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 guards 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. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TOR ($10,700)
The Thunder have raced out to an NBA-best 40-9 record, emerging as midseason title favorites in the process. Leading the charge for Oklahoma City is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian has always been über-talented, but this season is shaping up to be his first MVP campaign. Through 48 games, SGA has averaged 32.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists (53.8 FPTS). Contributions on the defensive end (2.0 STL, 1.0 BLK) have made the guard one of the game’s best two-way players.
A superstar that can do a little bit of everything could make tonight difficult for the Raptors. This season, Toronto has allowed the fourth-most points per game (119.3) and the 11th-most fantasy points to point guards. When these two teams last met in December, Gilgeous-Alexander notched 30 points in just 30 minutes of play. OKC’s leader is an easy first pick for Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. PHI ($10,500)
A scrappy Pistons squad finds themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. An otherwise middling Detroit roster has been carried all season by Cade Cunningham. The former first overall pick has developed into a true difference-maker, earning his first ever All-Star Game selection in the process. This season, the Oklahoma State alum has posted 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game (51.2 FPTS).
The 23-year-old will have a tough task ahead of him on Friday night. For all their flaws, the 76ers are a quality defensive unit, especially with center Joel Embiid healthy. This season, Philadelphia has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. However, Cunningham did put together a decent outing when these teams met on October 30th (42.25 FPTS). On a loaded slate for guards, there are probably more cost-efficient options for managers to place in their lineups.
*Cunningham (ankle) is questionable to play tonight vs. the 76ers.
3. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks vs. MIL ($9,600)
Jalen Johnson is injured and DeAndre Hunter has been traded. That’s a large chunk of production missing from the Hawks’ offense going forward. If anyone on the roster stands to benefit, it’s Trae Young. Atlanta’s leading man has been solid this season, averaging an impressive 23.2 points and league-leading 11.5 assists (47.4 FPTS). The only flaw in his game (other than defense) has been an inefficient 40.6% field goal percentage (34.1 3PT%).
In the right spot, Ice Trae is still a walking double-double. Tonight’s opponent, the Bucks, have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Over his last ten meetings with Milwaukee, Young has produced 25.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 9.8 assists. The three-time All-Star, with little competition for touches, is an appealing alternative to Friday’s more expensive guard options.
*Young (Achilles) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Bucks.
