A week into the new year, the NBA’s superstar pecking order is beginning to take shape. Big names, including Trae Young, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant 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 Thursday’s board:
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1. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. ATL ($9,200)
The Suns are a mess right now, but don’t blame Kevin Durant. The 36-year-old hasn’t lost a step, putting up 27.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists on efficient 51.7/40.8/84.2 shooting splits. Averaging 45.1 DK fantasy points through 25 games played, KD has become one of the safest bets in all of basketball (when healthy).
The former MVP is poised for another dominant performance on Thursday. Atlanta has given up the third-most points (119.8) and the most three-pointers made (15.5) to opponents this season. The Hawks have struggled significantly against opposing power forwards, giving up the third-most DK fantasy points to the position. A future Hall of Famer isn’t someone to sleep on against a weak defense; Durant is an easy number one pick at forward tonight.
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors at CLE ($9,100)
The eight-win Raptors might have an atrocious record, but there’s plenty of young talent to give fans hope for the future. That includes Scottie Barnes; despite missing time due to injuries, the All-Star has been terrific this season. Through 24 games, he’s averaged 20.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists on 47.1% shooting from the field.
The former Rookie of the Year will have a tough task tonight against the Cavaliers. Cleveland is giving up the 11th-fewest points (111.0) and the 13th-fewest DK fantasy points to power forwards. Still, the two-way threat delivered a solid performance the last time these two teams met in November, notching 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, and three steals over 34 minutes of play. A similar stat line would make Barnes a solid addition in any fantasy lineup.
3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. TOR ($8,000)
To round out the list, we’ll go with a cheaper option that might deliver big returns for fantasy managers. Evan Mobley is arguably the most important piece for the 32-win Cavaliers, offering up stellar play on both ends of the floor. The lanky power forward has posted 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals, giving him plenty of avenues for production on any given night.
The former All-Defensive team selection has a terrific opportunity on deck. With Donovan Mitchell (rest) ruled out, the Cavaliers will need additional scoring from someone other than Darius Garland. Mobley should be able to get the job done against a Raptors team giving up 50.1 points in the paint, sixth-most in the NBA. Considering the names priced ahead of him, Cleveland’s talented big man is a massive value play for 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.
