A six-game NBA slate is on tap for Saturday, with 12 teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Trae Young, Anthony Edwards and Alperen Sengun. 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 forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. ATL ($10,200)
As deep as their roster might be, the Celtics are nowhere close to a contender without Jayson Tatum. The five-time All-Star is one of the game’s most consistent players, with a well-rounded skillset perfectly suited to DFS contests. This season, the forward is averaging 27.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field.
Tatum would likely be at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings regardless of the opponent. However, it certainly helps to be facing the Hawks. Atlanta has surrendered the fifth-most points in the NBA (118.8) and the second-most DK fantasy points to power forwards. Boston’s young superstar should have no problem delivering a monster stat line tonight, if he plays.
*Tatum (shoulder) is questionable to play tonight vs. Atlanta.
2. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks at BOS ($9,000)
The Hawks have assembled an intriguing roster around Trae Young, prioritizing lanky, versatile forwards that can play on both ends of the floor. Among that group, Jalen Johnson stands out. After a breakout 2023-24 campaign, the Duke alum has posted 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season.
Assuming the fourth-year pro plays tonight, he’ll certainly have his hands full. The Celtics are one of the NBA’s better defensive units, including down low. This season, Boston has held opposing power forwards to the tenth-fewest DK fantasy points. Still, considering the lack of depth at forward, Johnson is easily second on Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
*Johnson (shoulder) is questionable to play tonight vs. Boston.
3. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets at POR ($8,400)
The Rockets are a difficult team to figure out for fantasy managers. Other than Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Fred VanVleet, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will produce for Houston. Lately, it’s been Amen Thompson stepping up. The second-year pro has put up 12.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. On the other end of the floor, he’s chipped in with 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks.
The 21-year-old has a golden opportunity tonight against the Trail Blazers. This season, Portland has allowed the fourth-most DK fantasy points to small forwards. When these two teams last met in November, Thompson recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. The two-way forward has plenty of avenues to make an impact for managers looking to avoid higher-priced names.
