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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers at DEN ($9,900)
The 15-26 76ers are in dire straits, especially with star center Joel Embiid (knee) injured once again. In the big man’s absence, Tyrese Maxey has been forced to step up. Despite a slow start, the guard has put up 26.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season. Even with subpar efficiency (42.4 FG%), Maxey’s workload automatically places him near the top of these fantasy basketball rankings.
If the Sixers have any chance of hanging around in tonight’s game, they’ll need Maxey to step up. The 24-year-old has done well in this spot before, recording at least 25 points in each of his last two outings vs. Denver. This season, the Nuggets have given up the 11th-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. Look for this dynamic scorer to take full control Philadelphia’s offense on Tuesday.
2. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks at BKN ($9,000)
The Knicks have one of the NBA’s deadliest scoring attacks, currently ranking second in offensive rating (120.5). Leading the charge is Jalen Brunson. While the point guard puts up points (26.2 PPG), he’s also produced a career-best 7.4 assists per game. Add in some great efficiency (48.8 FG%), and you have a player capable of going off at any moment. The All-Star has been on a tear lately, scoring at least 30 points in four of his last five games.
Tuesday’s matchup won’t be easy, as the Nets are playing quality defense this season. Still, Brunson has gone over 30 points in five of the last eight meetings between these two squads. Brooklyn has struggled on the perimeter, giving up a league-worst 38.0% of three-pointers to opposing teams. With that in mind, JB should have ample opportunity to hit some wide-open shots.
3. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat vs. POR ($8,300)
With or without Jimmy Butler in the starting lineup, Tyler Herro has continued to produce. Miami’s leading scorer is enjoying a breakout campaign, posting 24.0 points on 47.8% shooting from the field (40.7 3PT%). While the Kentucky alum is typically thought of as a shooter, he’s also tallied 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season.
Averaging a team-leading 35.3 minutes per game, Herro has one of the more stable floors at any position tonight. The sixth-year pro has gone under 30.0 DK fantasy points in just four of his 41 appearances this season. That’s unlikely to change against a Trail Blazers team giving up the eighth-most three-pointers made (13.9) and the eighth-most assists (27.2) to opponents. Herro has the upside to finish at the top of these fantasy basketball rankings by Tuesday’s end.
*Herro (groin) is questionable to play tonight vs. Portland.
