Author: NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

Miami has talent on its roster — Bam Adebayo is widely respected as one of the better two-way centers in the league, Tyler Herro was an All-Star last season, and the addition of Norman Powell brings more scoring — but it doesn't have a top-10 player, a championship cornerstone kind of player on the roster.

That appears to have impacted contract extension talks with Herro, as discussed by Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst at ESPN. Herro has two seasons and $64 million still on his contract and would like to discuss an extension, but that went nowhere, Windhorst reported.

"Tyler Herro is coming off an All-Star season and is definitely interested in extending with the Heat, but there haven't been substantive talks to his point and a deal is doubtful, sources say."

Miami wants to keep max cap space heading into the summer of 2027 — when the class could theoretically include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Trae Young, Kyrie Irving and others — Bontemps reports. Not having an extension with Herro adds flexibility (the only locked-in salaries on the Heat books in the summer of 2027 are Bam Adebayo at $53.8 million and Nikola Jovic at $14.9 million).

That cap space is more about flexibility, max players are not jumping teams via free agency very often under the current CBA. Plus, look at the names on that list. Jokic has said he wants to be a Nugget forever, and they just retooled the roster to better fit around him. Whatever happens with Antetokounmpo will be decided next summer when the Bucks offer him a max contract extension and he either signs it or Milwaukee entertains trade offers. New York is likely to extend Towns next summer. The rest of that list likely doesn't get to true free agency, either.

What is clear is that when a big name becomes available via trade, the Heat will be one of the teams in the mix. A lot of those elite players would fit nicely next to Herro, but it looks like Miami wants to keep its options open.

For some of you, this weekend is when you'll select your fantasy basketball teams for the upcoming season. But if you're like the Rotoworld crew, you would have gotten some of your drafts done well beforehand. However, there's still the need to pay attention to the final preseason games while scouring the waiver wire for value. Noah Rubin and Raphielle Johnson provide their thoughts on approaching the draft, including strategies and some of their favorite picks for each round.

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

• Rotoworld Staff,

Who is your favorite pick in each round?

Round 1

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder - I love SGA's skill set and production, and he's a player who allows for versatility when building out your fantasy roster. Add in the fact that the Thunder are unlikely to be able to coast through the regular season, given the depth of the Western Conference, and I don't think you can go wrong with drafting Gilgeous-Alexander. - Raphielle Johnson

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks - Avoiding the consensus top-four, Giannis is my favorite pick of the first round. He has his obvious limitations, but Antetokounmpo should be in for a big season with the Bucks. Some people may shy away from being forced to punt free throws and three-pointers in round one, but I’m happy to lean into those. - Noah Rubin

Round 2

Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers - Of the 76ers' "big three," he's the one I trust the most regarding fantasy basketball due to the availability concerns for Joel Embiid and Paul George. While Maxey's 2024-25 season ended prematurely due to injury, playing in 52 games, he's been available for the entire preseason. That should alleviate any concerns, and Maxey played at least 60 games in each of his first four seasons. If you can get him in the second round of your draft, do so. - RJ

Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets - I’m all in on Thompson’s breakout this season. I was excited about him prior to Fred VanVleet’s season-ending knee injury, and now I think he has first-round upside. First All-Star appearance is on the way. - NR

Round 3

Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers - The Pacers were already in a challenging spot when Tyrese Haliburton was ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. During the preseason, they lost T.J. McConnell to a hamstring injury, and Delon Wright suffered a nasty head injury. While Andrew Nembhard will be the point guard, I can envision Siakam having more playmaking responsibilities out of necessity, raising his fantasy ceiling. - RJ

Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks - Johnson enjoyed a breakout year that was cut short by shoulder injuries. Those aren’t recurring issues to worry about like knees and ankles; it’s just a random occurrence. However, I think he has another level to reach, and he can get there this season. -NR

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

• Rotoworld Staff,

Round 4

Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks - After ten seasons with the Pacers, Turner moved to a Central Division rival this offseason. While his scoring decreased last season, I don't think that will be an issue on a Bucks team that will need more offensive production from Turner. And he'll provide valuable floor spacing in a lineup headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo. After averaging 5.5 three-point attempts per game last season, Turner may take even more in Milwaukee, and the blocks will always be there. - RJ

Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks - The rookie has been starting at point guard for Dallas even with D’Angelo Russell healthy. He may have the same efficiency issues that many players have during their first season, but he should be a strong source of rebounds, assists, steals and blocks with the upside to contribute in other categories. -NR

Round 5

Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets - Injuries limited Miller to 27 games last season, but he's mostly been excellent when on the court. Having a reasonably healthy LaMelo Ball on the floor will also help the third-year wing, who averaged 21.0 points per game last season. If he stays healthy, Miller can put together a top-50 fantasy season in Charlotte. - RJ

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz - Following a down year in Utah, I’m buying the Markkanen bounceback. The Jazz need to increase his trade value, whether they want to actually move him or not. I think they’ll emphasize him early and often. -NR

Round 6

OG Anunoby, New York Knicks - Despite providing fourth-round per-game value in his first full season with the Knicks, Anunoby's ADP would place him in the sixth round of 12-team drafts. That may be too low for him, especially with Mike Brown taking over as head coach. Brown's desire to ramp up the pace did not come to fruition during the preseason, as the Knicks were dead last in that category, but the talent is there to make things happen once everyone gets comfortable with the system. And I think the wings, especially Anunoby, will benefit if they can have the ball in their hands a bit more than they did last season. - RJ

Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans - Poole was really good last season in Washington, but it went under the radar because the team was so bad. Now, he’s on a team that isn’t expected to be good but doesn’t have their own pick. Poole shouldn’t be considered a shutdown candidate, and if New Orleans is going to get back to the postseason, he’s going to have to shine. -NR

Round 7

Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks - Last season wasn't easy for Bridges, as many did not hesitate to bring up what adding him to the roster cost the Knicks. Year two should be easier for him, for multiple reasons. He's solidified his contract situation, and Bridges is one of the players who may benefit from the change to Mike Brown as head coach. He's had the ball in his hands more during the preseason, which could raise Bridges' ceiling if that carries over into the regular season. Also, you know he'll be available, as he's yet to miss a game in his NBA career. - RJ

Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons - Amen broke out last year, and I think it’s Ausar’s turn. He’s the best defender on the team and was really good down the stretch of last season. I’m happy to take him two rounds before this; that’s how confident I am in Thompson this year. -NR

Round 8

Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets - Braun's third NBA season was by far his best, as he more than doubled his scoring average from the season prior. Transitioning from bench contributor to starter, he looks like a player who can offer more in 2025-26. Of course, playing in a lineup headlined by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray limits his ceiling, but I like Braun's floor, especially with an eighth-round ADP. - RJ

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers - Clingan was really good in limited action during his rookie season and is now the full-time starter in Portland. He’ll play a career-high in minutes and put up a ton of double-doubles and blocks while maintaining a sky-high field goal percentage. -NR

Round 9

Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs - If I can get Vassell in the ninth round of a draft, sign me up. Since being limited to 38 appearances in 2022-23, he's played 68 and 64 games the past two seasons, so injuries should not be a significant concern for fantasy managers. While the Spurs have a deep perimeter rotation when healthy, few options provide the versatility on both ends of the floor that Vassell does. - RJ

Toumani Camara, Portland Trail Blazers - I’ve loved Camara for a while, and he’s one of the most important players in Portland this season. The Trail Blazers are good enough to compete for a play-in spot, and Camara should provide plenty of threes and steals. -NR

Round 10

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors - What Podziemski was able to do after the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler III last season should not be overlooked, especially when gauging his fantasy value for this season. In 27 games (24 starts), he averaged 14.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 three-pointers while shooting 45.8 percent from the field. That's excellent value, especially for a player who may be available in the 10th round based on his current ADP. - RJ

Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies - He’s injured to start the season, but Memphis is going to be focused on running pick-and-rolls with Ja Morant and Edey when both are healthy. Even if Morant is hurt, Ty Jerome and Scotty Pippen Jr. will be there to feed Edey down low. -NR

Who is your least favorite pick in each round?

Round 1

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks - With the additions the Hawks made this offseason, this will likely be the best team Young has played on since entering the NBA. However, while adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and others to the roster while getting Jalen Johnson back strengthens the roster, this may negatively impact Young's scoring. He led the NBA in assists last season while scoring 24.2 points per game, but he also did so while shooting a career-worst 41.1 percent from the field. - RJ

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks - I like all of the first-round options this year, but I just feel that Davis is the riskiest. Sure, he’s elite when he’s healthy, but he’s back at power forward, which likely means a slight drop in rebounds. Honestly, it’s not the talent here. I think he’ll easily return first-round value, but it’s the injury risk that makes me hesitate. -NR

Round 2

Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks - While Brunson is coming off another exceptional season, his ADP (22.3 as of Friday morning) may be a bit high. Considering the head coaching change and an offensive system that may take the ball out of Brunson's hands more often, I can see his fantasy value taking a hit. Not to the point where he becomes a poor selection, but to where using a second-round pick on him would not be the best approach. - RJ

Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings - The hamstring injury strengthens my case, even if it ends up being a minor injury. I’m fine with Sabonis in certain builds, but there are so many other players in the second round that I’m really excited about this season. Plus, I just don’t feel confident in Sacramento having a good season, which makes me want to steer clear when I can. -NR

Round 3

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers - Despite being sidelined by sciatica, James still has a third-round ADP heading into the final weekend before the regular season. I understand the man's greatness, but the ADP is too high considering the circumstances. The Lakers will prioritize ensuring James, who turns 41 in December, is healthy for the stretch run. That could make him a more challenging player to rely on during the "dog days" of the NBA season. - RJ

Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors - I still like Barnes long-term, but he’s looked rough during the preseason, and there are so many ways that this season can go south for Toronto. Playing alongside Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram could also limit Barnes’ touches. Hopefully, he’s able to make up for it with bonus defensive production. -NR

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Depending on the category you’re willing to punt, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have greater fantasy value.

• Raphielle Johnson,

Round 4

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies - Sadly, fellow South Carolina native Zion Williamson is another option for this spot, as both have struggled to remain healthy during their NBA careers. In Morant's case, it feels like a safe bet that he'll have at least one extended absence during the season, and he sat out the preseason with an ankle injury. One would hope he'll stay relatively healthy, but Morant played 59 games the prior two seasons and has not surpassed 65 games since his rookie campaign. - RJ

Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers - Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. He took legitimate steps forward, but the lack of an effective backup center forced him into a career-high for minutes. With Brook Lopez and John Collins in town, I’m confident that Tyronn Lue doesn’t play Zubac quite as much as he did last year. -NR

Round 5

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz - Due to his skill set, selecting Markkanen in the fifth round can represent excellent value. The issue for me is the franchise he plays for. Utah said all the right things during the offseason regarding competing after a few seasons or tanking, but how high can they finish in the West? Add in a 2026 draft class that appears very strong at the top, with BYU's AJ Dybanta in the mix to go first overall, and I'm not sure they'll let established players like Markkanen "run through the tape" this season. - RJ

Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls - If you don’t like taking risks, this is probably a fine pick for you. Vucevic started off playing at a high level last season, but he cooled off as the year progressed. He’s pretty reliable, but he's 35 years old. I’m not confident that he’ll return fifth round value. -NR

Round 6

Josh Hart, New York Knicks - Hart returned excellent fantasy value last season. Boasting Yahoo! ADP of 116, he finished the year just outside the top-25 in nine-cat per-game value. Unfortunately, Hart has been banged up during the preseason, dealing with an aggravation of a prior finger injury and a back issue. Add in the likelihood that Mitchell Robinson will replace him in the starting lineup, and Hart's ceiling appears to be considerably lower than last season's when he was a starter. - RJ

DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings - DeRozan regressed late last season, but people seem happy to take him in the top-75. I just think the risks outweigh the rewards. On a team with Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Dennis Schroder and now Russell Westbrook, is there enough touches to go around? I could see DeRozan taking a pretty significant step back this season. -NR

Round 7

Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns - Green is currently dealing with a hamstring injury and won't be available when the regular season begins. Beyond that, I'm not sold on his fantasy potential, especially as part of a Suns roster that seems stuck between rebuilding and trying to sneak into the postseason. Green will undoubtedly have opportunities, but the inefficient shooting is an issue. - RJ

Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers - I think I’ll just let someone else take George here. He’s gonna miss the start of the season, and when he was available last season, he wasn’t as good as he had been. There’s tremendous upside with this pick if he is able to return to who he was two years ago, but I’m just not a believer in that happening. -NR

Round 8

RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors - As of October 17, Barrett had a Yahoo! ADP of 91.4, which is too high for me. Not only has he never been a top-100 player in per-game or total value, but he has just one top-150 season to his credit. Add in Brandon Ingram being healthy, and I don't see Barrett returning top-100 fantasy value this season. - RJ

Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat - Ware has started in two preseason games for the Heat, but they were both games where Nikola Jovic didn’t play. Though Ware has looked good during the preseason, he has been a reserve. I don’t dislike many picks in this range, and I don’t absolutely hate selecting Ware here, but I’d rather wait a little bit to add a backup big. -NR

Round 9

Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons - Ivey was playing good basketball last season at the time of his leg injury, which ended his 2024-25 campaign on New Year's Day. Unfortunately, a knee procedure unrelated to the fractured fibula suffered last year will keep Ivey out for at least four weeks. Combined with Ausar Thompson's emergence, that may conspire to limit Ivey's fantasy value this season. He certainly would not be a "bad" pick, but there's reason for concern. - RJ

Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets - This is not a talent issue; Claxton can be a borderline top-25 player in category leagues when he’s in the right situation. This Nets team simply isn’t that. Brooklyn is going to be bad (by design), which makes Claxton a shutdown candidate. Plus, even though Brooklyn added a bunch of ball handlers, he isn’t going to have an elite pick-and-roll operator to set him up at the rim. This is a recipe for a disaster season for Claxton, though it will likely lead to him being a value pick next year. -NR

Round 10

Dennis Schröder, Sacramento Kings - As great as Schröder looked in leading Germany to EuroBasket glory this summer, I'm not too big on his fit in Sacramento, especially with the Kings signing Russell Westbrook. The starting lineup includes two wings in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan who like to play with the ball in their hands, and center Domantas Sabonis also has playmaking abilities that he can showcase. Schröder has been a top-150 player once in the last five seasons, during the 2023-24 campaign. - RJ

Keyonte George, Utah Jazz - George has been starting during the preseason, but Isaiah Collier hasn’t been healthy. I assume that Collier will be the starting point guard when he’s available, but even if George starts, he hasn’t been effective in category leagues. He’s an inefficient scoring guard that doesn’t get defensive stats. The assists have been decent at times, but he’s not a player I’m looking to draft this year. -NR

What is your favorite punt build, and why?

Punt turnovers

I like punting this category because it keeps so many roster-building options open. High-usage players benefit the most from this approach, whether you're talking about point guards or post players. I'm not passing on Cade Cunningham or Anthony Edwards because of their turnover numbers; I'm fine losing that category. - RJ

Punt threes and frees

This works out well with Giannis! Some of my favorite players to watch and draft are athletic freaks that rack up defensive stats and get to the rim. Usually, they’re below average shooters. Plus, you can add shooters in the last few rounds to at least give yourself a chance to win threes any week. There are way more elite shooters than elite defenders that are available at the end of drafts. - NR

What is your least favorite punt build, and why?

Punt points

Maybe you can get away with this in Yahoo's new High Score game, but I'd prefer not to do this in traditional fantasy formats. Things can get really weird when punting the points category. Of the top 24 players in fantasy basketball last season, only one averaged less than 18.5 points per game: Atlanta's Dyson Daniels. For this reason, I prefer not to punt points. - RJ

Punt defense

Defense wins championships, or something like that. It’s certainly a strategy, but it’s honestly pretty boring to punt both steals and blocks. Plus, players that don’t play defense can be taken off the floor if their offense isn’t offsetting those issues. -NR

How do you identify value in drafts?

