Saturday isn’t the most jam-packed NBA slate; just six teams across the association are taking the court tonight. With so few players to choose from, figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Still, there’s also a higher chance to start undervalued players. Here are three guards I’m looking to back tonight.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Alley Oop [$50K to 1st]
1. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers vs. TOR ($9,500)
The Clippers’ offense has revolved around 35-year-old James Harden. While the former MVP hasn’t shot the ball particularly well (36.9 FG%), he’s stuffed the stat sheet with 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists through nine games. The most impressive number for fantasy purposes has been the veteran’s 30.9% usage rate, his highest mark in four years.
Few matchups in the NBA are more enticing this season than the Raptors. Toronto is allowing 124.7 points per game, the most in the league. The last time these two played in January, Harden put together a 22-point, 10-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. Anything close to that will put fantasy managers in a position to win big this weekend.
2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks at CHI ($10,300)
Much like Harden, Trae Young has been a fantasy monster despite shooting poorly this season (39.2 FG%). As usual, the Hawks star has delivered most of his value through points (24.9 PPG) and assists (11.1 AST). Fresh off of a 35-point, 13-assist performance on Friday against the Hornets, Young looks to be gaining momentum heading into the second leg of a back to back.
Chicago has given up the third-most DK fantasy points to guards this season. The Bulls’ defensive weaknesses line up with Young’s strengths; they’ve given up the second-most assists (29.7) and forced the third-fewest turnovers (12.4) per game. The seven-year veteran is in position to deliver once again on Saturday.
3. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. BKN ($8,300)
A perfect start for the 10-0 Cavaliers has been a result of improvement across the entire roster. That’s meant less need for Donovan Mitchell, who is only playing 29.7 minutes per game. While Cleveland’s best player hasn’t been forced into playing hero ball, there’s still reason to believe he’s due for a bump in production going forward.
The Nets have played surprisingly good defense so far, but they’ll be without Ben Simmons, who is resting on the second end of a back to back. They also played a tough overtime game against the Celtics last night, so there should be plenty of tired legs on the other sideline. Mitchell was terrific against Brooklyn last season, averaging 33 points over three games.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Alley Oop [$50K 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.
