It’s a select four-game, eight-team night in the NBA. With so few teams playing, determining which 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers vs. ORL ($10,100)
Even at the age of 39, LeBron James is still a force to be reckoned with. The four-time MVP has gotten off to a torrid start, averaging 23.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 9.4 assists through fourteen games. Although he’s sprinkled in the rare ‘off’ performance at times, there’s simply no reason not to expect another All-NBA caliber season from The King.
James will face a tough test on Thursday when the Magic visit Los Angeles. Orlando has stifled even the best of offenses, holding opponents to an NBA-best 102.3 points per game. Still, LeBron’s volume and the lack of quality options at forward makes him the clear-cut top play on tonight’s board.
2. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves at TOR ($8,300)
When the Timberwolves traded for Julius Randle this offseason, they would have gladly signed up for his current level of play. So far, the three-time All Star has put up 21.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists on a remarkably efficient 50.7% shooting from the field. Moments like Tuesday’s game-winner against the Suns will only further cement the power forward’s status as an elite second option behind Anthony Edwards.
Minnesota’s newest star is in line for another big-time performance tonight. The Raptors are one of the NBA’s worst defenses, giving up the fourth-most points in the association (119.5 PPG). In Randle’s previous five matchups against Toronto, he’s tallied 23.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists. He’s a savvy play as the fourth-most expensive forward on Thursday’s slate.
3. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic at LAL ($9,100)
In spite of an oblique injury to Paolo Banchero, the Magic have continued to reel off wins. Much of the credit has to go to Franz Wagner, who has stepped up as Orlando’s number one option on offense. Over his last eleven games, the fourth-year pro has posted 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
The Lakers have been generous against opposing forwards, giving up the 20th-most DK fantasy points to the position. Prior to Wednesday’s 14-point game, Wagner had scored at least 20 points in eight straight games. Look for the talented wing to get back on track tonight in Los Angeles.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K 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.
