Another Friday night means seven more matchups for NBA fans to dig into. Big names, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jayson Tatum 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 tonight’s board:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at ORL ($11,800)
The only thing more automatic than a Giannis Antetokounmpo drive to the basket is his placement atop this list. The two-time MVP is enjoying arguably his best season yet, averaging a career-best 31.3 points per game to go with 11.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks. Even more impressive has been the superstar’s efficiency, shooting a remarkable 59.9% from the field through 29 games.
If any team is equipped to stop Giannis, it might be the Magic. Orlando has dealt with injuries all season, but its defense has stayed consistent, giving up the fewest points in basketball (103.2). Still, this is the Greek Freak we’re talking about. Averaging 60.4 DK fantasy points per game, Antetokounmpo is one of the safest bets in all of fantasy sports, even against a top-notch opponent.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. SAC ($10,300)
Perhaps the game’s greatest jack of all trades, Jayson Tatum’s all-around excellence makes him a terrific option for DFS formats. He might not be the best in the NBA at any particular skill, but there isn’t anything the 26-year-old can’t do on a basketball court. This season, he’s put up 28.1 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists through 34 appearances with the Celtics.
Tatum should have ample opportunity to produce on Friday against a mediocre Sacramento defense. While the Kings aren’t a total pushover on that end of the floor, there isn’t anyone on the roster capable of slowing down Boston’s top scoring option. Over the last five games between these two teams, Tatum has scored more than 30 points five different times. Expect that trend to continue tonight.
3. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls vs. WAS ($8,100)
The Bulls are stuck in mediocrity with a 17-20 record. Still, at least they’re entertaining; Chicago is fifth in the league in points per game (117.6). Zach LaVine is the human embodiment of this inconsistent roster. The former All-Star struggles mightily on defense, but he’s posted 23.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 51.2% shooting from the field this season (44.4 3PT%).
Those numbers, while solid, usually aren’t good enough to warrant a spot on this list. That’s not the case tonight, as the Bulls are set to host a Wizards team giving up the most points in basketball (121.9). Over his last five meetings with Washington, LaVine has put up 28.0 points on a 52.5% field goal percentage. Another high-scoring performance would make the veteran a steal as the seventh-most expensive forward on Friday’s slate.
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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.
