A complete guide to drafting, lineups, and competing in fantasy basketball leagues. Entertainment only — no real money play.
Fantasy basketball lets you act as a general manager: you build a virtual team from real NBA players and earn points based on their real-game performance. No real money is at stake — it's purely for fun and competition. Whether you prefer a full season commitment or quick daily contests, the basics are the same: draft or pick players, set your lineup, and watch the stats add up.
Below we walk you through each step, from signing up to competing for the top spot in your league.
Create an account on our platform and choose to join an existing league or create your own. You can invite friends via link or email, or join a public league with other managers. Leagues can be season-long (one draft at the start, roster for the whole year) or daily (new lineup each day). Pick the format that fits your schedule and style.
In a season league, all managers take part in a live or automated draft. You take turns selecting NBA players until your roster is full. Draft order is usually random or snake (e.g. 1–10 in round one, then 10–1 in round two) so everyone gets a fair mix of picks. Strategy matters: balance star players with value picks later in the draft, and consider positions (PG, SG, SF, PF, C) and which stats your league rewards. Check our Scoring System to plan ahead.
Your roster includes players from different positions. Each game day (or week, depending on league settings) you set a lineup — the players who are “active” and will earn fantasy points. Only active players count toward your score. Bench players do not. Stay on top of injury reports, rest days, and game schedules so you don’t leave points on the bench.
Real NBA stats are converted into fantasy points automatically. Points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and often three-pointers and shooting percentages all count. Each stat has a set value (e.g. 1 point per point scored, 1.5 per assist). For the exact formula and examples, see our Scoring System page. Your team’s total is updated after each real game.
In season leagues you accumulate points over the year or compete in head-to-head matchups each week. In daily games you pick a new lineup for that day’s slate and compete in that round only — results are in as soon as the games finish. No real money is involved; it’s all for fun and bragging rights. Climb the standings and aim for the playoffs or the top of the leaderboard.
Many season leagues allow trades between managers and waiver pickups for free agents (players not on any roster). Use trades to swap players and improve weak spots; use the waiver wire when someone gets injured or underperforms. League settings define trade deadlines, waiver order (e.g. reverse standings), and how many moves you can make. Stay active to keep your team competitive all season.
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