A five-game NBA slate is on tap for Tuesday, with ten teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James 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 forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers vs. WAS ($9,800)
The 22-18 Lakers are a middling Western Conference contender, often trading winning and losing streaks each week. However, Los Angeles remains one of the NBA’s more dangerous groups thanks to Anthony Davis and LeBron James. The latter, even at the age of 40, remains one of the game’s greatest players. This season, The King has averaged 23.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 8.9 assists while shooting 51.4% from the field.
In the right spot, James transcends all other options on these fantasy basketball rankings. That’s especially true of Tuesday’s matchup with the Wizards. Washington has allowed the most points per game (122.4) and the most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Even at $1,200 more than the next-best option, LeBron is a name worth paying up for tonight.
2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic at TOR ($8,600)
After recovering for over two months from a torn oblique, Paolo Banchero has wasted no time returning to form. The former Rookie of the Year has been stellar this month, putting up 25.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists through five games. Despite a 10-point showing vs. the Nuggets on Sunday, Banchero has still recorded at least 30.0 DK fantasy points during that time.
The Duke product should have his way on Tuesday against a mediocre Toronto defense. This season, the Raptors have surrendered the fourth-most points (119.3) and the 12th-most rebounds (52.7) to opponents. That’s unlikely to change against one of the more talented front court players in the association. Banchero is a solid LeBron alternative for managers in search of a high-upside option; he’s a clear step above the remaining forwards on tonight’s board.
3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. ORL ($8,500)
To round out these fantasy basketball rankings, let’s go with another Rookie of the Year winner. The Raptors have struggled for most of the year, in large part due to the games missed by Scottie Barnes. Toronto’s franchise player has been terrific when healthy this season, putting up 19.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists. On the other end of the floor, the lanky forward has tallied 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks.
Barnes’ all-around play makes him a great option for DFS contests-most of the time. That’s not the case on Tuesday against a stingy Magic defense. This season, Orlando has given up the second-fewest points to opponents (103.5) and the second-fewest DK fantasy points to power forwards. Over the last five meetings between these two teams, Barnes has reached 20 points once. By default, the former All-Star needs to make this list, but it’s best to spend his salary elsewhere tonight.
