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.
LAL v. GSW (Oct. 22)
Must-Roster Players
LAL: Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton
GSW: Jimmy Butler, Stephen Curry
Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler both need to be in your lineup since LeBron James is out for at least a month due to sciatica on his right side. Doncic is expected to carry most of the load for the Lakers, while Butler’s inclusion is because he can exploit his matchup with Rui Hachimura, who will likely take the starting role for the Lakers in James’ absence.
Deandre Ayton can dominate the Warriors’ frontcourt — though it will come down to which version of him shows up when they welcome Golden State to Crypto.com Arena.
Stephen Curry is a no-brainer since he will want to start the season strong and give the Warriors fans reason to believe that they can make a deeper playoff run this season.
SAS v. DAL (Oct. 23)
Must-Roster Players
SAS: Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle
DAL: Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg
Victor Wembanyama has quickly made an impact on the fantasy basketball space, both in daily and season-long formats. His polish on offense and imposing defensive presence makes him a two-way monster that should always be in everyone’s lineup.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year winner, Stephon Castle, is a no-brainer addition to my lineup since De’Aaron Fox won’t be ready by opening night due to his recovery from a hamstring strain. This opens up the door for Castle to showcase his improvements in a big-time matchup.
Anthony Davis kickstarts his first full season with the Mavericks without Kyrie Irving in the backcourt until probably around January. With that in mind, he and top overall pick Cooper Flagg should play big roles in Dallas’ season-opener.
IND v. OKC (Oct. 24)
Must-Roster Players
IND: Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard
OKC: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren
Pascal Siakam is an obvious choice since he will have to carry the load for the Indiana Pacers after the unfortunate Achilles injury that Tyrese Haliburton suffered during the 2025 Finals. He won’t be alone in that endeavor, as both Benedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard figure to be in increased roles owing to Haliburton’s absence.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will look to start the season off strong for the Oklahoma City Thunder thanks to his elite two-way production, which will come in handy since his teammate, Jalen Williams, won’t be available for opening day and some change due to offseason wrist surgery.
With J-Dub out of the picture for some time, Lu Dort can be a sneakily good option too. But in terms of a big, Chet Holmgren’s gonna be THE guy since the Pacers no longer have Myles Turner in the frontcourt this season.
MAG v. TER (Oct. 25)
Must-Roster Players
MAG: Zavier Lucero, Jerom Lastimosa, Javi Gomez de Liano
TER: Mark Nonoy, Paolo Hernandez
Magnolia has a couple of heavy-hitters on their side this season, led by Zavier Lucero’s impressive numbers on both ends of the floor. Playing in supporting, yet just as important, roles for the Hotshots are Jerom Lastimosa and Javi Gomez de Liano, who should both log high Fantasy Points against Terrafirma.
Mark Nonoy is someone I’d roster in this matchup since I think he can contend with Lastimosa’s speed while also logging high assists and steals.
Paolo Hernandez has been on fire to start the season for Terrafirma, and there seems to be little that opposing teams can do to limit him from generating turnovers off steals alongside the aforementioned Nonoy.
NLEX v. MER (Oct. 26)
Must-Roster Players:
NLEX: Robert Bolick, JB Bahio
MER: Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino
Robert Bolick was unavailable to start the season for the NLEX Road Warriors due to his mourning the death of his father, and we wish him nothing but the best. But when on the court, he’s one of the most electrifying players to step on the PBA hardwood, and he definitely has a spot in our roster.
Due to Bolick’s absence, NLEX was forced to look for its “next man up”. JB Bahio appears to have taken that role wholeheartedly, as he has the highest Fantasy Points among all NLEX players this season, so he gets to join our must-roster list.
Chris Newsome has started the season slowly on the box score, but he’s previously shown that he’s capable of popping off for big numbers in previous seasons and conferences, and there’s reason to believe that he should feast against the NLEX backcourt.
Meralco’s frontcourt has been formidable, and that’s mainly thanks to the efforts of capable wings CJ Cansino and Bong Quinto. So far this season, this duo has been the most consistent in terms of Fantasy Points production, so I suggest they be in your lineups.
