flyers 25:17 Injury Updates and Schedule Notes
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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft Pick 6 - Jayson Tatum Build
13 Oct 2026
00:30:15
OVERVIEW
A full 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft, picking from slot 6 and analyzing every round’s player values, surprises, and team-building pivots. I highlight risks, draft trends, and late-round flyers that keep coming up, plus share which strategies worked (or didn’t) in the changing landscape one week out from NBA opening night.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jayson Tatum at pick 6 is a solid, safe anchor in a 9-cat format, especially as other elite players see movement in the top five.
Early rounds saw some nontraditional picks—Giannis Antetokounmpo going at 4 and Luka Dončić at 5—emphasizing the need to stay flexible and not follow rigid drafting recipes.
There’s a cluster of interchangeable second and third-round values among players like Jamal Murray, Alperen Şengün, Karl-Anthony Towns, LaMelo Ball, Donovan Mitchell, and Amen Thompson.
Several late-first, early-second round players are consistently over-drafted or taken in surprising spots, including Scoot Henderson, Jalen Johnson, and Scottie Barnes, pointing to league-specific preferences and projected upside.
Some managers are reaching for upside rookies and potential breakout players like Cooper Flagg, Amen Thompson, and Caleb Wilson, which creates opportunities if you’re willing to be patient or go against conventional ADP wisdom.
Injured or returning players like Kyrie Irving and Damian Lillard need to be evaluated contextually—my comfort level is rising with them as mock drafts and projections stabilize.
There’s a run on centers in the mid rounds due to positional scarcity; rostering multiple eligible centers like Zach Edey and Jakob Poeltl can be necessary if value is drying up.
Don’t blindly replicate any specific mock: every draft room has its quirks and surprises. Instead, focus on learning how to pivot when players you want are taken.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:30 Mock draft setup and sponsors 5:06 Draft begins: early round surprises 8:39 Round two and player interchangeability 10:34 Draft pivots and upside targets 17:00 Mid-round value and position runs 20:09 Late rounds and deep flyers 28:09 Projected standings, draft wrap-up
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This episode is a 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft from pick 11, anchored by the selection of Tyrese Maxey. I walk through my real-time draft decisions, discuss the shifting value and strategy on key players, and break down why this draft proved exceptionally competitive. The analysis centers on roster construction, player fallbacks, and how real draft dynamics can differ from pre-rankings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Maxey at pick 11 is a borderline first/second-round fantasy basketball choice; I'm lower than consensus due to role uncertainty, usage, and the presence of other ballhandlers in Philadelphia.
The second round feels particularly fluid this year: names like Jalen Johnson, Austin Reaves, or Tyrese Haliburton can go in a wide range, and I nearly missed out on the pick window for Scottie Barnes after panicking on the clock.
Don’t chase specific players if they jump too high—other fallback options will still be available as the draft pushes others down the board.
Players like Paul George and Damian Lillard still project as top-30 values, yet can be secured far later in drafts if league dynamics allow; this creates an exploitable value pocket.
Hypercompetitive room dynamics can compress projected standings—small pick differences can magnify the frustration of being consistently sniped, but final projected records between teams may remain tightly packed.
It’s critical to adapt strategy on the fly: timer pressure, unexpected runs, and changing player demand all affect decision-making and require flexibility.
Don’t lock onto pre-set “correct” pick zones; the difference in player projections is often minimal and many draft-day reaches or fallers are within reasonable risk.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:05 Context for Pick 11 Mock Draft 4:45 Draft Room Setup and Troubleshooting 5:31 Start of Mock Draft Picks 1–12 8:10 My Early Rounds (Maxey/Barnes) and Panic Picks 9:01 Second Round Fluidity and Player Debates 13:06 Rounds 3–5 Adjustments and Missed Targets 16:46 Rounds 6–9: Value Targets, Snipes, and Strategic Shifts 20:53 Late Rounds — Flyer Territory and Bounce-back Picks 24:03 Final Rounds: Filling Gaps and Roster Construction 28:04 Reviewing My Team, Standings, and Competitive Takeaways 31:59 Wrap-up and Further Resources
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Orlando Magic Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
13 Oct 2026
00:30:12
OVERVIEW
This episode analyzes key fantasy basketball decisions for the Orlando Magic roster, with a focus on how new coaching and shifts in player roles affect draft value, rankings, and category versus points league strategy. I dig into Paolo Banchero's controversial value across formats and break down realistic expectations on players like Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Paolo Banchero is polarizing; 9-cat rankings underrate him for typical head-to-head formats, making his Yahoo category ranking (51) a bargain for points leagues and a risk for standard category drafts.
Banchero's shooting stats (46% FG, 78% FT) are middling, not catastrophic, and he should not be lumped with efficiency killers like Fred VanVleet or Giannis Antetokounmpo; consider his expanding skill set and incremental improvements.
Franz Wagner deserves some slack for a down year marred by ankle and calf injuries; top-50 upside exists if healthy, but he projects safer in rounds 5–6 for both points and category leagues.
Desmond Bane is overvalued in the 40s unless you expect significant injuries to other primary creators; his path to top-40 value assumes multiple ifs that shouldn't be baked into his ADP.
Jalen Suggs offers strong per-game output, especially for steals and assists, but his all-out playing style limits games played and average minutes, making him hard to trust for major investment.
Wendell Carter Jr. lacks upside and should not be drafted in 12-team formats; he's become a low-ceiling, low-impact option without signs of a breakout ahead.
Nikola Vucevic may have deep-league or late-round appeal if minutes break his way, but his days of reliable fantasy relevance are done unless the rotation unexpectedly tilts his direction.
Anthony Black, Tristan da Silva, and other bench pieces only have streaming or stash value if multiple injuries open up larger roles; do not overdraft based on last season's opportunity-driven spikes.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:03 Orlando Magic overview & coaching impact 4:49 Paolo Banchero fantasy value deep dive 8:52 Franz Wagner's injury year and outlook 12:37 Desmond Bane's rankings and risk 15:16 Jalen Suggs profile and minutes outlook 17:14 Wendell Carter Jr.: why avoid 18:54 Bench rotation and streaming options 20:47 Anthony Black and other speculative plays 24:06 Nikola Vucevic's late-round/deep-league case 26:05 Remaining roster watchlist 27:51 Target, fade, and stash summaries 27:54 Injury updates 28:47 Final schedule notes & wrap-up
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Fantasy basketball mock drafts can get too hung up on exact player rankings, but the margins between top options are often small. In this episode, I draft from pick 3 in a 9-category head-to-head league, explaining why I took Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Luka Dončić and how to build around that choice. I break down positional value shifts, ADP ranges, the impact of tiers, and how to adjust to runs and unexpected slides in a draft.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The distinction between ranking 3 and 4 is often trivial, so don't be afraid to take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at pick 3 over Luka Dončić—there’s little fantasy consequence either way if you have a reason you prefer Shai (Josh Lloyd at 01:00).
It’s easy to overthink differences in ordinal rankings—projected fantasy value differences in the early rounds are usually small, and you should factor in team build and tier, not just “best available” (01:13, 15:02).
Advanced ADP data shows a wide range for many players like Trae Young and Lauri Markkanen, so draft position varies by league context and should influence your expectations (12:06).
Certain picks (like Austin Reaves as a first-rounder) are viable depending on projections and league format, even if they buck consensus—own your convictions and don’t get bullied by groupthink (09:59).
Players like Cade Cunningham and Darius Garland are falling in drafts due to worries about free throws, turnovers, or team context, but this opens up value for risk-tolerant drafters (09:13, 16:03).
Take flyers and value plays late, but keep a focus on minutes and role uncertainty—rookies and unproven options can make sense in deeper formats, but understand the bench risk (25:33, 27:03).
Mock drafts are about experimenting—don’t get locked into one strategy based on a single run-through; team constructions can change a lot based on what falls in each mock (19:23).
The projections used are head-to-head category-centric; know your league format since points leagues or dynasty require different approaches (15:06, 33:12).
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:42 Mock Draft Setup & Top-Tier Picks 3:05 Sponsor Reads 5:14 Building Around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 9:13 Early Rounds Commentary (Cade Cunningham, Austin Reaves, positional tiers) 12:06 ADP Ranges, Value, and Variability 15:02 Draft Philosophy: Ranks vs. Tiers 18:00 Targeting Mid/Late Round Upside 20:00 Late-Round Flyers, Rookies, and Uncertainty 27:03 Recapping Picks & Mock Draft Lessons 34:00 Final Roster Review, Projections Discussion, and Wrap-up
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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft - Category Pick 12
12 Oct 2026
00:35:58
OVERVIEW
Today's episode is all about navigating a 12-spot, third-round reversal, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft. I break down my controversial choice to take Austin Reaves at pick 12, walk through my team-building logic on the turn, and highlight how wild fluctuations in ADP and draft strategy can completely reshape your options—even when nothing about the player pool has changed. This is a practical look at high-variance draft positions, unexpected value picks, and what it means for your own draft day approach in fantasy basketball.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Drafting from pick 12 forces uncomfortable decisions, often between riskier high-upside picks (injury-prone stars) and stable but maybe unspectacular options. I built my team around Austin Reaves at 12 for a scenario test, even though most would avoid him there.
There can be massive differences between platform rankings (Yahoo’s first round: Jokic, Wembanyama, Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, etc.) and my own projections—many default site ranks shouldn't dictate your picks, especially when they elevate players like Jalen Johnson or Tyrese Haliburton higher than practical.
Playing the third-round reversal changes draft dynamics—don’t assume value will fall the same way at the turn as in standard snake drafts. The double pick gives you power but also exposes you to missing tier runs quickly.
Recent mock drafts have seen wild ADP swings (e.g., Jalen Duren being picked at 30 after going at 50 in the previous mock). You should treat each draft as its own ecosystem and not follow last draft’s results as a blueprint.
Don’t overvalue the outputs of any single mock draft or ADP list. I caution against copying my picks or strategies straight up—contextual awareness and draft adaptability matter much more than replicating someone else’s queue.
Opting for stable contributors over players with injury or volatility risk (e.g., skipping Kawhi Leonard, LaMelo Ball, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry in this build) is a viable but not always popular route at the end of the first round.
Not all “late” picks deliver upside. In the final rounds, I regret flyer picks like Mikal Brown and would pivot in hindsight. Late draft value is highly context dependent.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:03 Mock draft overview and strategy at pick 12 7:03 Round-by-round player selections and live draft reactions 22:04 Adjusting to trends and volatility in late rounds 34:06 Draft recap, projections, and closing thoughts
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Oklahoma City Thunder Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
11 Oct 2026
00:38:15
OVERVIEW
Fantasy basketball managers need to navigate major changes in the Oklahoma City Thunder's depth and rotation, impacting player value, draft targets, and which breakout performances are real. I break down shifts in the starting lineup, changes in three-point volume, the volatility in player rankings and ADP across platforms, and which Thunder options are truly worth drafting — or fading — in both category and points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe mean OKC's core players should see more minutes and a higher fantasy floor, rather than their roles being absorbed by unproven depth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can reasonably be drafted anywhere from second to fifth in category leagues, but a higher three-point volume could drop his field goal percentage and assists might dip if he plays off-ball more.
Chet Holmgren is significantly overrated in nine-category leagues, especially at Yahoo ADP/Rank of 19–25, and should only be targeted in the 35–50 range for either points or category formats. His ESPN ADP of 66 is an absolute value spot.
Isaiah Hartenstein is better suited to category leagues, especially at his depressed Yahoo (104) and ESPN (132) ranks. His new contract means his role is secure and early-season struggles are being overblown.
Cason Wallace is not a must-draft in standard leagues due to limited offensive contributions outside of steals—one-category value is easily replaceable.
Ajay Mitchell's fantasy output last season was driven by high-usage injury stretches; expect a bench role and more realistic numbers, though he offers streaming upside if starters miss time.
