With just days until the All-Star break, NBA fans will be treated to a massive 15-game slate on Wednesday. Most of the sport’s biggest names, including Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Nikola Jokic are expected to suit up. With every team in action, narrowing down who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats isn’t easy. Here are the three forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at UTA ($10,500)
A momentous trade deadline has overhauled the entire Lakers roster, with Luka Doncic now set to lead the franchise. One thing that hasn’t changed in LA is LeBron James. The future Hall of Famer, even at 40 years old, is still one of the game’s most dominant players. This season, LBJ has posted 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game (51.0 FPTS).
Los Angeles will depend heavily on the duo of Doncic and James each time they take the court. That includes Wednesday against the cellar-dwelling Jazz. This season, Utah has allowed the third-most points (119.8) and the third-most assists (28.8) per game. Over the last five meetings between these two squads, LeBron has averaged 26.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 9.8 assists. Another vintage performance from The King could be in the cards tonight.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. SAS ($9,900)
A terrific 2024-25 campaign for Jayson Tatum has resulted in All-NBA caliber numbers. Through 51 games, the Celtics star has put up 26.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 5.5 assists (50.5 FPTS). However, some struggles in the new year have put a damper on the five-time All-Star’s season. Since January 1st, Tatum has recorded at least 50.0 fantasy points in just eight of his 21 appearances.
A matchup with a Victor Wembanyama-led defense isn’t ideal for any player, even a superstar. This season, the Spurs have allowed the 13th-fewest points per game to opponents (111.2). Still, there should be enough room for Tatum to operate as a lead scorer. Over his last five contests with San Antonio, the forward has produced 25.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. There are cheaper names worth considering tonight, but Tatum warrants placement on Wednesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at TOR ($8,400)
To round out tonight’s list, let’s look at a high-upside play on one of basketball’s best teams. The Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers have been buoyed all season by the play of Evan Mobley. Entering his fourth year in the NBA, Cleveland’s talented forward has shown major growth on both ends of the floor. Through 47 games, the USC alum has averaged 18.7 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 56.9% from the field (39.5 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, he’s chipped in with 1.5 blocks and 0.9 steals per game.
Mobley isn’t the most consistent producer, but he’s capable of delivering a big game. Look no further than Monday’s outing vs. the Timberwolves, in which the power forward accounted for 63.0 fantasy points. Another stellar showing is possible on Wednesday against an even worse defense. This season, the Raptors have surrendered the fourth-most points (119.3) and the fifth-most rebounds (53.4) per game. Mobley isn’t the most enticing name, but his modest salary could be a major boon for fantasy managers.
