We’re nearing the midway point of the NBA season, when superstars begin to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Big names, including Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jalen Brunson, 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 forwards at the top of Saturday’s board:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. POR ($11,500)
Another day, another ranking atop this list for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has been on another planet this season, putting up a league-leading 32.4 points per game to go along with 11.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 blocks. As always, the two-time MVP has been über-efficient, shooting 60.6% from the field.
Antetokounmpo is so good that matchups almost never matter. Still, it helps that tonight’s game is against a Trail Blazers team giving up the eighth-most points to opponents (117.2) and the eighth-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. The two-way menace should have no trouble putting up another monster stat line vs. Portland on Saturday.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns at IND ($9,600)
Kevin Durant has shown no signs of rust since returning from an ankle sprain on December 13th. Over his past nine games, KD is averaging 30.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 48.5/35.3/87.0 shooting splits. Even with a fully healthy Suns roster, the former MVP is clearly the top option on one of the game’s better offenses.
Durant has an advantageous matchup on Saturday. This season, Indiana is giving up the ninth-most points to opponents (116.8) and the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. The Pacers also play at the tenth-of the fastest paces in the NBA, ensuring plenty of extra possessions for both sides. At nearly $2,000 dollars less than Antetokounmpo, KD is poised for another big game against a middling defense.
3. Josh Hart, New York Knicks at CHI ($7,500)
To round out the list, let’s go with a high-upside option for those looking to spend big at another position. Josh Hart has been on a heater lately, posting 18.4 points, 12.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists over his last five games. Most impressive has been the wing’s role on a top-heavy New York roster, logging 37.5 minutes per game for head coach Tom Thibodeau.
He may never be a 30-point scorer, but Hart does just about everything on a basketball court. That gives him a terrific fantasy floor, especially against subpar defensive teams. This season, the Bulls are giving up the second-most points (121.1) and the third-most rebounds (55.2) to opponents. Those weaknesses play right into Hart’s strengths; he’s a steal tonight as just the eighth-most expensive forward available tonight.
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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.
