After no games were played yesterday, Wednesday has 24 teams across the association taking the court. With so many players in action, 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 $400K Zone Special [$100K to 1st]
1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. GSW ($10,200)
The Celtics are well-positioned for another title run, and it all starts with Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old is posting a gargantuan 30.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game so far, vaulting himself to the top of the MVP race. He’s fallen below 40 DK fantasy points in just two of eight contests this season.
A date with the Warriors won’t be easy; Golden State is giving up 104.3 points per game, second-lowest in the NBA. However, Tatum’s role and massive production vault him to the top of a relatively thin group of forwards. Don’t forget: Warriors coach Steve Kerr famously benched Tatum for most of the Paris Olympics last summer. With a chip on his shoulder, the Celtics’ star will be looking to score on every possession.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. MIA ($8,800)
Even at 36 years old, Kevin Durant is dangerous (when he plays). The four-time scoring champ has posted 30 or more points in four of his seven games this year, leading the Suns to a terrific 6-1 record. Although he’s taking fewer field goals than last year, KD is logging 39.3 minutes per game, a number that would be his biggest workload since 2010 if it lasts all season.
Over his past five games playing the Heat, Durant is averaging 23.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks. Miami is also giving up the third-most DK fantasy points to opposing forwards. Considering his secure offensive floor (27.1 PPG), if the veteran continues to make a defensive impact, we should be looking at another solid performance.
3. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at MEM ($9,000)
It’s been a somewhat up-and-down start for LeBron James this season, as he’s shooting 48.6% from the field, a disappointing total by his lofty standards. However, the last few games offer up hope that The King is finally in midseason form. Against the Raptors and Pistons, James has posted 20-point double-doubles, accumulating over 50 DK fantasy points in both contests.
LeBron has put up 26.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists over his last five games against Memphis. The Grizzlies have allowed the 13th-most points per game to opponents this season, and they will be without their best perimeter defender in Marcus Smart. All the signs are pointing to James continuing his recent hot streak.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $400K Zone Special [$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.
