Locked On Fantasy Basketball – Daily NBA Fantasy Basketball Podcast

OVERVIEW
Today I walk through my “do not draft” list for fantasy basketball based on the current rankings on Yahoo and ESPN, highlighting which players are overvalued at their listed prices and why you should avoid them where they're ranked. I give context for each do-not-draft recommendation—including category and points league-specific analysis—so you can make sharper decisions on draft day instead of blindly following pre-rankings.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
ESPN rankings are so careless and inconsistent that I recommend moving your leagues off ESPN entirely if possible.
Deni Avdija, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Josh Giddey, and Ty Jerome are all ranked as first-round options on ESPN’s category settings, which is indefensible based on actual performance and role.
Tyrese Haliburton is being overvalued at pick 10 on Yahoo, especially in points leagues; current context and likely early restrictions mean he’s not worth that price.
Trae Young’s Yahoo category league rank (18) is too aggressive given his limitations and role uncertainty; he’s not a top-24 fantasy player for me.
Donovan Mitchell is unlikely to repeat last season’s peak; don’t pay a round 2 premium for him this year.
Walker Kessler’s Yahoo rank (38) doesn’t account for risk in his steals, assists, and three-point jumps last year, which may not sustain.
Okongwu is being hyped (Yahoo 49) on a role change narrative, but his opportunity and usage are less assured than many presume.
Brandon Ingram at pick 83 (Yahoo and points) is a trap given his health, role decline, and history of slow recovery—you need to avoid him in the top 120.
Players like AJ Dybantsa (Yahoo 93), Malik Monk (Yahoo 94), and several others in rounds 8–10 are being assigned unrealistic breakout or stability expectations—pick them only as late flyers, not as rotation locks.
RESOURCES
Basketball Monster (for projections and rankings)
NEXT STEP
Check your draft platform’s rankings, challenge outlier pre-rankings, and avoid overpaying for players whose role, team context, or scoring format doesn't support their draft slot.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:05 ESPN rankings rant & platform critique
5:11 Do Not Draft: ESPN Round 1 offenders
8:04 Yahoo & ESPN Round 1–2 "Do Not Draft" picks
13:33 Round 3–5 Do Not Drafts (Yahoo & ESPN)
21:01 Round 6 and 7: Overvalued picks
28:32 Rounds 8–10: Late-round traps and flyers
34:08 Rookies, veterans, and platform default pitfalls
41:39 Final thoughts & sign-off

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This 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)

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OVERVIEW
How does Minnesota’s shift away from size affect fantasy basketball? I break down the Timberwolves’ role changes, lineup questions, and updated projections, with a sharp focus on how it all impacts Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert, and the rest of this roster across league types.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Anthony Edwards is consistently pushed into the first round of fantasy drafts, but he's never finished as a top 10 fantasy player in any format; taking him fifth overall, as ESPN ranks him, isn’t justified given his track record and the alternatives available.
LaMelo Ball is a solid back-end second-rounder in category leagues and more of a 20–25 range guy in points formats, with reason to expect increased rebounds and minutes as Minnesota’s roster trends smaller.
Rudy Gobert’s fantasy profile (mid-70s in category leagues, low-60s in points) is stable but unspectacular. While his rebounding could tick up with the team’s lack of bigs, his age and declining block rate cap his upside.
Jaden McDaniels projects for a slight usage bump and more opportunity with the departures of Naz Reid and Julius Randle, but Jonathan Kuminga’s arrival tempers a true breakout—McDaniels is a value where ranked in the 70s for categories, less so in points.
Jonathan Kuminga is penciled in as fifth starter but remains a low-upside fantasy play unless his role grows far beyond expectations. I have no problem with a late flyer, but he’s a quick drop if the production isn’t there.
Ayo Dosunmu is being overdrafted (in the 9th round on major platforms) relative to his likely bench role and questionable repeatability of last year’s efficiency metrics; no reason to reach at that price.
Joan Beringer only holds stash value in deep or games-cap leagues, as he’s strictly a backup center barring a Rudy Gobert injury—viable only where a long-term hold is practical.
The Timberwolves’ two-game fantasy playoff week is a massive disadvantage for head-to-head semifinal matchups; it becomes a relevant tiebreaker if you’re deciding between Anthony Edwards and similar players.
RESOURCES
Basketball Monster (mentioned as the source for projections and rankings)
joshloydfantasy.com (draft results, standings, research, and merch)
NEXT STEP
Check your own league’s fantasy playoff schedule before committing to key Timberwolves players in head-to-head formats.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:21 Minnesota’s new roster direction
2:29 Key rotation and lineup uncertainties
4:29 Anthony Edwards: value and draft slot
8:38 LaMelo Ball: upside and risk
14:08 Rudy Gobert: role and limits
16:32 Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga analysis
20:08 Bench rotation impacts and Ayo Dosunmu’s draft price
24:16 Evaluating Terrence Shannon and Joan Beringer
28:12 Remaining bench, deep cuts, and roster construction
29:40 Targets, fades, late swings
30:43 Injury update: Donte DiVincenzo
31:12 Schedule and playoff week implications
32:23 Closing thoughts and resources


