The NBA is back, and we’ve got an enticing four-game slate on Thursday night. 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 guards I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA 350K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks vs. SAS ($11,100)
The priciest player on the board, there’s something about opening night that gets Luka Doncic going. Over six season-openers in his career, the All Star has produced 27.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. A rivalry game against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs also bodes well; the Slovenian has recorded three triple-doubles in his last four games against San Antonio.
There’s no doubt that Doncic will be ready to go on Thursday night. With the Spurs missing Devin Vassell, their perimeter defense will likely rely on some combination of forward Jeremy Sochan ($4,600) and rookie Stephon Castle ($3,800). Neither of those options are very intimidating for this MVP candidate.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at DEN ($9,900)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has earned his reputation as a superstar, but his production differs from most other guards. A good, not great, shooter, SGA has become a mid-range magician. The Canadian averaged 30.1 points despite making just 1.3 threes per game last season. Elite defense also helps, as he had a combined 2.9 steals and blocks.
Regardless of how he does it, there’s plenty of different paths for Gilgeous-Alexander to contribute. That level of versatility is what makes him so valuable in fantasy basketball. There’s no reason not to expect another all-around performance from SGA.
3. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings vs. MIN ($8,500)
As tempting as it was to put Anthony Edwards ($8,800) here, I’d rather save a bit with one of his opponents tonight. De’Aaron Fox had a career-high in scoring during the 2023-24 campaign (26.6 PPG), but I’m willing to bet he has an easier time distributing with DeMar DeRozan ($7,800) joining Sacramento this offseason.
Entering his eighth year in the NBA, Fox has had plenty of previous success against Minnesota. In his previous ten outings vs. the Wolves, he’s never scored less than 25 points. Fox’s 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds in those contests only makes Thursday’s matchup that much more enticing.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA 350K Fadeaway [$100K 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.
