An 11-game NBA slate is set to tip off on Saturday, with 22 different teams in action. That means plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic. 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:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at MEM ($10,900)
The Thunder sit atop the NBA with a 41-9 record. A deep roster, excellent coaching staff, and savvy front office have all played a crucial role in OKC’s rise. However, the team wouldn’t come close to title contention without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 26-year-old is enjoying his best season yet, posting 32.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists (53.5 FPTS). The 6’6″ guard has made an impact on defense as well, compiling 1.9 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
There’s no defense on Earth that could move SGA out of the top spot on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings. However, certain matchups could be more fantasy-friendly for the point guard. That includes tonight’s date with the Grizzlies, who play at the fastest pace in the NBA (104.32). Gilgeous-Alexander has produced 26.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists over his last five meetings with Memphis. The MVP candidate is set for another stat-stuffing performance on Saturday.
2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks at WAS ($9,600)
A busy trade deadline for the Hawks saw the team trade away De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Their departures, along with a season-ending injury for Jalen Johnson, leaves Atlanta thinner than ever on offense. A silver-lining is that hoops fans could see plenty of Trae Young going forward. The three-time All-Star has had another terrific season, averaging 23.3 points and a league-leading 11.4 assists (47.3 FPTS).
Young isn’t the most consistent shooter (40.6 FG%), but the point guard’s counting stats make him a safe fantasy pick on most nights. That’s especially true against the hapless Wizards. This season, Washington has surrendered the most points (122.4) and the third-most assists (28.7) per game to opponents. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Ice Trae finish as Saturday’s top guard.
3. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. POR ($9,700)
Julius Randle’s groin injury has put an even greater offensive burden on Anthony Edwards’ shoulders. The 23-year-old has already enjoyed a prolific season, recording 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists (45.3 FPTS). The biggest difference in Ant-Man’s play has been his three-point shooting. Through 51 games, the guard has connected on 42.1% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The two-time All-Star has an advantageous matchup on deck against the Trail Blazers. This season, Portland has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. During the previous five meetings between these two teams, Edwards has averaged 26.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. At $1,200 less than Gilgeous-Alexander, Minnesota’s leading man could be a nice pivot for fantasy managers.
*Edwards (hip) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Trail Blazers.
