Just four games tip off across the NBA on Saturday. There are still a few big names taking the floor, including Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Scottie Barnes. 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. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors at DET ($8,900)
Toronto sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with an 8-30 record, but there’s still plenty of talent on the roster. Leading the way is Scottie Barnes; despite several injuries, the lanky forward has put up 20.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists through 25 games. Almost as impressive has been the former All-Star’s two-way play, as he’s recorded 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks on the defensive end of the floor.
The Raptors enter tonight’s contest on a bit of a high note, having lost a close 132-126 contest with a terrific Cavaliers squad. In that game, Barnes nearly produced a triple-double: 24 points, ten rebounds and eight assists. Tonight’s matchup with the Pistons won’t be as intimidating, especially for the former Rookie of the Year. This season, Detroit is giving up the eighth-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Considering the lack of high-end options available on Saturday, Barnes is one of the few forwards worth paying up for.
2. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies at MIN ($9,300)
As long as superstar point guard Ja Morant is healthy, the Grizzlies are a true NBA Finals threat. However, don’t forget about Memphis’ second option, Jaren Jackson Jr. The power forward has always been a terrific rim protector, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. However, his offensive game has never been better, averaging a career-best 22.6 points to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.8 blocks through 36 games.
JJJ’s stellar all-around production makes him an appealing DFS option. However, he’ll have his hands full on Saturday against a tenacious Timberwolves defense. This season, Minnesota is giving up the fourth-fewest points to opponents (107.2) and the 12th-fewest DK fantasy points to power forwards. Still, Jackson Jr. is too involved in Memphis’ offense to write off tonight. The All-Star talent doesn’t make the most sense as the priciest forward on the board, but there’s certainly worse players to pay up for tonight.
3. Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. MEM ($7,200)
Speaking of the Timberwolves, the front office made a bold move in early October, sending fan favorite Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The results so far have been disappointing, with Minnesota’s inconsistent play leading to a 20-17 record. While it’s trendy to pile on Randle for his body language and defensive effort, the three-time All-Star is still putting up solid numbers: 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists with 47.6/35.8/82.5 shooting splits.
The talented stretch-four will have a golden opportunity on Saturday vs. Memphis. The Grizzlies are allowing the tenth-most points in the association (114.8) and the eighth-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Fresh off of a 23-point, ten-rebound outing (41.5 FPTS) vs. a terrific Magic defense, Randle is more than capable of delivering a second-straight double-double. At a salary of just over $7,000, this could be the best value at any position tonight.
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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.
