A four-game NBA slate is set to tip off on Tuesday, with eight teams in action. Still, hoops fans can expect to see several big names, including Cade Cunningham, Kevin Durant and Karl-Anthony Towns. 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:
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1. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. MEM ($9,000)
After suffering through an ankle injury this past week, Kevin Durant is finally off the injury report. Despite Phoenix’s struggles, the former MVP has enjoyed another terrific season. Through 39 games, he’s averaged 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists (44.8 FPTS). Add in solid 52.4/39.8/82.7 shooting splits, and it’s no wonder the veteran will be attending his 15th career All-Star Game this weekend.
Tonight’s matchup is the perfect set up for KD’s return. The up-tempo Grizzlies have allowed 114.1 points per game to opponents, 12th-highest in the NBA. In addition, Memphis has the second-friendliest defense for opposing power forwards. When these teams met in December, Durant notched 29 points, ten rebounds and six assists (44.8 FPTS). An encore performance is certainly in the cards for the 36-year-old on Tuesday.
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors at PHI ($9,200)
RJ Barrett (concussion) is out once again; without their leading scorer, the Raptors will lean heavily on Scottie Barnes. This season, the former Rookie of the Year has posted 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists (44.2 FPTS). With so many ways to impact a game, the 23-year-old is an ideal player for DFS contests. That’s especially true when given full control of an offense, as is the case tonight.
Toronto will travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday, taking on a defense allowing the ninth-fewest points per game (110.3). The last time these two teams met in October, Barnes recorded 27 points, five rebounds and four assists (43.25 FPTS). Another all-around showing from the two-way forward could easily place him atop tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings,
3. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies at PHX ($8,100)
As previously mentioned, the Grizzlies play a fun, high-paced brand of basketball. That’s led to some impressive counting stats from a number of their stars, including Jaren Jackson Jr. The All-Star might be enjoying his best season as a pro so far. Through 50 games, he’s averaged 23.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists (40.1 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, he’s chipped in with 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.
JJJ’s stellar season should continue during Tuesday’s matchup with the Suns. This season, Phoenix has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. When these squads last met on December 31st, Jackson Jr. dropped 38 points and 12 rebounds (66.0 FPTS). At just $8,100, the big man is one of the best value plays available at any position tonight.