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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today'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.
FanDuel
This 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)

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OVERVIEW
This episode breaks down the most mispriced players in fantasy basketball drafts across Yahoo and ESPN, for both categories and points leagues, rounds 2–10. I identify where the platform rankings are off, explain why these players offer clear value, and highlight the practical consequences for your fantasy basketball draft strategy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
There are no universal "must-draft" players; value is completely relative to platform ranking, league format, and draft position.
LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey are notably undervalued in Yahoo's default ranks for the second round, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a gift at pick 20 on ESPN.
Domantas Sabonis is ranked lower than he should be in round 3; I’m not a Sabonis guy, but at 34 on Yahoo, the risk is minimized.
Anthony Davis at pick 45 on Yahoo takes most of the injury risk out of the equation; perceived narrative around his willingness to play is speculative and not useful for analysis.
Trey Murphy III and Dyson Daniels are egregiously undervalued in ESPN formats, both in points and categories, relative to their likely roles and production.
Chet Holmgren: the gap between Yahoo and ESPN points ranks is significant. At 71 on ESPN points, he’s a big value compared to his fantasy upside.
Paul George and Stephon Castle are falling well below their expected value in both Yahoo and ESPN ranks; even factoring injury risk or role uncertainty, the potential reward far outweighs the downside at their listed spots.
League winners are often found late: Zach Edey, Paul George, and Ryan Rollins, all ranked outside the top 100, have upside to return top-50 value if health or situation breaks right.
NEXT STEP
Check your platform’s rankings and identify players mispriced by 15+ spots to maximize your draft value, rather than fixating on consensus “sleepers.”
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
3:00 Methodology and ranking update notes
6:13 Must-draft values: Rounds 2–3
12:51 Rounds 4–6: Value explanations and examples
17:18 Rounds 7–8: Undervalued and misranked players
23:50 Rounds 9–10: Late-round league winners
34:49 Wrap-up and final strategy notes

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Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today'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.
FanDuel
This 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)
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OVERVIEW
Mock drafting from pick 10 in a Yahoo points league draft, I walk through round-by-round player decisions, evaluate picks in the context of points formats, and call out mistakes, reach picks, and strong value selections. This episode highlights crucial fantasy basketball differences between points and category leagues, and exposes which players are overvalued or undervalued in Yahoo points scoring compared to their reputation or ADP.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tyrese Haliburton is a major avoid in Yahoo points leagues, especially high in the draft. Taking him top 10 is a critical error given his scoring profile and injury risk.
Jalen Johnson is a strong points league value at the 12 spot, but not a player to prioritize in category formats at similar ADPs.
Several drafters clearly misunderstood the points format, leading to egregious picks like Chet Holmgren, Lauri Markkanen, and others well ahead of their points league value.
Rookies like Paolo Banchero and Stephon Castle can be targeted aggressively in points leagues for their top-15 and format-specific upside, even when it would be an overpay in category formats.
Projected points value should drive mid-round and late selections; picks like Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Jakob Poeltl reflect sharp format recognition.
Injured or uncertain players (Nic Claxton, Jusuf Nurkic, Brandon Ingram) should not be drafted as starters in points leagues given their risk and unclear timelines.
Owners are fading Derrick White too hard in points leagues; he's a solid mid-round selection with better-than-perceived floor in this format.
Drafters need to actively scroll and search the pool on draft platforms; don't let default rankings dictate your queue, especially in later rounds.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
4:38 Mock Draft Begins: Round 1
7:56 Early Draft Analysis: Top 20 Picks
10:59 3rd Round Reversal Dynamics
14:01 Drafting for Points Leagues vs Categories
19:12 Mid-Round Picks, Rookies, and Format Errors
24:04 Sniping, Upside Swings, and Round 7+ Value
28:50 Late Rounds: Injury Risk and Flyers
32:26 Last Rounds: Deep Flyers and Format Reminders
42:35 Projections and Mock Draft Results
43:30 Wrap-Up and Upcoming Shows

