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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. SAC ($10,800)
The straw that stirs the drink in Oklahoma City is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two-time All-Star has been terrific this season, putting up 32.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists (53.5 FPTS). On defense, the guard has recorded 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks, thanks in large part to his 6’6″ frame. With so many ways to beat his opponent, the MVP candidate is one of the game’s elite fantasy options.
Saturday’s matchup won’t be a cakewalk, as the Kings have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. Still, this is a spot SGA has thrived in before. The Canadian has notched at least 33 points in each of his last eight meetings vs. Sacramento. It’s hard to think of any stronger evidence to support another dominant outing tonight.
2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. WAS ($9,600)
The Timberwolves aren’t at the level of last season’s title contenders. Still, this team always has a shot at victory when Anthony Edwards is playing. Minnesota’s franchise cornerstone has averaged 26.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season (44.6 FPTS). Most impressive has been the guard’s shooting, connecting on 42.3% of his three-point attempts. As one of the association’s premier scorers, it’s nearly impossible to stop Ant-Man when he’s in a groove.
If good teams struggle against Edwards, what about the NBA’s worst? Washington ranks last in several defensive categories, including points per game (122.4), rebounds per game (56.9), and three-pointers made per game (14.5). The Wizards are so bad that the only real question is how long this contest will stay competitive. As long as Edwards plays close to 30 minutes, he needs to be near the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks vs. LAL ($8,700)
In a matchup between the Lakers and the Knicks, expect plenty of star power. Nobody in New York shines brighter than Jalen Brunson. The 28-year-old has enjoyed another phenomenal campaign, producing 25.9 points and a career-best 7.5 assists per game. Efficient shooting splits (49.1/40.5/81.7) have ensured the guard’s place as one of the NBA’s true superstars.
The two-time All-Star is poised for a signature performance tonight vs. Los Angeles. This season, the Lakers have allowed the 11th-most points per game (114.3) and the eighth-most assists per game (27.3) to opponents. The Purple and Gold will be without Anthony Davis (adomen), making scoring much easier for the Knicks. Expect New York’s captain to lead the way once again on Saturday.