The first step for me is to identify the categories in which a player can provide solid production. The more, the merrier, especially when drafting in the early rounds. I'd prefer to avoid a scenario in which I'm selecting a player who's deficient in multiple categories, but that's unavoidable at times. You can usually pick off a "specialist" or two in the later rounds to help address production gaps, so I'd prefer not to do that early. I try to to worry too much about the ADP data that may be displayed on a draft board, as that can be somewhat deceiving. - RJ

Zig when others zag. When other people are loading up on specific categories or positions, add what nobody else is adding that round. Try and balance getting “your guys” with players that may have slipped further than they should. There aren’t really any “bad players” in fantasy basketball, but there are bad picks. I have zero interest in drafting Paul George this year, but at what point has he fallen far enough for me to take him? Pick 90? Pick 100? Everyone will have a different number for that. -NR

How do you leverage rankings to your advantage while drafting?

Rankings help, but having a proper understanding of player roles and places within their team's rotations is of far greater importance. How much did a preseason injury impact the player's role? It's not enough to have the numbers (rankings); you also have to know what's influencing them. If you have that information and the other managers in your league don't, that goes a long way toward being able to win. - RJ

Most people you draft with are going to draft players close to where they’re ranked on the platform you’re drafting on. It’s just natural. Sometimes, I fall victim to it as well. That helps you get a nice range of when you need to reach for someone. If you’re at pick 49 and know your next pick is 72, but “your guy” has an ADP of 74, you may need to consider reaching to ensure you get that player, especially if everyone you’re drafting against is aware of your biases. - NR

How soon do you reach for your guys? Describe your approach to reaching in general.

I tend to be more conservative when it comes to reaching. The third round is when I'll begin to consider doing something wild, depending on how the draft board has played out. The other area where I'll reach is in the final two or three rounds, which may be what a lot of drafters look to do. If taking a swing works out, you've got a player who may help you win the league. If not? You aren't losing out on too much from a value standpoint if you have to drop a late-round pick. - RJ

Typically, I try not to reach early in drafts. As the draft progresses, I’m more likely to reach further down the board. In the first couple rounds, I’ll reach a few spots. In the middle rounds, I’ll reach by a round or two. Once it gets past pick 90-100, it’s a free-for-all. Also, it helps to even things out. If you reach for a player in round six, make a value pick in round seven to help mitigate the risk. - NR

Name 3 players you’re much higher on than consensus.

OG Anunoby - I think the Knicks wings are in for excellent seasons with Mike Brown at the helm. Anunoby was a top-40 player last season, yet still has an ADP in the sixties. - RJ

Devin Vassell - While the scoring did decrease last season, I think Vassell is in for a bounce-back season. Instead of focusing on getting healthy, he was able to focus on improving his game this summer, which should pay dividends. - RJ

Trey Murphy - His Yahoo! ADP places him in the fourth round of 12-team leagues, which is respectable. But I think he'll be even more productive than he was during the 2024-25 campaign, even with Zion Williamson back in the mix. Don't be surprised if Murphy puts up a top-25 season. - RJ

Ausar Thompson - It’s breakout season for Ausar. I think we can be talking about him as a round three pick at this time next season. - NR

Jordan Poole - For dynasty managers, Poole’s value has a clock on it, but he’s going to be really good this season. - NR

Brandin Podziemski - Podz was a top-75 player in category leagues over the final two months of last season, but he’s going outside the top-120 in Yahoo! leagues. That doesn’t make sense to me. Steve Kerr will continue to toy with the Warriors’ lineup, which will be a headache, but he’s worth a top-100 selection. - NR

Name 3 players you’re much lower on than consensus.

Domantas Sabonis - His ADP has decreased somewhat after being just outside the top-10, but the team situation still concerns me. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan will need their touches, as will new point guard Dennis Schröder. And now the Kings have added Russell Westbrook? Sabonis' points and assists may take a hit this season. - RJ

Ivica Zubac - Zubac is coming off a career year, but Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has already said during the preseason that he believes his starting center played too much last season. To that point, the Clippers added John Collins and Brook Lopez during the offseason, which may push Zubac back below 30 minutes per game (he averaged nearly 33 minutes in 2024-25). - RJ

Jaylen Brown - Due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and the departure of multiple rotation players, Brown's role will expand. However, will his percentages and turnovers improve? That's been the issue for him in the past regarding fantasy value, and I'm not sold on Brown being able to improve in those areas while leading a roster that's taken a step back. - RJ

Jalen Brunson - I think Brunson is really, really good. I just don’t think things are set up in New York for him to return second-round value, which is where he’s going in Yahoo! leagues. Mike Brown is likely going to manage his minutes and usage more than Tom Thibodeau did. - NR

Josh Giddey - I understand why people are high on Giddey this season. He was phenomenal down the stretch of last season. I just don’t think I’d take him until the fourth round, but he’s been going in round two of most of the recent drafts I’ve participated in. He’ll be a quality source of rebounds and assists this year, but I’m not confident that he’ll do enough elsewhere to make him worth your second selection. - NR

Jalen Green - I think a fresh start will be good for Green, but I don’t think that means he’s going to be better than he had been previously. It’s not like he didn’t have a green light in Houston. We’ve seen Green in a high-usage role, and that’s what he’s going to play in Phoenix. I don’t see why he’s a top-75 pick now. - NR

Which 3 players have the biggest range of outcomes this season?

