Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are currently ranked No. 1 and No. 6, respectively, in Yahoo fantasy basketball this season.
We’re nearly eight weeks into the 2025-26 NBA season, and the fantasy action is heating up. We got in touch with two of the Yahoo NBA High Score Creator League managers to get their takes on a couple of questions from fans looking for insights into shaping their rosters. Check out their answers below:
Which player is a fantasy cheat code this season?
Dan Titus, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The obvious answer is Nikola Jokić, but I’m going with SGA. The reigning MVP is a walking 30-5-6, and straps up defensively, averaging 2.2 stocks per game. There are no flaws in his fantasy skillset, and his combination of efficiency and production makes him a top-3 option across all formats.
Lucas Burns, NBA In Depth: It doesn’t matter what type of league or settings are in place — Nikola Jokić is the only answer here. Every year I think “this is the year he finally take a half step back with age and load,” but it never happens. He still has the highest PER of all-time and is the only guy you can watch put up 26-12-12 in 25 minutes played without being surprised.
What are your thoughts on rostering multiple players from the same team?
Dan Titus, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst: I have no issue with pairing players from the same team. I try to pair the guards with centers because oftentimes, you can target at least one of the top-assist duos from a given team. This year, I went with stacking Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. Last year, I went with James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Pairing a pick-and-roll point guard with an efficient finisher near the rim can be an effective strategy for fantasy basketball.
Lucas Burns, NBA In Depth: I often use Fantasy as a tool for fandom, so I personally prefer having representation from as many teams as possible, which further increases my incentive to follow more teams. My hypothesis with High Score format, though, is that it probably doesn’t matter because it’s unlikely for players drafted in later rounds to ever see your starting lineup. Your hope as GM is that they’re always outclassed by your regular starters or an early season waiver wire gem.
Bonus question: Which retired player would you add to your fantasy squad?
Dan Titus, Yahoo Fantasy Analyst: Everyone should want Michael Jordan, but I’ll roll with Hakeem Olajuwon because his prime was a modern-day Victor Wembanyama from a fantasy perspective.
Lucas Burns, NBA In Depth: Wilt Chamberlain is the obvious answer. A seven-year prime of 40 PPG and 25 RPG seems like it’d be league-breaking and the consensus No. 1 pick in every kind of fantasy league.
