Succeeding in a Yahoo High Score fantasy basketball league requires a fresh approach compared to traditional formats. Since assists earn 2 points, steals and blocks are valued at 3 points, turnovers carry no penalties, and only a player’s best performance each week counts, this scoring system highlights a distinctive group of players.
If you want to participate, you can join or start a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season.
After analyzing every 2025-26 game box score under both scoring systems, I’ve identified the players likely to excel in this High Score format this upcoming season.
Guards
LaMelo Ball – Minnesota Timberwolves
I was fully behind Ball last year, and he exceeded expectations. After missing 57% of games in the three seasons before, he appeared in 72 games and climbed to 19th in High Score value per game, compared to 39th in standard scoring. His top weekly performances were 24% better than his average, and he scored over 60 fantasy points eight times.
Playing only 28 minutes per night, Ball produced 1.55 High Score points per minute. In the 26 games with 30-plus minutes, he averaged 49.4 fantasy points, suggesting an even higher ceiling with extended playing time.
Now with Minnesota alongside Anthony Edwards following their blockbuster trade in June, Ball is on the most balanced and competitive team of his career. Last season, he averaged 9.2 assists per 36 minutes, and in games where he played 30-plus minutes, he delivered 7.9 assists per game. Surrounded by teammates who thrive in transition, can finish lobs, and knock down open shots, his assist numbers should increase further. With more minutes and a higher ceiling, Ball’s fantasy outlook is headed upward.
Josh Giddey – Chicago Bulls
Giddey earned a lucrative contract this offseason, solidifying his role as the Bulls’ primary ball-handler moving forward. Known as one of the best rebounding and playmaking guards, last season he averaged 17 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists, with 13 triple-doubles tied for the second most in the NBA. While standard leagues penalize his 3.6 turnovers per game, High Score leagues ignore turnovers altogether.
He scored over 60 fantasy points in 15 of his 54 games, finishing 15th in High Score points per game compared to 21st in standard scoring. Though he missed 28 games, he still produced in 20 of the 25 scoring weeks, ideal for this format.
This year, the team context looks even better with a new coach, an improved rim protector in Nic Claxton, an exciting rookie Caleb Wilson, and proven scorer Norman Powell. Giddey assisted rookie Matas Buzelis 85 times last season, the most on the team, and their chemistry should grow stronger. These factors suggest Giddey’s ceiling in High Score leagues is poised to rise.
Darius Garland – Los Angeles Clippers
Garland averaged 6.7 assists to only 2.9 turnovers last season, an assist-to-turnover ratio that pays dividends in High Score scoring since only assists matter. He ranked 50th per game in High Score compared to 70th in standard points.
His outlook is even more promising this season. After the February trade that sent James Harden to Cleveland, Garland assumed the secondary scoring role behind Kawhi Leonard, averaging 19.9 points and 39.2 High Score points over 19 games with the Clippers. With Kawhi now gone, Garland will move into a co-leading role, increasing usage and lifting his upside.
Early in the season, Brandon Ingram—the team’s marquee offseason signing—is recovering from heel and Achilles injuries, leaving his return date uncertain. Until Ingram is back, Garland is poised to shoulder an even larger offensive load.
Frontcourt
Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
Last year, I backed a lighter Embiid, and the results were mixed. Although he played only 38 games (due to knee problems and an emergency appendectomy), he still contributed in 17 of 25 weeks. In per-game rankings, Embiid rated higher in standard points (11th) than High Score (17th), but for seasonal totals where availability matters, he ranked 83rd in High Score versus 111th in standard formats.
When on the court, Embiid remains a beast—averaging 26.9 points and 47.8 High Score points, with seven 60-plus fantasy point games and 13 games over 50 points in his limited action. He averaged an elite 54.5 High Score points per 36 minutes.
Now back in camp looking leaner, the Sixers aim to manage his health carefully. Sharing the floor with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown should ease his scoring load, reducing the number of nights he has to carry the offense alone like in previous seasons. Although not expected to play a full 70-game slate, in High Score formats, a single big game each week can secure value.
Derik Queen – New Orleans Pelicans
Queen ranks 77th in my 2026-27 High Score projections and 99th in Standard Points, showing one of the largest gaps between formats. As a rookie, he played 81 games, averaging 11.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 “stocks” (combined steals and blocks) in 25 minutes per game.
His passing numbers stand out—averaging 5.3 assists per 36 minutes alongside 46.0 High Score points per game, impressive stats for a young big man. Like many rookies, his production fluctuated closely, but his best weekly game was on average 31% better than his usual output. He topped 50 fantasy points 10 times, including an incredible 72-point performance.
Watch his minutes, as a timeshare is probable between power forward and center. Eventually, he should gain a larger role, making him a long-term investment. His ability to contribute across multiple stat categories hints at strong fantasy potential whenever he gets extended playing time.
Draymond Green – Golden State Warriors
Now 36 years old, Green’s scoring has dropped to 8.4 points per night, but he still contributed 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.5 stocks on average last season. He participated in all 25 scoring weeks, finishing the season ranked 77th in High Score totals compared to 106th in standard leagues—one of the biggest format advantages. Per game, he was 116th in High Score scoring vs. 136th in standard points.
Green’s assists are crucial to his fantasy value, comprising 37% of his High Score production last season, with six games registering over 10 assists. His best weekly performances were 23% better than average.
What pushes Green into my recommendations is the injury absence of Kristaps Porziņģis, potentially increasing Green’s minutes at center. Additionally, he’s being encouraged to take more shots than in recent years. With an average draft position around 107, Green represents a valuable late-round target often overlooked in this format.
Fan Take:
This analysis highlights how Yahoo High Score leagues emphasize different player skills and roles, reshaping fantasy basketball strategies. For fans, it underscores the evolving nature of the sport and how optimizing player value can reveal new stars, influencing both fantasy play and fan appreciation of on-court performances.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
