A nine-game NBA slate is on tap for Thursday, with eighteen teams 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:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. DAL ($10,500)
As we enter yet another week without Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current top dog at guard. Oklahoma City’s superstar has been phenomenal this season, averaging a league-leading 32.0 points along with 5.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists. The two-time All-Star has also made an impact on defense, chipping in with 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks.
SGA has a somewhat difficult matchup ahead of him tonight. The Mavericks are giving up the 14th-fewest points to opponents (111.5) and the ninth-fewest DK fantasy points to point guards. Still, Gilgeous-Alexander has tallied 36 points or more in each of his two meetings with Dallas this season. The MVP candidate is the unquestioned number one option on these fantasy basketball rankings.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers vs. WAS ($9,500)
The Clippers have lost two straight games, but are still firmly entrenched in the Western Conference playoff race. While Kawhi Leonard’s health will always be uncertain, James Harden has been a rock for Los Angeles. Playing 40 games this season, the guard has posted 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists. Despite subpar 39.4/34.4/88.8 shooting splits, the former MVP’s counting stats make him an elite fantasy basketball contributor.
It’s difficult to know which players the Clippers will have available tonight. However, there should be plenty of buckets to go around against a terrible Wizards defense. This season, Washington has surrendered the most points per game to opponents (122.4) and the most DK fantasy points to point guards. Harden can struggle against elite opposition, but he doesn’t play down to his competition very often. Expect The Beard to deliver once again on Thursday.
*Harden (groin) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Wizards.
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks vs. TOR ($9,600)
If there’s one thing the Hawks do well, it’s putting up points. Atlanta is the seventh-highest scoring offense this season (116.7), thanks in large part to Trae Young. The 26-year-old isn’t very efficient (40.2 FG%), but he’s averaged 23.1 points and a league-leading 11.6 assists this season. In the right spot, the guard is a double-double waiting to happen.
Following a disappointing 13-point outing vs. Detroit last night, Young will look to bounce back on Thursday. Tonight’s opponent, the Raptors, have allowed the fourth-most points (119.3) and the 13th-most assists (26.6) per game this season. When these two teams last met on December 29th, Trae recorded 34 points and ten assists (60.0 FPTS). The three-time All-Star could easily surpass his salary with a similar performance in this one.