Aday Mara's preseason breakout is situational and misleading—barring major injuries to the frontcourt, there is no clear path to standard league value.
The recurring debate on category settings: turnovers remain a flawed but default ninth category, with better alternatives (like hustle stats) still not widely available on major platforms.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:33 Oklahoma City roster changes 3:08 Projected starting lineup 4:46 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draft strategy 6:33 Chet Holmgren: value and formats 12:45 Jalen Williams risk assessment 15:29 Isaiah Hartenstein's fantasy outlook 16:39 Cason Wallace role and value 20:22 Bench rotation and upside options 23:38 Jared McCain and deep league fliers 26:34 Jaylin Williams, Aday Mara, and frontcourt logjam 29:02 Rotation questions and injury updates 33:35 Fantasy category settings discussion (mailbag)
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Mock drafting from the No. 1 spot in a 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball league, I break down how to approach early turns, address category versus per-game risk, and navigate the shifting values beyond pick six. I talk through the key decisions and pitfalls in the first several rounds, highlighting player trends, position scarcity, and strategic pivots as the draft unfolds.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The top six in 9-category leagues—Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum—are clear, but pick order among them is negotiable; after that, uncertainty rises sharply.
I’m not high on taking Cade Cunningham in the top five, but getting him at the back end of the top eight is fine; there’s a wide tier after the top six.
After the first round, beware of reaching for high per-game players with games played risk (like Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid); at their typical ADPs, I’m out.
Pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Alperen Sengun is fine for punting free throws, but overvaluing pairings or building around single-category strengths can get you stuck.
Be careful not to overreact to preseason injuries or role notes; some players, like Maxime Renaud, have situations where rehab timelines are uncertain, and filling in with backups generally isn’t a league-winning move.
Take positional needs seriously at the turn; missing runs can hurt. Don’t ignore centers or threes categories for too long.
Breakouts and opportunity-driven picks (like Ty Jerome, Dylan Harper, or Sandro Mamukelashvili) can be solid in the final rounds, but pushing them up too far is risky.
Don’t chase old, boring, or high-risk names (like Kawhi Leonard or Nurkic) too early just for “safe” floor—there’s significant downside if they can’t stay on the court.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 3:39 Draft setup and philosophy 4:33 First-round picks and early trends 8:52 Building after Round 1 – key pivots and pitfalls 10:55 Center options, injury news, and the run on young breakouts 16:46 Navigating the mid/late rounds 22:20 Flyer territory, upside swings, and late draft decision-making 35:30 Recap and projected standings
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NBA fantasy basketball managers need to reassess the reigning champion New York Knicks with a critical eye: despite the rings, this squad is littered with overpriced options, misleading season totals, and risky assumptions about roles and production. I detail where the real fantasy basketball value lies, which popular picks like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to avoid at current ADP, and why depth concerns raise injury stash appeal for Andre Drummond.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jalen Brunson is a clear overpay in category leagues at his Yahoo ADP (21), with per-game numbers far below elite fantasy options—expect more like pick 40–55 in category and 20–30 in points leagues.
Karl-Anthony Towns is actually the most viable early-round Knicks pick, especially for Yahoo points leagues, but do not expect a return to his old elite block or minute totals.
Avoid paying up for Mikal Bridges everywhere, but especially on ESPN, where his rank (29) and ADP wildly overstate both his production and durability premium.
OG Anunoby’s category value (ADP 69 Yahoo) is attractive, but managers must factor in his real injury risk and that his 9-cat total rank (34th) exaggerates his actual value.
Josh Hart is only a consideration in the late rounds (after pick 100)—his minutes and peripherals have declined, his shooting spike is not trustworthy, and his ceiling is capped by the Knicks’ depth chart.
Andre Drummond is the top stash target here: with no depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, any injury means Drummond immediately becomes the primary center and a rebounds/defensive contributor.
Knicks bench guards like Deuce McBride and Jose Alvarado are only deep league streamers; neither projects as a true breakout even with expanded minutes.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:34 Knicks championship context and offseason storylines 2:26 Big-picture fantasy questions for the Knicks 5:45 Projected starting five: Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns 6:01 Jalen Brunson: fantasy overvaluation 8:56 Karl-Anthony Towns outlook and format differences 13:14 OG Anunoby profile: category vs. points leagues 15:00 Mikal Bridges: durability bias and fading him 17:36 Josh Hart’s role, value, and limits 20:27 Knicks bench rotation: Deuce McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado 23:20 Big man depth—and Andre Drummond’s stash appeal 25:55 Knicks depth chart and injury-driven value plays 28:34 Injury updates and Knicks fantasy playoff schedule 29:22 Summary and final Knicks evaluation
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This episode of Locked On Fantasy Basketball focuses on an ESPN points league fantasy basketball mock draft. I break down key player values, highlight format-specific rankings mistakes, and analyze which picks make sense under ESPN's unique scoring settings. The episode emphasizes understanding your league's scoring system, adjusting rankings accordingly, and exploiting mispriced players in points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ESPN points league scoring places high value on made field goals and penalizes missed shots and free throws more than Yahoo defaults, so adjust your rankings and target profiles accordingly.
There’s a clear top tier for early picks: Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Doncic are the obvious top three under ESPN's format, with a significant gap to the next group.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a better pick at four than many options, given his points format upside, and should not drop further in ESPN leagues.
Be cautious drafting players like Kevin Durant, Scottie Barnes, and Paolo Banchero too early; their ranks are inflated by category league projections and don’t translate to the ESPN points format.
Jalen Brunson and Deni Avdija have meaningful upward mobility in ESPN points leagues due to efficient shot volume and production, making them undervalued by typical category ranks.
Stacking risky players (like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James) is a dangerous move in points leagues because if multiple "if" bets fail, your team is sunk.
Late-round upside picks should focus on players with the potential for sudden role increases; avoid sinking too much capital in speculative or redundant injury-prone vets.
Always check platform-specific rankings, as ESPN’s misranked options can create opportunities to exploit undervalued or overvalued players.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 2:01 ESPN Points League Scoring Breakdown 4:12 Mock Draft Room and Pick 3 Strategy 7:33 Round 1–2: Evaluating Early Picks 9:03 Questionable Draft Choices and Overrated Picks 12:32 Adjusting Value for Points Leagues 16:09 Queue Management and Late-Round Targets 21:03 Mid-Round Picks and Strategy 26:03 Preseason Impact and Injuries 30:07 Final Rounds and Stashing Upside 38:31 Reviewing My Final Roster 39:17 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content
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New Orleans Pelicans Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
10 Oct 2026
00:35:13
OVERVIEW
The episode breaks down the tangled rotation, role questions, and fantasy basketball values for the New Orleans Pelicans, focusing on practical implications for standard leagues. I walk through the pros and risks of targeting players like Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, and several high-variance bench guys, emphasizing how uncertainty and usage clashes can inflate or destroy fantasy upside.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Trey Murphy III is being overrated where ranked in the 20s on Yahoo; his 2023-24 line was highly dependent on minutes and usage unlikely to repeat with Dejounte Murray and other high-usage teammates now healthy and involved. He's more appropriately targeted in the 40s for category leagues and the 50s or later in points leagues.
Dejounte Murray remains a solid value relative to ADP in the 60s on both Yahoo and ESPN, but his top-30 upside is capped due to probable lower minutes and the Pelicans' crowded guard rotation. He should safely beat his ADP, but don't expect a massive leap.
Zion Williamson's role and fantasy ceiling look capped at last season's levels or below, with declined usage, minutes, and assist rates. He is best drafted in the 50-70 range of points leagues, and there's little reason for optimism in category formats.
Neither Herb Jones nor New Year's Yves MIssi should be prioritized except for specialist needs; Jones only provides steals (and maybe less than 27 minutes), while Misi is a low-usage blocks-and-boards option with capped upside.
Saddiq Bey, Bennedict Mathurin, Jeremiah Fears, and Derrick Queen all present late-round or stash interest, but their minutes, usage, and developmental priority are highly uncertain. The bench is overloaded with volume scorers, limiting the path to consistent standard-league value for any one.
Derik Queen profiles as the Pelicans' best per-minute fantasy producer if minutes ever open up (e.g., via a Zion injury or trade), making him a better stash or best-ball target than a standard-league lock.
The team's chaotic roster construction, defensive liabilities, and unclear management direction add considerable downside and volatility for fantasy drafters betting on stable roles.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:06 Pelicans Context and Rotation Questions 4:54 Projected Starting Lineup 5:36 Trey Murphy Fantasy Outlook 7:57 Dejounte Murray Analysis 9:16 Zion Williamson Value 14:11 Herb Jones and Yves Missi Roles 17:09 Bench Rotation Uncertainty 19:04 Jeremiah Fears, Saddiq Bey, and Late-Round Options 22:40 Derik Queen's Upside and Risk 27:35 Bennedict Mathurin, Jordan Poole, and Deep Bench 30:30 Preferred Targets, Fades, and Swing Picks 31:53 Injury Updates and Schedule Impact 33:48 Closing Thoughts
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The Players To NOT DRAFT This Fantasy Basketball Season
09 Oct 2026
00:43:03
OVERVIEW
Today I walk through my “do not draft” list for fantasy basketball based on the current rankings on Yahoo and ESPN, highlighting which players are overvalued at their listed prices and why you should avoid them where they're ranked. I give context for each do-not-draft recommendation—including category and points league-specific analysis—so you can make sharper decisions on draft day instead of blindly following pre-rankings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ESPN rankings are so careless and inconsistent that I recommend moving your leagues off ESPN entirely if possible.
Deni Avdija, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Josh Giddey, and Ty Jerome are all ranked as first-round options on ESPN’s category settings, which is indefensible based on actual performance and role.
Tyrese Haliburton is being overvalued at pick 10 on Yahoo, especially in points leagues; current context and likely early restrictions mean he’s not worth that price.
Trae Young’s Yahoo category league rank (18) is too aggressive given his limitations and role uncertainty; he’s not a top-24 fantasy player for me.
Donovan Mitchell is unlikely to repeat last season’s peak; don’t pay a round 2 premium for him this year.
Walker Kessler’s Yahoo rank (38) doesn’t account for risk in his steals, assists, and three-point jumps last year, which may not sustain.
Okongwu is being hyped (Yahoo 49) on a role change narrative, but his opportunity and usage are less assured than many presume.
Brandon Ingram at pick 83 (Yahoo and points) is a trap given his health, role decline, and history of slow recovery—you need to avoid him in the top 120.
Players like AJ Dybantsa (Yahoo 93), Malik Monk (Yahoo 94), and several others in rounds 8–10 are being assigned unrealistic breakout or stability expectations—pick them only as late flyers, not as rotation locks.
RESOURCES
Basketball Monster (for projections and rankings)
NEXT STEP
Check your draft platform’s rankings, challenge outlier pre-rankings, and avoid overpaying for players whose role, team context, or scoring format doesn't support their draft slot.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:05 ESPN rankings rant & platform critique 5:11 Do Not Draft: ESPN Round 1 offenders 8:04 Yahoo & ESPN Round 1–2 "Do Not Draft" picks 13:33 Round 3–5 Do Not Drafts (Yahoo & ESPN) 21:01 Round 6 and 7: Overvalued picks 28:32 Rounds 8–10: Late-round traps and flyers 34:08 Rookies, veterans, and platform default pitfalls 41:39 Final thoughts & sign-off
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Minnesota Timberwolves Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
09 Oct 2026
00:34:29
OVERVIEW
How does Minnesota’s shift away from size affect fantasy basketball? I break down the Timberwolves’ role changes, lineup questions, and updated projections, with a sharp focus on how it all impacts Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert, and the rest of this roster across league types.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Anthony Edwards is consistently pushed into the first round of fantasy drafts, but he's never finished as a top 10 fantasy player in any format; taking him fifth overall, as ESPN ranks him, isn’t justified given his track record and the alternatives available.