Joel Embiid - At his current ADP, he can be a league-winner if reasonably healthy due to the ability to provide elite fantasy value. However, there's also the possibility of another significant injury that would put him on the shelf. Embiid could be anywhere from top-5 to a player who can't be rostered due to the injury concerns. - RJ

Scottie Barnes - The overall skill set is such that he can be a solid fantasy option, even with the lack of three-point shooting. However, Barnes struggled during the preseason and seems to have regressed as a perimeter shooter. Add in Brandon Ingram, and Barnes' ceiling and floor are separated by a significant amount. - RJ

Mark Williams - The Suns center has a seventh-round ADP in Yahoo! leagues, but there's no telling when he'll be cleared to play in games. When available, he has top-50 fantasy potential. However, Williams played 43, 19 and 44 games in his first three NBA seasons. Betting on him being able to stay relatively healthy is a major risk, even in the middle rounds of drafts. - RJ

Alperen Sengun - Sengun appears poised for a breakout season, and he could average career-highs across the board and bounce back after a drop in field goal percentage last season, which could result in elite value. However, he has yet to finish in the top-50 in nine-cat leagues, and there is a scenario where the emergence of Amen Thompson and addition of Kevin Durant prevents Sengun from breaking out. I’d lean towards the first option, but the second is a real possibility. - NR

Joel Embiid - This one’s obvious. He’s capable of being a top-five player in fantasy basketball, but the injury question marks are real. He could win you leagues, and he could lose you leagues. - NR

Lauri Markkanen - Markkanen is coming off a rough season, but I think he’ll bounce back. After two straight top-20 seasons, he finished barely inside the top-100 last year. Either could happen this year, though I’d lean towards him being a top-50 player. - NR

Name 3 late-round fliers you love taking.

Ryan Kalkbrenner - He may not be guaranteed to be the Hornets' starting center on opening night, but he's the best option as far as fantasy basketball is concerned. And good luck keeping a 7-footer who was a four-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year off the floor. And you've probably seen my reaction to being sniped on Kalkbrenner by now. - RJ

Brandin Podziemski - Referring to Podziemski as a late-round flier feels weird, but he qualifies based on his ADP. He fit well in the Warriors' starting lineup after the team acquired Jimmy Butler III in February, and I see no reason for that to change this season. - RJ

VJ Edgecombe - Another rookie makes the cut for me. Due to the combination of his athleticism and Jared McCain's most recent injury, Edgecombe is well-positioned to hit the ground running in Philadelphia, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Cooper Flagg is the betting favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but I fully expect Edgecombe to be, at minimum, a finalist for the award. - RJ

Taylor Hendricks - Somebody’s going to have to play defense in Utah. Hendricks has upside to be a productive offensive player, but he’ll at least be on the floor and able to provide defensive stats. - NR

Nikola Jovic - He’s starting, and he’s able to provide well-rounded production. I get that Kel’el Ware being there scares people off, but he could end up starting all season. - NR

Ryan Dunn - Much like Hendricks, Dunn’s defense is going to keep him in the starting lineup. The offense is shaky, but it was much better as a rookie than we expected. Draft him for the defense and enjoy whatever offense he can give as a bonus. - NR

Describe Your Favorite Draft Strategy.

No dice rolls until the third round

I play it relatively safe in the first two rounds, looking to go with "best available" in the first and then a solid complementary option in the second who can fill any apparent gaps. After that, I'm rolling the dice. That leads to some risks, but the reward outweighs the risk for me. If you're right, that may be what pushes your team to the top of the league. And if not, there's always the ability to make trades, provided you don't wait too long to make a move. - RJ

Get your guys, and then even things out

Early on, get your favorite player in the first few rounds. Can't go wrong either way. In the middle rounds, take a few swings, but when you're not reaching, take the value pick. It helps make you feel a little better about taking a risk. As I said earlier in the article, the worst feeling is to leave your draft without that guys that you just have to have because you were playing it too safe. Set yourself up to take a risk by taking the value picks when you can. - NR

Basketball is finally back, and this year is especially monumental as the NBA returns to NBC after 24 years and makes its debut on Peacock. The season tips off on Tuesday, October 21, with a doubleheader. First, the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the Houston Rockets at 7:30 PM ET. Then, at 10:00 PM it's the Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers in a Western Conference showdown. Live coverage begins at 6:30 PM on NBC and Peacock.

See below for additional information on how to stream the NBA on Peacock this season.

Click here to sign up for Peacock!

NBA season 2025-26 preview: Western Conference tiers, predictions

It’s time to talk about the varsity.

• Kurt Helin,

How to watch Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma Thunder:

When: Tuesday, October 21
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV Channel: NBC
Live Stream:Peacock

NBA season 2025-26 preview: Which player who changed teams will have the biggest impact?

Kevin Durant to Houston and Desmond Bane to Orlando are the obvious names, but who else made the list?

• Kurt Helin,

How to watch Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers:

When: Tuesday, October 21
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Time: 10:00 PM ET
TV Channel: NBC
Live Stream:Peacock

NBA season 2025-26 preview: Award winners odds, predictions

How about Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP?

• Kurt Helin,

Which NBA games are available to watch on Peacock?

100 regular-season games will be available to watch on NBC and Peacock, plus NBA playoff games, Conference Finals, and the NBA All-Star game. Watch Sunday Night Basketball on Peacock and NBC starting in January 2026, Monday games, and Tuesday night doubleheaders throughout the regular season. Game scheduling subject to change.

How to watch the 2025-26 NBA Season on NBC/Peacock?

Fans can sign up for a paid Peacock subscription or log in to their TV provider on NBC to access 100 regular-season games that will be available to watch on Peacock and NBC, plus NBA playoff games, Conference Finals, and the NBA All-Star game. Fans can also watch Sunday Night Basketball on Peacock and NBC starting in January 2026, exclusive Monday games only on Peacock, and Tuesday night doubleheaders throughout the regular season.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

Ten must-see games on NBA schedule:

Everyone keeps talking about the "weaker" Eastern Conference, but two years ago the Celtics were a dominant force on their way to a title, and last season the Pacers pushed the Thunder to seven games in the NBA Finals and left us with one of the greatest "what ifs?" in NBA history.

