Welcome to The High Score Playlist: my weekly column that lets you know who to add off the waiver wire and get in your lineup for the upcoming week in fantasy basketball. You can also read my 9-cat and standard points leagues pickups story for advice in those formats.
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Fantasy basketball pickups and advice.
Week 8 in High Score is pure chaos — the NBA Cup has the schedule in flux, and depending on outcomes, teams could play anywhere from 1-3 games. Volume doesn’t matter as much in High Score, but you still want to maximize your efforts in locking in the highest score for your team.
Ok, let’s get to the pickups.
[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]
🎧 Who’s in My Rotation: High Score
Jaden McDaniels – FC, Timberwolves (46% rostered)
Yes, we’re going back to McDaniels in consecutive weeks — and the Wolves’ Week 8 schedule makes it unavoidable. Minnesota is locked into three games, and McDaniels closed Week 7 with back-to-back 40+ fantasy points in High Score. As one of the best wing defenders in the league, the Wolves will lean on him for heavy minutes, offering more time for production.
He’s averaging two stocks per game over his last six contests and is posting the highest assist rate of his career. In a week where a couple of extra opportunities can matter, McDaniels is a must-add in High Score.
Grayson Allen – G/FC, Suns (32% rostered)
Allen returned in Week 7 after missing seven games, and while the performance wasn’t to the standard we’ve seen this season, the opportunity is there. Before the injury, he averaged 34 fantasy points per game in High Score. Allen is one of four players under 40% rostered who is in the top-100 overall in per-game production.
With Devin Booker still sidelined by a groin injury and the Suns potentially playing three games depending on NBA Cup results, Allen’s fantasy potential is worth exploring. A proven producer (this year) + a favorable schedule = a player you should add in Week 8.
Jeremiah Fears – G, Pelicans (28% rostered)
The Pelicans play three games in Week 8, and Fears has posted 32+ fantasy points in High Score in four of his last five outings. New Orleans is bad — straight up — but that actually helps Fears maintain a stable, high-usage role even when Jordan Poole returns. Fears scores, hits 3s, gets to the line and contributes enough steals to keep his floor sturdy.
In a week with volume scattered across the league, Fears is a viable option widely available in this format.
Anthony Black – G, Magic (29% rostered)
Black continues to trend up across all formats because of his play, but he is also making the most of his minutes. Franz Wagner (leg) and Jalen Suggs (groin) both left Sunday’s contest early and with Paolo Banchero still working his way back, Black held it down with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block in 30 minutes. He’s been averaging 16/5/4 with 1.6 steals per game over his past 10 outings. Keep him locked into your lineups because he’s not going anywhere.
Ryan Nembhard – G, Mavericks (26% rostered)
Dallas only plays one game this week, which keeps Nembhard last on the list — but make no mistake, he should still be rostered in High Score. Jason Kidd’s rotations have been unpredictable. However, the Mavs are 4-2 with Nembhard as the starting point guard and he initiates the offense far better than D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams. Nembhard will generate a ton of assists, which is key for High Score, so if you have room on your bench, stash him; it’ll pay off beyond Week 8.
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