LaMelo Ball is a solid back-end second-rounder in category leagues and more of a 20–25 range guy in points formats, with reason to expect increased rebounds and minutes as Minnesota’s roster trends smaller.
Rudy Gobert’s fantasy profile (mid-70s in category leagues, low-60s in points) is stable but unspectacular. While his rebounding could tick up with the team’s lack of bigs, his age and declining block rate cap his upside.
Jaden McDaniels projects for a slight usage bump and more opportunity with the departures of Naz Reid and Julius Randle, but Jonathan Kuminga’s arrival tempers a true breakout—McDaniels is a value where ranked in the 70s for categories, less so in points.
Jonathan Kuminga is penciled in as fifth starter but remains a low-upside fantasy play unless his role grows far beyond expectations. I have no problem with a late flyer, but he’s a quick drop if the production isn’t there.
Ayo Dosunmu is being overdrafted (in the 9th round on major platforms) relative to his likely bench role and questionable repeatability of last year’s efficiency metrics; no reason to reach at that price.
Joan Beringer only holds stash value in deep or games-cap leagues, as he’s strictly a backup center barring a Rudy Gobert injury—viable only where a long-term hold is practical.
The Timberwolves’ two-game fantasy playoff week is a massive disadvantage for head-to-head semifinal matchups; it becomes a relevant tiebreaker if you’re deciding between Anthony Edwards and similar players.
RESOURCES
Basketball Monster (mentioned as the source for projections and rankings)
joshloydfantasy.com (draft results, standings, research, and merch)
NEXT STEP
Check your own league’s fantasy playoff schedule before committing to key Timberwolves players in head-to-head formats.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:21 Minnesota’s new roster direction 2:29 Key rotation and lineup uncertainties 4:29 Anthony Edwards: value and draft slot 8:38 LaMelo Ball: upside and risk 14:08 Rudy Gobert: role and limits 16:32 Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga analysis 20:08 Bench rotation impacts and Ayo Dosunmu’s draft price 24:16 Evaluating Terrence Shannon and Joan Beringer 28:12 Remaining bench, deep cuts, and roster construction 29:40 Targets, fades, late swings 30:43 Injury update: Donte DiVincenzo 31:12 Schedule and playoff week implications 32:23 Closing thoughts and resources
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The Must-Draft Players To DOMINATE Your Fantasy Basketball League This NBA Season
08 Oct 2026
00:36:59
OVERVIEW
This episode breaks down the most mispriced players in fantasy basketball drafts across Yahoo and ESPN, for both categories and points leagues, rounds 2–10. I identify where the platform rankings are off, explain why these players offer clear value, and highlight the practical consequences for your fantasy basketball draft strategy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
There are no universal "must-draft" players; value is completely relative to platform ranking, league format, and draft position.
LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey are notably undervalued in Yahoo's default ranks for the second round, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a gift at pick 20 on ESPN.
Domantas Sabonis is ranked lower than he should be in round 3; I’m not a Sabonis guy, but at 34 on Yahoo, the risk is minimized.
Anthony Davis at pick 45 on Yahoo takes most of the injury risk out of the equation; perceived narrative around his willingness to play is speculative and not useful for analysis.
Trey Murphy III and Dyson Daniels are egregiously undervalued in ESPN formats, both in points and categories, relative to their likely roles and production.
Chet Holmgren: the gap between Yahoo and ESPN points ranks is significant. At 71 on ESPN points, he’s a big value compared to his fantasy upside.
Paul George and Stephon Castle are falling well below their expected value in both Yahoo and ESPN ranks; even factoring injury risk or role uncertainty, the potential reward far outweighs the downside at their listed spots.
League winners are often found late: Zach Edey, Paul George, and Ryan Rollins, all ranked outside the top 100, have upside to return top-50 value if health or situation breaks right.
NEXT STEP
Check your platform’s rankings and identify players mispriced by 15+ spots to maximize your draft value, rather than fixating on consensus “sleepers.”
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 3:00 Methodology and ranking update notes 6:13 Must-draft values: Rounds 2–3 12:51 Rounds 4–6: Value explanations and examples 17:18 Rounds 7–8: Undervalued and misranked players 23:50 Rounds 9–10: Late-round league winners 34:49 Wrap-up and final strategy notes
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Fantasy Basketball Points League Mock Draft [Yahoo Scoring]
08 Oct 2026
00:44:06
OVERVIEW
Mock drafting from pick 10 in a Yahoo points league draft, I walk through round-by-round player decisions, evaluate picks in the context of points formats, and call out mistakes, reach picks, and strong value selections. This episode highlights crucial fantasy basketball differences between points and category leagues, and exposes which players are overvalued or undervalued in Yahoo points scoring compared to their reputation or ADP.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Haliburton is a major avoid in Yahoo points leagues, especially high in the draft. Taking him top 10 is a critical error given his scoring profile and injury risk.
Jalen Johnson is a strong points league value at the 12 spot, but not a player to prioritize in category formats at similar ADPs.
Several drafters clearly misunderstood the points format, leading to egregious picks like Chet Holmgren, Lauri Markkanen, and others well ahead of their points league value.
Rookies like Paolo Banchero and Stephon Castle can be targeted aggressively in points leagues for their top-15 and format-specific upside, even when it would be an overpay in category formats.
Projected points value should drive mid-round and late selections; picks like Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Jakob Poeltl reflect sharp format recognition.
Injured or uncertain players (Nic Claxton, Jusuf Nurkic, Brandon Ingram) should not be drafted as starters in points leagues given their risk and unclear timelines.
Owners are fading Derrick White too hard in points leagues; he's a solid mid-round selection with better-than-perceived floor in this format.
Drafters need to actively scroll and search the pool on draft platforms; don't let default rankings dictate your queue, especially in later rounds.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 4:38 Mock Draft Begins: Round 1 7:56 Early Draft Analysis: Top 20 Picks 10:59 3rd Round Reversal Dynamics 14:01 Drafting for Points Leagues vs Categories 19:12 Mid-Round Picks, Rookies, and Format Errors 24:04 Sniping, Upside Swings, and Round 7+ Value 28:50 Late Rounds: Injury Risk and Flyers 32:26 Last Rounds: Deep Flyers and Format Reminders 42:35 Projections and Mock Draft Results 43:30 Wrap-Up and Upcoming Shows
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Milwaukee Bucks Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
08 Oct 2026
00:34:41
OVERVIEW
Milwaukee is the NBA's most unpredictable fantasy basketball team heading into the season, with a crowded, unsettled rotation and major questions about playing time, roles, and organizational priorities after losing Giannis Antetokounmpo. I break down the headaches of projecting this roster, key values and risks, and how to approach difficult draft decisions around Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Myles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr., and the rest of Milwaukee's mix. Expect volatility, unclear developmental priorities, and roster churn that makes strong stances difficult.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Bucks' rotation is the toughest in the NBA to project, with too many comparable players and no clear core; uncertainty makes fantasy investments risky inside the top 60–70.
Tyler Herro projects as Milwaukee’s best fantasy option but likely won’t get enough consistent minutes or long-term opportunity to reach true ceiling value; he’s a justifiable pick around 60 in drafts, but a surge toward the top 35 would require stable 34-plus minutes which looks unlikely.
Ryan Rollins has clear top-40 upside if committed to by the organization, but Milwaukee’s incentive to feature unrestricted players is questionable; he’s a reasonable target in the pick 50–70 range but comes with “everything is scenario dependent” caveats.
Myles Turner cratered last season for both play and effort reasons; even in the 90–100 range, the lack of motivation and team uncertainty makes him very risky unless he drops well past ADP in drafts.
Kyle Kuzma brings theoretical opportunity but remains one of the worst fantasy profiles in the NBA—ignore his starting status and avoid in standard leagues.
Kevin Porter Jr. is volatile and has upside if given minutes, but his big spike in assists, steals, and efficiency last year looks like a statistical outlier, and his role is completely unsettled; Porter is only a swing pick in late rounds.
Kel'el Ware is an elite per-minute fantasy producer but his playing time floor is low unless trades happen; he remains draftable late given his upside.
Milwaukee’s glut of young players (including Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis) and vets (Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, Jaime Jaquez Jr.) makes stashing rookies in standard leagues impractical without a clear path.
NEXT STEP
If you think you can project how minutes and roles shake out, let me know—otherwise, draft cautiously and downgrade all Milwaukee assets in standard fantasy basketball leagues.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:01 Projecting Milwaukee’s rotation 6:02 Starting lineup and instability 7:57 Tyler Herro analysis and risk 9:20 Ryan Rollins’ case and dilemma 12:12 Advertisements 14:46 Bucks outlook post-Giannis 15:16 Myles Turner’s volatility 17:14 Jaime Jaquez Jr. analysis 19:04 Kyle Kuzma — don’t be fooled 20:12 Bench and deep rotation chaos 22:11 Kevin Porter Jr. value trap 24:05 Kel'el Ware’s complicated upside 27:32 Rookie stashes and low confidence 30:29 End-of-bench and consolidation problems 31:10 Draft targets, fades, and stash strategies 32:43 Injury update and playoff schedule notes 33:43 Confidence check and closing thoughts
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Miami Heat Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
07 Oct 2026
00:37:05
OVERVIEW
The main fantasy basketball issue covered in this episode is how Giannis Antetokounmpo's arrival on the Miami Heat drastically alters player values, roles, and rotations—which impacts draft rankings, stashes, targets, and fades. I break down what to expect from Giannis, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and the rest of the Heat rotation for points and category leagues, with blunt assessments of ranking pitfalls and draft traps.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Giannis Antetokounmpo should not slide past pick 5 in any format; last year's low games played and minutes were outliers due to team management of his injuries, not a permanent trend.
Giannis’ fantasy “problems” (free throws, turnovers) are often overstated—he’s not an auto-punt for multiple categories, and his assists, rebounds, and scoring are elite.
Bam Adebayo is being undervalued in some drafts, and I’m higher on him than public perception; there is upside for improved passing and possibly more defensive stats next to Giannis.
Andrew Wiggins' value is likely inflated by last year’s outlier shooting and opportunity; with Giannis in town, Wiggins’ role shrinks, and he’s best treated as a late-round pick, not a top-100 target.
Davion Mitchell is a major fade at his current Yahoo rank (110); his role, usage, and upside are all at risk, and there’s little reason to consider him a 12-team league starter.
Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Pelle Larsson are in a minutes squeeze off the bench, and none project as high-upside targets; any of them overtaking the others in the rotation is plausible, but playing time and usage will be capped.
Bobby Portis is an undervalued stash in deeper formats—if Giannis or Bam miss time, Portis' minutes and production could spike, and Miami’s lack of frontcourt depth gives him real handcuff value.
Be wary of straight 9-cat rankings—ESPN, Yahoo, and FanTrax prices don’t line up with how category league value actually plays out, especially for someone like Giannis.
Ryan Conwell is a dynasty/name-to-watch if Drew Smith’s injury lingers and Davion Mitchell falters as starter.
NEXT STEP
If you’re in a draft, do not let Giannis fall outside the top 5—don’t overthink the games played from last year.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:44 Miami Heat system and Giannis’ arrival 3:43 Giannis’ fantasy outlook, myths, and draft price 11:04 Bam Adebayo’s adjusted value 15:57 Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Klay Thompson analysis 22:42 Bench rotation: Pelle Larsson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bobby Portis 27:32 Deep stashes and dynasty names (Conwell, others) 29:28 Targets, fades, and stashable players 32:00 Injury updates and remaining schedule breakdown 34:40 Wrap-up and show resources
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Memphis Grizzlies Fantasy Basketball Preview [26/27 NBA Season]
07 Oct 2026
00:34:59
OVERVIEW
This episode breaks down the Memphis Grizzlies through a fantasy basketball lens, focusing on sleeper targets, potential busts, rotation doubts, and how a potentially deep, egalitarian rotation impacts fantasy value across formats. I dig into where the fantasy upside really lies among prospects like Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey, how to approach uncertain minute distributions, and which undervalued players are worth a late-round flyer based on league-specific pricing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Grizzlies may run a 10-to-12 man rotation under Tuomas Iisalo, potentially capping the upside of most players but creating value if roles clarify.
