Yahoo’s top-10 for 9-cat fantasy basketball is out, led by Nikola Jokic at No. 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo sat at No. 2, with Victor Wembanyama at No. 3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 4. Luka Dončić sits at No. 5, followed by Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Domantas Sabonis completing the top 10. The host argues Jokic’s multi-category supremacy makes him a safe, productivity-saturated anchor, while projecting upside and risk across the board for the rest. Giannis’ placement sparks debate due to severe free-throw penalties in nine-category formats, making him a mid-first-round pick in some builds. Wembanyama’s ceiling is enormous, but he’s not a foolproof path in every format, especially if you’re not punting certain categories. The discussion then pivots to building around the big names with eye-catching durability, with attention paid to how health, games played, and category emphasis shape value for Edwards, Cunningham, Davis, Towns, and Sabonis. The host also dives into scoring profiles, field-goal efficiency, and the tricky balance between punting and balancing categories in both nine-cat and roto setups, offering practical draft-landing zones and pairing strategies for a season that demands both steady floor and ceiling bets.

Schedule leaks push Knicks-Cavaliers into the opening-week spotlight, with Cleveland’s defense and New York’s efficient attack shaping a winter of fantasy intrigue. KD’s banner-night return to OKC and a Rockets bid around him fuel early drama, while KD’s move and Harden’s fit in LAC color the broader narrative. Spurs and Orlando look like the season’s breakout sellers, guided by Wembanyama’s health and Paolo Banchero’s rising star power, as Edwards and Luka push MVP chatter alongside Jokic. The NBA’s calendar also teases a LeBron-Steph theater moment, with Christmas Day delivering a battleground of up-and-coming squads and veteran pedigrees. Portland’s sale signals a new-money era, and Porter Jr.’s gambling comments underscore the sport’s integrity stakes as live sports rights grow ever more valuable.

Boston hosts a home‑and‑home weekend as Drew Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis return to the Garden, where tribute videos honor past champions. Portland and Atlanta loom in the back‑to‑back, turning the night into a tangible reminder of, and celebration for, playoff pedigree. Fantasy managers should watch every minute as Boston leans on Holiday’s two‑wayiro and Porzingis’ floor‑spreading scoring to drive nightly upside.

Holiday’s 2024 playoff stretch, where he elevated the Celtics to the brink of major series awards, pairs with Porzingis’ expressive, high‑upside play. The talk underscores how Boston’s depth and the emotional resonance of a homecoming can translate into sustained fantasy value, especially in back‑to‑back situations where minutes and usage spike for top guys in a championship‑caliber system.

Debate around the LA Clippers' legitimacy as title contenders intensifies as aging stars raise concerns. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Brook Lopez's durability is questionable, impacting the team's playoff chances. Despite talent depth, doubts remain about their ability to withstand a long postseason. Comparisons to Oklahoma City's resilient title run highlight the Clippers' vulnerability, with critical players needing to step up consistently.

The addition of Bradley Beal brings potential, but fans wonder if he can replace the lost contributions of Norman Powell. The Clippers' roster depth is impressive, but their injury history looms large. As the NBA Cup approaches, the Clippers must prove they can handle high-intensity matches and playoff pressure to be considered true contenders.