This holiday season, the greatest gift for hoops fans is a twelve-game slate of NBA action. Among Saturday’s highlights, a duel between James Harden’s Clippers and Kyrie Irving’s Mavericks could shake things up in the Western Conference. With so many big names taking the floor, 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 $120K Fadeaway [$30K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. WAS ($11,400)
Even on a day like Thursday, when the Bucks were blown out by the Cavaliers, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to produce. The two-time MVP put up a 33-point, 14-rebound double-double, yet another great performance in a season full of them. Through two months of play, the Greek Freak might be off to the best start of his 11-year career. Through 24 games, he’s scored a league-leading 32.7 points to go along with 11.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists on 61.3% shooting from the field.
After facing Cleveland’s imposing front court, Saturday’s matchup will feel like a walk in the park. The Wizards have allowed an NBA-worst 122.6 points per game while giving up the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. A handful of players in the NBA have what it takes to slow down Giannis, and none of them reside in Washington. Even on a loaded slate, this generational talent is worth the high price.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. CHI ($10,300)
Once again, Tatum is an easy pick for second on this list. Boston’s face of the franchise is off to a terrific start, putting up 28.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists on solid 45.3/35.9/80.1 shooting splits. The five-time All-Star has been especially good as of late, producing 50 or more DK fantasy points in four of his last seven appearances.
The Bulls notched an upset win over the Celtics on Thursday, but it wasn’t due to Tatum, who put up 31 points and ten rebounds. Over the last ten meetings between these two teams, the 26-year-old is averaging 27.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Chicago’s already poor defense might be without guard Josh Giddey, making life on the perimeter even easier. Whether it’s as a scorer or a creator, Boston’s young superstar is poised for another dominant outing on Saturday.
3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. DET ($9,100)
Kevin Durant has wasted no time getting back into the swing of things after returning from an ankle sprain. Over his first three games back in the lineup, KD has produced an average of 50.5 DK fantasy points. Once again, the future Hall of Famer is reminding fans of his greatness, compiling 26.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 16 appearances this season.
A rare group of teams are good enough to keep a dynamic scorer in check. That doesn’t include the Pistons, who are giving up the third-most DK fantasy points to power forwards. With Devin Booker ruled out of Saturday’s contest, the Suns’ offense should run through Durant. For those looking to avoid a sky-high price tag, this ageless wonder is a solid alternative.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $120K Fadeaway [$30K 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.
