A four-game NBA slate is on tap tonight, with just eight teams set to tip off across the association. Still, plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Anthony Davis. With so few 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 Tuesday’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at POR ($11,700)
Another season, another monster output from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has been in peak form so far, putting up 31.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists through 38 games. The two-time MVP’s efficiency has been nearly as impressive, as he’s shooting 60.5% from the field. Add in a few defensive stats (1.4 BLK, 0.8 STL) and you have arguably the most dominant force in the NBA.
It takes an elite defense to even think about slowing down Giannis. That doesn’t describe the Trail Blazers this season. Portland has allowed the eighth-most points (117.3), fifth-most rebounds (53.5) and the ninth-most fantasy points to power forwards. Antetokounmpo tallied 31 points and 11 rebounds when these two teams last met on January 4th. An encore performance will have the eight-time All-Star on top of Tuesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at PHI ($10,000)
The Lakers have reeled off four straight wins, thanks in large part to LeBron James. Since January 21st, the King has recorded 22.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field. During that time, LBJ enjoyed his ninth triple-double of the season against the Wizards, behind only Nikola Jokic (21).
Tonight’s matchup could prove challenging. Even without Joel Embiid, the 76ers are a talented defensive unit, allowing the 13th-fewest fantasy points to power forwards. Still, LeBron produced a 21-point, 12-rebound, 13-assist masterpiece when these teams last met in November. The future Hall of Famer is a solid pivot off of Antetokounmpo for managers looking to save some salary.
3. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets at ATL ($8,000)
The young Rockets have risen to second in the Western Conference, playing their best basketball of the season. Last night, Houston notched its best win of the season, a 114-112 triumph over the Celtics. The victory was made possible by Amen Thompson, who hit the game-winning shot with less than a second on the game clock. The 20-year-old has been a midseason standout, averaging 19.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.2 blocks since January 1st.
Thompson’s stellar two-way skills give him a massive floor in DFS formats. That’s especially true against a poor defensive team such as the Hawks. This season, Atlanta is giving up the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. That makes Tuesday night’s matchup the perfect spot for a versatile wing to wreak havoc. Houston’s newest star is one of the best options, regardless of position, on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
