Locked On Fantasy Basketball – Daily NBA Fantasy Basketball Podcast

ENTER THE MONSTER DROP: https://joshlloydfantasy.com/contests/GIVEAWAY 29JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl/  OVERVIEWDenver has become the most expensive team in the NBA, and fantasy basketball managers are asking whether the roster changes make sense and where the value (and traps) actually lie. I break down how the pieces fit, highlight key sleepers and busts, and explain why Nikola Jokic remains the top pick despite some regression last season. You'll leave with a clear sense of who holds upside, who is overvalued, and how to approach this oddly-constructed Nuggets roster for your drafts.KEY TAKEAWAYSNikola Jokic is still the top fantasy basketball player and should go #1 overall, even with minor regressions and injury concerns at age 31.Jamal Murray posted his best fantasy season and remains a strong second-round pick, with his usage appearing stable under Denver's new coaching setup.Aaron Gordon's injury history (especially soft-tissue) and minute reductions make him a fade unless his ADP drops well outside standard league pickup range.Christian Braun is overrated for fantasy. His shooting, usage, and stat generation are poor, making him only a deep-league or last-round consideration, not a breakout.Cameron Johnson is my favorite late round swing: if he gets even marginal usage increase, he could climb inside the top 100, especially as Denver's best pure shooter.DeMar DeRozan is wildly mispriced: undraftable inside the top 100 but a great value if he falls into the 130s or later. His role and minutes are limited by fit concerns.Marvin Bagley is a Jokic-handcuff only; he can give points and rebounds when starting, but his game has serious category limitations and will not sustain value behind Jokic.Trevon Brazile is a deep dynasty stash whose defensive stats upside could become relevant due to Denver’s shaky power forward depth. CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:27 Denver Nuggets roster & rotation questions5:07 Projected starting lineup6:18 Nikola Jokic fantasy outlook7:06 Jamal Murray's projections & draft value12:00 Aaron Gordon injury risk and value14:18 Christian Braun assessment16:54 Cameron Johnson's upside18:44 Projected bench & deeper rotation20:18 DeMar DeRozan’s fit and draft price22:17 Marvin Bagley as backup center23:28 Julian Strawther & other deep cuts24:45 Roster dark horses: Brazile, Holmes, and others25:45 Best and worst fantasy picks on Denver27:38 Injury updates & schedule notes28:29 Final thoughts on Denver’s fantasy landscape Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  GametimeToday'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.SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuelThis 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) ENTER THE MONSTER DROP HERE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ENTER THE MONSTER DROP: https://joshlloydfantasy.com/contests/GIVEAWAY 28JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl OVERVIEWI break down the Dallas Mavericks' 2025–26 fantasy basketball outlook, focusing on Cooper Flagg’s upside, Kyrie Irving’s return from injury, and the complicated frontcourt rotation. I highlight who has real fantasy value at current ADPs, the warning signs with Dereck Lively and PJ Washington, and how you should approach the draft with so many rotation and usage concerns.KEY TAKEAWAYSCooper Flagg is being drafted around the first/second round turn, and while his late-season run was elite, returning usage to Kyrie Irving means some stats (especially assists) may dip, but Flagg remains a justifiable end-of-round 1 or early round 2 target, especially in points leagues.Kyrie Irving’s 18-month recovery from his torn ACL makes him undervalued at his current ADP (outside top 50 on some platforms); I now feel comfortable taking him as early as the third round, or even late second, with top-15 per-game potential if healthy.The Mavericks’ center rotation is crowded and volatile: Dereck Lively is not healthy to start the season, Dan Gafford’s days as a per-minute monster are likely over, and Morez Johnson Jr. is an appealing late-round or stash flyer with possible defensive-stat upside if he locks down the starting spot.PJ Washington lacks significant upside given Dallas’ logjam at forward and his highly variable production; I would not touch him near pick 120 in 10- or 12-team leagues but see some value in deeper formats.Max Christie offers almost no category-league appeal—even with injuries, he’s a low-usage spot-up player without contribution across the stat sheet.Santi Aldama’s category value last year relied on unusual opportunity in Memphis; with more competition and limited minutes, there’s little reason to draft him outside of deep leagues.Naji Marshall, Marcus Sasser, and other bench wings/guards have extremely limited appeal unless injuries open major minutes.Dallas' 4-4-4 playoff fantasy schedule is elite, but the league-high number of back-to-backs could affect Kyrie Irving and Derrick Lively’s availability. CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:32 Dallas fantasy overview & league announcements1:45 Key Mavericks rotation and positional questions5:53 Projected starting lineup and usage breakdown6:50 Cooper Flagg fantasy ceiling and risk9:37 Kyrie Irving’s injury, updated projection, and value13:32 PJ Washington: upside, role competition, and draft context16:21 