We’re rapidly approaching the midway point of the NBA season, when superstars begin to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Big names, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid, are set to take 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 guards at the top of Thursday’s board:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LAC ($10,900)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case has been gaining traction across the association, and it’s not hard to see why. As the leading scorer and passer on the Western Conference’s best team, Oklahoma City’s 27-5 record demands SGA’s name be mentioned among the likes of Giannis and Jokic. A slew of impressive numbers help: 31.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists to go with 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks on the other end of the floor.
A showdown with the Clippers could prove difficult for the Thunder, as they’ve surrendered the fifth-fewest points to opponents this season (107.8). However, GIlgeous-Alexander seems to enjoy playing against his former team. Over his previous three games against Los Angeles, the two-time All-Star has averaged 33.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.7 blocks. He should have no trouble putting together another dominant outing on Thursday.
2. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks vs. BKN ($9,400)
Following a disappointing first year in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard has rebounded nicely this season. The superstar point guard is currently putting up 25.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game. The 34-year-old did struggle on Tuesday night against the Pacers, scoring just nine points over 34 minutes of play. Still, that stat line should be considered an outlier, not the start of a trend.
Lillard could return to form tonight against Brooklyn. The Nets are holding point guards to the sixth-fewest DK fantasy points this season, but they’ve also given up the sixth-highest three-point percentage (37.8%). That spells trouble against a veteran sharpshooter; look for Dame to find his range and get back on track in this one.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers at GSW ($8,800)
The Sixers are finally playing up to their potential, going 7-3 in their last ten games. Much of the credit goes to Tyrese Maxey, one of the NBA’s best players during the month of December. Over his last twelve appearances, the guard has put up 25.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists, headlined by a 33-point, 12-assist masterpiece against the Celtics on Christmas day.
Even with Joel Embiid playing tonight, there’s no reason to fade Maxey vs. the Warriors. Golden State’s defense is solid, giving up the 12th-fewest points per game. Still, Philadelphia’s young All-Star is on an absolute heater, gunning for his 11th straight 20-point game. There could be plenty of value here as just the fourth-most expensive guard available on Thursday.
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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 b.armetta) 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.
