NBA Fantasy ADP BATTLES: Matty G vs D-Mac: The Category League Showdown

NBA Fantasy Basketball

Oct 08, 2025

Ready to brawl on draft day? Matty G and D-Mac’s latest episode takes you inside a true fantasy “boxing ring” with a blow-by-blow debate on the biggest Average Draft Position (ADP) battles for category leagues. Using live expert data and their own league-tough instincts, these two go round-for-round making the picks and defending their stances on the toughest draft-day calls.

Round One: Cade Cunningham vs Anthony Edwards

First up, it’s a heavyweight battle between two emerging stars. Ant Edwards comes in with a slightly higher ADP (Yahoo 7.7, ESPN 6, Fantrax 7.1) than Cade Cunningham, but Matty and D-Mac both prefer Cade for category leagues.

D-Mac: Wants the elite assists and PG stats that Cade brings, predicting another step forward.
Matty G: Even throws a plot twist and claims neither is a lock first-rounder, advocating for flexibility after the top 4 or 5 picks, which they say is the only “clear” group.

Steph Curry vs LeBron James

Next, it’s two future Hall-of-Famers with eerily similar ADPs (both around 16.5 blended). Both hosts go Steph for his reliable free-throw and scoring power, with Matty G noting you might get him at the turn in a point-guard-thin year. LeBron’s risk of resting and declining usage sways the vote.

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Jimmy Butler vs Kawhi Leonard

This is a big one for the managers who love upside or want to play it safe. Kawhi is going slightly ahead of Butler in most formats, but Matty shocks D-Mac by picking Butler, citing his better availability and trustworthiness to actually play.

D-Mac: Leans Kawhi for upside, but both agree either could be a season-swinger if things break right.
ADP notes: Kawhi is 52 and Butler 54 on average, nearly always right next to each other in mocks.

LaMelo Ball vs Amen Thompson

Here’s a risk vs reward matchup. D-Mac is all in on Amen Thompson due to his athleticism, lack of Fred VanVleet, and potential for explosive defensive stats.

Matty G: Pushes Amen over the often-injured LaMelo, tired of gambling on “ankle braces” and constant missed games.
Both acknowledge LaMelo’s top-20 per-game upside, but want consistency in early rounds.

Ja Morant vs Cooper Flagg

Super close ADP (both around 39 on Fantrax) and a classic unknown upside (Flagg) vs known contributor (Ja) debate.

Both: Ultimately pick Ja Morant for the safer assists and higher floor in categories, reminding managers of Flagg’s dynasty appeal but Ja’s proven fantasy impact.

Deandre Ayton vs Alexandre Sarr

This is about chasing blocks vs reliable percentages. Matty G sides with Sarr for the shot-blocking upside in the later rounds, while D-Mac prefers the stable rebounds and efficient stat-set from Ayton for a “set it and forget it” center.

Keegan Murray vs Bennedict Mathurin

Category purity alert: Mathurin is going ahead of Murray in ADP, but both hosts agree this is a big mistake.

Both: Strongly prefer Keegan Murray, especially for his recent late-season production, sneaky threes, and more complete fantasy line for categories.
Matty G warns that Indiana’s upside party is getting too crowded and likes Murray’s lower turnovers and “does it all” skill set.

CJ McCollum vs Devin Vassell

Old guard vs new wave. D-Mac is on the McCollum hype train for consistency and early-season value, warning about potential fade if the Pelicans tank late.

Matty G: Stakes his ground on Vassell, loving his upside with more responsibility and improved team setup in San Antonio.

Miles Bridges vs Mikal Bridges

It is “the battle of the Bridges.” Miles is ahead on Yahoo ADP, while Mikal is the pick in ESPN and Fantrax.

Both: Prefer Miles Bridges for Charlotte’s urgency and bigger usage safety, with D-Mac noting “it’s Miles, miles ahead.”

Closing Thoughts and Draft Tactics

Both experts stress the importance of knowing ADP and pouncing on inefficiencies if your league-mates are on autopilot.
Don’t fall in love with last year’s stars; focus on fit, game count, and team context.
If in doubt, prioritize players with secure usage, good peripherals, and fewer health risks, especially early.
For late rounds, swing big, go for upside, and do not be afraid to disagree with consensus!

Catch Matty G and D-Mac on all platforms for more mock battle breakdowns!