Nine games are on tap for Saturday, with 18 teams set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James 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 $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at NYK ($10,700)
At 27-19, the Lakers have enjoyed a solid first half. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, center Anthony Davis (abdomen) is out for at least one week. That leaves just LeBron James as the only healthy All-Star on the roster. In his 22nd season as a pro, The King is averaging 23.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and a team-leading 9.0 assists (50.0 FPTS). Expect those numbers to increase without AD.
LBJ will head to one of his favorite arenas on Saturday, Madison Square Garden. James hasn’t lost in New York since 2019, a streak he’ll hope to keep alive in this one. Even against a top-ten defense, the future Hall of Famer’s workload will ensure a solid fantasy performance. On an otherwise slim slate for forwards, nobody else warrants consideration atop this list.
2. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets at BKN ($8,500)
The Rockets have the second-best record in the Western Conference, a surprise to most fans and analysts. What’s behind the sudden leap this season? Several factors, none more important than the growth of Amen Thompson. Houston’s two-way wing has emerged as a difference-maker, posting 13.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. On defense, the ballhawk has tallied 1.4 steals along with 1.2 blocks.
As a result of those numbers, head coach Ime Udoka has given the 22-year-old a bigger role on offense. That change has taken the wing from solid contributor to fantasy basketball must-start. The former lottery pick has recorded 40.0 or more DK fantasy points in six of his last nine contests. Against a middling Nets defense, there’s no reason to assume that trend won’t continue. Houston’s talented youngster has immense upside heading into Saturday night.
3. Josh Hart, New York Knicks vs. LAL ($7,500)
The Knicks have one of the best starting fives in the NBA, led by the duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. However, don’t forget about Josh Hart. The versatile wing does a little bit of everything for New York, often operating on a never-ending supply of energy. This season, the Villanova alum has averaged 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 55.6% from the field (35.3 3PT%).
On most nights, Hart’s skillset might not translate to a matchup against a bigger Lakers squad. However, without Davis, Los Angeles is much smaller down low. The Purple and Gold have allowed 50.7 points in the paint this season, fourth-most in the NBA. An even weaker front court might also struggle to box out Hart, one of the game’s best pound-for-pound rebounders. New York’s secret weapon is a fun low-cost alternative for managers looking to spend more at other positions.
*Hart (knee) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Lakers.
