Max Kulish outlines punt strategies for 2025-26 fantasy basketball, showing how punting threes, FT%, FG%, or assists reshapes rosters and boosts value when a category is skipped. He lists prime targets per build, weighs risk against upside, and highlights sleepers who gain prominence as soon as a category is punted.

Focus areas include: punting threes to lean into big men and mid-range efficiency, punting FT% around Giannis-like anchors, punting FG% with high-volume shooters, and punting assists by avoiding high-assist playmakers. Concrete targets and situational picks drive actionable drafting plans for savvy rosters.

Oklahoma City opens its 2025-26 preseason with a road test against Charlotte in a non-traditional arena in South Carolina, a backdrop that highlights the evaluation phase for both teams. The 4 p.m. CT matchup is streamed via the Thunder App and Fubo, giving fantasy managers a chance to assess rotation decisions and depth after a short summer run.

The Thunder lean on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, with Isaiah Hartenstein providing frontcourt size. Charlotte counters with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mason Plumlee. Notable injuries—Thomas Sorber for OKC, Grant Williams and Josh Green for Charlotte—shape early lineups, while the week’s schedule teases a Mavericks test and a Pacers trip.