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 guards at the top of tonight’s board:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at NYK ($10,400)
The Thunder sit atop the Western Conference with a 30-6 record, dominating opponents on both sides of the ball. Therefore, it’s no coincidence that Oklahoma City’s best player is a two-way superstar. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is capable of putting up monster numbers on both ends of the floor, averaging 31.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks this season. That level of all-around production is rare for any position, let alone a point guard.
Following a tough loss on Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers, OKC will have to play another Eastern Conference contender on Friday. Last week’s comeback victory against the Knicks was made possible by Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished the game with 33 points, four rebounds and seven assists (52.5 FPTS). The two-time All-Star will look for a follow-up performance tonight at Madison Square Garden. New York typically plays solid defense, but there’s no reason not to back SGA given his position as the clear top option on a dynamic offense.
2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. NOP ($9,400)
It’s nearly impossible to predict what lineup the 76ers might trot out on any given night. Injuries to Joel Embiid and Paul George, along with several role players, have plagued Philadelphia all season. The one constant over the past few months has been Tyrese Maxey. After a rocky start, the 24-year-old has put up 25.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists through 29 games.
Tonight’s matchup looks promising for the young All-Star, with or without Embiid and George. The Pelicans have gotten a few key pieces back, including Zion Williamson, but this is still a group allowing the sixth-most points to opponents (117.2). New Orleans has struggled mightily on the perimeter, giving up the sixth-most DK fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. With only a handful of high-level guards playing tonight, Maxey is a solid pick for managers considering a slightly cheaper option.
3. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics vs. SAC ($8,500)
As good as Jaylen Brown is, he isn’t a frequent member of this list as Boston’s second scoring option behind Jayson Tatum. Still, the reigning Finals MVP is always capable of delivering a solid stat line. Through 30 games, he’s posted 23.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 46.0% shooting from the field. (32.5 3PT%).
In the right matchup, Brown is definitely a savvy under-the-radar pick. That makes tonight’s contest the perfect spot, as the Kings are giving up the 13th-most points to opponents this season (113.8). Over JB’s five most recent outings vs. Sacramento, he’s averaged 28.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. As just the sixth-most expensive guard on the board, this is a sneaky value play compared to some of the pricier names available.
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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.
