Based on the title, we’re going to guess that if you’ve clicked into this article, you’re relatively new to fantasy basketball. Welcome! It’s going to be a blast.

Whether you found us on Twitter or through the grapevine or by randomly clicking around the internet, it’s great to see you. Maybe a fellow fan of your favorite team referred you over here, or your league winner spilled the beans about where they’re getting their advice. Perhaps you’re looking to scratch the fantasy football itch in a new way. Regardless of what the reason is, we’re glad you’re here.

Here we’re going to lay out all the basics of fantasy basketball. What the game is, how it’s played, and how you want to work your way through a season, from draft day to the playoffs. It’s simple in the abstract, but each phase of the process requires steps of its own. In general, you join a league, pick your rules and settings, assemble the players, count up the stats and let the chips fall where they may.

Be sure to check out our Glossary of Terms and our Settings Guide for Commissioners as well! You’ll get more clear-cut definitions and clarifications for some of the things we’ll mention here, and there’s plenty more included that you’ll want to think about as you begin your fantasy basketball journey. With that said, let’s get into it.

The Basics

In order to read up on our introductory guide to fantasy basketball, you’ll need to have an NBA FantasyPass membership or purchase the Draft Guide. Click here to learn more and sign up!
Premium Access Required