Within the realm of fantasy basketball, strategic approaches are molded by the league’s format — and specifically in High Score (points-based) leagues, sheer statistical accumulation reigns supreme. This system of scoring emphasizes players who accumulate points, assists, rebounds, and defensive stats, while not focusing on areas such as field goal percentage and turnovers.
[High Score offers a fresh way to experience Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo, with easy-to-manage rosters and scoring. Start your own league or become part of an existing one.]
The consequence? Players often dismissed because of their drawbacks gain increased value in the drafting process.
With the 2025–26 NBA season fast approaching, presented here are four stars projected to excel within the High Score format.
Trae Young – Guard, Hawks
Elevated assist frequency + turnovers are inconsequential
Young is tailor-made for High Score settings. In the prior season, the often-overlooked All-Star achieved an average of 24.2 points coupled with a career-leading 11.6 assists per contest, topping the NBA in assist numbers while solidifying his standing as a premiere playmaker. In category-based leagues, his value often declines, placing him around the second-round pick range due to his 4.1 turnovers per game over his career in addition to his 43% field goal percentage. These factors could lead to hesitation in a category-centric context. In High Score, conversely, these perceived shortcomings hold no significance.
With the Hawks boasting one of their most complete rosters in recent memory, Young’s playmaking responsibilities are both effective and sustainable. Supported by a stronger cast of scorers and shooters, he has the liberty to excel at what he does best — amassing statistics free from concerns about efficiency. He is considered a mid-first-round selection in High Score at this time.
LaMelo Ball – Guard, Hornets
The chance of injury is lessened by the scoring system
Ball was absent for 141 of 246 possible games over the course of the three previous seasons. That equates to missing over 57% of games due to injuries over that timeframe — a cause for some degree of concern.
So how can he provide value in High Score?
His Average Draft Position (ADP) places him in the vicinity of the third round, even though he has the potential to produce at a first-round level in a scoring approach that highlights the single best game each week and does not penalize turnovers or FG percentage. Throughout 47 games last year, Ball recorded averages of 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per contest while maintaining a career-peak 35% usage rate — a figure that has increased throughout each of his seasons in the league. Even with his lowest true shooting percentage recorded, the volume is still high: over 20 field goal attempts, 11 3-point shots, and five free throws per game.
The Hornets’ rebuilt roster presents increased assist opportunities — further, a weaker Eastern Conference could aid Charlotte in competing for a playoff berth. LaMelo has averaged 1.32 Fantasy Points Per Minute (FPPM) in recent seasons, making him a worthwhile risk in High Score. His production could potentially make him a top-15 fantasy player when he is on the floor.
Learn more about High Score
Zion Williamson – Frontcourt, Pelicans
Good health = good results
Williamson is among the most effective and productive fantasy players when evaluating a per-minute basis — and the High Score setup brings out that asset. According to Cleaning the Glass, Zion achieved ratings in the 100th percentile in both usage rate and assist percentage for his position in the previous season. It is easy to forget that he appeared in 70 games two seasons ago. Now there is even more on the line.
Williamson’s compensation across the next few seasons is based on meeting certain criteria related to weight, body fat, and availability. It is likely why he’s reportedly in the best physical condition of his career. Fantasy participants should be aware of this, as he is playing for his financial future. Furthermore, while he is on the court, only a select few players reach his degree of efficiency at 1.56 FPPM last season.
In High Score formats, where there are no penalties for his limited 3-point shots, low block numbers, or moderate free-throw percentage, Williamson’s particular combination of inside scoring along with playmaking converts into a highly valued asset in High Score and points leagues as a whole. He is capable of replicating previous season’s production of 25/7/5.
Joel Embiid – Frontcourt, 76ers
An opportunity to achieve previous MVP-caliber performance
The 76ers have yet to specify a return date for Embiid. He did, however, take part in the Sixers’ blue and white scrimmage (an activity he usually skips) during the preseason, appearing agile and slimmer. Investing in the revised version of Embiid makes sense, and similarly, you should consider doing so, in relation to his draft cost.
Embiid appears on the “do not draft” lists for some, but in Round 5 — in High Score — he holds the largest upside of any player being drafted at that stage. Even should he see a decline in minutes upon his return, he still performs strongly on a per-minute basis. Embiid was able to average 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists along with 1.4 FPPM while playing through an injury last season.
The prior year was challenging. Embiid never achieved full fitness following his Olympic appearance; he came back prematurely, which affected his play. Currently, having had an extended period off combined with the chance to rehabilitate and physically prepare himself, the former MVP seems to be moving in the proper direction. The structured rest and maintenance periods will have less of an impact on your fantasy lineup within High Score, given that you will technically need him to have only one excellent performance each week.
Similar to LaMelo and Zion, the highest potential outcomes surpass the injury risks, especially when considering where Embiid is being drafted this season.
