Tuesday’s NBA slate has plenty of stars in action, but figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats depends on a number of factors. Here are three guards I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $750K Opening Tip Off [$200K to 1st]
1. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks ($8,700)
In just two seasons with the Knicks, Brunson is already emerging as one of the NBA’s clutchest players. After carrying an injury-depleted roster on a deep playoff run, JB should have far more help this season. New faces like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges should act as New York’s other top scoring options, but the departure of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo means there’s still plenty of points to go around.
During his time with the ‘Bockers, Brunson has averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds in eight games against the Celtics. Unlike past seasons, the Knicks should have plenty of spacing on offense, so there should be room to operate for the shifty point guard. Expect a big opening night for the new king of New York.
2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves ($8,800)
Now that KAT is gone, Edwards has full control over the Minnesota offense. Other than Randle, no other player on the roster is likely to average more than 20 points per game. Our first glimpse at the new-look Timberwolves will come against the Lakers, a team Ant has enjoyed playing. In four games against Los Angeles last season, he posted 27.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.
I’d expect the Purple and Gold to look somewhat rusty out of the gate. Veterans LeBron James and Anthony Davis just played a full summer of Olympic basketball, and JJ Redick is coaching his first non-AAU game. Considering his role and an opponent with plenty of questions, Tuesday could mark another memorable chapter in Edwards’ young career.
3. Derrick White, Boston Celtics ($6,300)
Most of the credit will go to the Jay’s (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown), but Derrick White was as important as anyone during the Celtics’ run to the NBA Finals. While he’s not a knockdown shooter or slick passer, the former Spur is one of the NBA’s best two-way players, with a well-rounded, fantasy-friendly skillset.
Even more enticing for White is no Kristaps Porzingis, who is still recovering from a knee injury. With KP out, the 6’4 guard should have even more responsibility on both ends of the floor. Although the Knicks have two premium wing defenders in Bridges and OG Anunoby, they’ll be forced to guard Brown and Tatum all night. That should leave White with plenty of wide open shots.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $750K Opening Tip Off [$200K to 1st]
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