This season, nobody is giving the Eastern Conference a chance. Underestimate these teams at your own peril. Which teams can not only make the Finals but threaten the Thunder, Nuggets or whoever comes out of the West? Let's break the East down by tiers.

TITLE CONTENDERS

1. Cavaliers
2. Knicks

SECOND CIRCLE CONTENDERS

3. Magic
4. Hawks

PLAYOFFS OR BUST

5. Bucks
6. Pistons
7. 76ers

HOPEFUL PLAY-IN TEAMS

8. Heat
9. Celtics
10. Raptors
11. Bulls
12. Pacers
13. Hornets

LOTTERY BOUND

14. Wizards
15. Nets

Eastern Conference Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the New York Knicks

NBA Finals

Denver Nuggets defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers pushing the Thunder in the Finals last season was a great story, but I don't see anything close to that happening again. I like Cleveland to win the East because of their defense and balance of scoring (I think they learned hard lessons in last year's playoffs), but it doesn't really matter if it's the Cavs or Knicks. Denver and Oklahoma City — whichever team comes out of the West (I have picked Denver) — are just better than anyone in the East. In particular, if the matchup is Cleveland and OKC, the East and the Cavaliers are in trouble (two similar teams in style and design, but the Thunder are just better at everything).

My prediction is that Nikola Jokic gets ring number two. What Denver was lacking a season ago, the front office addressed this offseason (somewhere Michael Malone is frustrated and just shaking his head). Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas will play critical roles (this team isn't going to fall off a cliff when Jokic sits, like previous years).

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There is a clear line drawn in the East, the top two teams appear a good step or two ahead of the rest of the pack. The Cavaliers won 64 games last season and learned the hard way about what it takes to win in the playoffs, now they are running back a talented and deep roster. They need to stay healthy (no Darius Garland to start the season) and Evan Mobley needs to take another step forward on the offensive end, but I expect those things to happen. New York feels it just needs to improve around the edges, and Mike Brown can bring a little more ball and player movement to New York to facilitate that, with a bench he can trust. The Knicks, led by the gritty Jalen Brunson and the sharp-shooting Karl-Anthony Towns, are still a team fully capable of taking the next step to the NBA Finals.

• Orlando is the one team that could crash the Knicks/Cavs party. This was a team already looking ready to make a leap behind Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, plus an elite defense. Now, they have added Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones to fill in needed gaps in shooting and having a floor general. Like just about everyone, I am high on Orlando, but they have to prove it on the court, and then they will learn their lessons about winning in the postseason.

• Atlanta is the other team with a chance to crash the party, but a lot more things have to go right. At the top of the list: Kristaps Porzingis has to stay healthy, which is never a given. Beyond that, the question becomes, can Quin Snyder meld a roster with a lot of new parts — Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, plus a healthy Jalen Johnson — and find chemistry on a roster built to take advantage of Trae Young's skills. This is a make-or-break season in Atlanta. If Young and this roster can't compete at a high level, what do they pivot to?

After that top four, there's a drop off in the East.

• Milwaukee has Giannis Antetokounmpo — still one of the five best players in the world — and swapped out Damian Lillard for Myles Turner, but is there enough around two proven stars to make this team a contender? It doesn't feel like it.

• A lot of fans and pundits expect Cade Cunningham and Detroit to take another step forward this season, but I'm skeptical and expect more of a plateau (Jaden Ivey missing the first month of the season doesn't help).

• The 76ers could be a contender if everything goes right for them, but with a limited Joel Embiid to start the season — plus Paul George and Jared McCain out with injuries — it's tough to be truly optimistic. Embiid reportedly will play opening night but will be on a minutes limit and will not be playing back-to-backs — he is the key to it all, if Embiid is not back close to his MVP form, none of this works.

• Miami will punch above its weight but it's not a top-six threat as constructed.

• Boston and Indiana are two of the harder teams to project — elite teams that will spend the season (or, with the Celtics, at least most of the season) without their best player. Both teams didn't just lose their star, Boston is without Porzingis and Jrue Holiday now, Indiana is without Turner. Both of these teams still have high-level championship role players on the roster, but how far can they go without their stars at 100%? Maybe I'm too low on them to start the season, but how high can you be?

• The Bulls and Raptors are teams that maybe we're underestimating, but I'm not sold. Toronto has a fair amount of talent — Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley — but a lot of it overlaps. There are smart basketball minds that think this is a playoff team in the East. I need to be convinced. Chicago locked up Josh Giddey this summer and has some talent around him with Coby White, Matas Buzelis and rookie Noa Essengue, but this is a team retooling on the fly and not ready to compete with the big boys. Also, look for them to trade Nikola Vucevic during the season.

• There's a pattern with the bottom three teams in the conference. Charlotte and LaMelo Ball will be entertaining but lose a lot of games. The Wizards have some interesting young talent — Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington — but are going to lose a lot of games. Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. are going to put up a lot of points for Brooklyn, but the Nets are going to lose a lot of games.

With the preseason concluding on Friday, October 17, many fantasy leagues usually hold their drafts now. There are no games to worry about over the weekend, and NBA teams will finalize their rosters. We'll have a general idea of each team's rotation, including factoring in how they'll compensate for players who won't be available when the regular season begins on October 21.

The NBA returns to NBC and streams on Peacock on Tuesday, October 21 with an Opening Night doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets vs. the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. 

