A few teams tipped off yesterday, but Wednesday is opening night in the NBA for 20 different squads. With so many new faces in new places, figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Here are three forwards I’m looking to back tonight.
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at PHI ($11,000)
Sometimes, you don’t overthink your picks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has a real claim as the best basketball player on Earth, and a 76ers defense missing Paul George and Joel Embiid is ill-equipped to stop him. The Greek Freak has recorded a double-double in each of his last seven games against Philadelphia, stretching back to the start of the 2022-23 season.
There is some risk here. Should the Bucks put away the depleted Sixers early, head coach Doc Rivers would have little reason to play Giannis in the fourth quarter. Still, expecting a blowout is a recipe for disaster in basketball. As long as Antetokounmpo logs more than 30 minutes, he should deliver on his hefty price tag.
2. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers at DET ($8,300)
Despite leading the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals last spring, Pascal Siakam is flying a bit under the radar in fantasy circles. After being traded to Indiana in January, the former Raptor averaged 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 41 games. Still, the lanky scorer isn’t being talked about (or priced) as highly as some of his peers.
A date with the Pistons is the perfect matchup for Siakam to kick things off, as they surrendered the fifth-most DK fantasy points to opposing forwards last season. However, Detroit’s defensive attention should be on point guard Tyrese Haliburton, leaving Indiana’s other scoring options in a good spot. I’d look at Siakam as someone to pair with a bigger name at a different position.
3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. CLE ($8,600)
At just 23 years of age, Scottie Barnes has established himself as one of the NBA’s best all-around players. The young Raptor’s shooting leaves something to be desired (career 31% 3PT), but he’s an above-average contributor in every other facet of the game. That should be on full display during a favorable matchup against the Cavaliers.
In his last five games against Cleveland, Barnes averaged 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. That includes a triple-double the last time these two teams met in February. With RJ Barrett set to miss tonight’s contest, there’s little competition for Barnes’ position as top scorer in this offense. Expect another stat-stuffing performance from the versatile forward.
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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.
