THE BUCKETS PLAYBOOK

Fantasy basketball.
Start here.

Never played fantasy basketball? You’re in the right place. Learn how it works, draft a team with your mates and make the moves that matter.

Explore Buckets Draft
01 · START HERE

New to fantasy? Start here.

Two essential explainers. No assumed basketball knowledge, no fantasy jargon required.

The basics

What Is Fantasy Basketball? A Complete Beginner's Guide

Fantasy basketball lets you manage your own team using real players and real match performances. Here's how it works, from the first pick to the final matchup.

Read guide Step by step

How to Play Fantasy Draft Basketball: Step-by-Step Guide

New to fantasy draft basketball? Follow these steps to set up a league, draft a roster, manage your team and compete all season.

Read guide
02 · UNDERSTAND THE GAME

Learn how it works.

Scoring formats, league types and the details that make each competition different.

Formats

Fantasy Draft vs SuperCoach: What's the Difference?

Draft leagues give every manager a unique roster; SuperCoach NBL Classic uses a salary cap. Here’s how the two formats work and why the strategies are different.

Read guide Scoring

How Does Fantasy Basketball Scoring Work?

Points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks can all influence your fantasy score. Here’s how the numbers become a matchup result — and why your league’s rules matter.

Read guide NBL

How to Start an NBL Fantasy Basketball League

Ready to turn your NBL group chat into a proper competition? Here’s how to organise managers, league rules, draft night and the season itself.

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03 · GET BETTER

Draft. Manage. Improve.

Build a squad and keep improving it as the season unfolds.

Draft night

What Is a Snake Draft in Fantasy Basketball?

A snake draft reverses the pick order after each round. Here’s a simple example, why it helps balance selections and how to prepare for your turn.

Read guide Managing your team

Fantasy Basketball Waivers, Free Agents and Trades Explained

Your draft squad isn't permanent. Learn the difference between a free agent, a waiver claim, FAAB and a negotiated fantasy basketball trade.

Read guide Strategy

10 Fantasy Basketball Tips for Beginners

Ten useful habits that help new fantasy basketball managers draft more sensibly, manage matchups and avoid the mistakes that cost easy wins.

Read guide
NEED A QUICK ANSWER?

The practical stuff.

Already in a league? Jump straight to the rules for the move you want to make.

Creating a league Drafting players Scoring and matchups Waivers and free agents