Cameron Boozer is the clear top rookie for both dynasty and redraft, but his ADP (51 Yahoo, 59 FanTrax, 77 ESPN) is aggressive; expect slow early returns and a strong post-All-Star surge.
Zach Edey remains a high-upside target, especially where his ADP drops below 100 (ESPN); injury risk and a likely minute cap keep his ceiling dependent on health.
Ty Jerome’s ADP (115 Yahoo) is much too low given his expected starting role, but don’t count on his unsustainable usage or shooting from last year—he’s a sharp sleeper if he plays 25+ minutes.
Cedric Coward's Yahoo ADP (87) is appropriate for his likely second-year step forward, but ESPN (124) and FanTrax (107) undervalue him; expect a modest all-around line with more minutes and shots.
Jerami Grant's fantasy relevance is on the wane—borderline rosterable even in 12-team leagues given his one-dimensional scoring and threat of reduced minutes if the team turns youth-heavy.
Scottie Pippen Jr. profiles as the bench stash or late-swing pick who could quickly gain standard-league value if injuries or rotation shifts open up minutes, especially if he lands a starting job.
Isaiah Stewart's only real value is as a stash in case of a Zach Edey injury, not in standard leagues, but he’d be a priority add if thrust into the starting role.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:38 Big-picture Grizzlies questions 7:17 Projected starting five and key players 10:32 Cameron Boozer analysis 11:39 Zach Edey analysis 14:17 Sleepers, busts, and ADP realities 18:54 Jerami Grant and low-upside profiles 21:39 Projected bench rotation and deep-league names 25:02 Roster logjam and potential cuts 27:53 Best targets, fades, and stashes 30:06 Injury updates (Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Isaiah Stewart) 32:37 Grizzlies fantasy schedule outlook 33:37 Closing thoughts and resources
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I break down the most overvalued players in fantasy basketball heading into the season, focusing on both points leagues and category leagues. This episode spotlights which high-profile names are going too early in drafts and why, with a clear distinction between what makes a "bust" across different formats. Understanding these rankings versus projected performance is critical for making sharper draft decisions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Maxey is being overdrafted inside the top 10 for both points and category leagues, with increased competition for usage and potential regression from last season’s minutes and health outlook.
Kevin Durant, at an ADP near the top 15, is overvalued in points leagues due to declining minutes, aging, and a reduction in projected fantasy production compared to his ADP.
Jalen Johnson’s first-round price is too steep given the likely usage drop and dropoff in defensive stats with healthier teammates this year; he’s not likely to repeat last season’s output.
High rankings for Chet Holmgren and Walker Kessler are not justified in either format—previous production, role, and scoring limitations cap their ceilings relative to their current draft position.
Austin Reaves is a solid pick in category leagues at his price but is significantly overranked in points leagues, again underscoring the importance of knowing your format.
ADP and platform rankings (especially Yahoo’s) often reflect generalized, unspecific lists that lead to poor points league values; it’s critical to look past the defaults and adjust for your league scoring.
Players like Payton Pritchard and AJ Dybantsa are being slotted far too high relative to their projected roles, minutes, and category production, making them prime fades at their current ADP.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 2:34 Points league busts: top 50 13:31 Points league busts: 51–100 24:06 Category league busts: top 50 37:23 Category league busts: additional names and late-round risks 46:41 Wrap-up and closing thoughts
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How do you approach the new-look Los Angeles Lakers for fantasy basketball after the departures of LeBron James, DeAndre Ayton, and others? I break down where Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves should be drafted, why I'm fading Walker Kessler at his current price, and highlight where the best sleeper and stash value lies given the team's deep but uncertain rotation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Draft Luka Dončić at pick 3 or 4; don’t reach for him at 2 given his slight soft tissue injury risk and average percentages, but his upside and usage are massive.
Austin Reaves is severely undervalued on ESPN (ranked at 50) and is worth a pick at the 15–18 range even in non-ESPN leagues, with true first-round upside if his assists and usage rise.
Walker Kessler’s inflated 2025–26 stats (especially threes, steals, and free throw percentage) aren’t likely to sustain; I’m avoiding him in the top 50 and won’t have him on most rosters.
Quentin Grimes is a prime late-round flyer due to direct upside if Dončić or Reaves miss time, offering 2 paths to top-70 value (expanded role or injury fill-in).
Matisse Thybulle may start but isn’t draftable in standard leagues outside of deep, punt-points builds despite his elite steals potential.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is a valid stash in deeper leagues and best-ball, as he’s only fantasy-relevant if Walker Kessler misses significant time.
The Lakers’ playoff schedule is bottom half, with a 3-4-3 game split through March 28, possibly making Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a better late-season option than Dončić in tight comparisons.
Be cautious drafting Jarred Vanderbilt or other rotating forwards, as none project as fantasy-relevant outside of deeper formats or specific streamer situations.
NEXT STEP
Consider targeting Austin Reaves aggressively in drafts, especially if he slips past the mid-second round.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:24 Lakers’ roster questions and rotation changes 4:43 Projected starting lineup breakdown 5:42 Luka Dončić fantasy outlook and draft spot 8:18 Austin Reaves upside, rankings, and projection 10:41 Walker Kessler evaluation and draft range 16:40 Quentin Grimes’ handcuff value and upside 19:07 Matisse Thybulle: deep-league/steals consideration 20:38 Bench and rotation: Mamukelashvili, Sexton, Williams, LaRavia 29:46 Back-end rotation: Vanderbilt, young prospects, fantasy impact 31:16 Top targets, fades, stashes summary 32:42 Injury updates: Dončić, Kessler 33:54 Lakers playoff schedule analysis 35:40 Wrap-up and what’s next
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This episode is a special edition where I team up with Dan Besbris from Old Man Squad to draft a "94-category" fantasy basketball league—literally using every available stat category we could find. We walk through our draft strategies (or lack thereof), debate player values across formats, and unpack what actually matters in fantasy basketball when your categories get truly ridiculous. If you're wrestling with category value, positional depth, or want candid analysis on the impact of NBA roles for fantasy purposes, this episode gives a chaotic but real glimpse into those decisions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Drafting in a multi-category format (like this 94-category experiment) highlights where volume, efficiency, and role certainty matter most, even more than standard 8- or 9-cat leagues.
Center scarcity is real—when forced to fill 10 center spots each, targeting eligible players early becomes a viable, if aggressive, strategy.
Many fantasy managers discount proven per-game performers like Lauri Markkanen well beyond what role or new teammates truly justify—draft price and risk are often out of sync.
Tyrese Maxey and other high-steal or block guards may be overvalued based on last year’s stats, especially if those rates aren’t sustainable given changes to team structure or coaching.
“Safe” mid-round picks like Franz Wagner, who lack massive upside but offer a high floor, make sense when riskier upside plays don’t project to break into higher tiers without injuries elsewhere.
Don’t ignore team context or coach history: trusting Rick Carlisle to give a center a breakout role has burned fantasy players before, and should moderate expectations.
It’s easy to get distracted by “sleepers” or hype picks, but focusing on getting value—players who can outperform their draft slot or maintain steady production—is still the foundational edge in fantasy basketball.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 2:33 How the 94-category draft works 10:06 Early rounds and strategy talk 20:45 Center scarcity and position eligibility 34:02 Value drafting and confidence intervals 44:00 Late-round picks, sleeper discussion, and format quirks
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Auction drafts in fantasy basketball bring unique strategy challenges, from budgeting for stars to capitalizing on mid-round value. In this episode, I guide you through a live 12-team, 9-category auction mock draft, breaking down how price dynamics shift in real time based on draft room activity. The episode analyzes which players get overpriced, where bargains emerge, and how roster construction unfolds under budget constraints.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Players like Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić went for $80 each, an extremely high price that makes filling the rest of a roster difficult without hitting $1 players later. Stacking two high-priced stars severely limits team flexibility.
Luka Dončić's auction price at $61 stood out as a bargain compared to similar tier players who went much higher; price context in the room matters significantly for value.
Mid-tier and breakout candidates such as Jaden McDaniels ($11), Deni Avdija ($23), and Brandon Miller ($26) offered solid returns relative to their contributions and cost, especially in a "hot" (aggressive) bidding room.
Top-end talent often gets thrown out early for bidding, driving up their price and shaping the entire auction. Adapting your strategy to the tempo of money coming off the board is key.
Patience is crucial after early overspenders blow most of their budget—bargain opportunities emerge in later rounds as fewer managers have spending power.
Always be comfortable walking out of a draft without a "first-round" talent if value isn't there. A balanced approach across multiple mid-tier players can outperform top-heavy, stars-and-scrubs builds in deep 9-cat formats.
Some late-draft habits, like refusing to overpay for $1 bench players and focusing on streaming flexibility, provide an advantage—don't get stuck with no budget for potential breakout or streaming spots.
Live auction rooms can behave unpredictably; player values can swing based on nomination order, manager tendencies, and positional scarcity. Monitoring the room and pivoting your plan is more important than sticking to static rankings.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 4:49 Auction mock draft setup 6:00 Early bidding dynamics and strategy talk 8:54 Top-tier stars and value contrast 16:46 Mid-round and value targets 29:11 Late-draft bargains and $1 player discussion 41:55 Pivoting auction strategy in hot/cold rooms 1:33:45 Endgame bidding, value recap, and final team reviews 1:41:28 Recap of draft, notable team constructions, and final thoughts
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This episode focuses on identifying fantasy basketball sleepers and undervalued players for upcoming drafts, emphasizing shifts in rankings and average draft position (ADP) across Yahoo and FanTrax platforms. I break down value plays and risky fades by format, with actionable advice specifically for category and points leagues. There’s a spotlight on prominent names being overlooked due to health concerns, role changes, or mistaken risk aversion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Giannis Antetokounmpo is consistently falling too far in drafts (ADPs of 7 and 9 on Yahoo/FanTrax), but remains a clear top-five pick in category leagues; if you don’t want to punt free throws, just avoid him entirely.
Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving are being drafted well below their likely value (falling into the 40s–50s) due more to risk aversion than real downside; comfortable targeting them mid-second round without needing to reach.
Brandon Miller’s preseason health removes earlier concerns, making his current ADP around 44–46 a bargain for his potential top-30 upside season.
Risk aversion surrounding players like Darius Garland, Paul George, and Dejounte Murray has led to significant ADP discounts; current pricing bakes in enough downside that the upside is worth the gamble.
Young players with expanded roles—like Asar Thompson, Coby White, and Dyson Daniels—are available late but project for bigger minutes, more usage, and either scarce categories (like assists and steals) or rising counting stats.
Day'Ron Sharpe and others at center are undervalued due to doubts about minutes, but if opportunity rises, their categorical contributions (especially rebounds, blocks) could make them league winners.
In Yahoo Points leagues, Paolo Banchero is wrongly punished by category reputation, making him a strong mid-round value, while veterans like Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert should not be overlooked at their depressed ADPs.
CJ McCollum’s late ADP doesn’t fit his likely Atlanta role and recent production—he remains a draftable target towards the end, even if his role isn’t crystal clear yet.
