The NBA is weighing a World vs. U.S. three‑team All‑Star format with eight‑man rosters per squad, two American teams and one international squad. Picture Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama on the floor together — a star‑dense, high‑impact showcase that could redefine All‑Star weekend and spike fantasy relevance.

Officials and players say the plan could boost competition and engagement, even as the league weighs player wellness. The move aligns with Olympic timing in 2026 and aims for a formal reveal soon, with veterans like Curry urging efficiency and others signaling they’ll go all‑out for a meaningful, entertaining event.

Pair two players with chemistry in mind, then let the rest of your draft fall into place. This fantasy basketball guide uses Yahoo ADP to map the first 12 picks and identifies the best two-man fits to anchor your build in category leagues. Each pick comes with a dedicated pairing that amplifies scoring, rebounds, assists, and efficiency while planning for punted categories to maximize weekly upside.

From Booker with Durant to Jokic with Banchero, the article sketches a path where early duos shape the rest of the draft. It emphasizes balancing risk (FT% or three-pointers) against value across multiple categories, offering concrete pairings and viable alternates to keep your strategy flexible across different drafts.

Houston’s preseason sprint has evolved into a real-season rehearsal, with the Rockets 2-0 and eyeing dress-rehearsal tuneups against New Orleans and Atlanta. The roster is experimenting with rotations, minute tallies, and a more sophisticated offensive scheme as Udoka moves beyond a “semi-vanilla” start.

Key themes: Durant and Finney-Smith add floor-spreading gravity that should unlock corner looks for Smith, Şengün, and Thompson, while the team debates a potential double-big look with Steven Adams. Corner 3s and pace are being prioritized, and the defense will be tested to confirm last season’s identity as one of the league’s sturdiest units.

Durant to Houston boosts a young Rockets half-court attack, lifting fantasy scoring, threes and durability. Bane to Orlando gives Paolo Banchero a reliable floor spacer. Turner to Milwaukee upgrades the frontcourt with blocks and shooting; Johnson to Denver adds defense and steady scoring; Porziņģis to Atlanta adds rim protection and spacing. Ayton to the Lakers anchors the paint; Flagg to Dallas brings defense and upside; Powell to Miami could deliver early scoring when Herro is out.

Baker Mayfield sparked a gritty Tampa Bay win over San Francisco, guiding a depleted receiving corps as Evans, Godwin and McMillan were sidelined. Mayfield’s improvisation and critical third‑down scrambles kept the offense rolling and extended drives late in the game.

Kevin Durant chimed in with a NSFW compliment, amplifying Mayfield’s rising profile beyond football after a highlight-worthy third‑quarter run. With Emeka Egbuka injured, the Bucs leaned on depth and Mayfield’s playmaking as fantasy managers weigh Week-to-Week upside in a thinning WR group.

Durant’s Texas‑OU tie adds a cross-sport twist to the moment, while the game itself underscored narrative-rich value for Mayfield and a few breakout Bucs receivers stepping into larger roles in coming weeks.