It’s a three-game, six-team slate of NBA action on Thursday. The matchups might not be great, but there are still plenty of big names across the association taking the floor. That makes narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats a difficult task. Here are the three forwards at the top of tonight’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors at MIA ($8,800)
Scottie Barnes is out for the next several weeks after suffering a right ankle sprain on Monday night. With Toronto’s All-Star sidelined, control of the offense now lies with RJ Barrett. The former Knicks lottery pick has enjoyed a breakout campaign, averaging 23.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists through 22 games. Most impressive has been the wing’s efficiency, as he’s shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range, clear upgrades from his time in New York.
On paper, tonight’s matchup looks difficult; the Heat are giving up the fourth-fewest points to opponents (108.1 PPG). However, Miami has struggled against small forwards, giving up the tenth-most DK fantasy points to the position. Over Barrett’s previous 11 games played without Barnes, he’s put up 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.8 assists. On a thin Thursday slate, those numbers are good enough to land at the top of the list.
2. DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings at NOP ($7,900)
The Kings made a bold move this summer to upgrade their offense, snagging DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade. While Sacramento has disappointed with a 12-13 record, their newly acquired forward has lived up to the hype. This season, the six-time All-Star has posted 22.5 points, 4.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds to go along with a stellar 50.2% field goal percentage.
There aren’t many matchups that are more enticing than a date with the Pelicans, who have given up the second-most DK fantasy points to small forwards. Over his last five outings vs. New Orleans, DeRozan has averaged 27.0 points, 6.2 assists and 4.8 rebounds. Even on a loaded Sacramento roster, the veteran is one of Thursday’s safest bets to reach 20 points, regardless of position.
3. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat vs. TOR ($7,400)
Jimmy Butler’s days on South Beach appear to be numbered. Still, as of now the five-time All-NBA selection remains a member of the Heat. This season, the veteran wing has put up a solid stat line of 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists over 17 games. Most impressive has been his team-leading 55.7% field goal percentage, buoyed by a terrific month of December (64.4% FG).
Butler gets a dream matchup tonight against a Raptors team missing Scottie Barnes. Toronto has given up the seventh-most DK fantasy points to opposing small forwards, a number that would look even worse without its best defender. The last two times these teams have met, Jimmy has put up at least 17 points (averaging 21.5 PPG). In what could be his final game in Miami, this franchise legend makes sense as a low-cost option.
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.