NEXT STEP
Apply these adjusted sleeper recommendations when drafting in Yahoo and FanTrax leagues, and keep an eye out for my upcoming busts episode for further guidance.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:22 What sleepers mean and platforms used 1:28 Category leagues: Yahoo sleeper picks top 50 4:38 Yahoo category leagues: ADP 51–100 sleepers 10:53 Remaining Yahoo category league values 14:11 FanTrax category league sleeper analysis 20:25 Yahoo Points leagues: sleeper values 25:02 Points league mid/late round sleepers 33:49 Wrap up and what’s next
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Fantasy basketball managers face a complicated situation with the LA Clippers this season, where injuries, uncertain roles, and lack of franchise direction create risk and opportunity. I break down fantasy-relevant player evaluations, rotation uncertainties, bust and sleeper options, and how to approach draft decisions for Clippers pieces in both standard and deeper leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Darius Garland is the only Clipper with genuine top-30 fantasy upside due to expected usage and minutes, but his injury history and the team’s structure mean he’s riskiest in the 30s yet a strong target in the 40s or 50s.
Rui Hachimura could be standard-league draftable purely on context and increased role, with a path to 16 points and 7 rebounds, but offers little outside of scoring and is extremely low in steals, blocks, assists, and free throws.
Isaiah Jackson projects as the starting center over Brook Lopez to start the year; he should be drafted late in all leagues for field goal percentage and blocks, but don’t expect long-term job security or high scoring.
Max Strus is back on the standard-league map as a last-round flyer if he gets 30+ minutes and increased usage, especially if he recaptures some of his earlier assist contributions.
Keaton Wagler is almost certain to disappoint in year one as a rookie point guard with translation concerns, efficiency questions, and little realistic path to standard-league value outside deeper or dynasty formats.
Brandon Ingram’s partially torn Achilles makes him a fringe late-round stash, not a standard-league target above pick 100, and his minutes/production will be capped even when he returns (likely around Christmas or later).
Brook Lopez is no longer a viable fantasy target in standard formats; ignore his ADP and rankings in the low 100s.
The Clippers’ lack of draft incentives and confusing franchise priorities create unpredictable minutes and rotations; drafting any Clipper outside Garland is speculative and short-term in nature.
NEXT STEP
Apply a cautious approach when targeting Clippers in fantasy basketball drafts, prioritizing only Darius Garland early and treating the rest as speculative, context-based swings.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:00 Clippers’ big fantasy questions 6:02 Projected starting lineup, Darius Garland outlook 10:13 Max Strus evaluation 12:12 Isaiah Jackson as starting center 14:02 Rui Hachimura: necessary evil? 16:50 Derrick Jones Jr. and projected minutes 17:09 Bench rotation and Kris Dunn 18:31 Bradley Beal upside and risks 21:02 Brook Lopez value collapse 22:57 Keaton Wagler rookie warning 25:13 Kobe Sanders and end-of-bench options 26:04 Brandon Ingram’s injury and stash value 28:50 Rest-of-roster notes (Jordan Miller, Gradey Dick, etc.) 30:16 Baba Miller, Yanic Konan-Niederhauser stash potential 32:06 Full Clippers injury updates 33:46 Schedule and back-to-back notes 34:25 Best targets, fades, and summary
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Detroit Pistons fantasy basketball preview focusing on how Jalen Duren’s contract saga, Cade Cunningham’s draft slot, and JB Bickerstaff’s history of misleading rotation comments shape the real value of Pistons players. Key minutes, role, and ranking uncertainties provide actionable insights on which Detroit names are under- or over-valued heading into 2024–25 fantasy drafts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jalen Duren’s holdout raised questions about fitness and early workload, but with his situation resolved, draft him as a third- or fourth-rounder—never as high as ESPN’s ranking in the 20s.
Cade Cunningham is not a locked-in top-5 fantasy pick; while he’s solid in both categories and points leagues, taking him 5th overall isn’t mandatory and the difference between picking him at 5, 6, or 8 is smaller than many believe.
JB Bickerstaff’s comments about Ausar Thompson’s role cannot be trusted—past precedent shows he consistently overstates minutes, so don’t overreact to preseason coachspeak.
Ausar Thompson is underpriced at his current ADP of 80–86; his value is driven by defensive stats, but his low points and threes make him a better fit for specific roster builds.
John Collins projects as a safe late-round pick for category leagues if he gets 31 minutes, but expectations of a big scoring/rebounding bounce back from previous years are misplaced.
Paul Reed, now the clear backup center, is a must-draft in 14-team leagues at around pick 120 due to per-minute upside if Duren misses time, but his standalone value is capped without expanded minutes.
Bench shooters like Isaiah Joe and Duncan Robinson offer nothing but threes, so there’s no need to reach for them in most formats given the abundance of streamable three-point options.
Daniss Jenkins is a deep-league stash who’s only relevant for standard leagues if Cade Cunningham suffers significant time out.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com — JLFB Bowl entry, draft tracking, merch, and standings
Watch for the Clippers preview episode, as teased in the close.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 2:00 Jalen Duren’s contract and fallout 3:32 Detroit Pistons rotational questions 6:14 Projected starting five 6:55 Cade Cunningham’s draft value 10:22 Jalen Duren’s fantasy projection 13:08 Ausar Thompson’s upside and risk 16:44 John Collins expectations 19:01 Duncan Robinson’s marginal value 23:28 Pistons bench and rotation 24:16 Paul Reed as a stash 25:39 Isaiah Joe and bench shooters 26:48 Daniss Jenkins as a deep-league option 28:21 Remaining Pistons depth chart 29:59 Best targets, fades, and late stashes 31:02 Injury updates and schedule analysis 32:00 Closing and upcoming previews
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End-of-draft fantasy basketball decisions can shape your season, so I break down 50+ late-round flyers worth targeting for upside. I cover which bench options, rookies, and undervalued veterans have real breakout or surprise potential based on current ADP, pre-rank, and projected roles across platforms. Get clear criteria and player-specific context to make better last-round picks.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Always swing for upside with your last fantasy basketball draft picks instead of settling for safe, low-ceiling names who can be easily replaced through waivers.
Players like Jusuf Nurkic, Keegan Murray, and Collin Murray-Boyles are undervalued in current draft pools and could be surprise top-100 producers if usage or minutes break their way.
Monitor projected starters and changing depth charts; for example, Jeremiah Fears and Yves Missi are not guaranteed opening night starting jobs, but the risk is justified by their upside if they do start.
Platform-specific price discrepancies matter: players ranked or going past pick 115 on ESPN or FanTrax (like Nic Claxton, Zach Edey, or Cam Johnson) may present late value even if more aggressive on Yahoo.
Prioritize rookie or second-year players with unclear but plausible paths to higher minutes (like Egor Demin, Brandin Podziemski, Khaman Maluach) rather than older proven role players with no probability of breakout.
Some late flyers are likely to be short-term streamers based on injury or suspensions (e.g., Daniel Gafford, Isaiah Jackson), and may become early drops—don’t be afraid to use the last round for these types.
Projected median ranking is less important than ceiling; target players where the range of outcomes includes something useful to your roster build.
Consider team context, injury risk, and bench construction: a player like Jalen Green, with increased opportunity, or specialists like Matisse Thybulle for defensive categories, can be more valuable than “safe” names in late rounds.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com/bowl — For updates and entry into the JLFB Bowl head-to-head leagues and contest announcements.
Basketball Monster — Referenced as a resource for fantasy projections and membership prizes.
NEXT STEP
Check your draft strategy to make sure you’re targeting upside swings in the last rounds rather than settling for “safe” placeholders.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:08 Criteria for Late-Round Flyers 2:46 Top 15 Flyers and Key Rationale 8:29 More Upside Picks Across the League 17:13 Explaining the Value of Wide-Ranging Outcomes 25:02 Platform-Specific Late-Round Targets 35:05 Deeper Flyers and Speculative Adds 47:05 Wrapping Up and Listener Contests
AD READS — PRODUCTION ONLY
1:00 FanDuel — Brief mention 9:57 FanDuel — Full read 23:02 GameTime — Full read
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The main fantasy basketball challenge with the Indiana Pacers this season is evaluating Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a torn Achilles and understanding Rick Carlisle’s impact on rotations and minutes. I break down where to actually draft Haliburton given questions about his role, playing time, and how his presence (or absence) shapes the value of nearly every Pacers player. I also analyze where the market is mispriced on key Pacers like Pascal Siakam, Ivica Zubac, and the rest of the supporting cast across points and category leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Haliburton is overvalued at his current Yahoo (10) and ESPN (12) ranks given his Achilles recovery, uncertainty about his minutes, and Carlisle’s historical minute management—target him early second round at best, especially avoiding him in Yahoo points leagues due to weak points production.
Drafting Haliburton in the first round effectively commits you to a punt points build, since he’s a low-usage, low-scoring player even when healthy; make sure you’re prepping your team structure accordingly if you take that risk.
Pascal Siakam’s value meaningfully diverges between categories (50–60 range) and points leagues (can justify around 30), but avoid him anywhere near ESPN’s category rank of 24 or ADP of 30—usage and assists are likely to drop further with a healthy Haliburton.
Ivica Zubac is worth considering in the 50–65 range for points leagues and 60–75 for categories, but only if the price is right; watch for Carlisle’s tendency to split center minutes, which could severely cap upside compared to his 33-minute peak with the Clippers.
Avoid Andrew Nembhard in standard drafts due to an expected collapse in assists and usage with Haliburton back—lacks the upside late-round flyers should have, better suited for deep leagues only.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is being overdrafted in some formats but represents reasonable value late in deeper leagues; don’t expect last season’s starter minutes or steady production.
Jay Huff is not standard-league relevant outside of stash/injury contingency plays, despite eye-catching blocks numbers; don’t chase 9-category illusions or Reddit hype.
Keep expectations low on Jarace Walker and Aaron Nesmith for standard formats; both are end-of-roster or deep-league options, with little indication of breakout upside barring major injuries.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:09 Tyrese Haliburton’s Return, Uncertainties, and Risk 4:00 Projected Pacers Starters & Draftability 4:38 Tyrese Haliburton Rankings and Draft Strategy 8:41 Pascal Siakam Values and Format-Specific Analysis 12:16 Ivica Zubac’s Fantasy Outlook Under Carlisle 15:10 Aaron Nesmith & Andrew Nembhard Analysis 21:35 Pacers Bench Players: Oubre, Toppin, Huff, McConnell 27:19 Jarace Walker, Pacers Deep Bench, and Roster Fillers 30:41 Best/Worst Targets, Sleepers, Stash Candidates 32:03 Injury Updates (Haliburton, Zubac, others) 33:45 Pacers Fantasy Playoff Schedule and Back-to-Backs 34:15 Closing Remarks and Housekeeping
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The main fantasy basketball issues around the Houston Rockets this year center on Ime Udoka’s rotation stubbornness, the fantasy effects of newly crowded guard and forward spots, and whether to trust ADP versus production for players like Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun. I break down role expectations, categorical differences, and pricing disconnects across platforms for key Rockets and share where I think the best value sits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Ime Udoka’s rigid tendencies and defensive grudge-holding make projecting Rockets minutes and roles tricky, especially for players with perceived defensive weaknesses like Alperen Sengun and Reed Sheppard.
Kevin Durant’s fantasy value is elite in category formats but much less impressive in points leagues, highlighting the need to match league scoring to draft position—he’s great value in category at his depressed ADP.
Amen Thompson should see some assists drop given less time at point guard, but I’m banking on improved field goal percentage and a block rate bounce-back to offset the loss—he’s fine at the back end of the second in categories, but adjust down if you don’t believe those improvements are coming.
Alperen Sengun’s passing spike was partly due to Fred VanVleet’s absence last year; expect his assists and minutes to dip with VanVleet back and more guard depth, so price him like a solid 24–30 range category pick rather than true breakout material.
Fred VanVleet, coming off a torn ACL, likely opens the year with minutes limits and rest for back-to-backs, with less upside than prior seasons for assists and overall stats. Don’t chase him anywhere near ESPN’s rank of 74.
