It’s a six-game, twelve-team NBA Cup slate on Tuesday night. 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 list:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks vs. NOP ($11,200)
Once again, Luka Doncic is the top guard of the night. The superstar’s poor efficiency (42.5 FG%) has been a frequent topic of discussion for Mavericks fans, but things appear to be turning around. Over his past five games, the five-time All Star has put up 27.6 points on a respectable 46.4% shooting from the field. He’ll look to continue his stellar play against a banged-up Pelicans team allowing 113.3 points per game to opposing squads, 18th-worst in the NBA.
Doncic has had some trouble against New Orleans in the past, putting up 25.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists in his past five games against the team. Those numbers, while solid, are a noticeable dip from his usual level of production. However, the Pels are without a large portion of their rotation, including quality perimeter defenders Jose Alvarado, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones. Going against an ill-equipped opponent, expect this MVP candidate to produce another eye-popping stat line.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at BKN ($9,800)
Charlotte goes as LaMelo Ball does, which isn’t the worst spot to be in. Although the Hornets’ record is a mediocre 5-8, the progression of their franchise cornerstone has fans feeling hopeful for the first time in years. So far, the former All-Star is averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. His massive production has been made possible due to an NBA-leading 37.4% usage rate.
While the Nets aren’t a pushover on defense, they’re still allowing the ninth-most points in the league (114.6 PPG). In his last four games against Brooklyn, the 23-year-old has put up 22.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 2.3 steals. Those numbers look a lot better if you subtract a 22-minute, eight-point outlier from last October. While Ball’s production isn’t a lock, he’s guaranteed a massive workload once again on Tuesday night.
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at SAS ($10,600)
Normally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be positioned a bit higher up on this list. However, with the Spurs missing Victor Wembanyama tonight, this game could become a blowout. DraftKings Sportsbook has the Thunder as 9.5-point favorites. Still, the dynamic guard is good enough to deliver plenty of production in a short amount of time.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander has posted 28.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on offense, all while chipping in on defense with 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks. That level of all-around play gives the Canadian a massive floor that doesn’t rely solely on his scoring ability. Even though SGA might not be needed for all four quarters, it’s never a bad idea to start a top-five player against a team missing one of the best defenders in the sport.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K 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.
