Tuesday’s four-game slate of NBA action means finding value in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Even with so few 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 $400K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz vs. SAC ($8,000)
The 0-3 Jazz look lifeless right now, and that includes their star big man. Lauri Markkanen’s averages of 21.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game appear to be solid, but he’s shooting an awful 36.2% from the field. Much of that has to do with the lack of creation across Utah’s roster, but the Finnish forward has not been at his best.
However, Tuesday presents a golden opportunity to get back on track. Over his five previous games against the Kings, Markkanen is putting up 23.2 points and 6.8 rebounds. Most important, his field goal percentage has been at 50.6%. Given the lack of quality options at the position, Lauri is today’s safest pick at forward.
2. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. DAL ($7,600)
It’s no secret that Julius Randle is a tough player to count on. While the three-time All Star is capable of stringing together brilliant regular season performances, he’s also liable to go ice-cold on any given night. Mix in a new role on a new team, and it’s almost impossible to know what you’re going to get.
So why is Randle the second forward off the board? The main reason is his past dominance over the Mavericks. Against his hometown team, the Dallas native has put up 28.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his past six games. Mix in some quality play over his past two games as a member of the Timberwolves, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a big game from Big Ju.
3. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans at GSW ($8,300)
Despite being the highest-priced at his position, I’m not so sold on Zion Williamson tonight. In theory, a game against a smaller, fast-paced Warriors team should lead to plenty of production for the former All-Star. That ignores the past two games for the Pelicans, where the big-bodied forward has shot just 24.9% from the field.
To make matters worse, Golden State has had the best of this matchup in recent years. Over his past five games against the Warriors, Williamson has averaged 17.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists, largely a result of Draymond Green’s hounding defense. While Zion is too talented not to make the top three, I’d consider looking elsewhere tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K 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.