Reed Sheppard has big upside, but with two new point guards and Udoka unlikely to forgive his defensive issues, Sheppard is only worth a round 10 flyer for his steals and blocks—never reach for him anywhere close to ESPN’s 58 rank.
Jabari Smith Jr. remains a low-upside, back-end pick; his role and production are stable but lack breakout signals—don’t project leaps in blocks, steals, or usage given current team construction.
Tari Eason is only draftable as a stash or late upside swing, as his path to 30+ minutes depends heavily on injuries ahead of him; he’s best used in leagues with deeper benches, daily churn, or weekly locks.
Check your league setup and platform, then use the category/points differences and role expectations to target (or avoid) specific Rockets—especially when ADP is out of sync with your league’s format.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:49 Houston Rockets overview and Ime Udoka’s impact 5:23 Projected starting five and Kevin Durant’s valuation 7:43 Amen Thompson’s changing role and projections 12:08 Alperen Sengun role and category impact 15:30 Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet outlook 21:05 Projected bench rotation, Marcus Smart, Tari Eason, Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard 27:55 End-of-bench depth, late-round targets, and fades 30:37 Injuries: VanVleet, Adams, Durant 32:19 Playoff schedule and back-to-backs context 34:03 Listener mailbag: percentages, games cap, and category volatility
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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The fantasy basketball outlook for the Golden State Warriors is bleak this season, with significant injuries and role suspensions clouding the appeal of almost every fantasy asset on the roster. I break down why Stephen Curry’s category league value is not matched in points leagues, which Warriors are worth late-round flyers, and why uncertainty around Kristaps Porzingis and other core players adds major risk.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Stephen Curry is a strong per-game category league contributor, but his ranking drops dramatically in points leagues, with a category range of 20–30 and points league range closer to 35–45. Drafting him at his ADP in points leagues is a mistake.
Kristaps Porzingis is a hard fade in standard leagues due to ongoing illness and unclear availability; drafting him inside the top 100 is now too risky outside of deep or games cap leagues.
Brandin Podziemski holds the safest fantasy value among non-Curry Warriors, especially in category leagues at his Yahoo and Fantrax ADP, thanks to usage and likely minutes, although his ceiling is limited.
Yaxel Lendeborg offers upside as a versatile rookie, but as a 24-year-old with questionable shooting, he’s only a clear pick outside the top 160, particularly on ESPN and Fantrax.
Gui Santos was a legitimate fantasy asset post deadline last year and deserves late-round consideration, especially if Porzingis remains out; his unique shot creation and four-assist upside stands out on this roster.
Draymond Green is not startable in most standard leagues; his best category value comes outside the top 120 in deeper leagues or where his Yahoo ADP is far below 107.
De’Anthony Melton is a strong streaming or late flyer option if starter minutes (28+) materialize, but his role and health are uncertain. He gains value if his shooting rebounds toward prior career averages.
Injuries to Jimmy Butler (earliest projected return: Christmas, age 37, post-ACL) and Moses Moody (likely March return, torn patella) limit any stash value and clog valuable injured slots in redraft leagues.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com/bowl — For JLFB Bowl league announcements and entries
Basketball Monster — Fantasy basketball analysis tool referenced throughout the show
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:19 Big questions for the Warriors’ season 3:40 Projected starting five and role uncertainty 4:51 Stephen Curry’s ranking and league format implications 6:59 Evaluating other Warriors’ fantasy value 8:01 Brandin Podziemski: upside and rankings 11:00 Rotational questions: Draymond Green at center, Melton vs Podziemski, rookie usage 12:31 Analyzing Yaxel Lendeborg as a fantasy pick 15:34 Draymond Green: whether to draft in standard formats 17:06 Bench and rotation breakdown 18:01 Kristaps Porzingis: illness and fading in drafts 19:23 De’Anthony Melton analysis and upside 21:13 Gui Santos late-season production and flyer value 23:16 Other roster/status updates: Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, deep bench 25:24 Summarizing best fantasy targets, fades, stashes 26:19 Injury updates: Porzingis, Butler, Moody, Horford, Curry 27:20 Schedule notes and final thoughts
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I run through a live 10-team, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft from pick 4, breaking down my key decisions, surprise picks, and where actual value presented itself compared to ADP. The episode highlights lessons for managing risk, capitalizing on player slides, and making projections matter more than consensus when you're on the clock.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Kevin Durant falling to pick 17 demonstrates how value can emerge if others get spooked by injury narratives and minutes concerns—don't overcompensate for risk when upside is clear.
Mock drafts are useful for gauging draft trends, but every league is different; don’t let one draft’s flow dictate all your expectations or strategy.
Jalen Duren's draft position is suppressed due to trade and holdout risk, but once his situation is settled, he should go in the 30s.
Pairing risky players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis is nerve-wracking, but sometimes ADP and in-draft value demands you take the leap if the room overreacts to negatives.
Drafting for positional and category needs is crucial, especially in smaller leagues where the waiver wire is always deep—don’t panic and draft for need too early, but keep team balance in mind.
Stay aggressive with late-round flyers in 10-team leagues since waiver options are plentiful and upside swings come at little cost.
Don’t waste late picks on low-upside players (e.g., Andrew Nembhard)—flyer territory should be about ceiling, not floor.
Pay attention to preseason coach quotes and media day notes, but don’t let unconfirmed role rumors swing your entire process.
RESOURCES
Basketball Monster (for mock draft tool, league projections, and membership giveaways)
joshloydfantasy.com/contests (for Monster Drop and JLFB Bowl league entries)
NEXT STEP
Leave a comment on the mock draft episode and check out the upcoming Golden State Warriors team preview.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 3:00 Mock draft setup & approach 4:00 First two rounds analysis (Doncic, Durant fall, early reaches) 7:05 Mock draft reveals & interpreting trends 10:13 Round 3–5: Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, value swings 14:55 Middle rounds: Centers, injury risk, late positional runs 18:00 Late rounds: Upside swings, mistakes, balancing risk 22:00 Flyer territory & notable undrafted players 36:29 Mock draft results summary & projected standings 36:57 Closing remarks & next episode tease
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FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Denver has become the most expensive team in the NBA, and fantasy basketball managers are asking whether the roster changes make sense and where the value (and traps) actually lie. I break down how the pieces fit, highlight key sleepers and busts, and explain why Nikola Jokic remains the top pick despite some regression last season. You'll leave with a clear sense of who holds upside, who is overvalued, and how to approach this oddly-constructed Nuggets roster for your drafts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Nikola Jokic is still the top fantasy basketball player and should go #1 overall, even with minor regressions and injury concerns at age 31.
Jamal Murray posted his best fantasy season and remains a strong second-round pick, with his usage appearing stable under Denver's new coaching setup.
Aaron Gordon's injury history (especially soft-tissue) and minute reductions make him a fade unless his ADP drops well outside standard league pickup range.
Christian Braun is overrated for fantasy. His shooting, usage, and stat generation are poor, making him only a deep-league or last-round consideration, not a breakout.
Cameron Johnson is my favorite late round swing: if he gets even marginal usage increase, he could climb inside the top 100, especially as Denver's best pure shooter.
DeMar DeRozan is wildly mispriced: undraftable inside the top 100 but a great value if he falls into the 130s or later. His role and minutes are limited by fit concerns.
Marvin Bagley is a Jokic-handcuff only; he can give points and rebounds when starting, but his game has serious category limitations and will not sustain value behind Jokic.
Trevon Brazile is a deep dynasty stash whose defensive stats upside could become relevant due to Denver’s shaky power forward depth.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:27 Denver Nuggets roster & rotation questions 5:07 Projected starting lineup 6:18 Nikola Jokic fantasy outlook 7:06 Jamal Murray's projections & draft value 12:00 Aaron Gordon injury risk and value 14:18 Christian Braun assessment 16:54 Cameron Johnson's upside 18:44 Projected bench & deeper rotation 20:18 DeMar DeRozan’s fit and draft price 22:17 Marvin Bagley as backup center 23:28 Julian Strawther & other deep cuts 24:45 Roster dark horses: Brazile, Holmes, and others 25:45 Best and worst fantasy picks on Denver 27:38 Injury updates & schedule notes 28:29 Final thoughts on Denver’s fantasy landscape
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I break down the Dallas Mavericks' 2025–26 fantasy basketball outlook, focusing on Cooper Flagg’s upside, Kyrie Irving’s return from injury, and the complicated frontcourt rotation. I highlight who has real fantasy value at current ADPs, the warning signs with Dereck Lively and PJ Washington, and how you should approach the draft with so many rotation and usage concerns.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cooper Flagg is being drafted around the first/second round turn, and while his late-season run was elite, returning usage to Kyrie Irving means some stats (especially assists) may dip, but Flagg remains a justifiable end-of-round 1 or early round 2 target, especially in points leagues.
Kyrie Irving’s 18-month recovery from his torn ACL makes him undervalued at his current ADP (outside top 50 on some platforms); I now feel comfortable taking him as early as the third round, or even late second, with top-15 per-game potential if healthy.
The Mavericks’ center rotation is crowded and volatile: Dereck Lively is not healthy to start the season, Dan Gafford’s days as a per-minute monster are likely over, and Morez Johnson Jr. is an appealing late-round or stash flyer with possible defensive-stat upside if he locks down the starting spot.
PJ Washington lacks significant upside given Dallas’ logjam at forward and his highly variable production; I would not touch him near pick 120 in 10- or 12-team leagues but see some value in deeper formats.
Max Christie offers almost no category-league appeal—even with injuries, he’s a low-usage spot-up player without contribution across the stat sheet.
Santi Aldama’s category value last year relied on unusual opportunity in Memphis; with more competition and limited minutes, there’s little reason to draft him outside of deep leagues.
Naji Marshall, Marcus Sasser, and other bench wings/guards have extremely limited appeal unless injuries open major minutes.
Dallas' 4-4-4 playoff fantasy schedule is elite, but the league-high number of back-to-backs could affect Kyrie Irving and Derrick Lively’s availability.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:32 Dallas fantasy overview & league announcements 1:45 Key Mavericks rotation and positional questions 5:53 Projected starting lineup and usage breakdown 6:50 Cooper Flagg fantasy ceiling and risk 9:37 Kyrie Irving’s injury, updated projection, and value 13:32 PJ Washington: upside, role competition, and draft context 16:21 Mares Johnson Jr’s profile and flyer appeal 17:57 Max Christie’s limited fantasy case 19:28 Bench and rotation: Naji Marshall, Santi Aldama, Dan Gafford 24:54 Backup ballhandlers and bench deep cuts 26:44 Full roster notes and shooting logjam 27:29 Dereck Lively’s injury and draft viability 29:05 Best target, fade, late swing, and stash 30:39 Injury updates: Lively, Aldama 31:37 Schedule: Dallas playoff outlook and back-to-backs 32:45 Wrap-up and site info
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I break down the Cleveland Cavaliers for fantasy basketball, with a focus on the real impact of James Harden’s presence on Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Peyton Watson. I cover projected rotations, usage shifts, value picks, and why the Cavs' playoff schedule is a real problem for fantasy managers in head-to-head leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Donovan Mitchell’s assist rate and usage dropped significantly with James Harden on the floor, making him risky as a first-round pick, especially since renewed depth and role changes are likely in Cleveland’s regular season.
James Harden’s usage and minutes are set to decline further at age 37; taking him in round 2 is too aggressive. He’s a back-of-round-3 fantasy value in category leagues, lower in points formats.
Evan Mobley’s fantasy value is firmly third to fourth round; a field goal/three-point shooting bounce-back is possible, but he didn’t take a real step forward last season. Center-only minutes would boost him, but that's not guaranteed.
