NBAOct 1
Fantasy basketball preseason: Position battles that could swing draft value
Crowded backcourts and center competitions will decide minutes and fantasy upside as training camps open.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
Backcourt logjams out West
Portland faces a complicated guard picture with Shaedon Sharpe sidelined for the next five months by a meniscus injury. Houston is similarly packed. Amen Thompson can also run offense. Sheppard’s appeal rises if he handles the ball when VanVleet sits and closes games; otherwise his floor rests more on threes and steals.
Center competitions worth tracking
New Orleans can lean on two different bigs. The split of starter minutes and closing opportunities will decide who carries the higher fantasy ceiling. Robinson posted 16.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes last season, so even a steady 20-25 minute role could matter. Naz Reid’s ability to play center may further tighten the minutes. Steinbach needs consistent 20-25 minute trust on defense to become a late-round option.
Eastern options and high-upside newcomers
Black averaged 15.0 points in nearly 30 minutes last season as both scorer and facilitator, with A.J. Richardson also pushing for rotation time. A near-30-minute role with regular ball-handling keeps Black relevant in standard leagues. How often Peterson starts beside George and whether Bailey joins bigger perimeter groups will shape everyone’s minutes. Closing lineups and DeRozan’s on-ball volume are the keys. Regular 20-plus minute preseason work would push Burries into late-round consideration.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