Mares Johnson Jr’s profile and flyer appeal17:57 Max Christie’s limited fantasy case19:28 Bench and rotation: Naji Marshall, Santi Aldama, Dan Gafford24:54 Backup ballhandlers and bench deep cuts26:44 Full roster notes and shooting logjam27:29 Dereck Lively’s injury and draft viability29:05 Best target, fade, late swing, and stash30:39 Injury updates: Lively, Aldama31:37 Schedule: Dallas playoff outlook and back-to-backs32:45 Wrap-up and site info Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  GametimeToday'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.SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuelThis 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) ENTER THE MONSTER DROP HERE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ENTER THE MONSTER DROP: https://joshlloydfantasy.com/contests/GIVEAWAY 27 JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl OVERVIEWI break down the Cleveland Cavaliers for fantasy basketball, with a focus on the real impact of James Harden’s presence on Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Peyton Watson. I cover projected rotations, usage shifts, value picks, and why the Cavs' playoff schedule is a real problem for fantasy managers in head-to-head leagues.KEY TAKEAWAYSDonovan Mitchell’s assist rate and usage dropped significantly with James Harden on the floor, making him risky as a first-round pick, especially since renewed depth and role changes are likely in Cleveland’s regular season.James Harden’s usage and minutes are set to decline further at age 37; taking him in round 2 is too aggressive. He’s a back-of-round-3 fantasy value in category leagues, lower in points formats.Evan Mobley’s fantasy value is firmly third to fourth round; a field goal/three-point shooting bounce-back is possible, but he didn’t take a real step forward last season. Center-only minutes would boost him, but that's not guaranteed.Jarrett Allen’s fantasy range is wide—he’ll exceed rank if the Harden pick-and-roll connection boosts his efficiency, but a drop to 25–26 minutes per game is a real risk if lineups favor Mobley at center. Don’t touch Allen at ESPN’s rank (49), but consider him in the 70–85 range.Peyton Watson’s role and usage are uncertain, but his ADP is reasonable for the minutes security. True upside is injury- or opportunity-dependent, so tread carefully unless you’re in a deeper league.The Cavs’ bench is extremely thin. Jaylen Tyson and Sam Merrill are key sixth/seventh men and deeper league streamers, but both rely on injuries ahead to gain standard-league relevance.Cleveland’s playoff schedule is brutal—with a dreaded two-game week during the most crucial fantasy playoff round. Fade all early-round Cavs in playoff-based leagues unless your league’s format makes the schedule irrelevant.Thomas Bryant is a pure stash in deeper leagues with a narrow fantasy window—he’ll only be worth rostering if both Mobley and Allen miss time.RESOURCESProjected Cavs lineups and starters/bench rotation breakdowns as discussed in the episodejoshloydfantasy.com/shop for Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball merch and league sign-upsBasketball Monster for projections and analysisNEXT STEPIf you’re drafting soon, make sure you factor Cleveland’s playoff schedule into your decisions, especially for early-round picks. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  GametimeToday'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.SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuelThis 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) CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:32 Setting Up the Cavs Fantasy Questions1:34 Harden’s Impact on Mitchell and Usage Projections4:01 Additional Cavs Rotation and Role Questions6:37 Projected Starting Lineup and Mitchell Analysis8:31 Evan Mobley: Value, Regression, and Role11:58 Cavs Bench and Roster Overview13:12 James Harden: Role, Age, and Rankings14:23 Jarrett Allen: Efficiency, Minutes, and Draft Range17:09 Peyton Watson: Upside vs Role Uncertainty20:59 Merch and Listener Leagues22:00 Projected Bench and Depth Issues24:38 Jaylon Tyson, Sam Merrill, and Cavs Depth26:00 Best Targets, Busts, and Late Swings28:49 Stash/Deep League Options (Bryant, etc.)30:02 Injury and Cavs Schedule Warnings32:10 Listener Mailbag: Leagues and FAQ33:35 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps ENTER THE MONSTER DROP HERE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ENTER THE MONSTER DROP: https://joshlloydfantasy.com/contests/GIVEAWAY 26  JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl OVERVIEWAuction (salary cap) drafts are one of the most skill-testing and rewarding ways to play fantasy basketball, but they also introduce unique challenges that can wreck your roster if you’re not prepared. I break down the key differences between stars and scrubs and balanced draft strategies, show why auction values are so volatile, and explain nomination, bidding, and adaptation tactics based on real draft room dynamics.