Everything you need for Dunkest NBA Day 1 (it’s free and playable on iOS, Android, and the web).

From position-by-position NBA fantasy basketball tips to injury updates and projected lineups, here’s a ready-to-use kit with all the tools you need to tackle the day like a pro.

NBA Fantasy Captain Picks

Are you unsure who to make captain for the Dunkest round? Here are our tips, one for each turn.

Centers

Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers, 12.0 cr)

In Los Angeles, the air is always thick with expectations, capable of elevating or crushing anyone who steps on the court. Ayton has plenty of personality, and with a playmaker like Doncic by his side, the paint becomes much easier to navigate – especially in a debut against Golden State, a team that shows its biggest weaknesses under the basket and managed only one win in the entire preseason.

Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers, 8.0 cr)

Statistically, this could be his year. Without his former teammate mentioned earlier, he will have much more space, and the projections are encouraging. A low-cost starting center capable of delivering double-doubles and blocks: he has all the potential to be fielded from the first game – and beyond.

Jock Landale (Memphis Grizzlies, 5 cr)

Speaking of mediocrity, the Grizzlies have been drifting for years now, led by a pilot whose hand at the helm isn’t always steady, like Ja Morant, in a limbo that is unlikely to see them go far in the NBA Playoffs this season. With Edey absent, our “Underdog” could benefit from Landale’s performances, as Memphis will provide the right environment for him to excel. Definitely one to consider in the matchup against New Orleans.

Forwards

Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans, 10.0 cr)

Last season, against the Grizzlies, he averaged 26 points and 6 rebounds. While his more well-known teammate will attract most of the attention – and has historically struggled against Jaren Jackson Jr. – it could be Trey Murphy who ends up with a higher number of fantasy points, despite the 3-credit difference.

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls, 8 cr)

During his rookie NBA season, he showed steady growth, improving especially in three-point shooting and carving out more and more space in a challenging environment. The Bulls seem determined to rely on him, and with a year of experience and a full offseason to prepare, he could start the season on a strong note.

Adem Bona (Philadelphia Sixers, 5.5 cr)

Continuing the trend of players who performed very well in this European summer, the young Turkish forward of the Sixers is starting with all the right conditions for an excellent season. Thanks also to Embiid’s uncertain situation, a player with Bona’s physique is exactly what Nurse and his team need. He could make a big impact against a rebuilding Boston in this opening day matchup.

Guards

Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets, 9 cr)

In his contract year, aiming to secure a future deal worth 30–40 million, Thomas is hungry and confident he has the numbers to make his mark in the league. His scoring ability, proven by 24 points and over 22 fantasy points per game last season, combined with the Nets’ need to rely on his offensive talent, points to a potential breakout performance against the Hornets.

Bennedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers, 8.0 cr)

Without Haliburton, his stats speak for themselves: 21 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 15 field goal attempts per game, 43.8% from three, and an average of 23.4 fantasy points. Considering also Myles Turner’s departure, he could deliver significant numbers, even against a challenging opponent.

Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets, 4.5 cr)

On one hand, VanVleet’s serious injury takes away one of the Rockets’ few sources of experience (even though Durant’s arrival fills several gaps); on the other hand, it will give Houston the chance to finally determine whether to invest in young Sheppard. The Houston sophomore will indeed have the opportunity of a lifetime to prove he deserves a spot in the NBA. He can start making an impact as early as the game against Oklahoma.

Coach

Doc Rivers (Milwaukee Bucks, 9 cr)

Losing to these Washington Wizards would almost be grounds for a first-day firing. Doc Rivers should have an easy start to the Regular Season, and Antetokounmpo should be able to score freely, even allowing minutes for Thanasis.

Charles Lee (Charlotte Hornets, 6.0 cr)

If we had to pick from the bottom of the list – like a game of Russian roulette – we’d end up with the Nets and Hornets coaches, who face off immediately. Between the two rosters, Charlotte’s certainly looks more talented, although it’s still unclear who will play center. If you’ve decided to invest elsewhere, Lee is the man to field.

Fantasy Basketball Dunkest NBA 2025/26 List

To make life easier for all draft mode enthusiasts, we’ve made the Dunkest NBA 2025/26 List available for download in Excel format below, allowing you to prepare for the auction in the coming days.

Remember, you’ll find the Dunkest List with all updated stats for each player in our Statistics section, including credits, Dunkest points (PDK), and capital gains.

Play NBA Fantasy Basketball!

The Dunkest NBA Fantasy Basketball is Italy’s most-played FantaNBA, with over 200,000 fantasy coaches competing every year since 2013 with points, assists, and rebounds. It’s free and can be played on the app iOS, app Android and Web.