With many fantasy basketball drafts being held this weekend, Rotoworld's Raphielle Johnson, Noah Rubin and Zak Hanshew have some tips that should help make the fantasy basketball process fun and hopefully rewarding.

How to Play Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Draft tips and beginner’s guide

With fantasy basketball drafts beginning this month, here’s everything first-time players need to know about how to play and win their league.

• Raphielle Johnson,

1. Enter the draft with a list of “your guys,” but don’t be afraid to pivot

No matter which draft guide you've read during the preseason, writers will have lists of their "guys" that they're high on entering the season. You can and should use that information and your gut feelings to craft a list of players you're hoping to land in your draft. However, whether or not you get those players will be impacted by the roster build and the moves made by other managers. Don't be afraid to go in a different direction based on who's still on the board. - Raphielle Johnson

2. Reach for your guys

I've broken this rule enough to know it never feels good when you leave your draft without that player. For me, Jalen Johnson and Ausar Thompson fit this description best this season. Last season, it was Dyson Daniels. The year before, it was Derrick White. This isn't me saying that it will always hit; I have definitely had players I just HAD to have that ended up having a terrible season. But the worst thing is when you try to wait for your guy at ADP, and they get scooped up by someone else. Don't let it happen. - Noah Rubin

3.Read and React

If you've played or watched basketball at any level, you've heard the phrase "Read and React." You're taking what the defense gives you on offense rather than running a play and going through the motions. See the backdoor cut, find an open three-point shooter, drive the lane if the defense is spread out. You get the idea.

The same is true when drafting a fantasy basketball team. I may come into a draft with certain players on my "Do Not Draft" list, but lists like that should be loose. I won't take Joel Embiid in the first three rounds, but if he's available at Pick 50, you bet I'll be scooping him up! RJ Barrett at Pick 120? Say less.

Don't be stubborn in your strategy. Be adaptable. Take what the Draft Room gives you. Read and React. - Zak Hanshew

4. You’ll want to draft a high-level big man early

The good news is that, after Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama, there will still be more than a few post players on the board who can return excellent value. So, this advice won't apply to the first round alone. You may want to draft at least one high-level frontcourt player early. Alperen Şengün appears poised for a big year in Houston, while Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis has consistently offered excellent value (his ADP may be a bit high for my liking). Being able to build out a roster and not have to worry about the center position can be helpful, as it will likely be easier to find solid guards and wings in the later rounds than big men. - RJ

5. Do Your Homework

Pay attention to the latest news. Preseason injuries have piled up quickly this year, and being out of the loop can have dramatic consequences. Guys like Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams and Jalen Green are all set to miss time to start the season. Ditto LeBron James. Oh, and don't forget Paul George.

Joel Embiid? He might actually play in the season-opener. Staying up-to-date on the latest news can keep you from reaching for a player who may not be readily available. It can also give you insight into who might pick up the slack. Is Cason Wallace a sneaky upside pick in standard leagues? What about Aaron Wiggins in deeper formats? Can GraysonAllen provide early-season value as a starter for the Suns? Is Embiid worth a look in Rounds 4-5? - ZH

6.Draft players that you want to watch

Is it fun to draft players and watch the box score to see who wins? I mean, maybe for some people, but getting a little skin in the game makes things more entertaining for me. Get someone from your favorite or local team. Watch them in person if you're able. Fantasy basketball is most fun when you're watching your team's stars shine. - NR

7.Remain flexible when it comes to your draft strategy

Sometimes, it can be easy to lock yourself into a particular strategy early in a draft. For many who draft Giannis Antetokounmpo, it's easy to decide at that point that you'll be punting free-throw percentage and/or three-pointers. However, one should remain flexible in this approach. One can never know what the other managers in a league will do with their draft picks, so stay flexible. The ability to do so could be the difference between winning some money and ending the season empty-handed. - RJ

Fantasy Basketball Category Punt Guide for 2025-26

Depending on the category you’re willing to punt, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have greater fantasy value.

• Raphielle Johnson,

8. “To Thine Own Self Be True”

Polonius' immortal words from Shakespeare's Hamlet fit aptly into the realm of fantasy basketball.

There are so many excellent fantasy analysts, and they deliver a TON of content on the web, in apps and on social media. Absorb the information, and seek other points of view so you're not lost in an echo chamber. Digest that information, but don't let it change how you draft. Like a guy in the mid rounds, but his "expert ranking" is in the later rounds? Take him where you think it's appropriate. High on a player labeled as a "consensus bust?" Draft him anyway.

Stay true to yourself when drafting your fantasy basketball team. Whether you like playing it safe or prefer to swing for the fences with high-risk, high-reward players, do what feels right. Take in the outside noise, but don't let it change your strategy. - ZH

9. Check your league’s scoring settings

It's not fun to draft a team that would've been good in a different league but doesn't have the same juice in the one you're playing in. This is more for points leagues, though it can still be important in category leagues if it isn't the standard nine categories. I've played in leagues with bonuses for double-doubles and triple-doubles, leagues that take points for ejections, leagues that give you two points per rebound and another for an offensive rebound and a bunch of other weird rules. If you know where to take advantage early on, you can exploit the rankings in your draft room. - NR

10. Know the league roster rules

This may not be the "sexiest" piece of advice when competing in a fantasy league, but it may be the most important. If you don't know what your league's roster is supposed to look like, how are you supposed to win? Managers who neglect to understand their rosters fully can certainly come out on top, but you're saving yourself some potential aggravation by knowing that information before the draft begins. How many centers do you need to have in your lineup? Does your league have standard IL spots or the far superior IL+ spots?

