Yahoo’s High Score format changes how we view fantasy basketball sleepers. Since only your best game of the week counts, consistency matters less, and upside matters more. You’re required to start at least three frontcourt players in your lineup. Rebounds (1 point) aren’t as valuable in High Score, but there’s no shortage of versatile forwards and centers who will run your numbers up.
[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. Create or join a league]
Below are five sleeper frontcourt players outside the top 100 in ADP who could become difference-makers in High Score.
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Dereck Lively, Dallas Mavericks
Current ADP: 119.0
High Score Impact
Lively quietly ranked in the top 25 among frontcourt players in fantasy points per minute (FPPM) last season, posting an impressive 1.19 fantasy points per minute (FPPM) in High Score. He also receives a short-term boost with Daniel Gafford missing 2-3 weeks due to an ankle sprain. Lively has a double-double with multiple-stock upside, and at 119, that’s well worth the price.
Standard Points Outlook
At 1.15 FPPM in standard points leagues, he provides solid frontcourt depth as you’re nearing the back end of drafts. The minutes will be there initially, so he’ll get plenty of rebounds and blocks to be fantasy relevant in this format.
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Category League Fit
Lively helps anchor FG percentage while generating blocks and boards. Apparently, he’s been working on his 3-ball, too, so pencil in another category that’ll boost his value. Even if he doesn’t take a step forward as a scorer, he’s healthy with his role well-defined as a rim protector who holds down the paint.
Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
Current ADP: 123.0
High Score Impact
Eason finished in the 91st percentile (1.17) in fantasy points per minute among players who played a minimum of 500 minutes last season. Even in a bench role, he provides starter-level production. Like Lively, Eason’s value went up due to injury. Dorian Finney-Smith is still recovering from ankle surgery and will likely miss opening night. Eason’s disruptive defense (97 steals, 50 blocks in 57 games) translates perfectly to this format.
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Standard Points Outlook
Finney-Smith’s injury gives me more confidence in targeting Eason in all formats. He’ll have moments of playing 28-30 minutes where he’ll go off in points, rebounds and especially in stocks. He averaged 28 fantasy points per game in standard leagues last year, so 30 per game is very attainable.
Category League Fit
His value is best suited for 9-cat because his stocks and versatility shine through. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he’s a top-100 player in both fantasy and real life.
Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies
Current ADP: 115.0
High Score Impact
Aldama produced a respectable 1.11 High Score FPPM last season, showing his ability to chip in across the board. While not a flashy player, he can shoot, is a decent rebounder and is a low-key good at passing. Aldama had 15 games with five or more assists last year. The injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke opened up a huge chance for Aldama to produce right away and fantasy managers should draft him.
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Standard Points Outlook
At 1.06 FPPM, he’s more than serviceable with an increased role to start the season. Aldama has a 40-50 point boom potential (he fell within that range 10 times last year).
Category League Fit
Aldama posted career highs in six of nine categories last year, was rewarded with a new contract and will get a ton of minutes due to injuries in the Grizzlies frontcourt. I’d draft him well ahead of his ADP.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
Current ADP: 135.0
High Score Impact
I’m probably early on Bailey. However, his style of play screams boom-or-bust, which aligns with High Score’s brand. He gets buckets and can step into being the second option offensively. He rebounds decently well and his athleticism should net some stocks. He’s a guy I’ll draft to fill out my depth with upside.
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Standard Points Outlook
Most young, high volatility scorers perform better in points leagues. Bailey’s no different. Not having to worry about efficiency is a nice bonus when drafting rookies.
Category League Fit
I’m not as high on Bailey in 9-cat because he profiles as a player who will be too inconsistent to rely on if building a balanced squad.
Other frontcourt sleeper options:
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Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies (ADP 140.6)
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Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers (ADP 139.0)
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Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors (ADP: 130.0)
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Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics (ADP:140.8)
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