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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets vs. NOP ($10,200)
Charlotte lives and dies with the play of LaMelo Ball. The former Rookie of the Year has been stellar this season, averaging 29.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.5 assists. However, poor efficiency (41.9 FG%) makes the guard heavily dependent on counting stats. Thanks to a league-leading 37.2% usage rate, the budding superstar combines high upside with a dependable floor.
Against certain defenses, Ball could struggle to find his shot. That’s unlikely to be the case against New Orleans on Saturday. This season, the Pelicans are giving up the sixth-most points (117.9) and the sixth-most DK fantasy points to point guards. LaMelo’s gigantic share of Charlotte’s offense ensures his top spot on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
*Ball (wrist) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Pelicans.
2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers at CHI ($9,800)
Tyrese Maxey has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal 76ers season. Through 36 games, the 24-year-old has put up 26.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists. With Joel Embiid out of action once again, Philly’s young guard is the de facto number one option on offense.
Maxey is playing his best basketball of the season, going over 50 DK fantasy points in four of his last six outings. That trend should continue tonight vs. a woeful Bulls defense. Chicago has surrendered the second-most points (121.0) and the second-most assists (28.9) to opponents. Expect the former All-Star to deliver another impressive performance against such feeble opposition.
3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons at ORL ($10,600)
The Pistons are one of the NBA’s biggest surprises, racing out to a 23-21 record this season. What’s been driving Detroit’s sudden success? The number one factor has been the stellar play of Cade Cunningham. The former number one overall pick has emerged as one of the game’s best all-around threats. Through 40 games, the Oklahoma State alum has put up 24.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 9.4 assists.
Despite being the highest-priced guard on tonight’s slate, this is a tricky spot for Cunningham. The Magic are giving up the second-fewest points (103.5) and the fewest DK fantasy points to point guards. When these two teams last met on New Year’s Day, Cade tallied 44.0 DK fantasy points, down from his season-long mark of 50.5. The guard will demand a massive workload, however it’s tough to rank him higher due to Orlando’s stifling defense.
