NBA Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-08-05

Greetings, DFS enthusiasts! Sarah Chen here, your go-to for all things fantasy hoops at SportsPulse.com. We're diving deep into this week's NBA slate, dissecting matchups and identifying the plays that will put you in the green.

NBA Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape The NBA landscape is shifting, with several teams finding their rhythm while others struggle for consistency. Key trends from this past week include a noticeable uptick in scoring efficiency from perimeter-oriented offenses, alongside a continued emphasis on defensive versatility. The recent San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks slugfest, while low-scoring, highlighted the Knicks' defensive grit and a grind-it-out approach that can limit fantasy upside for opponents. Injury reports are relatively stable, but always double-check last-minute news for unexpected value. Teams with favorable schedules, particularly those facing weaker defensive units or playing back-to-backs, present prime opportunities for stacking. Keep an eye on teams that push the pace; more possessions mean more fantasy points.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks, PG): After his dominant performance in the Knicks' recent win over San Antonio, Brunson continues to be a lock. His usage rate is consistently elite, often hovering near 30%, and he’s the primary offensive initiator for a team that relies heavily on his scoring and playmaking. Facing teams with average-to-below-average perimeter defense, his ability to get to the rim and knock down contested jumpers makes him matchup-proof. Priced in the mid-$8k range on both DraftKings and FanDuel, he offers a high floor with substantial ceiling potential, easily returning 5x-6x value, especially when his assist numbers spike.

Read all Fantasy Picks coverage on SportsPulse →