Locked On Fantasy Basketball – Daily NBA Fantasy Basketball Podcast

OVERVIEW
Today's episode is all about navigating a 12-spot, third-round reversal, 9-category fantasy basketball mock draft. I break down my controversial choice to take Austin Reaves at pick 12, walk through my team-building logic on the turn, and highlight how wild fluctuations in ADP and draft strategy can completely reshape your options—even when nothing about the player pool has changed. This is a practical look at high-variance draft positions, unexpected value picks, and what it means for your own draft day approach in fantasy basketball.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Drafting from pick 12 forces uncomfortable decisions, often between riskier high-upside picks (injury-prone stars) and stable but maybe unspectacular options. I built my team around Austin Reaves at 12 for a scenario test, even though most would avoid him there.
There can be massive differences between platform rankings (Yahoo’s first round: Jokic, Wembanyama, Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, etc.) and my own projections—many default site ranks shouldn't dictate your picks, especially when they elevate players like Jalen Johnson or Tyrese Haliburton higher than practical.
Playing the third-round reversal changes draft dynamics—don’t assume value will fall the same way at the turn as in standard snake drafts. The double pick gives you power but also exposes you to missing tier runs quickly.
Recent mock drafts have seen wild ADP swings (e.g., Jalen Duren being picked at 30 after going at 50 in the previous mock). You should treat each draft as its own ecosystem and not follow last draft’s results as a blueprint.
Don’t overvalue the outputs of any single mock draft or ADP list. I caution against copying my picks or strategies straight up—contextual awareness and draft adaptability matter much more than replicating someone else’s queue.
Opting for stable contributors over players with injury or volatility risk (e.g., skipping Kawhi Leonard, LaMelo Ball, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry in this build) is a viable but not always popular route at the end of the first round.
Not all “late” picks deliver upside. In the final rounds, I regret flyer picks like Mikal Brown and would pivot in hindsight. Late draft value is highly context dependent.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:03 Mock draft overview and strategy at pick 12
7:03 Round-by-round player selections and live draft reactions
22:04 Adjusting to trends and volatility in late rounds
34:06 Draft recap, projections, and closing thoughts

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OVERVIEW
Fantasy basketball managers need to navigate major changes in the Oklahoma City Thunder's depth and rotation, impacting player value, draft targets, and which breakout performances are real. I break down shifts in the starting lineup, changes in three-point volume, the volatility in player rankings and ADP across platforms, and which Thunder options are truly worth drafting — or fading — in both category and points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe mean OKC's core players should see more minutes and a higher fantasy floor, rather than their roles being absorbed by unproven depth.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can reasonably be drafted anywhere from second to fifth in category leagues, but a higher three-point volume could drop his field goal percentage and assists might dip if he plays off-ball more.
Chet Holmgren is significantly overrated in nine-category leagues, especially at Yahoo ADP/Rank of 19–25, and should only be targeted in the 35–50 range for either points or category formats. His ESPN ADP of 66 is an absolute value spot.
Isaiah Hartenstein is better suited to category leagues, especially at his depressed Yahoo (104) and ESPN (132) ranks. His new contract means his role is secure and early-season struggles are being overblown.
Cason Wallace is not a must-draft in standard leagues due to limited offensive contributions outside of steals—one-category value is easily replaceable.
Ajay Mitchell's fantasy output last season was driven by high-usage injury stretches; expect a bench role and more realistic numbers, though he offers streaming upside if starters miss time.
Aday Mara's preseason breakout is situational and misleading—barring major injuries to the frontcourt, there is no clear path to standard league value.
The recurring debate on category settings: turnovers remain a flawed but default ninth category, with better alternatives (like hustle stats) still not widely available on major platforms.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Oklahoma City roster changes
3:08 Projected starting lineup
4:46 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draft strategy
6:33 Chet Holmgren: value and formats
12:45 Jalen Williams risk assessment
15:29 Isaiah Hartenstein's fantasy outlook
16:39 Cason Wallace role and value
20:22 Bench rotation and upside options
23:38 Jared McCain and deep league fliers
26:34 Jaylin Williams, Aday Mara, and frontcourt logjam
29:02 Rotation questions and injury updates
33:35 Fantasy category settings discussion (mailbag)


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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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OVERVIEW
Mock drafting from the No. 1 spot in a 12-team, 9-category fantasy basketball league, I break down how to approach early turns, address category versus per-game risk, and navigate the shifting values beyond pick six. I talk through the key decisions and pitfalls in the first several rounds, highlighting player trends, position scarcity, and strategic pivots as the draft unfolds.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The top six in 9-category leagues—Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum—are clear, but pick order among them is negotiable; after that, uncertainty rises sharply.
I’m not high on taking Cade Cunningham in the top five, but getting him at the back end of the top eight is fine; there’s a wide tier after the top six.
After the first round, beware of reaching for high per-game players with games played risk (like Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid); at their typical ADPs, I’m out.
Pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Alperen Sengun is fine for punting free throws, but overvaluing pairings or building around single-category strengths can get you stuck.
Be careful not to overreact to preseason injuries or role notes; some players, like Maxime Renaud, have situations where rehab timelines are uncertain, and filling in with backups generally isn’t a league-winning move.
Take positional needs seriously at the turn; missing runs can hurt. Don’t ignore centers or threes categories for too long.
Breakouts and opportunity-driven picks (like Ty Jerome, Dylan Harper, or Sandro Mamukelashvili) can be solid in the final rounds, but pushing them up too far is risky.
Don’t chase old, boring, or high-risk names (like Kawhi Leonard or Nurkic) too early just for “safe” floor—there’s significant downside if they can’t stay on the court.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
3:39 Draft setup and philosophy
4:33 First-round picks and early trends
8:52 Building after Round 1 – key pivots and pitfalls
10:55 Center options, injury news, and the run on young breakouts
16:46 Navigating the mid/late rounds
22:20 Flyer territory, upside swings, and late draft decision-making
35:30 Recap and projected standings

