The 2025-26 NBA season has officially kicked off, while the now-ongoing PBA Philippine Cup kickstarts the second-oldest pro basketball league in the world’s golden anniversary, and there are a couple of matchups that I’m looking forward to competing in.
In partnership with Daily Fantasy, I’m here to share my must-roster players for this week's slate of games in the NBA and PBA — and why you should consider making them part of your lineup.
ORL vs CHI (Dec. 2)
Must-Roster Suggestions
ORL: Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Desmond Bane
CHI: Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic
The Chicago Bulls are very much on track towards fighting for an outright playoff seed in the East, and while they have some question marks in terms of health right now, my lineup suggestions are based on the fact that everyone is healthy.
Josh Giddey has been tearing it up this season, and I believe he should be a must-roster player in every game that Chicago is featured in. The biggest thing for them is whether Nikola Vucevic is ready to go for them, as he’s currently dealing with right knee soreness. If he’s out, I’d look towards Jalen Smith as the starter and a must-roster guy.
As for the Orlando Magic, they’ve been trending upwards after a slow start to the season. With Paolo Banchero still expected to be out due to a left groin injury, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane should get the most touches for the team. Anthony Black is on this list due to his role as Jalen Suggs' alternate — especially when he’s out due to injury management.
MIL vs DET (Dec. 4)
Must-Roster Suggestions
MIL: Bobby Portis, Myles Turner, Ryan Rollins
DET: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren
The Milwaukee Bucks’ season has been on a rollercoaster ride to say the least, and these suggestions are made around the possibility that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be out due to a strained adductor. If he plays, he needs to be in there. But on the chance that he’s out, look for Bobby Portis and Myles Turner to be the biggest beneficiaries from his absence. Additionally, Ryan Rollins is on pace to be a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award after his stunning rise in production. Roster him.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons’ dynamic duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren should always be on your rosters. They’re a huge reason why Detroit has been at the top of the East, and they will also likely be the reason why your lineups will have a good chance at finishing atop the leaderboards.
TNT vs SMB (Dec. 5)
Must-Roster Suggestions
TNT: RR Pogoy, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kevin Ferrer
SMB: June Mar Fajardo, CJay Perez
After starting PBA 50 on a two-game losing streak, the San Miguel Beermen have found their footing and rattled off five-straight victories that puts them in a virtual four-way tie with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, Converge FiberXers, and their opponents, the TNT Tropang 5G.
June Mar Fajardo and CJay Perez have been at the helm of this resurgence, so it should come as no surprise that they’re both on my must-roster list. Additionally, Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz have been playing their roles to perfection, which is why I think they should also be up for consideration in your own lineups.
As for TNT, I don’t think Calvin Oftana is going to play this one due to his hamstring injury. In his place, I’d think coach Chot Reyes would opt to give a huge chunk of his minutes to Kevin Ferrer. Two others that might benefit in a fantasy sports setting are RR Pogoy and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, so do add them to your lineups if you can.
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