Fantasy Basketball Questions Answered - Do We Really Need to Panic After One Bad Game?

OVERVIEW

This fantasy basketball mailbag episode tackles early-season panic, buy-low and sell-high opportunities, and actionable roster decisions, emphasizing patience and flexibility as managers navigate unpredictable player roles and rookie performances. I dig into how to handle players with disappointing starts, when to move on, and specific recommendations for category leagues, points leagues, and dynasty formats.

• Do not drop Onyeka Okongwu or LaMelo Ball based on slow starts; it's too early in the season for panic moves.
• Moussa Diabaté is worth a roster spot but not at the expense of higher-upside players like Okongwu or Zach Edey, who carries legitimate top-30 upside if he secures minutes.
• Hold Jalen Green for now, especially in points leagues; his “must-roster” status is less secure in category formats.
• Jaxson Hayes is a clear hold until Jusuf Nurkic returns, taking advantage of temporary upticks in opportunity.
• The current buzz around Yaxel Lendeborg suggests a sell-high window; leverage irrational hype to upgrade your roster but don’t settle for questionable equal-value trades such as Darius Garland for Lendeborg.
• Roster decisions for underperforming players (CMB, Day'Ron Sharpe, etc.) should be based on an ongoing data-gathering approach; don’t make snap judgments off one week of play.
• The Yahoo IL/IL+ system remains flawed but is reportedly being addressed; adapt your stashing strategies accordingly.
• For dynasty points startups, focus on value and a 3-year window rather than solely chasing youth or short-term trends.

0:00 Introduction
0:31 Early-season questions, holding vs dropping players
3:00 Assessing slow starts and panic drops
8:28 Player comparisons and must-roster debates
14:11 Context on calling players “bad” and rating prospects
17:03 Miscellaneous mailbag (strategy, projections, trades)
22:09 Dynasty league and buy low/sell high strategies
29:13 Final questions and key advice on patience
34:47 Episode wrap-up and next preview announcement

Quo
Money is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA. 

Wayfair
Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase.  
Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home.
 

KALSHI
Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.
 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Visit Josh Lloyd Fantasy for more

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.