Jarrett Allen’s fantasy range is wide—he’ll exceed rank if the Harden pick-and-roll connection boosts his efficiency, but a drop to 25–26 minutes per game is a real risk if lineups favor Mobley at center. Don’t touch Allen at ESPN’s rank (49), but consider him in the 70–85 range.
Peyton Watson’s role and usage are uncertain, but his ADP is reasonable for the minutes security. True upside is injury- or opportunity-dependent, so tread carefully unless you’re in a deeper league.
The Cavs’ bench is extremely thin. Jaylen Tyson and Sam Merrill are key sixth/seventh men and deeper league streamers, but both rely on injuries ahead to gain standard-league relevance.
Cleveland’s playoff schedule is brutal—with a dreaded two-game week during the most crucial fantasy playoff round. Fade all early-round Cavs in playoff-based leagues unless your league’s format makes the schedule irrelevant.
Thomas Bryant is a pure stash in deeper leagues with a narrow fantasy window—he’ll only be worth rostering if both Mobley and Allen miss time.
RESOURCES
Projected Cavs lineups and starters/bench rotation breakdowns as discussed in the episode
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Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:32 Setting Up the Cavs Fantasy Questions 1:34 Harden’s Impact on Mitchell and Usage Projections 4:01 Additional Cavs Rotation and Role Questions 6:37 Projected Starting Lineup and Mitchell Analysis 8:31 Evan Mobley: Value, Regression, and Role 11:58 Cavs Bench and Roster Overview 13:12 James Harden: Role, Age, and Rankings 14:23 Jarrett Allen: Efficiency, Minutes, and Draft Range 17:09 Peyton Watson: Upside vs Role Uncertainty 20:59 Merch and Listener Leagues 22:00 Projected Bench and Depth Issues 24:38 Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, and Cavs Depth 26:00 Best Targets, Busts, and Late Swings 28:49 Stash/Deep League Options (Bryant, etc.) 30:02 Injury and Cavs Schedule Warnings 32:10 Listener Mailbag: Leagues and FAQ 33:35 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps
Auction (salary cap) drafts are one of the most skill-testing and rewarding ways to play fantasy basketball, but they also introduce unique challenges that can wreck your roster if you’re not prepared. I break down the key differences between stars and scrubs and balanced draft strategies, show why auction values are so volatile, and explain nomination, bidding, and adaptation tactics based on real draft room dynamics.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Auction (salary cap) drafts are the fairest, most strategic draft method in fantasy basketball, but they require more preparation and skill than snake drafts.
Every auction draft is unique, with player values and optimal spending plans changing based on nomination order, league size, roster spots, category settings, and draft room tendencies.
Planning should include leaving flexibility ("wiggle room") in your budget for late bargains and always keeping a streaming slot open rather than fully budgeting for every roster spot.
Extracting value (getting more projected production for your money than others) is critical; do not overpay for players just because they fit your punt or build, and avoid rigid adherence to preset dollar values.
Stars and scrubs strategies—with two top-10 players and a string of $1 guys—can produce huge upside if you hit on cheap breakouts, but the risk is massive: injuries or overpriced stars can leave your team uncompetitive.
Balanced builds—filling your core with players from about rank 25–75—tend to be safer and perform better in deeper leagues, especially when mid-round players are being properly valued by your draft room.
Watching the draft room for hot or cold bidding trends is essential; if mid-rounders are undervalued, stars and scrubs can work, but if not, the balanced approach is much more viable.
Smart nomination and unpredictable bidding tactics (varied pacing, price enforcement, and confusing your opponents) maximize leverage and value extraction in live auctions.
joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl (Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Bowl info)
joshlloydfantasy.com/contest (Monster Drop contest entry)
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:50 What is an auction (salary cap) draft? 4:02 Planning and budgeting strategies 10:51 Updates and announcements 13:38 Auction draft theory: punting, value extraction, and projections 19:01 Nomination and end-game tips 23:12 Bidding psychology and tactics 26:41 Stars and scrubs vs. balanced builds 31:17 Example builds and team composition analysis 36:42 Handling injuries and adapting to draft room trends 39:59 Final advice and sign-off
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Chicago Bulls fantasy basketball preview, breaking down projected roles, upside, and risk across the roster. I tackle how new additions, evolving minutes, and questionable front office decisions shape the outlook for key Bulls in both points and category leagues. Find out which players I see as targets, fades, swings, and stashes for the upcoming fantasy season.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Josh Giddey’s Yahoo rank at 18 is aggressive for category leagues but still holds value—he’s more dependable in points leagues, especially with his strong base in points, rebounds, and assists.
Matas Buzelis is underpriced at his current rank (especially on ESPN with an ADP of 91); projected minutes and incremental improvement could easily make him a top-50 fantasy player.
Norman Powell’s fantasy floor is volatile—he needs high usage to show value, and any trade or usage drop could crush his return. Fine if he’s drafted in the 80s, but not worth chasing earlier.
Caleb Wilson offers defensive stats upside as a rookie, but is unproven with efficiency and free throws; best considered at a value spot rather than his irresponsible ESPN rank (56).
Nicolas Claxton’s utility depends heavily on draft cost and format—he isn’t worth it in the 80s for category leagues but could be a value at 100+; minutes risk due to competition.
Tre Jones is being overdrafted if you expect last year’s starting output—he’s likely a 24–25 minute bench player, with moderate assists and a risky statistical profile.
Jalen Smith is a true must-roster if he starts, but that’s highly questionable; not draft-worthy in standard leagues, but makes sense as a deep league or speculative add.
Buddy Hield’s reputation as an elite three-point shooter is outdated; current production is league average and he offers little else.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com/bowl and joshloydfantasy.com/contests — for JLFB Bowl league info and Monster Drop giveaways
Basketball Monster — reference for player rankings and advanced metric explanations
NEXT STEP
Apply these recommendations to your Bulls-related draft decisions and monitor preseason rotations for clarity on minutes and roles.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:19 Chicago Bulls season outlook 1:13 Key questions and rotation overview 4:40 Projected starting five 5:29 Josh Giddey fantasy analysis 8:05 Matas Buzelis breakout potential 10:56 Norman Powell expectations and risk 16:46 Caleb Wilson rookie assessment 18:08 Nicolas Claxton draft cost 22:41 Bench and rotation breakdown 23:29 Tre Jones profile and drafting warning 26:23 Jalen Smith, deep league consideration 28:04 Full 10-man rotation recap 28:18 End of bench, draft fades, and stash options 33:35 Schedule and playoff analysis 34:29 Show close and housekeeping
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This episode breaks down the Charlotte Hornets from a fantasy basketball perspective, focusing on how recent trades, injuries, and role changes affect their key players' value for the upcoming season. I analyze category and points league implications for players like Brandon Miller, Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid, and Moussa Diabaté, and identify where their draft value may be out of line with consensus rankings. You'll get clear recommendations on who to target, fade, or stash for fantasy basketball drafts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Coby White is my top Hornets target given his projected jump in minutes and usage; his low ranking from last season doesn't reflect his new role as starter and lead ball-handler.
Avoid drafting Kon Knueppel anywhere near the top 50—even before his hamstring injury, his draft price was inflated, and now he should slide into the 60s or later.
Brandon Miller has mid-round upside, but I’m waiting on full confirmation of his shoulder health before elevating him—draft him in the 45–50 range unless preseason updates are fully positive.
Naz Reid is a solid mid-round pick in both category and points leagues; his rankings across platforms vary, but he projects for increased minutes and dual eligibility as Charlotte’s starting forward.
Moussa Diabaté is useful as a late-round flier, but his long-term hold value is questionable with Hannes Steinbach looming for minutes and potential role gains as the season develops.
Grayson Allen is a worthwhile late swing pick, especially if Knueppel or Grant Williams miss time, but don’t overreact—Allen's value won’t spike unless those injuries linger.
Dennis Schroder, despite a history of minutes, is not worth a draft pick outside of very deep points leagues due to his backup role and lack of upside.
Hannes Steinbach is a deep-league stash candidate; if his role grows or he jumps into the starting lineup, he has the fantasy skillset to make an impact, especially in leagues with deep benches or weekly lock.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com/bowl — For those interested in joining the JLFB (Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Bowl) leagues.
NEXT STEP
Check for preseason injury updates on Charlotte before finalizing your Hornets draft strategy.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:34 Hornets recent trade and salary moves 6:09 Major rotation and role questions 7:32 Rankings and fantasy outlook — Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid 15:16 Coby White role change and projection 18:24 Moussa Diabaté value and risks 19:32 Bench rotation: Grayson Allen, Dennis Schroder, Royce O'Neale, Grant Williams, Hannes Steinbach 24:29 Back-of-roster depth and cuts 26:26 Best target, fades, stashes, and late swings 28:24 Injury risks and schedule watch 30:25 Projected rotation summary and listener updates 31:47 JLFB Bowl details and wrap-up
I broke down the Brooklyn Nets through a fantasy basketball lens, focusing on how their roster moves, playing time questions, and possible end-of-season rotations impact player value for this draft cycle. I dug into specific ADPs, format differences, and which players might be worth targeting or avoiding for both category and points leagues, especially with the uncertainty around their competitive motivations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Nets’ lack of incentive to win or lose (since they don’t control their pick) creates major risk around veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle possibly being rested or traded late in the season.
Michael Porter Jr.’s value is down from last year, reflecting both the arrival of Julius Randle and the strong chance he’s traded or shut down later; his current ADPs (~60 on Yahoo, 66 on FanTrax) are reasonable, and I’m comfortable with him in the mid-rounds but don’t chase last year’s output.
Julius Randle also gets a usage bump but may see fewer minutes and games as Brooklyn might prioritize development for Josh Minott and Noah Clowney in March; his ADPs (in the 60s) are fine, but he’s not a lock to outperform last year.
Day’Ron Sharpe is being drafted at or near his fair category league value as a starting center, but he needs mid-20s minutes to justify it; if his minutes fall, he’s a poor pick, and his value drops in points leagues.
Egor Demin, despite a rough rookie year, is a top late-round target due to increased opportunity and upside, especially if his role expands—although his scoring profile is questionable and efficiency is a concern.
Mikel Brown Jr. is a classic rookie guard flyer: take him late, but be ready to drop if he struggles for the first few months, which is common for rookie point guards in fantasy basketball.
Josh Minott is stash-worthy in league formats with bench flexibility or games cap; he could see a big late-season surge if the Nets open up playing time for development.
Keon Ellis, Noah Clowney, and Mo Wagner are likely bench players without standard-league relevance unless the rotation breaks unexpectedly.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:33 Brooklyn Nets’ Motivations & March Outlook 4:02 Key Rotation Questions 5:15 Projected Starting Lineup 5:56 Michael Porter Jr. Fantasy Value 7:34 Julius Randle Fantasy Value 12:32 Day’Ron Sharpe Role and Value 14:59 Egor Demin Assessment 17:02 Mikel Brown Jr. Outlook 18:31 Projected Bench & Deeper Rotation 22:16 Best Targets, Fades, and Stashes 25:47 Schedule, Injuries, and Final Notes 27:36 Listener Mailbag (Auction League Tips) 30:57 Show Close
Boston Celtics fantasy basketball discussion is front and center, with detailed analysis on player values, projected rotations, and how offseason changes—including the addition of Paul George and departure of Jaylen Brown—impact draft strategy and player upside. I dig into specific ADPs, projected starting roles, and deep-league stashes, separating the real opportunities from the offseason hype.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Do not overrate Payton Pritchard’s breakout potential; his best opportunity was last season, and adding both Jayson Tatum and Paul George means less upside as usage drops even if he starts.
Paul George is significantly undervalued at his present ADP (often in the 70s-100s); with a clean bill of health, a rested offseason, and likely a bigger offensive role, he offers top-40, possibly top-30, per-game upside if he plays enough games.
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury is not a concern going into the season; I’m comfortable drafting him at spot 6, 7, or 8 in both Yahoo and ESPN leagues.
