The Allure of High Score Fantasy Basketball
The allure of High Score fantasy basketball is perfectly illustrated by the performance of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić. While his overall contributions have been solid, missing four out of ten games at the beginning of the 2025-26 season is concerning for anyone who selected him in traditional head-to-head leagues. Nonetheless, for those in the High Score format, Dončić has thrived over the past three weeks, leading with an impressive average. High Score is a new and uncomplicated way to experience fantasy basketball on Yahoo, and it remains open for new leagues or participants.
Luka Dončić’s Standout Week
Let’s delve into Luka Dončić’s standout week, along with the other high-performing athletes that formed an exceptional High Score lineup.
Guard: Luka Dončić (Lakers) — 91 points
On Wednesday, November 5, against the Spurs, Dončić collected the highest score yet this season with a remarkable 91 points, which included 35 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists, five steals, and two blocks. Despite missing games, his league-leading average of 72.9 points shows just how impactful he has been, especially against a San Antonio team known for its solid defense.
Guard: Josh Giddey (Bulls) — 71 points
On November 4, Giddey faced the Sixers, contributing 71 points but is now questionable for the upcoming game against the Spurs due to an ankle issue. The Bulls, recently struggling after starting strong, have benefitted from Giddey’s resurgence, and he has positioned himself early in the MVP discussions. His performance featured a 29-point triple-double, demonstrating that he can effectively support top picks if he remains healthy.
Frontcourt: Nikola Jokić (Nuggets) — 89 points
Wednesday, November 5, marked a turning point for Jokić, as he recorded a total of 89 points, rising above the initial weeks of average performance. Known for his triple-doubles, he had previously not exceeded 73 fantasy points but started Week 3 with consecutive games scoring over 87 points, culminating in a defining 33-15-16 game against the Heat.
Frontcourt: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) — 86 points
In the NBA Cup Group Play, Giannis shone brightly, recording an almost triple-double with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, contributing a total of 86 points for fantasy owners. Given that the Bucks lean heavily on his talents, fans can expect more of these performances throughout the season.
Frontcourt: Isaiah Hartenstein (Thunder) — 70 points
In a recent game against the Kings, Hartenstein scored a noteworthy 70 points, highlighted by an impressive 33 points and 19 rebounds, largely due to Sacramento missing their key player, Domantas Sabonis. Though not consistent week-to-week, Hartenstein’s potential becomes evident during blowout victories, positioning him nicely for future fantasy matchups.
UTIL: Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) — 69 points
Mitchell managed to rack up 46 points during a mid-week encounter with the Sixers, showcasing his capability as a volume scorer. Despite his scoring prowess, he also contributes with enough supplementary stats to be a staple in any top fantasy lineup. His ability to exploit defensive matchups makes him a dependable choice for managers aiming for consistent high scores each week.
