Yahoo Changes Its Default Fantasy Basketball Format: What is High Score?

Yahoo Changes Its Default Fantasy Basketball Format: What is High Score?

Yahoo Fantasy Basketball is changing with the introduction of High Score, the new default format for the 2025-26 NBA season. The idea is that the points-based system simplifies the traditional grind, focusing on star power, clean scoring, and a lower weekly commitment.

Yahoo's New "High Score" Fantasy Format

Roster and Scoring Changes

Teams are cut down to 10 players total. Fantasy managers will start six players per week:

  • 2 Guards
  • 3 Frontcourt
  • 1 FLEX/UTIL

The scoring is points-based, but is now unique to Yahoo:

  • 1 point for points
  • 1 point for rebounds
  • 2 points for assists
  • 3 points for blocks
  • 3 points for steals
  • No penalty for turnovers

Only each starter's highest single-game score counts toward your final tally.

You are allowed to bench a starter mid-week. However, any points they scored before being benched are lost. Only points scored after they are reinserted will count.

Want to see which players are the best in this format? Check out RotoWire's Fantasy Basketball Rankings, customizable for league type.

Strategies

You're incentivized to prioritize ceiling. High-variance, streaky players with upside have more value in this format.

Additionally, passers are highly valuable. Assists are weighted heavier compared to other points leagues, and there's no penalty for turnovers.

Essential Fantasy Basketball Resources

Check out RotoWire's How to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Barutha
Alex is RotoWire's Chief NBA Editor. He writes articles about daily fantasy, year-long fantasy and sports betting. You can hear him on the RotoWire NBA Podcast, Sirius XM, VSiN and other platforms. He firmly believes Robert Covington is the most underrated fantasy player of the past decade.
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