Thursday’s four-game slate of NBA action makes finding value in season-long fantasy and DFS formats even tougher. Yet, even with so few matchups, there’s plenty of high-upside plays to slot into your starting lineups. 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. HOU ($11,200)
Luka Doncic hasn’t shot the ball particularly well this year, but he’s still finding ways to deliver massive stat lines. Despite a 36.4% field goal percentage through four games, Dallas’ superstar has pulled down 9.3 rebounds and dished out 7.0 assists.
That level of all-around play gives Doncic one of the safest floors in all of fantasy basketball. To make things even more enticing, tonight’s matchup is against a Rockets team that Luka has owned throughout his career. In 17 games against Houston, he’s averaging 31.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Thursday could be the monstrous performance fans have been waiting for.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers vs. PHX ($9,100)
With Kawhi Leonard injured, it’s (sort of) been a Harden renaissance in Los Angeles. While he’s shot the ball poorly (35.5% FG), the former MVP has been collecting counting stats at a rapid rate. Harden’s points (23.5 PPG) and assists per game (11.3 APG) are at their highest rate in more than four years.
The Beard has never been the most efficient player, but there’s little reason to think he’ll continue to miss so many shots. However, given the team context and his history, there’s every reason to think he’ll continue to grab boards and dish out assists. A game against the Suns, who he nearly had a triple-double against last week, is an ideal setup for a vintage Harden showcase.
3. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks at MEM ($8,800)
The 1-3 Bucks are struggling right now, but it’s hard to blame Damian Lillard. The eight-time All Star is averaging 28.0 points per game, 6.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 47.1% shooting. While the three-point stroke could be better (30.8% 3PT), he’s been a dominant force on a team lacking scoring options outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Typically, the Grizzlies are one of the NBA’s toughest defenses for opposing guards. However, the team will be without both Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, making things significantly easier for the Bucks’ offense. The game tips off at 8:00 PM tonight, but given Memphis’ injuries, it might as well be Dame Time.
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.