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Hub https://joshlloydfantasy.com/

OVERVIEW
NBA fantasy basketball managers need to reassess the reigning champion New York Knicks with a critical eye: despite the rings, this squad is littered with overpriced options, misleading season totals, and risky assumptions about roles and production. I detail where the real fantasy basketball value lies, which popular picks like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to avoid at current ADP, and why depth concerns raise injury stash appeal for Andre Drummond.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jalen Brunson is a clear overpay in category leagues at his Yahoo ADP (21), with per-game numbers far below elite fantasy options—expect more like pick 40–55 in category and 20–30 in points leagues.
Karl-Anthony Towns is actually the most viable early-round Knicks pick, especially for Yahoo points leagues, but do not expect a return to his old elite block or minute totals.
Avoid paying up for Mikal Bridges everywhere, but especially on ESPN, where his rank (29) and ADP wildly overstate both his production and durability premium.
OG Anunoby’s category value (ADP 69 Yahoo) is attractive, but managers must factor in his real injury risk and that his 9-cat total rank (34th) exaggerates his actual value.
Josh Hart is only a consideration in the late rounds (after pick 100)—his minutes and peripherals have declined, his shooting spike is not trustworthy, and his ceiling is capped by the Knicks’ depth chart.
Andre Drummond is the top stash target here: with no depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, any injury means Drummond immediately becomes the primary center and a rebounds/defensive contributor.
Knicks bench guards like Deuce McBride and Jose Alvarado are only deep league streamers; neither projects as a true breakout even with expanded minutes.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Knicks championship context and offseason storylines
2:26 Big-picture fantasy questions for the Knicks
5:45 Projected starting five: Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns
6:01 Jalen Brunson: fantasy overvaluation
8:56 Karl-Anthony Towns outlook and format differences
13:14 OG Anunoby profile: category vs. points leagues
15:00 Mikal Bridges: durability bias and fading him
17:36 Josh Hart’s role, value, and limits
20:27 Knicks bench rotation: Deuce McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado
23:20 Big man depth—and Andre Drummond’s stash appeal
25:55 Knicks depth chart and injury-driven value plays
28:34 Injury updates and Knicks fantasy playoff schedule
29:22 Summary and final Knicks evaluation
AD READS — PRODUCTION ONLY
[11:29] BetterHelp — Full read
[19:39] FanDuel — Full read

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Hub https://joshlloydfantasy.com/
OVERVIEW
This episode of Locked On Fantasy Basketball focuses on an ESPN points league fantasy basketball mock draft. I break down key player values, highlight format-specific rankings mistakes, and analyze which picks make sense under ESPN's unique scoring settings. The episode emphasizes understanding your league's scoring system, adjusting rankings accordingly, and exploiting mispriced players in points leagues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ESPN points league scoring places high value on made field goals and penalizes missed shots and free throws more than Yahoo defaults, so adjust your rankings and target profiles accordingly.
There’s a clear top tier for early picks: Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Luka Doncic are the obvious top three under ESPN's format, with a significant gap to the next group.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a better pick at four than many options, given his points format upside, and should not drop further in ESPN leagues.
Be cautious drafting players like Kevin Durant, Scottie Barnes, and Paolo Banchero too early; their ranks are inflated by category league projections and don’t translate to the ESPN points format.
Jalen Brunson and Deni Avdija have meaningful upward mobility in ESPN points leagues due to efficient shot volume and production, making them undervalued by typical category ranks.
Stacking risky players (like Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James) is a dangerous move in points leagues because if multiple "if" bets fail, your team is sunk.
Late-round upside picks should focus on players with the potential for sudden role increases; avoid sinking too much capital in speculative or redundant injury-prone vets.
Always check platform-specific rankings, as ESPN’s misranked options can create opportunities to exploit undervalued or overvalued players.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
2:01 ESPN Points League Scoring Breakdown
4:12 Mock Draft Room and Pick 3 Strategy
7:33 Round 1–2: Evaluating Early Picks
9:03 Questionable Draft Choices and Overrated Picks
12:32 Adjusting Value for Points Leagues
16:09 Queue Management and Late-Round Targets
21:03 Mid-Round Picks and Strategy
26:03 Preseason Impact and Injuries
30:07 Final Rounds and Stashing Upside
38:31 Reviewing My Final Roster
39:17 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content


Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Visit Josh Lloyd Fantasy for more

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.