Also, be sure to know the rules for free agents. Is it "first come, first served," or will you have to place a bid for all, whether the player is a free agent or on waivers? If you don't have to worry about knowing the rules, that's a big part of the battle regarding winning your league. - RJ

2025-26 Fantasy Basketball: Franz Wagner, Zion Williamson headline staff favorites

Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew pick their “guys” for the upcoming fantasy season.

• Raphielle Johnson,
• Noah Rubin,
• +2 More

11. Mock Draft

Practice makes perfect. Mock draft from multiple different spots and with many different people. Start early and continue throughout the offseason to understand trends, track ADP risers and fallers and get a general feel for how you like to approach the early, middle and late rounds of drafts. A good opening is important in chess, but Garry Kasparov wouldn't have become one of the greatest of all time without a strong endgame. Ensure you are prepared for as many scenarios as possible so you don't get stumped on draft day. - ZH

12. Play with people you know

This isn't saying you can't have fun playing with strangers, but I have found that the optimal experience for me is to play with people I want to talk to throughout the season. Whether it's friends I can meet up with in person for a draft or people I know online, it makes it more fun to talk trash, tell jokes, or communicate throughout the year. It also makes it easier to make trades. If you're playing with people you don't know, get to know them! Use a league chat, whether it's on your fantasy platform or on a different app, create a space to talk to your league mates. - NR

13. This one is serious. Know your limits, whether it’s financially or what “forfeit” you’re willing to do if you finish dead last

Losing is no fun; quite frankly, no one wants to plan for the possibility. But, be sure only to take on what you're willing and able to handle, whether it's a financial loss or potentially having to do something silly if your team finishes dead last (like getting a tattoo, for example). Failing to do so can result in a negative fantasy experience, and possibly some hard feelings if playing amongst friends. Be sure to keep things fun. - RJ

14. Branch Out, Have Fun!

Of course, you're going to take it seriously. Of course, you're going to dive into analytics and mock drafts. Of course, you're going to do your homework and keep up-to-date on the latest news. But at the end of the day, don't forget that fantasy hoops is about having fun. Get your guys. Try playing using a new format. Play with new groups of people. Get your family and friends involved. Enjoy yourself! Otherwise, what are we doing here? - ZH

➡️ 15. Use the Rotoworld Draft Prep Guide

Too on the nose? I don't care! One last plug for the content we've worked on throughout the preseason. Mock drafts, rankings, strategy guides and player profiles to help you win your league. Utilize the free content to help you make decisions! - NR

The NBA feels different this season — and not just because we all sense the changing of the guard from the LeBron/Curry/Durant era to a younger generation of stars such as Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

It's also because of the league's new broadcast partners bringing new energy, including the NBA's return to NBC and debut on Peacock. Those new partners mean fans will have to discover where to watch their favorite players and teams this season.

The NBA is making that easier with its new "Tap to Watch" digital initiative — one button to click that takes you directly to the broadcast of the game, whether it is national, local, or NBA League Pass.

Available on NBA.com and the NBA app, a version of it will also be available here at NBCSports.com. Fans will find the same thing with the NBA's other broadcast partners, as well as NBA partners such as Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, Roku, Dapper Labs and more. Wherever a fan may be online checking the score of the game, there will be one "Tap to Watch" button that can take you directly to that game's broadcast, making finding it that much easier.

"We're proud to collaborate with our partners across the NBA digital ecosystem to make live games more accessible for our fans with Tap to Watch," said NBA Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology & Operations Chris Benyarko. "Whether scrolling social media, using the NBA App, or checking scores on a partner platform, fans will know exactly where our games are and be taken directly to them."

The NBA season tips off Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a doubleheader here on NBC and Peacock. First up, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will get their championship rings and raise the first-ever championship banner to the rafters in Oklahoma City — all in front of the Rockets and Kevin Durant, the franchise legend who left to head to the Bay Area to get his rings. After that, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a battle of two other legendary franchises that still have championship goals in the West.

If you have any trouble finding those games, or any other during the season, just find the "Tap to Watch" links that will be everywhere.

When Bob Myers stepped away as the Golden State Warriors' head of basketball operations, he said he might get back in the game someday, but he was looking for a new, different challenge, something maybe bigger than running a basketball team. For a couple of seasons, that was working at ESPN as an NBA analyst.

This is more what Myers was thinking: He is leaving ESPN to become the president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. That's the organization that owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, NHL's New Jersey Devils, Crystal Palace of the Premier League, and NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing. Meyers will also continue to work as an adviser to Harris, who is the majority owner and managing partner of the NFL's Washington Commanders.

"Our goal has been to hire, grow, and retain the best and brightest executives in the world and we are a stronger, more dynamic organization with the addition of Bob Myers," Josh Harris and David Blitzer said in a combined released statement. "His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio. We're excited to have Bob continue his storied career here at HBSE."

After a successful career as a sports agent (focused on the NBA), Myers jumped to the Warriors' front office. He was quickly promoted to general manager and eventually team president, and in his dozen years in the Bay Area the Warriors won four NBA titles. He was voted NBA Executive of the Year by his peers in 2015 and 2017.

"I have been fortunate to know Josh and David for a long time, and I've always greatly admired them and respected how they've built such an impressive global sports portfolio," Myers said in a statement. "This role was intriguing because it provides the opportunity to work with some of the industry's most talented leaders and executives across the world's biggest sports leagues. ... This is the type of challenge and opportunity I was looking for."

Now he's got the challenge he was seeking.