The 2025-26 NBA schedule tightens fantasy planning around a new NBA Cup rhythm. An open week after cup group play guarantees each team two games, with the cup finalists getting a third that won’t count toward official stats or fantasy points. Yahoo leagues will again feature two “combo” weeks, one mirroring All-Star Weekend. On the court, heavy back-to-back loads loom: Charlotte, Denver, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington each sit on 16 back-to-backs, while Golden State and the Clippers are among those with 15. Rest economics favor Philadelphia, Utah and Sacramento, while the Warriors and Clippers face more difficult rest slates. All of this shapes when managers should expect injury days or controlled workloads, especially for Embiid and other aging or injury-prone stars. In October, Charlotte faces a hard early load with LaMelo Ball and the new guard additions, potentially impacting early-season value in fantasy leagues. The league also nudges April rosters toward pain points, with Knicks and Trail Blazers games concentrated in five April tilts, cautioning managers to consider late-season schedule pressure. The All-Star Week break places the clock on strategic timing: the back-to-back after the break for ATL, CLE, DEN, and LAC could swing prize-week decisions.

Overall, fantasy managers should map rest days and back-to-back patterns, target teams with favorable rest curves, and be ready to pivot during the two double weeks (Dec 8-21 and Feb 9-22). Embiid’s health is a central hinge for PHI’s ceiling, while the aging but still dangerous cores of GS and LAC invite tactical lineups and smart streaming. With the cup week altering cadence, decision-making will hinge on identifying which players step up when stars sit and which teams exploit rest advantages most effectively.