A three-game NBA slate is on tap for Friday, with just six teams set to tip off across the association. Still, plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including LaMelo Ball, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyrese Maxey. With so few stars in action, figuring out 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. Trey Murphy, New Orleans Pelicans vs. MEM ($8,200)
Among an incredibly thin group of forwards, Trey Murphy finds himself at the top of tonight’s list. It helps that Zion Williamson (conditioning) has already been ruled out of tonight’s contest, opening up more touches for the rest of the team. A depleted Pelicans roster has allowed Murphy to emerge as a go-to scorer. Through 28 games, the wing is averaging a career-best 21.6 points while shooting 44.9% from the field (35.8 3PT%).
Tonight’s matchup is fantasy gold, as the Grizzlies play at the fastest pace in the NBA. With more possessions, more fantasy points are inevitable. When Murphy last played Memphis in December, he tallied 35 points, four assists and three rebounds (48.25 FPTS). A similar stat line without Williamson would easily justify the forward’s current placement on these fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies at NOP ($8,100)
Most headlines will revolve around Ja Morant, but Jaren Jackson Jr. is the engine that keeps the Grizzlies going. The All-Star is one of the best two-way threats in the NBA, capable of putting up numbers on both ends of the floor. This season, the power forward has posted 22.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals.
JJJ’s versatile production makes him a terrific DFS option on most nights. That should remain the case on Friday against the Pelicans. This season, New Orleans has given up the second-most points in the paint (52.8) and the fourth-most rebounds (55.0) to opponents. When these teams last met on December 27th, Jackson Jr. notched 35 points, five rebounds, and three blocks (57.75 FPTS). Another well-rounded performance could make the power forward a steal at his current price.
3. Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers vs. CLE ($8,000)
It’s difficult to advocate for Paul George, even on a three-game slate. The veteran has struggled all season, battling injuries and underperformance after securing a max contract from Philadelphia this summer. Through 28 games, PG-13 has put up 17.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field (35.5 3PT%).
With that being said, George has shown some signs of life this month. Over his last eight games, the wing has averaged 20.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists (46.0 FG%). 76ers center Joel Embiid is set to miss another game, freeing up more touches for the rest of the roster. However, Friday’s matchup against a tough Cavaliers defense won’t be easy. The nine-time All-Star makes sense in theory, but fantasy managers should prioritize other names on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
