NBA Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-08-02

NBA Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape

The NBA landscape is shifting, presenting both challenges and opportunities for DFS managers. We’re seeing a clear trend of elevated scoring, with several teams pushing pace and offensive efficiency to new heights. Injury news remains paramount; always monitor official team reports right up to tip-off, as even minor tweaks can dramatically alter rotations and usage. This week features several teams on back-to-backs, offering potential value plays from rested starters or increased minutes for bench players in the second leg. The San Antonio Spurs' recent 90-94 loss to the Knicks highlighted defensive struggles for younger teams, which savvy managers can exploit. High implied totals and fast-paced matchups should be prioritised when building your core lineups.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters

1. Nikola Jokic (C - Denver Nuggets): Priced typically between $10,500 and $11,000 on DraftKings and FanDuel, Jokic is a perennial triple-double threat whose floor is higher than most players' ceilings. His matchup this week against a team with struggling interior defense makes him an absolute lock. Jokic’s incredible assist rate combined with his dominant scoring and rebounding means he stuffs the stat sheet regardless of game flow. His usage rate consistently hovers around 27-30%, ensuring he's the focal point of the Nuggets' offense, guaranteeing massive fantasy production. He offers slate-breaking potential every single night.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG/SG - Oklahoma City Thunder): SGA continues to be a fantasy darling, consistently delivering elite numbers. At around $9,500-$10,000, he’s a justified spend. His ability to get to the free-throw line, where he converts at an elite clip, provides a safe floor, while his high usage (often above 30%) and consistent scoring make him a top-tier option. This week, he faces a team known for giving up points to opposing guards, setting him up for another huge performance. His defensive stats (steals and blocks) are also a bonus that boosts his fantasy output considerably.

3. Jalen Brunson (PG - New York Knicks): Following the Knicks' victory over the Spurs, Brunson is showing no signs of slowing down. With his price hovering around $8,500-$9,000, he offers excellent value for a player with such a high usage rate in the Knicks' offense. His ability to score efficiently, combined with a healthy assist rate, makes him a fantastic option. The Knicks have a favourable schedule this week against teams that struggle against quick, scoring guards. Brunson's consistent 30+ actual point nights translate directly into strong DFS scores, making him a cornerstone for your build.

Bench These — Players to SIT

1. Victor Wembanyama (C/PF - San Antonio Spurs): Despite his undeniable talent and recent flashes, Wembanyama, typically priced around $8,000-$8,500, faces a difficult stretch this week. The Spurs' offense, as evidenced by their 90-point outing against the Knicks, is still finding its rhythm, and Wemby's efficiency can be volatile. His upcoming matchups include some of the league's top defensive frontcourts, which will limit his scoring and rebounding opportunities. The physical toll on a rookie against these opponents could also lead to reduced minutes or less impactful play, making him a risky proposition at his current salary.

2. Draymond Green (PF - Golden State Warriors):

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