It’s an eleven-game, twenty-two team Wednesday night in the NBA. With so many stars across the association playing, narrowing down a select group of big names to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is no easy task. Here are the three forwards at the top of tonight’s slate:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. DET ($11,500)
It was a fairly pedestrian outing for Giannis Antetokounmpo on Tuesday, as the superstar tallied just 24 points, seven assists, and four rebounds against the Raptors. That stat line isn’t cause for concern, but it is the second time in three games that the Greek Freak has failed to surpass his season average of 56.9 DK fantasy points.
It’s fair to wonder how much Milwaukee’s coaching staff will push Antetokounmpo in the second leg of a back-to-back, but they might not have much choice. After stumbling out of the gates with a 3-8 record, Doc Rivers and company need every win they can get. Damian Lillard has already been ruled out of Wednesday’s contest with a concussion, leaving a gaping hole in the Bucks’ offense. Expect the team to run nearly every possession through Giannis.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at BKN ($10,300)
Tatum had his first subpar game in over two weeks last night, scoring 20 points on 31.3% shooting in a disappointing 117-116 loss to the Hawks. It’s a mere bump in the road for the Celtics’ superstar, who has put up 29.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists through eleven games. Tatum is battling an ankle injury, but Tuesday’s 37-minute workload suggests that it isn’t very serious.
The Nets are playing scrappy defense this season, but I’d expect the five-time All Star to get back on track in this one. Tatum went off against Brooklyn last week, scoring 33 points in addition to nine rebounds and six assists. A similar output is more than likely for this all-world talent going into tonight’s contest.
3. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans at OKC ($8,800)
Normally, a matchup with an elite defensive unit like the Thunder wouldn’t warrant a spot on this list. However, Brandon Ingram’s volume has reached another stratosphere due to recent injuries. Over half the Pelicans’ rotation, including Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, are out for the foreseeable future. That means New Orleans will need their lanky wing to take control of the offense.
Ingram is coming off of a solid performance against the Nets, in which he tallied 24 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Oklahoma City is allowing the fewest points in the NBA, but they’ve given up 20 points or more to a wing in four of their last five games. In fantasy, volume is king, and I’m willing to bet that’s the case for Ingram tonight.
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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.
