A week into the new year, the NBA’s superstar pecking order is beginning to take shape. Big names, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama are set to take the floor tonight. 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 Wednesday’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Excellent 8’s [$100K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. SAS ($11,400)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s near-perfect season keeps rolling along. Despite the inconsistent play of his teammates, the Greek Freak is enjoying arguably his best campaign yet. Through 28 games, the superstar forward is putting up a league-leading 31.6 points on 60.2% shooting to go along with 11.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. On the other end of the floor, the former Defensive Player of the Year has chipped in with 0.8 steals and 1.5 blocks.
There truly aren’t any teams capable of slowing down Antetokounmpo, making him the rare matchup-proof player. This season, the two-time MVP is averaging a whopping 60.4 DK fantasy points per game, second only to Nikola Jokic. The Spurs play solid defense, but that likely won’t matter in this one. Regardless of the circumstance, a healthy Giannis will always sit atop this list.
2. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans at POR ($9,100)
Editor’s Note: Pelicans PF Zion Williamson (hamstring) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Trail Blazers.
At long last, Zion Williamson is back. After missing 27 straight games due to a left hamstring strain, New Orleans’ franchise cornerstone came back strong on Tuesday night. Over 28 minutes of play vs. the Timberwolves, the dynamic forward recorded 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. While there should be a minutes restriction on the 24-year-old, he’s clearly capable of doing damage on a limited workload.
Assuming the Pelicans play Williamson on the second leg of a back-to-back, he’ll have a far easier matchup on Wednesday. The Trail Blazers are giving up the eighth-most points (116.8) and the eighth-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Over ten career games vs. Portland, Zion is averaging 25.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Considering the lack of quality options at the position, the two-time All-Star might be a risk worth taking in your lineups tonight.
3. RJ Barrett, Toronto Raptors at NYK ($9,000)
The 8-28 Raptors certainly aren’t a good team, but they are giving fans reason for hope. A solid offensive nucleus is beginning to form, led by the dynamic duo of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. The former might be more accomplished, having already been named to an All-Star team, but the latter has been more impressive this season. Through 28 appearances, the former third overall pick is producing 23.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 46.4% shooting.
On paper, tonight’s game won’t be easy, as New York is allowing the seventh-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing small forwards. However, Barrett is more than familiar with Madison Square Garden, having spent five seasons as a member of the Knicks. The wing has thrived in this spot before, posting 24.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists over three outings against his old team. Don’t discount another revenge performance on Wednesday.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
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.
