Lu Dort lands at No. 3 among Western Conference shooting guards in a ranking that focuses on the 2025-26 season's fantasy upside. Anthony Edwards anchors a tier atop the West, combining scoring, playmaking and volume as Minnesota builds around him. Dort flashed a career defensive peak, earning All-Defense honors while staying a sharp 3-point threat—his value leans heavily on multi-category contributions and defensive hustle that translate into steady fantasy output.

Amen Thompson and Austin Reaves headline the next tier, bringing elite athleticism and versatile scoring—Thompson with breakout potential in transition, Reaves as a reliable secondary scorer for L.A. The piece also spotlights young upside across the conference—Podziemski, Camara, Braun and Podziemski as high-upside guards with varied fit on playoff hopeful teams—plus veterans Beal, Klay, Monk and Caldwell-Pope offering larger-sample shooting and experience.

OKC’s Dort stands out as a cornerstone fantasy defender who can anchor both steals and threes, while the West’s guard rotation promises depth behind the top tier. The article evaluates players’ trajectories, team contexts, and the risk-reward calculus critical to fantasy leagues, making Dort a compelling blend of floor and upside as the season nears.

Opening night wraps a high-profile NBA debut as the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21, closing the NBC doubleheader that also features ring-night theater for Kevin Durant and the Rockets facing Oklahoma City. The night pits Curry and the veteran Warriors against a Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic in a dynamic start to the season, with Brandin Podziemski expected to push for a larger role in Golden State’s backcourt. The clash sets the tone for fantasy relevance around star leverage and potential breakout performances.

Podziemski’s rookie-year calculus matters in cash games and tournaments alike, especially if Curry commands attention from defenses that respect his elite shooting. Doncic remains a fantasy magnet, while LeBron’s workload could drive near-elite contributions in scoring, assists, and efficiency. Durant’s ring-night storyline underscores the broader season arc and how opening-week matchups set pace for late-round value across the league.

Last season, Lakers defeated the Warriors three times in four meetings, with Golden State’s last win featuring a 65-point showcase from Curry and Podziemski against Doncic and James. The opener thus becomes a litmus test for both squads’ depth and the early-season trajectory of Podziemski, Curry, Doncic, and LeBron as fantasy assets.

The possibility of an iconic pairing between Stephen Curry and LeBron James is increasingly being discussed, particularly after their impressive performances at the 2024 Olympics. However, as both players edge toward retirement, the remaining window for this collaboration is narrowing. The Golden State Warriors, led by Curry, are gearing up for a final championship push alongside teammates like Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are shifting gears, with Luka Doncic emerging as the focal point for the franchise's future.

Recent reports suggest that the Warriors are exploring a trade for LeBron James, potentially sending restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to LA. This strategic move would allow LeBron to compete for one more title alongside Curry, while providing the Lakers with assets that align with Doncic's timeline. Although the prospect of trading such a legendary player seems far-fetched, it underscores the urgency both teams feel to solidify their championship aspirations with their star players.

The Golden State Warriors aimed to bolster their playoff hopes with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, yet a conference semifinals exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves highlighted ongoing roster challenges. Despite a quiet offseason, rookie Brandin Podziemski remains optimistic about the Warriors' potential to reclaim a top-four playoff seed in the competitive Western Conference.

Podziemski emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong start similar to the one experienced when Butler joined. The franchise's post-title trajectory has seen ups and downs, including the departure of Klay Thompson and the need for roster tweaks to enhance their championship aspirations. With Jonathan Kuminga's upcoming restricted free agency posing a pivotal decision, the Warriors look to balance veteran presence with developing talent.

Caitlin Clark faced a challenging game against the Golden State Valkyries, hitting only 3 of 14 shots from the field and failing to connect on any of her seven three-point attempts. She managed to score 11 points, alongside nine assists and seven rebounds, but also recorded six turnovers, contributing to the Indiana Fever's 88-77 loss. In an entertaining moment, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski humorously mocked Clark's travel call, showcasing his support for the new WNBA team. His antics were well-received, indicating a strong fan connection to the Valkyries. Podziemski later took to social media to share his enthusiasm.