It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Wednesday. The quarterfinals continue at Madison Square Garden, where Jalen Brunson and the Knicks host Trae Young’s Hawks. Later on, Steph Curry and the Warriors head to Houston to face an up-and-coming Rockets team. 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $70K Four Point Play [20 Entry Max]
1. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks at NYK ($8,300)
The headlines might go to Trae Young, but Jalen Johnson is quickly emerging as Atlanta’s second-best player. After a breakout campaign last season, the 22-year-old has continued to take his game to another level. Through 23 appearances, he’s averaging 19.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on 50.8% shooting from the field (35.6% 3PT).
The Duke product will have a tough matchup on Wednesday against a Knicks team giving up the fourth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. However, the last time these two teams met on November 6th, Johnson put up 23 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. Considering the limited options available tonight, another well-rounded outing from Atlanta’s young star should deliver plenty of value.
* As of Wednesday afternoon, Johnson (shoulder) is questionable to play in tonight’s game.
2. Josh Hart, New York Knicks vs. ATL ($7,100)
Speaking of well-rounded, Josh Hart has earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite role players. Through a combination of power, finesse, and hustle, the eighth-year pro has become a key piece for the title-contending Knicks. This season, New York’s scrappy starter is putting up 13.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists on an impressive 59.2% field goal percentage.
The Hawks are running out one of the NBA’s worst defenses, giving up the third-most points to opposing teams (119.8 PPG) and the third-most DK fantasy points to small forwards. Hart has one of the higher fantasy floors of any player tonight, in part due to his massive 37.0 minutes per game. It might not come purely as a scorer, but a do-it-all performance in primetime will make this price look like a steal.
* As of Wednesday afternoon, Hart (ankle) is questionable to play in tonight’s game.
3. Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors at HOU ($6,700)
It’s anyone’s guess as to what head coach Steve Kerr will do with his rotations, but one thing is certain: Steph Curry and Draymond Green are still Golden State’s most important players. The latter has had a very on-brand start to the season, contributing across the board with 8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks through 21 games.
Even though there has been some talk of moving the veteran to a sixth-man role, it shouldn’t have a big impact on his workload. Green has played 26 minutes or more in all but three of his outings this season. The Rockets are a tough defensive unit, but the four-time All-Star has enough skill and basketball IQ to beat a team without putting the ball in the basket. While the production might seem inconsistent, Draymond is a solid addition for fantasy managers looking to keep costs low at forward.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $70K Four Point Play [20 Entry Max]
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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.