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuction (salary cap) drafts are the fairest, most strategic draft method in fantasy basketball, but they require more preparation and skill than snake drafts.Every auction draft is unique, with player values and optimal spending plans changing based on nomination order, league size, roster spots, category settings, and draft room tendencies.Planning should include leaving flexibility ("wiggle room") in your budget for late bargains and always keeping a streaming slot open rather than fully budgeting for every roster spot.Extracting value (getting more projected production for your money than others) is critical; do not overpay for players just because they fit your punt or build, and avoid rigid adherence to preset dollar values.Stars and scrubs strategies—with two top-10 players and a string of $1 guys—can produce huge upside if you hit on cheap breakouts, but the risk is massive: injuries or overpriced stars can leave your team uncompetitive.Balanced builds—filling your core with players from about rank 25–75—tend to be safer and perform better in deeper leagues, especially when mid-round players are being properly valued by your draft room.Watching the draft room for hot or cold bidding trends is essential; if mid-rounders are undervalued, stars and scrubs can work, but if not, the balanced approach is much more viable.Smart nomination and unpredictable bidding tactics (varied pacing, price enforcement, and confusing your opponents) maximize leverage and value extraction in live auctions.RESOURCESBasketball Monster (Josh’s projections, pricing tools)joshlloydfantasy.com/shop (merchandise)joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl (Josh Lloyd Fantasy Basketball Bowl info)joshlloydfantasy.com/contest (Monster Drop contest entry)CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:50 What is an auction (salary cap) draft?4:02 Planning and budgeting strategies10:51 Updates and announcements13:38 Auction draft theory: punting, value extraction, and projections19:01 Nomination and end-game tips23:12 Bidding psychology and tactics26:41 Stars and scrubs vs. balanced builds31:17 Example builds and team composition analysis36:42 Handling injuries and adapting to draft room trends39:59 Final advice and sign-off Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  GametimeToday'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.SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuelThis 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) ENTER THE MONSTER DROP HERE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ENTER THE MONSTER DROP: https://joshlloydfantasy.com/contests/GIVEAWAY 25 JLFB BOWL https://joshlloydfantasy.com/bowl OVERVIEWChicago Bulls fantasy basketball preview, breaking down projected roles, upside, and risk across the roster. I tackle how new additions, evolving minutes, and questionable front office decisions shape the outlook for key Bulls in both points and category leagues. Find out which players I see as targets, fades, swings, and stashes for the upcoming fantasy season.KEY TAKEAWAYSJosh Giddey’s Yahoo rank at 18 is aggressive for category leagues but still holds value—he’s more dependable in points leagues, especially with his strong base in points, rebounds, and assists.Matas Buzelis is underpriced at his current rank (especially on ESPN with an ADP of 91); projected minutes and incremental improvement could easily make him a top-50 fantasy player.Norman Powell’s fantasy floor is volatile—he needs high usage to show value, and any trade or usage drop could crush his return. Fine if he’s drafted in the 80s, but not worth chasing earlier.Caleb Wilson offers defensive stats upside as a rookie, but is unproven with efficiency and free throws; best considered at a value spot rather than his irresponsible ESPN rank (56).Nicolas Claxton’s utility depends heavily on draft cost and format—he isn’t worth it in the 80s for category leagues but could be a value at 100+; minutes risk due to competition.Tre Jones is being overdrafted if you expect last year’s starting output—he’s likely a 24–25 minute bench player, with moderate assists and a risky statistical profile.Jalen Smith is a true must-roster if he starts, but that’s highly questionable; not draft-worthy in standard leagues, but makes sense as a deep league or speculative add.Buddy Hield’s reputation as an elite three-point shooter is outdated; current production is league average and he offers little else.RESOURCESjoshloydfantasy.com/bowl and joshloydfantasy.com/contests — for JLFB Bowl league info and Monster Drop giveawaysBasketball Monster — reference for player rankings and advanced metric explanationsNEXT STEPApply these recommendations to your Bulls-related draft decisions and monitor preseason rotations for clarity on minutes and roles.CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:19 Chicago Bulls season outlook1:13 Key questions and rotation overview4:40 Projected starting five5:29 Josh Giddey fantasy analysis8:05 Matas Buzelis breakout potential10:56 Norman Powell expectations and risk16:46 Caleb Wilson rookie assessment18:08 Nicolas Claxton draft cost22:41 Bench and rotation breakdown23:29 Tre Jones profile and drafting warning26:23 Jalen Smith, deep league consideration28:04 Full 10-man rotation recap28:18 End of bench, draft fades, and stash options33:35 Schedule and playoff analysis34:29 Show close and housekeeping Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Aura CybersecurityStart your free trial today at https://aura.com/aware.  Protect yourself now.  GametimeToday'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.SquareGet up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepod FanDuelThis 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) ENTER THE MONSTER DROP HERE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.