Fantasy basketball success hinges on the season’s schedule as much as on talent. Yahoo playoffs run Weeks 21–23 (Mar 16–Apr 5), with an extended Week 17 for the All-Star break, creating distinct rest windows and streaming opportunities. The NBA Cup adds weekly scoring quirks, with Group Play and Quarterfinals typically counting toward fantasy, while Semifinals and Championship do not. Back-to-back (B2B) risk distributes unevenly—some teams endure 16 B2Bs, others as few as 13—shaping rostering decisions in late-season windows.

While a few teams offer heavy game volume in the fantasy playoffs (notably 12-game weeks for Rockets, Grizzlies, Magic, Wizards), others deliver thin weeks (9–10 games for Nuggets and Knicks) that can sink head-to-heads if your stars sit. The nuggets of strategy: map B2B stress to injury history, leverage depth on high-volume weeks, and watch for shifts as the schedule evolves toward the final sprint.

Ben Simmons’ arc remains a fantasy enigma as injuries and pressure collided with hype. Patrick Beverley argues confidence cratered after the injuries and the Philly backlash, hinting that a smaller market might have staged a different outcome. Simmons’ three All-Star selections and 2018 Rookie of the Year remind fantasy managers of elite potential, but his shooting drought and current free-agent status cloud projections for 2025.

Charlotte Hornets remove a Sports Betting theme night from their 2025-26 calendar, ahead of a March 17 visit by Rozier and the Miami Heat. Rozier’s name appears in a federal gambling probe tied to a 2023 game; no charges have been filed and he is not accused of wrongdoing. March 17 is also Rozier’s birthday, adding timing context.

Providence Christian Academy’s Chris Washington commits to Alabama, aiming to mirror Brandon Miller’s high-end two-way versatility as a preview of how Alabama plans to leverage in-state talent for immediate impact. Washington announced Sept. 8 after an official Tuscaloosa visit on Sept. 6, aligning his path with Miller, the Tide’s All-American and 2023 No. 2 pick who bridged Cane Ridge High School to the NBA.

Washington’s pledge reinforces Alabama’s pipeline narrative and signals a potential early rotation piece in a program known for developing multi-positional wings. Miller’s example provides a blueprint for Washington’s floor, shot-making, length, and defensive versatility as he transitions from Tennessee prep hoops to college stardom.