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 guards at the top of Saturday’s board:
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1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. MIN ($9,900)
The Pistons certainly aren’t world-beaters, but there’s reason for hope due to Cade Cunningham’s play this season. The former number one draft pick has always been a gifted scorer, but his playmaking skills have grown by leaps and bounds. Through 30 games, he’s averaging 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 9.7 assists to go with 44.7% shooting from the field.
Cunningham’s massive 31.3% usage rate, fourth in the NBA, gives him one of the game’s highest fantasy floors. That should come in handy tonight against a Timberwolves group giving up the fourth-fewest points to opponents this season (107.7). With such a massive workload on a Detroit team starved for offense, Cade is becoming one of the association’s rare matchup-proof players.
2. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks vs. POR ($9,200)
After a mixed first season in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard looks more like the perennial All-Star fans are accustomed to seeing on a nightly basis. This season, the 34-year-old is putting up 25.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists on 43.4/36.4/91.9 shooting splits. Still, the point guard has struggled to find his shot recently, connecting on just 17 of his last 53 field goal attempts.
Lillard should have a far easier time scoring tonight against the Trail Blazers. This season, Portland has allowed the eighth-most points to opponents (117.2) and the fourth-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. The team has also given up the third-highest percentage of three-pointers made (37.9%), making this a terrific matchup for a veteran sharpshooter like Dame. Going up against his old team, look for the future Hall of Famer to dominate on Saturday night.
3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks at CHI ($8,900)
The Knicks have jumped out to a 24-11 record, thanks in large part to the stellar play of their captain. Jalen Brunson hasn’t carried a gigantic scoring load on offense this season, instead becoming a more well-rounded passer. The All-Star is currently averaging 25.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and a career-best 7.7 assists over 34 games.
After battling the Thunder on Friday, Brunson has a much easier matchup on deck tonight. The Bulls are giving up the second-most points to opponents (121.1) and the second-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. Over his previous eight meetings with Chicago, JB has posted 29.9 points, 8.6 assists and 3.9 rebounds. Look for New York’s leading man to deliver another monster performance on Saturday.
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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.
