Seven games are on tap for Friday, with 14 teams set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Cade Cunningham, Giannis Antetokounmpo 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 forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at SAS ($11,500)
What more can be said about Giannis Antetokounmpo? The future Hall of Famer was named to his ninth career All-Star game last week, and for good reason. This season, he’s averaged 31.7 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 60.8% from the field (60.3 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, Milwaukee’s superstar has tallied a combined 2.0 steals and blocks.
In a marquee matchup against the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, Antetokounmpo is still the best player on the court. The two-time MVP posted 25 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists (58.5 FPTS) when these teams last met on January 8th. This season, San Antonio has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. As is always the case, there’s no question that the Greek Freak should be first on Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at NOP ($9,500)
Jayson Tatum, by his own high standards, has been ice-cold lately. Over his last four games, the five-time All-Star has put up 18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists (35.6 FPTS). Still, Boston’s face of the franchise is one of the association’s most dangerous players. It’s only a matter of time until the 26-year-old regains his superstar form and delivers a monster stat line.
That moment could come as soon as Friday night. This season, the Pelicans have surrendered the sixth-most points (117.9) and the third-most rebounds per game (55.1) to opponents. New Orleans has also allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to power forwards. When these squads last faced each other on January 8th, Tatum dropped 38 points and 11 rebounds (58.25 FPTS). This might be a high placement based on recent performance, but a $2,000 discount from Antetokounmpo shouldn’t be dismissed.
3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. CHI ($9,400)
The lottery-bound Raptors have little to play for this season, with the front office using the second half to assess a subpar roster. One thing is certain: Scottie Barnes is a centerpiece for Toronto going forward. The forward has been excellent through 34 games, averaging 20.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists (44.9 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, he’s tallied 1.5 steals and 0.9 blocks.
In the right matchup, the 23-year-old has triple-double potential. That includes tonight’s game vs. the Bulls, who have allowed the second-most points (121.0) and the fourth-most rebounds per game (54.9) to opponents. Chicago has given up the seventh-most fantasy points to power forwards, setting Barnes up for a stellar showing. The two-way star has elite upside on Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
