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 guards at the top of tonight’s slate:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. NOP ($10,600)
He’s never been the flashiest player, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is as reliable as they come. The guard is off to a great start this year, averaging 27.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists through elven games. Now that Chet Holmgren is out for several months with a hip injury, SGA’s offensive workload has only gone up. During Monday’s 134-128 win over the Clippers, he put up a career-high 45 points on 13 of 21 shooting from the field.
So far this season, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored more than 20 points in all but one contest. The Canadian’s all-around production, which includes 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, might make him the safest player in all of fantasy basketball. An injury-ravaged Pelicans team allowing the ninth-most points to opponents (116.5 PPG) has little chance of slowing this superstar down.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at HOU ($9,600)
The scrappy Clippers are one of the NBA’s early-season surprises. Even without Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles has battled their way to a 6-5 record, thanks in large part to the abilities of James Harden. The former MVP isn’t the player he once was, but a terrific stat line (20.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 9.1 APG) has him on track for an eleventh career All-Star game selection. He’s recorded less than 40 DK fantasy points in just one matchup this season.
Wednesday’s game sees Harden take on his old team, the Rockets. In the veteran’s last five outings against Houston, he’s recorded at least 20 points and seven assists. The former MVP hasn’t enjoyed his current level of offensive control since his time in H-Town, so the floor is fairly high heading into this showdown. Even with a high price, Harden is someone you have to consider in your lineups.
3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons at MIL ($9,000)
There were several worthy names that could have rounded out this list, but Cade Cunningham has been on fire this season. While the former number one pick has always had the talent, he’s playing more like a facilitator than a scorer in 2024. The results have been remarkable: Cunningham is averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists through twelve games.
Detroit’s top option has never been the most consistent scorer, but he’s shooting a solid 46.7% from the field. Wednesday’s date with the Bucks is a dream for any ball handler, as Milwaukee is allowing the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing guards. Cunningham should have his way tonight against one of the NBA’s worst perimeter defenses.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $350K Zone Special [$100K to 1st]
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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.