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Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

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This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today'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.
FanDuel
This 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)

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OVERVIEW
Milwaukee is the NBA's most unpredictable fantasy basketball team heading into the season, with a crowded, unsettled rotation and major questions about playing time, roles, and organizational priorities after losing Giannis Antetokounmpo. I break down the headaches of projecting this roster, key values and risks, and how to approach difficult draft decisions around Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Myles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr., and the rest of Milwaukee's mix. Expect volatility, unclear developmental priorities, and roster churn that makes strong stances difficult.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Bucks' rotation is the toughest in the NBA to project, with too many comparable players and no clear core; uncertainty makes fantasy investments risky inside the top 60–70.
Tyler Herro projects as Milwaukee’s best fantasy option but likely won’t get enough consistent minutes or long-term opportunity to reach true ceiling value; he’s a justifiable pick around 60 in drafts, but a surge toward the top 35 would require stable 34-plus minutes which looks unlikely.
Ryan Rollins has clear top-40 upside if committed to by the organization, but Milwaukee’s incentive to feature unrestricted players is questionable; he’s a reasonable target in the pick 50–70 range but comes with “everything is scenario dependent” caveats.
Myles Turner cratered last season for both play and effort reasons; even in the 90–100 range, the lack of motivation and team uncertainty makes him very risky unless he drops well past ADP in drafts.
Kyle Kuzma brings theoretical opportunity but remains one of the worst fantasy profiles in the NBA—ignore his starting status and avoid in standard leagues.
Kevin Porter Jr. is volatile and has upside if given minutes, but his big spike in assists, steals, and efficiency last year looks like a statistical outlier, and his role is completely unsettled; Porter is only a swing pick in late rounds.
Kel'el Ware is an elite per-minute fantasy producer but his playing time floor is low unless trades happen; he remains draftable late given his upside.
Milwaukee’s glut of young players (including Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis) and vets (Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, Jaime Jaquez Jr.) makes stashing rookies in standard leagues impractical without a clear path.
NEXT STEP
If you think you can project how minutes and roles shake out, let me know—otherwise, draft cautiously and downgrade all Milwaukee assets in standard fantasy basketball leagues.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
1:01 Projecting Milwaukee’s rotation
6:02 Starting lineup and instability
7:57 Tyler Herro analysis and risk
9:20 Ryan Rollins’ case and dilemma
12:12 Advertisements
14:46 Bucks outlook post-Giannis
15:16 Myles Turner’s volatility
17:14 Jaime Jaquez Jr. analysis
19:04 Kyle Kuzma — don’t be fooled
20:12 Bench and deep rotation chaos
22:11 Kevin Porter Jr. value trap
24:05 Kel'el Ware’s complicated upside
27:32 Rookie stashes and low confidence
30:29 End-of-bench and consolidation problems
31:10 Draft targets, fades, and stash strategies
32:43 Injury update and playoff schedule notes
33:43 Confidence check and closing thoughts
AD READS — PRODUCTION ONLY
[12:12] FanDuel — Full read
[13:21] Kalshi — Full read
[20:16] Odoo — Full read

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.

Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA.

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.
PrizePicks
Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $150 if you win your first $5 lineup!

Gametime
Today'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.
FanDuel
This 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)

Visit Josh Lloyd Fantasy for more

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.