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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Cade Cunningam, Detroit Pistons vs. DAL ($10,100)
The upstart Pistons have hit a speed bump, losing their last three contests. Detroit’s decline hasn’t been a reflection on Cade Cunningham’s play. The 23-year-old, selected for his first-ever All-Star game on Thursday, has averaged 29.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists over his previous three appearances (49.75 FPTS). With limited competition for touches on the roster, the sky is truly the limit for the young guard on any given night.
If Detroit is to get back on track, it will need a dominant performance from its franchise cornerstone. Friday’s opponent, the Mavericks, defend the perimeter well, holding point guards to the seventh-fewest fantasy points. However, Cunningham has recorded 29.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists over two career meetings with Dallas. Considering how much Cade has progressed this season, a repeat performance doesn’t seem far fetched. Even on a slate filled with quality guards, this budding superstar stands out atop tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. DEN ($9,700)
It’s been a difficult 2024-25 campaign in Philadelphia. The 76ers, who entered the season with dreams of a championship, now find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid (knee) is perpetually injured, and offseason signing Paul George has been a disappointment. If there’s any way for the team to turn things around, it’s through the play of Tyrese Maxey. The 24-year-old has posted 27.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists this season (45.9 FPTS).
Even by the former All-Star’s lofty standards, his most recent stretch has been remarkable. Maxey has notched 30 points or more in seven of his last 12 games played, shooting 47.2% from the field. By now, it’s become apparent that the guard is currently the top dog on offense, with or without George on the court. Maxey should have another terrific outing against a Nuggets squad allowing the seventh-most points per game to opponents (117.5). Philly’s high-volume scorer could deliver in a major way for fantasy managers tonight.
3. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at CHA ($9,300)
A surprisingly good Clippers squad has leaned on a number of veteran contributors en route to a 27-20 record. That includes James Harden, who currently leads the team with 8.4 assists this season. The former MVP’s other counting stats stand out as well, with 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals through 44 games. In spite of his poor shooting (39.9 FG%), the 35-year-old remains one of the game’s premier stat-stuffers.
Harden can be inconsistent, but he tends to play his best games against subpar competition. Los Angeles’ opponent tonight, the 12-32 Hornets, certainly fit that description. Charlotte has been solid on defense this year, giving up the 15th-fewest points per game to opponents (112.8). Still, The Beard’s all-around excellence should give him a decent fantasy floor in this one. As a cheaper alternative to Cunningham and Maxey, Harden offers triple-double upside on Friday.
