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.
LAC v. OKC (Nov. 5)
Must-Roster:
LAC: Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac
OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
No surprise, Shai Gilegous-Alexander, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac are part of my must-roster guys since they are among the top FP (fantasy points) scorers this season on Daily Fantasy.
SGA should continue to put up big numbers with Jalen Williams still on the shelf, recovering from offseason surgery on his wrist.
Meanwhile, Zubac and Leonard have been leading the Clippers on both ends of the floor, which I think will play a big part in this matchup.
Nov. 7: SMB v. MAG (Charles)
Must-Roster:
SMB: June Mar Fajardo, CJay Perez
MAG: Zavier Lucero, Jerom Lastimosa
Whenever there’s a game involving the San Miguel Beermen, June Mar Fajardo needs to be in my lineup, or else it would be an injustice to the nine-time MVP of the PBA, who still puts up big numbers.
CJay Perez is the clear and undisputed No. 2 of the Beermen this season, and I don’t see why he would struggle to put up numbers in this matchup.
As for the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, Zavier Lucero might have cooled off a bit, but I only see that as being a temporary thing. He could go off big time against the Beermen.
Additionally, Jerom Lastimosa’s ascent to PG1 of Magnolia should be no surprise, as rookie head coach LA Tenorio was once a speedy PG himself during his heyday. The former Adamson star can be relied upon to put up a strong outing.
Nov 8: BWB v. CON
Must-Roster:
BWB: Christian David, Sedrick Barefield
CON: Juan Gomez de Liano, Justine Baltazar, Justin Arana
I built this team around Converge’s “Twin Towers” of Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, simply because I’m confident that they will feast on Blackwater’s lack of a strong opposing frontcourt.
Add in the fact that Juan Gomez de Liano appears to be in contention to be the first PBA Rookie of the Year and MVP winner after a superb start to his season. Of course, the season is still young, but I think he could replicate Benjie Paras’ legendary feat.
As for the Blackwater Bossings, Christian David and Sedrick Barefield won’t let their team go out without a fight, and I’m expecting them to lead their team to a potential upset.
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