You love basketball, you follow the NBA, you cheer on your favorite team, and you couldn’t believe the plays Victor Wembanyama made as a rookie last season in San Antonio. But if you still haven’t tried fantasy basketball, this season is the perfect time to dive in! There’s so much excitement in the league right now: stars like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are on the rise, MVP contenders like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic are still dominating, and legends like LeBron James and Kevin Durant are still going strong.
Imagine having Stephen Curry on your team as he gets on a roll from three-point range or feeling the thrill as Paolo Banchero fills up the stat sheet and elevates his game in year three. These moments are what make being a fantasy manager so unforgettable! Veteran fantasy players even recall epic games like Jayson Tatum’s big scoring night, another gem from Tyrese Haliburton, or a monster performance by Anthony Davis.
Even if you’re a beginner, we have all the information you need to join a league, draft a winning team, and experience the fun of fantasy basketball alongside millions of fans each year.
Making the League Your Own
Every fantasy basketball league has its own flavor. While there are basic rules and settings, each league is unique, influenced by choices like roster size, injury slots, stat categories, and other details. Choose a league that fits your style! For a more relaxed experience, find a league that lets you set lineups weekly. For those who want daily management and more flexibility, join a league that allows daily lineup adjustments.
The most important part is finding a league that keeps you engaged and cheering for your players every night.
Fantasy Basketball 101
Whether you’re signing up as a first-time player or a League Manager, we’ve created a Fantasy Basketball 101 guide to help you understand the essentials of getting started, preparing for your draft, and making the most of the season.
Preparing for Draft Day
Draft day is the highlight of the fantasy season, where your team goes from idea to reality. If you’re ready to dive into the draft yourself, take some time to prepare. Review our expert rankings, customize your strategies, and, if possible, participate in mock drafts. These practice rounds let you test different draft strategies, giving you an idea of which players are likely to go early and who might be available in later rounds. You can even set an “Autopick Strategy” if you prefer not to draft live.
A successful draft is your first step to a great season, and if you’ve done your homework with mock drafts and player research, you’re well on your way!
Starting the Season: Trades, Strategies, and Etiquette
As the season begins, keep an eye out for opportunities to trade and improve your roster. Trading can be one of the most fun parts of fantasy basketball, offering a chance to strengthen your team while potentially offloading a player you no longer need. When trading, consider the needs of other teams, and be fair with your proposals to maintain good relationships with fellow managers.
In addition to trades, think about your in-season strategies. For instance, manage your games played in roto leagues, fine-tune your approach for head-to-head playoffs, and stay active on the waiver wire to maximize your team’s potential. Also, follow basic etiquette to keep the league a positive experience for everyone involved.
Let the Fun Begin!
The fantasy basketball season is a journey full of exciting moments and strategic decisions. So sign up, draft your team, and get ready for an unforgettable season!
