Fantasy basketball is a popular pastime for millions of people around the world. Thousands of leagues are formed yearly, and countless hours are spent analyzing player stats, drafting teams, and making in-season moves.
Whether you're new to fantasy basketball or a seasoned veteran looking for an edge, there are a few key dos and don'ts to help you win your league in 2023.
Do: Research player stats and trends.
One of the most important things you can do to give yourself an edge in fantasy basketball is to research player stats and trends. This means looking at things like points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game, as well as more advanced metrics like actual shooting percentage and player efficiency rating.
You should also pay attention to trends, such as which players are hot and cold, which teams are playing well, and which are struggling.
Don't: Overvalue name recognition.
One mistake that many fantasy basketball players make is overvaluing name recognition. Just because a player is a big name in the NBA doesn't necessarily mean he will be a great fantasy player.
Conversely, plenty of lesser-known players can provide great value in fantasy basketball. Don't be afraid to draft players who aren't household names if they have the stats to back up their value.
Do: Stay up to date on NBA news.
Many basketball fans stay current on the latest NBA news to gain an edge in fantasy basketball. This means reading articles, following social media accounts that cover the league, and watching games and highlights. You'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your team by staying informed.
Don't: Ignore the importance of team chemistry.
While individual player stats are essential in fantasy basketball, team chemistry can also play a big role in a player's performance.
For example, a player with great chemistry with his teammates may be more likely to get assists or rebounds, as his teammates will be more likely to pass him the ball or box out opponents. Keep an eye on team dynamics when making draft picks or trades.
Do: Draft for balance.
Another key to winning your fantasy basketball league is to draft for balance. This means drafting good players in one or two categories and looking for players who can contribute across multiple categories.
For example, a player who can score, rebound, and dish out assists is more valuable than one who can only score. By drafting for balance, you'll be better equipped to handle injuries and other unforeseen circumstances that can arise during the season.
Don't: Draft solely based on projections.
Projections are based on historical data and assumptions about how players will perform in the future. Still, they don't consider factors like injuries, team dynamics, and other factors that can impact a player's performance. Use projections as a starting point, but also research and use your judgment when making draft picks.
Do: Keep an eye on the waiver wire.
In fantasy basketball, the waiver wire can be your best friend. Players will get injured or underperform throughout the season, and other players will emerge as surprise contributors.
You can pick up these players and add depth to your team by keeping an eye on the waiver wire. Don't be afraid to make moves early in the season, as the players you pick up could be the difference between winning and losing your league.
Don't: Be afraid to make trades.
Another way to improve your fantasy basketball team is to make trades. If you have a surplus of players in one category, you can trade them for players who can help you in other categories.
Similarly, if you have a weakness in a specific category, you can try to trade for a player who excels in that area. Just make sure you're not giving up too much in the trade and that the player you're getting is worth the value you're giving up.
Do: Pay attention to the schedule.
The NBA schedule can have a big impact on fantasy basketball. Teams play different numbers of games each week, and some weeks have more favorable matchups than others.
Paying attention to the schedule can help you make strategic moves, like picking up players who have a lot of games in a given week or benching players who have tough matchups. This can help you maximize your team's performance and increase your chances of winning your league.
Don't: Panic if your team starts slow.
It's important to remember that fantasy basketball is a long season. Even if your team starts slow, there's plenty of time to turn things around. Don't panic and make rash moves like dropping good players or making trades that don't make sense. Instead, stay patient and keep working to improve your team.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to play your best basketball at the end of the season when it counts.
Do: Have fun!
At the end of the day, fantasy basketball is supposed to be a fun hobby. While winning your league is certainly a great feeling, it's not the only thing that matters.
Make sure you're enjoying the process, whether that means watching games with friends, trash-talking your opponents, or geeking out over player stats. When you're having fun, you'll be more motivated to stay engaged and make smart decisions for your team.
Final Thoughts
Following these dos and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to winning your fantasy basketball league in 2023. Remember to stay flexible, have fun, and always look for ways to improve your team. With a little bit of hard work and some smart decision-making, you can be the fantasy basketball champ you've always dreamed of.
