Following Thursday’s busy trade deadline, six-game, 12-team slate is set to tip off across the NBA. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Anthony Edwards, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. With several stars taking the floor, 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:
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1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers vs. GSW ($10,800)
It’s a new world for the Lakers, who have acquired Luka Doncic and Mark Williams this week. A new, younger roster gives Los Angeles a direction for the post-LeBron James era. However, the four-time MVP is still playing some of the best basketball of his career. This season, LBJ has averaged 24.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 9.1 assists (50.5 FPTS). James’ ten triple-doubles trail only Nikola Jokic (23).
In a classic matchup with the Warriors, expect LeBron to put on a show. Los Angeles’ new additions won’t be suiting up tonight, giving the three-time MVP full control of the offense. In four his last six appearances, James has recorded more than 50.0 fantasy points. Before Doncic makes his debut, The King should put on a show in front of the Crypto Center crowd.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. DAL ($9,800)
Finally, Jayson Tatum has broken out of his slump. Boston’s franchise cornerstone failed to record more than 40.0 fantasy points in four straight contests to close out January. However, the 26-year-old has averaged 55.25 fantasy points over his last three appearances. As one of the association’s most well-rounded players, the five-time All-Star is a terrific DFS option on most nights.
The Mavericks are typically a stout defensive unit. However, the team has made a flurry of moves, making their depth chart incredibly thin going into tonight’s game. Including last summer’s NBA Finals, Tatum has posted 27.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his last ten meetings with Dallas. Expect a vintage performance from the Celtics and their superstar on Thursday.
3. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic at DEN ($8,500)
After an extended injury hiatus, Franz Wagner is back. However, since the forward’s return to end January, the Magic have gone 2-5. That hasn’t been due to the play of Orlando’s young star. This season, Wagner has put up 25.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists (43.3 FPTS). The 23-year-old has also thrived on defense, compiling 1.4 steals per game.
A two-way threat such as Wagner doesn’t need to score 30 points to deliver massive value (although he’s capable of doing so). The Nuggets have struggled to defend all season, allowing the seventh-most points (117.5) and the most assists (29.7) per game. Denver has also surrendered the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. There are plenty of reasonably priced forwards available tonight, but none offer Wagner’s massive upside. At $8,400, the German is a potential steal on Thursday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
