Christmas might be over, but there’s still plenty of reason for cheer with nine NBA games coming down the chimney on Thursday night. With big names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trae Young, and Giannis Antetokounmpo 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 guards at the top of tonight’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at IND ($10,300)
The Thunder sit alone atop the Western Conference, and the man behind much of their success is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 26-year-old has already made a strong case as one of the game’s best players, averaging 30.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists through 28 games. Most impressive has been the guard’s two-way play, as he’s notched 2.0 steals and 1.1 blocks on the defensive end of the floor.
Tonight’s matchup with Indiana looks promising on paper. The Pacers have given up the ninth-most points to opposing teams this season (119.0), with head coach Rick Carlisle’s fast-paced offense lending itself to more possessions for both teams. In a matchup that should see plenty of buckets, SGA makes plenty of sense even as the highest-priced guard available.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at WAS ($10,000)
There aren’t many things going right for the 7-22 Hornets, but fans can take comfort in the play of LaMelo Ball. The former Rookie of the Year is having his best season yet, putting up 30.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists over 21 games. Even at the young age of 23, Ball’s league-leading usage rate (39.2%) gives him one of the association’s safest fantasy floors.
The Hornets will have the rare treat of facing an even worse team when they visit the Wizards. Washington is a dream matchup, giving up the most points to opponents (122.2) and the most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. When these two squads last met a week ago, Ball tallied 32 points, 13 assists and four steals. An encore performance would secure his position as one of Thursday’s top guards.
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks vs. CHI ($9,300)
Trae Young has never been the most consistent player, but this season has been a roller coaster ride. The three-time All-Star is putting up buckets (21.8 PPG), but he’s shooting just 39.5% from the field and an even worse 32.8% from three-point range. However, the point guard’s saving grace has been a league-leading 12.0 assists for the NBA’s eighth-highest scoring offense.
Young’s passing skill, combined with the occasional 30-point outburst, makes him a strong fantasy play in the right matchup. That includes Thursday’s date with a Bulls team giving up the second-most points in basketball (121.1). Chicago’s perimeter defense has been especially vulnerable, surrendering the third-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. For those looking to save a bit, Trae is a solid alternative to some of the higher-priced options on tonight’s board.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $222K Fadeaway [$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.
