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 guards at the top of tonight’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $70K Four Point Play [20 Entry Max]
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors at HOU ($9,500)
Even at the age of 36, Steph Curry continues to impress. As has been the case for all of Golden State’s starters, the point guard has seen his minutes decrease slightly due to head coach Steve Kerr’s massive twelve-man rotation. That hasn’t stopped the future Hall of Famer from putting up terrific numbers, averaging 23.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists on 45.0% shooting from the field (41.7% 3PT).
Tonight will be a challenge, even for a two-time MVP. The Rockets are one of the NBA’s best defensive teams, giving up the third-fewest points in the association (106.6 PPG). However, Houston is allowing the 11th-most DK fantasy points to opposing guards. This is a difficult matchup for Curry, but his position as Golden State’s top option earns the superstar a spot at the top of this list.
2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks vs. ATL ($8,500)
It hasn’t always been pretty, but the Knicks sit near the top of the Eastern Conference with a 15-9 record. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s team is built on a dynamic offense capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. Bringing all of New York’s talented pieces together is Jalen Brunson. The All-Star has been more of a distributor this season, dishing out a career-best 7.8 assists to go along with 25.2 points and 2.9 rebounds through 24 games.
The Hawks are a dream matchup for any player, let alone a dynamic offensive threat like Brunson. Atlanta is giving up the third-most points per game (119.8 PPG) and the sixth-most DK fantasy points to opposing guards. This contest could see plenty of buckets; the over/under is at 237 points. In a high-octane duel to advance in the NBA Cup, look for JB to deliver another masterful performance.
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks at NYK ($9,400)
He might not be Michael Jordan, but Trae Young has earned his spot as a modern-day MSG villain. Atlanta’s sharpshooter dominated New York three years ago in the playoffs, helping eliminate the ‘Bockers in five games. Even though the two franchises have gone in different directions since then, a date with the Hawks is sure to bring out plenty of vitriol among Knicks fans.
Still, reputation might not match reality when it comes to Young. While a league-leading 12.2 assists is nothing to sneeze at, the star point guard is only averaging 20.9 points on mediocre 38.9% shooting from the field (31.0% 3PT). Over Trae’s last seven matchups with the Knicks, he’s scored more than 20 points only twice. Wednesday’s thin two-game slate ensures a spot on this list, but I’d rather have Brunson tonight at a much cheaper price.
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.
