The fantasy basketball season typically begins just before Opening Night, which officially marks the start of NBA fantasy matchups. The 2025-26 NBA regular season tips off Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a marquee doubleheader featuring the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets, followed by Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers.
Preseason action begins Oct. 2 and runs through Oct. 17, giving fantasy managers early looks at rookie roles and rotation changes. That means fantasy leagues begin drafting in early-mid October, ensuring managers are rostered and ready well before games are live. Make sure to check out RotoWire's fantasy basketball draft kit to help with your draft.
Key 2025 NBA Fantasy Basketball Calendar Dates
Draft Prep: Tools to Get You Ahead
Build with the Right Strategy
Success starts with the NBA fantasy draft. Whether it's a snake or auction format, gathering intel early is vital. Tools like fantasy basketball rankings give you a reliable player hierarchy, while the NBA fantasy draft cheat sheet helps you adjust categories and tiers on the fly.
Use Projections to Inform Decisions
Accurate NBA projections offer season-long estimates of scoring, rebounds, assists and other categories. These forecasts help round out your roster beyond the obvious stars.
Auction League Budgeting
If you're in an auction format, understanding fantasy basketball auction values helps you assign realistic dollar amounts so that you're not overspending on a top player and left scrambling later.
Track Market Trends
Watch NBA fantasy ADP to see how others value players. An informed use of ADP helps you avoid overpaying for consensus picks and spot opportunities when players slip in the draft.
Post-Draft: Stay Engaged with Insights
Monitor Minutes and Rotations
Knowing NBA starting lineups as they are announced — or even before — gives you a head start on unexpected role changes that impact fantasy value.
Act Quickly on Injuries
The NBA injury report can make or break you. Injuries create waiver wire goldmines, and being quick to react keeps you ahead of your league.
Season-Long Success Requires Depth
Fantasy basketball isn't won on draft day alone. Your ability to interpret NBA projections, combine them with fantasy basketball rankings and adapt using ADP trends gives you a robust foundation. That, plus staying updated on NBA starting lineups and NBA injury report alerts, ensures you're navigating midseason twists proactively.
If you want a competitive edge through the draft and throughout the season, many fantasy managers choose to subscribe to RotoWire. It provides expert NBA projections, updated rankings, lineup trackers and in-depth injury analysis, all essential for strategic decision-making.
