It’s a loaded five-game, ten-team slate of NBA action on Saturday. With plenty 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 board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. WAS ($12,000)
Once again, the Greek Freak is atop the list. Most of the time, that’s simply due to Antetokounmpo’s otherworldly talent. This season, the two-time MVP has put up 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists through sixteen games, shooting a terrific 60.8% from the field. Even on nights where his shot isn’t falling, the 6’11 superstar’s all-around production ensures a sky-high fantasy floor.
An already dominant player has an even greater chance of success against a miserable defense. This season, Washington is giving up the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing forwards. Over his last five games against the Wizards, Antetokounmpo is nearly averaging a triple-double (31.8 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 8.8 APG). Anything close to that stat line will justify this sky-high price tag.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. GSW ($8,700)
The Suns got a much-needed boost last week when Kevin Durant made his return from a left calf strain. It’s been another stellar season for the 35-year-old, who has posted 27.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Playing for the first time in over fourteen days, the former MVP has shown no signs of rust, putting up 53 total points over his previous two games.
Durant’s former team, the Warriors, wield one of the NBA’s elite defenses. However, the veteran has had success in this spot before. Over his last five games against Golden State, KD has averaged more than 35 points + rebounds + assists. The sharpshooter should serve as Phoenix’s top dog once again on Saturday.
3. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz vs. DAL ($7,400)
Utah has looked awful this year, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-14 record. Much of that has to do with the struggles of their best player. Lauri Markkanen has looked sluggish for much of the season, posting a stat line of 19.5 points and 6.6 rebounds. Those marks are the power forward’s worst since joining the Jazz in 2022.
On the bright side, the former All-Star has started to turn things around. Over Markkanen’s last ten games, he’s generated 20.1 points and 6.4 rebounds on 50.5% shooting. Over their last three games, the Mavericks have allowed the sixth-most points in the NBA (118.7 PPG). That should serve Markkanen well tonight, as his reasonable $7,400 cost makes him an attractive target for those looking to spend big at other positions.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K 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.
