A loaded eleven-game NBA slate is on tap for Wednesday, with 22 teams set to tip off across the association. Plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Cade Cunningham, Victor Wembanyama, 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. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons at IND ($10,200)
Is there anything Cade Cunningham can’t do on a basketball court? The fourth-year pro has emerged as one of the game’s best all-around threats, dragging the Pistons into playoff contention in the process. This season, the guard has recorded 24.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 9.4 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field (36.3 3PT%). As one of a handful of players averaging over 50 fantasy points per game, Cunningham has entered elite company.
Tonight, the Oklahoma State alum faces a Pacers team that has given up the ninth-fewest fantasy points to point guards. Still, this isn’t a dominant defense; Indiana is allowing the ninth most points per game to opponents (116.9). Over three contests this season between these two teams, Cunningham has notched at least 20 points and eight assists. That gives the 23-year-old a solid fantasy floor heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. SAC ($9,800)
Tyrese Maxey seems to get better with each passing week, especially without having to defer to Joel Embiid. In the injured big man’s absence, Philadelphia’s talented youngster has reminded hoops fans of how deadly he can be. Look no further than last night’s 43-point masterpiece against the Lakers; it was the All-Star’s fifth-straight game with at least 50 fantasy points. On the season, Maxey is putting up 27.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
On the second leg of a back-to-back, some fatigue is to be expected for the 76ers. That’s especially true in the back court, where the Kings have held opposing point guards to the sixth-fewest fantasy points. When these two squads last met on New Year’s Day, Maxey tallied 27 points and six assists (51.5 FPTS). A more productive outing against Sacramento likely places the 24-year-old atop tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at SAS ($9,400)
To the surprise of many, the 26-20 Clippers are a true Western Conference contender. Kawhi Leonard’s return has come at the perfect time for Los Angeles, but The Claw isn’t the only star on the roster. James Harden has been terrific all season, often carrying an otherwise lackluster offense. This season, the former MVP has averaged 21.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.3 assists.
In spit of poor shooting (39.8 FG%), Harden’s stat-stuffing ability is nearly unmatched. That gives the veteran an edge in most matchups against subpar competition. While the Spurs are a quality defensive unit, they’ve surrendered the tenth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. The Beard’s scoring isn’t what it once was, but there’s still several ways for him to deliver for fantasy managers. Look for the guard to contribute in a number of different ways tonight against San Antonio.
