A massive 14-game NBA slate is on tap for Saturday, with 28 teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Cade Cunningham, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Davis. 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at GSW ($9,900)
Even in his 22nd season in the NBA, LeBron James is still one of the game’s most dominant players. This season, the four-time MVP has averaged 23.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and a team-leading 8.9 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field. Los Angeles’ superstar has the second-most triple-doubles in the association (nine), behind only Nikola Jokic.
LBJ will take on an old foe on Saturday when the Lakers visit The Bay. The Warriors might be in free-fall, but the team still plays quality defense. This season, Golden State is giving up the 12th-fewest points to opponents (110.6) and the seventh-fewest DK fantasy points to power forwards. However, Draymond Green has already been ruled out for tonight’s contest, leaving the Dubs vulnerable down low. Look for The King to take advantage and deliver a signature performance in primetime.
*James (foot) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Warriors.
2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. WAS ($9,300)
The Suns have been one of the NBA’s most chaotic teams, navigating injuries and rotation reshuffling all season. However, Phoenix is still fortunate enough to employ Kevin Durant. The former MVP has shown no signs of slowing down, posting 27.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. As always, the 36-year-old has been quite efficient, shooting 52.3% from the field (38.4 3PT%).
KD is poised for another monster stat line tonight against the Wizards. This season, Washington is surrendering the most points to opponents (122.4) and the most DK fantasy points to power forwards. When these teams met on January 16th, the future Hall of Famer notched 23 points, six rebounds and three assists. Expect Durant to have an even better showing at home on Saturday.
3. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at DAL ($9,700)
Rounding out tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings is Jayson Tatum. Boston’s superstar has been in a slump recently, scoring 21.3 points on 40% shooting over his last four appearances. That mark is significantly lower than his season-long averages of 27.2 points and 45.7% shooting. Still, the forward’s all-around excellence gives him a solid floor for production on a night-to-night basis.
Saturday’s NBA Finals rematch might be the perfect spot to get the five-time All-Star back on track. Including the postseason, Tatum has produced 26.9 points, 9.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists over his last ten games vs. Dallas. Another stellar showing against the Mavericks could make the 26-year-old one of the better big-name values on tonight’s slate.
