As the NBA gears up for an exciting training camp and preseason, fantasy basketball managers should keep a close eye on key position battles across the league.
Who wins and loses these competitions for starting spots and more minutes will go a long way toward shaping players' fantasy value. Unlike the NFL, where position battles often revolve around executing specific plays or packages, basketball's fight for playing time is far more nuanced. Success on the hardwood depends not just on individual skill but also on chemistry and fit with teammates.
After a busy offseason of roster changes and player movement, these looming position battles add an extra layer of intrigue as fantasy basketball draft season begins.
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Portland has a lot to sort out in the backcourt with Shaedon Sharpe (meniscus) sidelined for the next five months. Lillard and Morant should command major roles, but Holiday and Henderson also need minutes. Avdija adds another layer after averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists last season with much of the offense running through him.
What to watch for: How often Lillard and Morant's minutes are staggered, whether Avdija continues to initiate offense and if Henderson controls the second unit. If Henderson consistently gets 25-plus minutes with meaningful time on the ball, he moves into the late-round conversation.
Queen and Missi give New Orleans two very different options at center. Queen brings more scoring and playmaking, while Missi offers rebounding, rim protection and athleticism. Queen averaged 5.3 assists per 36 minutes as a rookie, which gives New Orleans a level of creation at center that Missi doesn't provide.
What to watch for: Which big man gets the majority of the center minutes, who spends more time with the starters and who closes games. If Queen handles the larger role, his all-around offensive game gives him the stronger fantasy ceiling. If the split stays close, Missi can still help managers looking for rebounds and blocks.
Houston has another crowded backcourt with VanVleet returning and the defensive-minded Smart joining the rotation. Sheppard should remain part of the mix after averaging 13.5 points in 26.2 minutes last season, but Amen Thompson also handles the ball and can initiate offense. Sheppard also averaged 1.5 steals per game, which gives him a useful fantasy floor even if his playmaking role stays limited.