Seven games are on tap for Tuesday, with 14 teams set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum. 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 LAC ($10,800)
In the aftermath of the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis blockbuster, LeBron James has never been more valuable to the Lakers. Without an elite center down low, Los Angeles will need LBJ to serve as a big man for the immediate future. Factor in Doncic’s absence until (hopefully) this weekend, and The King could have a productive week. This season, the four-time MVP is averaging 24.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists (50.4 FPTS).
In a primetime showdown with the rival Clippers, expect LeBron to be at his best. The future Hall of Famer is matchup-proof, even against a top-five defense. Over his previous five meetings vs. Los Angeles, James has put up 30.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists. Even with the highest price tag for any player, the veteran is still capable of delivering a monster performance.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at CLE ($9,800)
After his worst stretch of the season, Jayson Tatum bounced back over the weekend. Over his previous two games, the forward recorded 52.5 and 66.75 fantasy points, respectively. On the season, the five-time All-Star has posted 26.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists (51.0 FPTS). As one of the association’s most well-rounded players, Boston’s face of the franchise is perfect for DFS lineups.
Tuesday would be a difficult spot for most; the Cavaliers have allowed the 11th-fewest points per game (110.5). Jayson Tatum isn’t most players. The 26-year-old has scored at least 33 points in four of his last five outings vs. Cleveland, two of which came this season. At $1,000 less than LeBron, the Celtics star is a good pivot for managers looking to save a bit.
3. Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers at POR ($8,000)
The Pacers have played their way out of the play-in, currently ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference. Despite the struggles of point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana’s roster has continued to progress under head coach Rick Carlisle. That’s due in large part to the play of Pascal Siakam. This season, the two-time All-Star has posted 20.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists (38.1 FPTS).
Spicy P isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ guy, but he’s still worth playing in the right matchup. That could be tonight vs. a Trail Blazers team surrendering the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. This season, Portland has given up the eighth-most points per game (117.3) and the eighth-most rebounds per game (52.9). Against a weak front court, Siakam could put up big numbers at a reasonable price.
