It’s a loaded eight-game, sixteen-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. CHI ($11,500)
Regardless of how poorly the 5-9 Bucks are playing, there’s almost no way any other forward could unseat Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of this list. The two-time MVP has shown no signs of slowing down this year, putting up 31.4 points, 12.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists on 60.1% shooting from the field. While the superstar does have an injury designation heading into Wednesday’s game, he’s currently listed as probable.
The Bulls have legitimate claim as the NBA’s worst defense, giving up the second-most points to opposing teams this season (122.9 PPG). Over his previous five games against Chicago, Antetokounmpo is averaging 35.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists. This is a dream scenario for any capable forward, let alone a 6’11 matchup nightmare.
2. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic at LAC ($9,000)
When Paolo Banchero suffered a torn oblique at the end of October, it was fair to wonder if the Magic would struggle to generate any kind of offense in his absence. After a few weeks, the team isn’t just surviving; they’re thriving. Orlando has gone 6-4 without its best player, thanks in large part to the superb play of Franz Wagner. The wing has always been one of the league’s best two-way players, but he’s taken his game to another level this season. Through 15 games, he’s posted 22.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists.
As the number one option, Wagner has offered up consistent production. The fourth-year pro has tallied at least 40 DK fantasy points in each of his last seven contests, scoring 20 points or more during that time. The Clippers are one of the NBA’s premier defenses, but there’s too much to like about this matchup for Orlando’s budding star.
3. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans at CLE ($9,000)
Much like Wagner, Brandon Ingram’s fantasy outlook has changed dramatically this season. With Zion Williamson out of action due to an injury, along with a slew of other Pelicans, the keys to the offense rest in BI’s hands. Despite New Orleans’ abysmal 4-11 record, the former All Star has done his part, generating 23.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 46.6% shooting.
Playing the 15-1 Cavaliers on the second leg of a back-to-back is no easy task. Still, Ingram has scored 20 points or more in seven of his last eight matchups against Cleveland. A large workload and a track record of success makes this nine-year veteran one of Wednesday’s safer plays.
UPDATE: Ingram has been ruled out of Wednesday’s game (ankle). Other forwards to target include Jalen Johnson ($8,400), Paul George ($8,100), and Jaren Jackson Jr. ($7,900).
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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.
