It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Tuesday. The quarterfinals get started with the feisty Orlando Magic traveling to Milwaukee to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. Later, a star-studded playoff rematch gets going in Oklahoma City when the Thunder host the Mavericks. With plenty of big names across the association taking the floor, narrowing down a select group 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:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. ORL ($11,100)
As always, Giannis Antetokounmpo stands alone at the top of this list. Milwaukee’s superstar is having arguably his best season yet, averaging 32.5 points, 11.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists through 21 games. The three-time MVP has managed to lead the league in scoring while maintaining a ridiculously efficient 61.1% field goal percentage, making him arguably the safest bet in all of fantasy basketball.
It doesn’t get any more difficult than a date with the Magic, who are allowing the fewest DK fantasy points to opposing forwards. However, the Greek Freak has put up at least 30 points and ten rebounds in each of his last five outings vs. Orlando. In a game that will determine if the Bucks move on to the next stage of the NBA Cup, Antetokounmpo is set to shine in primetime.
2. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. DAL ($8,700)
Jalen Williams isn’t a superstar by any means, but he might be the most versatile player in basketball. Whether it’s down low as a small-ball center or up top as an offensive initiator, the third-year pro is comfortable playing any role for head coach Mark Daigneault and the Thunder. J-Dub’s all-around game is reflected in his season-long statistics: 22.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists over the course of 23 games.
The talented wing will have his hands full against the Mavericks, a team giving up the 11th-fewest points per game (111.5 PPG). Luckily for Williams, he’s done well in this matchup before, averaging 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists during his last five games vs. Dallas. With the defense locked in on stopping Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, there should be plenty of good looks for OKC’s ‘other’ star.
3. P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks at OKC ($6,600)
Finding a forward tonight other than Antetokounmpo and Williams is challenging. A two-game set means managers looking to save money at the position will have to get creative. That could mean turning to a steady, reliable option such as P.J. Washington. Acquired last February at the trade deadline, the 26-year-old has been terrific this season, posting a solid 12.7 points and 8.3 rebounds on 45.1% shooting (36.0% 3PT).
The Thunder are giving up the second-fewest points in basketball (103.8 PPG), so buckets won’t be easy to come by. Still, Washington has been remarkably consistent this season, scoring 10 points or more in each of his last nine games. OKC is more vulnerable down low on defense, so expect the sixth-year pro to attack the paint early and often.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $30K And-One [20 Entry Max]
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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.
