Fourteen NBA teams are in action for tonight’s loaded seven-game slate. That means plenty of big names are set to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. With so many stars in action, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. SAC ($11,500)
When he plays, no one is quite as overpowering as Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is having one of his best campaigns yet, averaging 31.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 59.8% from the field. That’s resulted in an eye-popping DK fantasy points average of 60.3, second only to Nikola Jokic.
There’s almost no point in analyzing matchups for Giannis; he’s too good for trivial stuff like that to matter. Still, Tuesday’s spot against the Kings is a good one. This season, Sacramento is surrendering the 14th-most points to opponents this season (113.7). Over the last six meetings between these two teams, Antetokounmpo has gone over 30 points five different times. There’s never been a more obvious number one pick for these fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns at ATL ($9,100)
He might be 36, but Kevin Durant is still one of the deadliest basketball players on Earth. This season, the former MVP is putting up 27.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Even more impressive has been the forward’s efficiency, with stellar 51.9/38.9/84% shooting splits through 28 games.
It’s nearly impossible to supplant Antetokounmpo atop this list, but KD has a case tonight. That’s due in large part to his opponent, the Hawks. This season, Atlanta has given up the fifth-most points (118.8) and the second-most DK fantasy points to power forwards. When these two teams last met, the 14-time All-Star had 23 points, seven assists and three blocks (41.5 FPTS). Even without Giannis’s sky-high ceiling, it makes sense to place Durant in your fantasy lineups on Tuesday.
3. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans at CHI ($8,900)
At long last, Zion Williamson is back. After missing multiple months due to a hamstring strain, the former All-Star returns to a desperate Pelicans squad. The forward’s availability will always be in question, but he’s an undeniable force on the court. Through eight appearances this season, he’s put up 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field.
Assuming Williamson is good to go tonight, he’ll have a golden opportunity against the Bulls. This season, Chicago is allowing the second-most points to opponents (121.0) and the fourth-most DK fantasy points to power forwards. Through two games since returning, Zion has averaged nearly 40 FPTS on just 28 minutes of play. If the 24-year-old’s workload sees even a modest uptick, we could be in store for a vintage performance.
