[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. Create or join a league<\/a>]<\/p>\n Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished 2nd in total fantasy points last season.<\/p>\n Now, let\u2019s explore tips to help you in your High Score drafts \u2014\u00a0I also have in-season strategy when you\u2019re ready to dive deeper.<\/p>\n As a reminder, the High Score scoring format is as follows:<\/p>\n Points: 1 point And here\u2019s how the starting lineup breaks down:<\/p>\n Guard There are also four bench spots.<\/p>\n Maximize lineup flexibility<\/p>\n With High Score\u2019s streamlined and positionless format, there are just two guard spots, three frontcourt spots, and a single flex\/utility slot. There\u2019s no need to worry about filling every position (PG, SG, SF, PF or C) like traditional fantasy basketball formats. This gives you way more freedom to build your lineup your way \u2014 whether you want to stack up on guards, bulk up on versatile forwards, or mix and match based on your favorite draft strategy. Or, better yet \u2026<\/p>\n Target players with positional advantages<\/p>\n Drafting players with both guard and frontcourt eligibility is a savvy move in High Score. With only 30 of these versatile options available within the top-150, you get the freedom to easily adjust your lineup when injuries or rest days pop up. Here\u2019s the list of players with dual eligibility whom I\u2019d target:<\/p>\n Prioritize these players on draft day for an additional edge in High Score.<\/p>\n 1. Guards just got a major glow-up<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with one of the biggest changes you need to know: guards are more valuable than ever. The scoring updates in High Score are a massive boost for playmakers and perimeter defenders. Assists are now worth a full 2 points each, a big jump from the previous 1.5, and turnovers no longer deduct points. This is a game-changer.<\/p>\n This scoring tweak turns high-assist guards into prized fantasy assets. Trae Young<\/a> and Cade Cunningham<\/a> \u2014 two high-assist, high-turnover guards \u2014 are even better in High Score. But it doesn\u2019t stop there. Steals are worth a hefty 3 points, and guards tend to rack up steals at a higher rate than most frontcourt players. So, a guard who drops between 6-10 assists, plus a steal and no turnovers to worry about, is already giving you a huge point boost before you even count their points and rebounds.<\/p>\n This doesn\u2019t mean you should ignore big men entirely. In fact, it makes certain types of frontcourt players even more valuable. Guys who are the hub of their offense, like Paolo Banchero<\/a>, Domantas Sabonis<\/a> or Alperen Sengun<\/a>, also get a bump in High Score. Your draft plan should prioritize these assist-heavy players, whether they bring the ball up the court or facilitate from the high post.<\/p>\n 2. Hunt for weekly winners, not consistency<\/p>\n In other formats, a player who misses a game or two can be a weekly disaster. That fear leads to players with injury risk, like Joel Embiid<\/a>, sliding down draft boards. In High Score, that risk practically vanishes.<\/p>\n Since you only need one great game from a starter each week, \u201cload management\u201d and minor absences become far less concerning. Think about Embiid. He averages over 50 fantasy points per game when he plays, but his availability concerns often push him beyond the fifth round in traditional drafts. In High Score, he\u2019s a first-round talent, no question. All you need is one of his signature dominant performances per week to get elite production from that roster spot. He can play once, drop a 50-burger, and you\u2019re set for the week.<\/p>\n This mindset applies throughout the draft. Look for players who have week-winning potential. Jalen Green<\/a> is a perfect mid-round example. He\u2019s known for being inconsistent, but he\u2019s also capable of erupting for a massive scoring night at any moment. In other formats, his duds would frustrate you. Here, you only care about the peak. One 40-point game is all it takes to make him a valuable asset. Your goal is to build a roster full of players who can go off, not just show up.<\/p>\n 3. Steer clear of traditional, low-ceiling centers<\/p>\n They are reliable, night-in and night-out contributors who grab rebounds and block a couple of shots. In many fantasy formats, they provide a stable floor. In High Score, the Rudy Gobert<\/a> types aren\u2019t as valuable.<\/p>\n The scoring system devalues one of their primary contributions: rebounds are now worth just 1 point compared to 1.2 previously. While Gobert might have a spike game with 20+ rebounds or four blocks, the overall offensive game for traditional frontcourt players is limited. You generally know what you\u2019re getting \u2014 a low-end double-double. That predictable production just doesn\u2019t move the needle in a format where you\u2019re chasing explosive point totals.<\/p>\n Focus on bigs who are more involved in the offense or who contribute across multiple categories, not just the traditional big-man stats. Let someone else in your league draft these \u201csafe\u201d centers.<\/p>\n 4. Cash in your late-round lottery tickets<\/p>\n High Score features smaller rosters (10 players in total, including four bench spots), which might seem restrictive, but it actually gives you incredible freedom in the later rounds of your draft. You don\u2019t need to waste those final picks on safe, low-upside players just to fill out your roster. Instead, it\u2019s time to go big-game hunting.<\/p>\n Use your late-round picks to swing for the fences. Target volatile players who have the potential for spike performances. Rookies with a clear path to scoring, like Wizards rookie Tre Johnson<\/a>, are my ideal targets. He might be inconsistent early on, but his role is expected to grow, and he has the talent to deliver a 30-point game out of nowhere.<\/p>\n The beauty of this strategy lies in its low-risk nature. If your lottery ticket doesn\u2019t pan out, the short bench makes it an easy decision to drop him for a hot player on the waiver wire. You\u2019re not tied to your late-round picks. Take a chance on a player who could have a few huge weeks. Those are the swings that can separate you from the rest of the league.<\/p>\n 5. Don\u2019t sleep on the stocks (steals and blocks)<\/p>\n While chasing points and assists is crucial, don\u2019t forget about the defensive side of the ball. Steals and blocks \u2014 affectionately known as \u201cstocks\u201d in fantasy basketball \u2014 are both worth 3 points apiece. These stats can be random, but they add up quickly and can be the difference in a close matchup.<\/p>\n Prioritizing players who contribute on both ends of the floor is a savvy move. Guards who are elite defenders, like Derrick White<\/a>, are incredibly valuable. He can fill up the stat sheet with points and assists while also adding a couple of steals and a block, providing a well-rounded and high-scoring fantasy line.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/GettyImages-2221572449.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nRebounds: 1 point
\nAssists: 2 points
\nBlocks: 3 points
\nSteals: 3 points<\/p>\n
\nGuard
\nFrontcourt
\nFrontcourt
\nFrontcourt
\nFLEX\/UTIL<\/p>\n