NBA Preseason Position Battles Poised to Shift Fantasy Basketball Values
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With NBA training camps underway, several roster competitions are drawing attention from fantasy basketball managers looking for early clues on minutes and roles.
Boston Celtics backcourt
Who: Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Anfernee Simons
What’s at stake: Rotation hierarchy while Jayson Tatum remains out.
Why it matters: Pritchard, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, could move into starter-level minutes, boosting his output in points, 3-pointers and assists. White, already a steady multi-category contributor, stands to gain usage without Tatum. Simons—an explosive scorer and elite perimeter shooter—must prove he can thrive when he is not the primary option, all while trade rumors swirl.
Indiana Pacers center
Who: Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff
What’s at stake: Replacing longtime anchor Myles Turner.
Why it matters: Jackson brings rim-running energy and shot-blocking but is coming off an Achilles injury. Huff, 28, offers floor spacing and rim protection similar to Turner, giving head coach Rick Carlisle a different look if he wins the job.
New Orleans Pelicans center
Who: Kevon Looney, Yves Missi
What’s at stake: Starting role in a West contender’s frontcourt.
Why it matters: Looney’s championship experience and reliable rebounding make him the early favorite. Missi averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks as a rookie but struggled for efficiency in Summer League, leaving the door open for Looney to keep the spot.
Milwaukee Bucks guards
Who: Kevin Porter Jr., Cole Anthony, Ryan Rollins
What’s at stake: Lead-guard duties after Damian Lillard’s exit.
Why it matters: Porter profiles as the primary facilitator next to Giannis Antetokounmpo after averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes with 49.4% shooting from the field and 40.8% from deep last season. Anthony supplies bench scoring and secondary playmaking, while Rollins’ defensive versatility could earn him situational minutes under coach Doc Rivers.
Orlando Magic center
Who: Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze
What’s at stake: Primary interior role on an Eastern Conference hopeful.
Why it matters: After a fully healthy offseason focused on skill work, Carter is expected to anchor the paint, rebound and stretch the floor alongside new shooters Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones. Bitadze remains in the mix for backup minutes and spot starts, providing depth for coach Jamahl Mosley.
The outcomes of these five battles will shape depth charts and, by extension, fantasy basketball draft boards as opening night approaches.
Source: ESPN.com
