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.

Narratives shape this MVP season as much as numbers do. Jokic and SGA sit at the obvious-lock frontier, but Luka’s off-season preparation in LA has the blueprint of a narrative-driven breakout. LeBron is framed as a post-prime voice in the conversation, while Giannis is kept alive as an outlier if Milwaukee pushes to a top seed. The discussion also explores the historical standard that MVP winners typically come from 50-win teams, with a reminder of Russell Westbrook’s 2017 moment and the ever-present call to avoid overreliance on hype. The dialogue pivots between elite production and team success, hinting at a few surprise contenders who could force their way into the mix as the season unfolds.

As the clock ticks toward training camps, the panel weighs age curves, prime windows, and the evolving role of MVP voting. They emphasize that the MVP metric isn’t only scoring but impact—how a star's minutes, usage, and playmaking ripple through their group. The conversation signals Luka’s emerging narrative power, SGA’s sustained growth, Jokic’s steady dominance, and Giannis's potential comeback narrative if the Bucks defy expectations. The takeaway: a candid, data-informed debate with room for a late-season surge from a buzzy runner who proves capable of lifting a sub-50-win squad into MVP contention.

First mock draft of the season for a 12-team, nine-cat head-to-head league unfolds as Josh Lloyd tests a third-round reversal, builds a raw-but-ambitious roster, and weighs the constant tension between elite per-game upside and long-term risk. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lands early, becoming the anchor in a guard-forward build while Nikola Jokic and Luka Dončić hover in the top four—though the host signals flexibility depending on schedule and matchup dynamics.

Attention shifts to the playoff calendar: no two-game finals in most weeks, with some teams sporting heavy two-game weeks in round one and up to five in the finals. That prompts strategic chatter about balancing positions, streaming late-round centers, and punting certain stats to maximize value. The session doubles as a live exploration of board dynamics, expected ADP drift, and what a truly balanced, adaptable squad looks like across formats.

Throughout, the host stresses that projections meet variance in head-to-head formats, and that the mock is a learning tool rather than a real draft. Feedback from listeners and future schedule-breakdown shows are teased as essential pieces to refine builds for Yahoo, ESPN, and Fantrax alike. It’s a playful, analytical kickoff to a year of evolving fantasy basketball strategy.

Western Conference dominance defines the Christmas Day slate as the NBA leans into a new generation of stars. Victor Wembanyama headlines the Spurs’ matchup with OKC, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anchors the Thunder in what looks to be a marquee showdown. Cooper Flag and Jaden Hardy figure prominently for Dallas, while the drama around Kevin Durant’s return to Oklahoma City colors the opening-night chatter. The event also highlights a cross-section of veteran stars (LeBron, Curry, Jokic, Giannis) and a steady stream of young talent (Dylan Harper, Paolo Banchero, Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum) across a slate packed with high-ceiling fantasy implications. The discussion also critiques the Eastern Conference representation and ponders how the star power on both sides could shift early-season narratives and betting angles.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their NBA championship victory, face new challenges heading into the upcoming season. Despite their young roster and the pressure of expectations, the team aims for another successful run. Key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earned MVP honors, and Chet Holmgren, who aims to build on his impressive performance, are pivotal for the Thunder. The team possesses depth and talent, prompting discussions on managing player workloads to avoid burnout.

As they navigate the balance between competing and developing talent, questions arise about how coach Mark Daigneault will utilize the roster. The Thunder's approach to player rotation and game strategy will be critical as they seek back-to-back titles while maintaining the health and productivity of their key players.