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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at PHI ($10,500)
How to best describe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game in one word? Effortless. Oklahoma City’s face of the franchise doesn’t overwhelm opponents with breathtaking athleticism or unlimited shooting range. Instead, an elite basketball IQ, a toolbox of skill moves, and a 6’6″ frame are all that he needs to dominate. This season, the two-time All-Star is averaging 31.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists to go with an efficient 52.2% field goal percentage (35.6 3PT%).
Gilgeous-Alexander will have his hands full tonight against a solid 76ers defense, albeit without center Joel Embiid. This season, Philadelphia is giving up the ninth-fewest points to opponents (110.3) and the second-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing guards. Still, this is arguably the game’s greatest all-around threat. Given how Oklahoma City funnels its offense through SGA, there’s no reason to place him anywhere other than the top spot on this list.
2. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns at ATL ($9,000)
Bradley Beal drama has generated most of the headlines for the Suns, but don’t forget Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Even with the rest of Phoenix’s roster in shambles, the dynamic duo have played stellar basketball this season. The latter hasn’t had his best statistical campaign, but 24.9 points and 6.9 assists are nothing to sneeze at.
As good as the four-time All-Star has been, he isn’t the second-best guard on most nights. That’s not the case on Thursday in Atlanta. The Hawks are giving up the fifth-most points to opponents (118.8) and the fifth-most DK fantasy points to shooting guards. When these two teams last met on January 9th, Booker tallied 20 points and 12 assists (44.25 FPTS). In a potential shootout, the 28-year-old is one of the saftest picks on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. OKC ($9,600)
Without Joel Embiid, control of the 76ers’ offense rests in Tyrese Maxey’s hands. Even with Paul George suiting up tonight, the 24-year-old is clearly Philadelphia’s most dangerous player. Despite a tough start, the All-Star has posted 25.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season. Over his last four appearances, Maxey has averaged over 51 DK fantasy points.
So, if Philadelphia’s young star is set for a huge workload tonight, why not place him second? The Thunder are a unique challenge, as they thrive at defending the perimeter. Oklahoma City is giving up the fewest points to opponents (103.2) and the third-fewest DK fantasy points to point guards. Maxey’s potential usage is too high to ignore, but it might be uphill sledding against a stingy OKC squad.
