Last Updated on October 22, 2025 9:52 am by André Lemos | Published: October 22, 2025

How about opening night? It’s always good to get games back on and while the first night of the season features a couple of high-profile matchup, it’s really that first big night of the year that feels like the start of the proceedings. For everyone who isn’t a fan of the Thunder, Rockets, Warriors and Lakers, enjoy YOUR opening night.

Top Pickups

This is the “general must-add” section regardless of the slate. If these players were overlooked in your draft or remain chilling on the waiver wire, consider adding them to your squad.

After only two games last night, all of the names Keston Paul dropped as guys who should be rostered still fit the bill. That includes: Neemias Queta, Taylor Hendricks/Kyle Filipowski, Keyonte George, Jaden McDaniels, Toumani Camara, Herb Jones, Kyshawn George, Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff.

As for the guys from last night who are worth scooping if available, it’s not a long list, but there’s actually some things to consider.

Jabari Smith Jr.

We weren’t expecting to highlight Smith here but apparently he was only rostered in 39% of Yahoo leagues heading into last night. He didn’t astound but played solid defense and grabbed a few key rebounds in a classic on opening night, finishing with 16 points, five rebounds, a steal and two 3-pointers on 7-for-15 shooting in 42 minutes. He’s not going to blow anyone away but Smith is locked into a good role and will help a wide variety of roster builds.

Cason Wallace

Even worse, somehow Wallace — a top-100 guy from last season and one of the league leaders in steals, which are still a fantasy stat the last time we checked — was only 33% rostered. He’s going to start for as long as Jalen Williams (wrist surgery) is out and may end up starting over Isaiah Hartenstein half of the time even when Williams is back. He dropped 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals and three 3-pointers on 5-of-10 shooting in 42 minutes. This should be your last chance to get him for free.

Steven Adams

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