It’s a loaded nine-game NBA slate on Friday, as eighteen teams are set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic. With so many stars in action, narrowing down who 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
1. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at CHI ($10,400)
The nine-win Hornets are a mess, but fans have hope for the first time in years. After an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, LaMelo Ball is finally delivering on his massive potential. The point guard has gotten off to a terrific start, posting 29.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists through 26 games. Despite a lackluster shooting percentage (42.4%), Ball’s league-leading usage rate of 38.0% makes him a consistent producer.
Tonight, the former Rookie of the Year is a clear top option on these fantasy basketball rankings. Friday’s opponent, the Bulls, have given up the second-most points to opponents (121.0) and the third-most DK fantasy points to point guards. Ball has gone over 50 FPTS in each of his last three outings; a follow-up performance is more likely than not. Look for the 23-year-old to go off against one of the NBA’s worst defenses.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at DAL ($10,200)
For the first time since Luka Doncic’s Christmas Day injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t have a number one fantasy basketball ranking. The guard will have to settle for second, but it’s not due to his recent play. Fresh off of a 40-point, eight-assist masterpiece against Cleveland, SGA might not be as sharp on the second leg of a back-to-back. This season, the two-time All-Star is averaging 52.9 DK fantasy points per game.
The Thunder are clear favorites on Friday night, but the Doncic-less Mavericks won’t go down without a fight. Dallas’ defense has given up the eighth-fewest DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. Still, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 36 points in each of the two meetings between these teams this seaosn. Another stellar showing is the expectation, not the exception.
3. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat at DEN ($8,800)
To round out the list, let’s go with the new leader of the Heat. Jimmy Butler may return tonight, but his standoff with team president Pat Riley has cast a dark shadow over Miami. With or without the veteran, expect Tyler Herro to take control of the offense. The sixth-year pro has enjoyed a career-best campaign so far, putting up 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Most impressive has been his efficiency, with shooting splits of 47.4/40.8/86.4.
The Kentucky alum has an advantageous matchup on deck tonight. This season, the Nuggets have allowed the seventh-most points (117.5) and the most assists (29.3) to opponents. Against point guards, Denver has given up the ninth-most DK fantasy points. Plenty of fantasy managers will overreact to Butler’s return in this one. Don’t fall for the trap; Herro’s role as Miami’s leading scorer is secure.
