A seven-game NBA slate is set to tip off on Friday, with 14 different teams in action. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid and Victor Wembanyama. With so many stars suiting up, 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 $300K Friday 8’s [$100K to 1st]
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at ATL ($11,800)
After missing Milwaukee’s last two contests due to a calf injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo may make his return on Friday. It’s no secret why each day without the Greek Freak is difficult for the Bucks. The two-time MVP may be enjoying his best season yet, putting up 31.6 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists. A per-game average of 60.4 fantasy points trails only Nikola Jokic.
When breaking down Giannis’ opponent in any given game, the only question is to what degree he’ll dominate. The Hawks have only gotten worse on defense following Jalen Johnson’s shoulder injury. This season, Atlanta has surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. When these teams last met in December, Antetokounmpo nearly recorded a triple-double (32 PTS, 14 REB, nine AST). A similar performance tonight would make Milwaukee’s superstar a worthwhile investment for fantasy managers.
* Antetokounmpo (calf) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Hawks.
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors at OKC ($9,100)
The Raptors can’t seem to catch a break with injuries this year. RJ Barrett (concussion) has already been ruled out of tonight’s game, leaving Toronto without its leading scorer. The only upside to a depleted roster is that Scottie Barnes is in line for more touches. The two-way forward has been solid this season, posting 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists (44.2 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, he’s tallied 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
A date with the Thunder isn’t the most exciting proposition for an opposing player. This season, Oklahoma City has allowed the fewest points per game (103.2) and the fifth-fewest fantasy points to power forwards. Still, on an otherwise thin slate for forwards, Barnes deserves a spot on this list. The 23-year-old is a high-upside option for Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at WAS ($8,400)
A number of key players are responsible for the Cavaliers’ 41-10 record, best in the Eastern Conference. It’s tough to find a more integral piece of the puzzle than Evan Mobley. The fourth-year pro has enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 campaign, earning a trip to his first career All-Star Game. This season, the power forward has averaged 18.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game (39.0 FPTS).
Those stats all sound nice, but they aren’t the sole reason for Mobley’s selection on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings. The Wizards are atrocious, giving up the most points (122.4) and rebounds (56.6) per game to opponents. Washington has had significant struggles against power forwards, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position. Against a defense that can’t stop anyone, Cleveland’s young star can easily surpass his modest $8,400 salary.
