Yahoo High Score 101: Everything you need to know before playing the fantasy basketball format

Yahoo's High Score is a new fantasy basketball format designed for fans who want the excitement of the game without the grind. This points-based, head-to-head format is offered by Yahoo, the official partner of the NBA. It's a departure from the traditional formats that require filling 13 spots and managing deep benches. Instead, High Score limits teams to 10 players with six weekly starters, making it simpler and more dynamic.

The roster in High Score is structured to reflect today's position-less basketball style, featuring guards, forwards, and a FLEX position. This aligns with the NBA's awards and All-Star teams. The scoring system is streamlined and easier to understand, focusing on the core stats of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Turnovers are removed from the scoring, reducing complexity.

One of the key features of High Score is its flexibility in how you play. You can set your lineup once per week, with each starter's single-highest point total of the week counting toward your overall score. This reduces the time commitment while keeping the thrill of competition. If you bench a player, any points they scored before being benched won't count toward your weekly total. However, once you put them back in, only the points they score after rejoining your lineup will count.

High Score also offers a more efficient draft and in-season strategy. Target guards and passing bigs as they have an advantage due to the scoring system. Prioritize ceiling over floor by looking for high-variance, streaky scorers over consistent, reliable players. You can also manage your lineup more actively if you wish, but keep in mind that benching a player means any points they scored before being benched won't count toward your weekly total.

In essence, High Score is an evolution of fantasy basketball, respecting its heritage while offering a lighter, more approachable challenge for new fans. It's designed to be accessible, exciting, and flexible, allowing fans to enjoy the game in a way that suits their lifestyle. Whether you're a die-hard daily player or someone seeking a more relaxed fantasy basketball experience, High Score has something to offer.