Saturday’s ten-game slate of NBA action makes figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Still, with so many matchups, there’s plenty of value available. Here are three forwards I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $25K And-One [20 Entry Max]
1. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. MIN ($9,000)
Normally, a date with the ferocious Timberwolves wouldn’t make for a fantasy must-start. However, the Raptors’ offense has never been thinner after opening week injuries to Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. That leaves Scottie Barnes as the only reliable scoring option on a team that likes to push the ball; last season, Toronto played at the 11th-fastest pace in the NBA.
After a dismal three for fourteen shooting game on Wednesday against the Cavaliers, Barnes rebounded two days later with a stellar 27-point performance vs. the 76ers. I’d expect another stuffed stat line tonight out of necessity; there’s simply nobody else on this Toronto roster right now that can be relied upon to carry the offense. Considering Barnes can contribute in just about every aspect of the game, he’s a rare high-floor, high-ceiling option at forward.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at DET ($9,700)
It’s a shock not to have Tatum at the top of this list. The All-NBA talent has gotten off to a great start this season, averaging 31.0 points, 8.0 assists and 7.5 rebounds after two games against the Knicks and Wizards. Detroit allowed 119.0 points per game last season, tied for fourth-worst in the league. So, why isn’t the Celtics’ superstar the first name off the board?
It’s pretty simple: the Pistons are bad, and Boston is very good. Normally, I advocate against banking on blowouts, but the risk here, combined with Barnes’ cheaper price, is enough to bump Tatum down to number two. The Celtics are due for a close game at some point this month, but I don’t anticipate that happening Saturday. Still, Tatum should have more than enough opportunity to put up numbers, even if he sits out the fourth quarter.
3. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic vs. MEM ($8,900)
Paolo Banchero isn’t a perfect player; questionable shot selection has been a constant storyline during his two seasons in the NBA. Still, what the former rookie of the year lacks in efficiency, he makes up for in just about everything else. That was on full display Tuesday, when he tallied 33 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists in a Magic victory over the Heat.
Orlando’s offense revolves around Banchero; last season, he had a 29.6% usage rate, fifth-highest among all forwards. That ensures a solid baseline for production that most others at his position can’t match. Although Memphis’ defense is normally elite, they might be without elite rim protector Jaren Jackson Jr., making life easier for Banchero. The All-Star has averaged 23.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in four career games against the Grizzlies; a similar stat line should be in store on Saturday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $25K And-One [20 Entry Max]
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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.