Derrick White’s value is solid but not spectacular; expect a move from a number 2 to a number 3 scoring option, so don’t reach if his ADP creeps into the mid-30s, and ignore ESPN’s unrealistically high category rank at 17.
Center rotation questions (Neemias Queta vs. Mitchell Robinson) matter mainly for deep leagues; Queta is a safer fantasy play, but neither offers upside, and Robinson is more of a streaming specialist.
Ignore preseason hype on Sam Hauser or Bayless Scheierman unless you’re in a deep league; even if one starts, minutes and production will likely be limited.
The Celtics’ deep roster means a 10-man rotation is likely, capping upside for breakout candidates and affecting waiver streaming in standard-sized leagues.
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 2:39 JLFB Bowl league updates 3:39 Boston Celtics offseason changes and big questions 6:09 Rotation and starting lineup projections 8:25 Fantasy value by starter: Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Neemias Queta 17:56 Bench and deep-league rotation 23:25 Injury updates and remaining roster tools 26:15 Best targets, biggest fades, and stashes 30:01 Celtics fantasy schedule breakdown 32:01 Listener question: Third round reversals and center draft strategy 35:10 Closing thoughts and what’s next
This episode covers the Atlanta Hawks’ fantasy basketball outlook for the 2026–27 NBA season, with a detailed analysis of Jalen Johnson’s role, risk factors, and proper draft pricing. I explore projections, positional depth, and the ripple effects of injury scenarios, plus which Hawks players offer the most value or risk in category and points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jalen Johnson is being overdrafted in category leagues, going as high as 7–10 overall despite stronger justification in points leagues; his final two months last season did not match his early production, especially with CJ McCollum present.
Do not expect Johnson to repeat his extreme stats from the primary ball-handler stretch; usage, assists, and defensive stats could dip with a more balanced offensive role this year.
Onyeka Okongwu is slightly overvalued in category drafts; changes in his usage and defensive stats last season are likely to persist, and his ADP in the 40s is too steep for the expected role and production.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is currently undervalued; he is often available in the 50–60 ADP range across platforms but should be considered a top-40–50 pick for category leagues given his strong two-way impact and solidified starting role.
Dyson Daniels offers clear upside beyond his current ADP, with room for improvements in steals and three-point shooting; he is a viable top-50 target both for categories and points leagues.
CJ McCollum's recent ADP around 100 is too low—his minutes and stability are much more secure in Atlanta, making him a reliable late-round selection.
The Hawks’ rotation is stable, but if Jalen Johnson is injured, the power forward depth is questionable, and fantasy managers should monitor the situation for streaming or stash opportunities.
Jock Landale is a deep-league stash option as the only clear backup to Okongwu, with direct starter upside if Okongwu misses time; other bench players have less straightforward fantasy upside or handcuff value.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 0:23 Atlanta Hawks context and season preview 2:10 Fantasy value questions: Jalen Johnson’s role, usage, and risk 5:18 Projected starting lineup and rotation dynamics 7:40 Injury contingency and depth concerns 8:53 Jalen Johnson: value, risk, ADP discussion 13:14 Onyeka Okongwu outlook 15:55 Nikhil Alexander-Walker undervaluation 17:30 Dyson Daniels projections 18:59 CJ McCollum draft value 21:17 Bench and deep-league fantasy considerations 27:01 Injury updates: Mohamed Waiyege, Henry Vaisar 28:42 Playoff schedule and games breakdown 29:28 Remaining roster: stash and late-swing candidates 32:41 Listener mailbag: IL/IL+ slot adjustments 35:02 JLFB Bowl: league details and sign-up instructions 39:51 Show wrap-up
This episode breaks down a 9-category, 12-team fantasy basketball mock draft with live commentary and strategic analysis from pick 8. I explain my rankings and thought process for each selection, highlight mistakes to avoid, and react to getting consistently sniped on key targets. You’ll get clear, actionable insights into current draft value, positional tiers, and how to adapt when your preferred players are taken.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Anthony Edwards at pick 8 is a strong, balanced option, but monitor for potential upside slipping if players like Jayson Tatum fall.
Jalen Johnson is being drafted too early—I'd rather take established producers like Kevin Durant or experiment with high-upside picks such as Cooper Flagg in that range.
Don’t overreach for Tyrese Maxey above Kevin Durant; Maxey is a little high at pick 11 in typical 9-category formats.
Avoid risky pairings like Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard in the early rounds—increased injury risk could undermine top-end talent.
Always be prepared for draft snipes, especially in the middle rounds; have alternate targets cued up, and actively pivot strategy when your queue disappears.
Track changes in minute projections or starting roles—recent reports (e.g., Jeremiah Fears potentially starting over Herb Jones) can quickly alter player value, notably for rookies or unsettled rotations.
Players like Walker Kessler are all over the board in ADP, so don’t get set on a single round for a target—be flexible and ready to adapt.
Late in drafts, focus on upside swings rather than safe but low-ceiling veterans such as Tobias Harris or Aaron Gordon unless your build specifically requires stabilization.
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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
0:00 Introduction
5:11 Mock draft setup and format
5:32 First round selections and reactions
7:58 Early round analysis: value and snipes
11:10 Third and fourth rounds: adapting to draft flow
17:53 Middle rounds: strategy under pressure
29:38 Late rounds: upside swings and pivots
43:03 Final draft review and projected standings
44:38 Closing remarks and giveaway info
Category leagues in fantasy basketball require strategic decisions around punting categories and choosing how (or whether) to pair your first-round pick. I dig into what punting truly is, why common pairing advice is overrated, and how to build value across your team instead of obsessing over locking two stars together. My breakdown reveals which positions and stats actually matter at each draft turn, with practical consequences for roster construction in 9-category head-to-head formats.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Punting in category leagues just means ignoring one or more categories entirely, concentrating your resources in others, and not actively seeking to become bad in the punted stat. It's not about loading up on the "worst" players for that category, but about narrowing your focus so you can build dominance elsewhere.
Punting is not inherently complicated or risky—it's often easier and more effective than trying to be average in everything. You don't have to chase the worst in a given category, and you definitely don't have to lose that stat every week.
The idea of "pairing" your first-round pick with the perfect second-round companion is nonsense. Any competent two-player start can work, and fantasy basketball is won by building a strong 7- or 8-man core, getting value, and adapting instead of obsessing over early-round synergy.
Drafting for stat scarcity is more useful than sticking to rigid stat or position checklists: points, assists, and free throw percentage dry up quickly, so if you want to compete in those, prioritize them early and don't count on finding them late.
Ignore absolute position or stat mandates in your draft plan; be flexible and target strong value and upside throughout, especially in the last few rounds where risk/reward swings can pay off far more than safe, mediocre contributors.
Rankings that leap a player up in a specific punt build can be misleading; don't inflate players' values just because they're "great" in your specific punt—get them at a value, not a premium.
Category correlations matter: punting blocks can hurt rebounds and field goal percentage; punting assists will likely drop turnovers by default. Watch out for domino effects that force you into broader multi-category punts.
With first-round stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic, you don't have to double down on their weaknesses or stack more of the same. Surround them with complementary skillsets and don't force yourself into multi-category punts unintentionally.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com/contest — Giveaway and contest info
joshlloydfantasy.com — Mailbag questions, JLFB Bowl info, research articles, and announcement hub
NEXT STEP
Stay nimble in your draft, focus on value and upside, and don't get locked into rigid pairing or position strategies.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
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Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:00 What Is Punting? Misconceptions and Rationale 5:52 What Punting Is—and Is Not 9:36 Punting Category Correlations and Draft Tips 13:48 The Myth of First/Second-Round Pairing 22:05 Evaluating Pairing Options Across Yahoo Ranks 40:04 Mailbag: Stats and Draft Priorities 43:26 Closing Thoughts
I break down the biggest fantasy basketball busts in points leagues for Yahoo and ESPN, focusing on where ADP and rankings don't match player value or role changes. This episode will help you avoid overvalued picks and spot the traps that can sink your draft in fantasy basketball points formats.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Maxey and Kevin Durant are being ranked too high for standard points leagues relative to their past production and new season context.
Tyrese Haliburton is being overvalued in points leagues; his skillset and injury concerns make a third-round projection more realistic than first-round.
Chet Holmgren and Donovan Clingan are risky second- or third-round picks in points leagues and could lose your league if chosen at those inflated ranks.
Trey Murphy and Kon Knueppel get inflated by 9-cat appeal, but their points league value isn’t as strong as their ranks suggest.
Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges are outside the top 50 in real points value but are being pushed prematurely into earlier rounds.
ESPN’s default points rankings consistently overrate players like Jalen Johnson, Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell—don’t chase last year’s production blindly.
Draft success and smart waiver wire pickups contribute most to winning leagues; playoff schedules should only come into play as a tiebreaker or late in the season.
Rookie ADPs are often too aggressive relative to their uncertain minutes and roles, making them risky payoff bets at their current draft price.
RESOURCES
joshlloydfantasy.com — for Monster Drop entry, consistency/variance research paper, listener voicemail submissions, and upcoming league info
Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.
Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:02 What makes a player a bust? 2:10 Yahoo points league busts 10:15 Points league-specific value differences 11:13 More Yahoo busts outside the top 50 16:16 Rookie and late-round busts 18:16 ESPN points league busts 24:21 Mailbag: What actually wins leagues? 34:53 Wrap-up and upcoming content
I broke down undervalued and sleeper picks for Yahoo and ESPN fantasy basketball points leagues, focusing on how site-specific rankings and ADP differences can be exploited on draft day. I also discussed important updates to Yahoo's injured list policies and walked through players who are materially under-ranked by default settings, often due to misunderstandings of their roles or previous season totals.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Yahoo’s discontinuation of IL+ and the makeover of IL eligibility will impact how managers handle injury-prone players in fantasy basketball points leagues; immediate 'out' status now triggers IL eligibility rather than prolonged waiting periods.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Domantas Sabonis are undervalued in Yahoo points leagues, with both projected to outperform their default rankings and ADP by significant margins if drafted in the mid-to-late first round or later.
Anthony Davis and Paolo Banchero are being underdrafted relative to their per-game production in points leagues; managers should capitalize if they fall beyond the third or fourth round.
Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray (notably coming off injury but in line for increased minutes), and Matas Buzelis are all quality points league values, routinely projected higher than their ADP indicates due to site ranking confusion or skepticism about role.
Julius Randle, Ja Morant, Coby White, Jusuf Nurkic, and CJ McCollum offer high upside or stable roles at suppressed draft costs—target them aggressively in points leagues when available outside the top 60–100.
ESPN continues to lag in updating ADPs even as drafts happen, making players like Cooper Flagg, Jalen Johnson, Haliburton, Kyrie Irving, and others major points league values well below their real projection.
Walker Kessler, Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Brandon Ingram are being drafted far below last season’s points league output on ESPN; ignore the ADP drop and pursue them.
Listeners should err on the side of pushing competitive playoff dates slightly later in the season given tanking rule changes, with March 28 recommended as an updated fantasy playoff end date.
RESOURCES
joshloydfantasy.com — New site for contest entry, mailbag submissions, and links to Josh’s fantasy tools and resources.
NEXT STEP
Check your own league settings on Yahoo and ESPN, compare players’ ADP and ranks to actual projections, and adjust your draft board accordingly.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction 1:49 Yahoo injured list policy change 5:22 Yahoo points league sleeper analysis 15:03 ESPN points league sleeper analysis 33:11 JoshLloydFantasy.com launch and new mailbag 34:58 Listener mailbag: recommended playoff end date 36:41 Closing remarks
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.
Cozy Earth Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code LOCKEDONfor an exclusive 20%.
Wayfair Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! Head to https://wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. Wayfair. Every style. Every home.
Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
FanDuel This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)