It’s a two-game, four-team slate of NBA Cup action on Saturday. Hoops fans are treated to two marquee matchups in Las Vegas, starting with Trae Young and the Hawks facing off with old foe Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. The nightcap showcases the upstart Houston Rockets taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Western Conference-leading Thunder. With so many big names in action, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three forwards at the top of tonight’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Semi-Final Special [50K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. ATL ($11,200)
Another season, more of the same from Giannis Antetokounmpo. With the Bucks firmly in playoff contention, the two-time MVP is well-positioned to add to his trophy case. This season, Milwaukee’s superstar is averaging an NBA-leading 32.7 points in addition to 11.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists on stellar 61.4% shooting from the field. On the other end of the floor, he’s generated 1.5 blocks and 0.6 steals.
The Hawks are one of the association’s worst defensive units, giving up the fourth-most points per game (119.1 PPG). That’s especially true down low, where they’ve given up the third-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Over his last three games vs. Atlanta, Antetokounmpo has posted 33.0 points, 12.7 rebounds and 7.7 assists. The Greek Freak’s price tag might be high, but he’s the clear-cut top option tonight, regardless of position.
2. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. HOU ($8,600)
Jalen Williams is the NBA’s Swiss Army knife, capable of playing any position on the floor. Since the season debut of center Isaiah Hartenstein on November 20th, Oklahoma City has had J-Dub playing a more traditional role on the wing. That’s allowed the third-year pro to go off as a scorer, putting up 23.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last ten games.
Tonight’s matchup against the Rockets is a difficult one. Houston is allowing the third-fewest points in basketball (105.9 PPG), as well as the seventh-fewest DK fantasy points to small forwards. Still, Williams has done well in this spot before, posting 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists over his last five games against Houston. The Thunder will need their second-best player to have a big game if they want to advance to the NBA Cup finals.
3. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks vs. MIL ($8,200)
Trae Young gets most of the headlines, but Jalen Johnson’s progression shouldn’t get slept on. The 22-year-old has taken his game to another level this season, producing 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists on 50.3% shooting. The Duke product has been one of Atlanta’s best defenders as well, chipping in with 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks.
Facing Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight isn’t ideal, as the Bucks are giving up the fewest DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. However, Johnson played well the last time these two played on December 1st, tallying 23 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Another stat-stuffing performance would make plenty of managers happy to slot in the third-most expensive forward on the board.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Semi-Final Special [50K to 1st]
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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.
