Getting Started with Fantasy Basketball
Fantasy basketball is gaining traction as an exciting way to engage with the NBA season, especially for the 2025-26 campaign. For those who have never played before, it's a game where participants act as team managers, drafting real NBA players to create a virtual roster. Points are earned based on players' real-life performances in categories like points scored, rebounds, assists, and more. According to fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus from Yahoo Sports, 'Fantasy basketball offers a unique way to connect with the sport, whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast.'
The first step is choosing a platform and format that suits your style. Popular platforms like ESPN, Yahoo, and NBA.com provide user-friendly interfaces for beginners. Formats vary from head-to-head matchups, where you compete weekly against another team, to rotisserie leagues, which tally cumulative stats over the season. Dan Titus advises, 'Pick a format that matches your time commitment—head-to-head is great for weekly engagement, while rotisserie rewards long-term strategy.'
Drafting Your Winning Team
The draft is the cornerstone of any successful fantasy basketball season. For the 2025-26 NBA season, experts at RotoWire have released early rankings and tiers for positions like guards, small forwards, and shooting guards. Luka Doncic, now with the Lakers, tops the guard tier, while LeBron James remains a dominant force among small forwards. Andre Snellings from ESPN suggests, 'Focus on a balanced roster—don't just chase big names; look for players who contribute across multiple categories.'
Preparation is key to a successful draft. Researching player rankings, such as the top 50 players listed by Sports Illustrated for the upcoming season, can give beginners an edge. Pay attention to breakout stars and sleepers who might outperform their draft position. Posts found on X also highlight players like Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as high-value picks expected to dominate this year.
Another tip for drafting is to consider positional scarcity. Certain positions, like elite centers, can be harder to find later in drafts. Snellings adds, 'Don't wait too long to grab a top center—players like Nikola Jokic can anchor your team with their versatility.'
Managing Your Roster for Success
Once your team is drafted, the work doesn't stop. In-season management is crucial for staying competitive throughout the 2025-26 NBA season. This includes monitoring injuries, tracking player performance trends, and making strategic trades or waiver wire pickups. ESPN's fantasy guide emphasizes the importance of staying active, noting, 'The difference between winning and losing often comes down to who adjusts their roster most effectively.'
Understanding your league's scoring system is also vital. Some leagues prioritize points and rebounds, while others might value steals or three-pointers more heavily. Tailor your roster moves to maximize your strengths in these categories. As posts on X suggest, keeping an eye on emerging talents or players returning from injury can provide a significant boost mid-season.