Rebanse Fantasy Corner is here to help fantasy managers drafting from the middle of the pack, specifically those picking between spots 5 to 8 in standard 12-team, Head-to-Head snake drafts, prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Drafting from the middle gives managers a unique advantage. You can build a well-balanced roster, stay flexible throughout the draft, and position yourself to take advantage of how others pick. Below are three essential tips to maximize your success on draft day.
Tip #1: Don’t Enter Drafts with a Punt Strategy
Punting in fantasy basketball means ignoring a specific category during the draft.
This approach can backfire if done too early. Instead of locking yourself into a punt strategy before the draft begins, stay flexible and read how other managers are drafting. Being adaptable allows you to build a team that can compete in multiple categories and still pivot later if needed.
If you do decide to punt, do it toward the back half of the draft, once you’ve identified which categories your roster naturally excels in.
Tip #2: Know Your Sleepers and Reach Reasonably
One of the biggest mistakes middle-picking managers make is missing out on players who can outperform their ADP (Average Draft Position).
This is where reasonable reaching becomes key. If there’s a player you’re confident won’t make it back to your next pick, and the data or preseason trends suggest he’ll smash his ADP, then it’s worth taking the calculated risk.
Just don’t overreach too early. Weigh your options carefully, and don’t miss out on breakout potential by drafting someone too soon who would’ve still been available later.
Tip #3: Work the Waiver Wire
The waiver wire is where leagues are won.
Even the best draft won’t guarantee success by season’s end. Injuries, trades, and rotations constantly reshape the fantasy landscape. Smart managers stay active, tracking all 30 teams’ depth charts, spotting emerging roles, and streaming players when necessary.
Your draft gives you a foundation, but your waiver moves and weekly adjustments will determine whether you finish strong come March or April.
Drafting in the middle can be one of the most strategic positions in fantasy basketball. With balance, flexibility, and awareness of value picks, you can build a team capable of contending from day one.
Stay sharp, trust your reads, and remember: fantasy championships aren’t won on draft night, they’re built all season long.
