We’re a day away from the All-Star break, but there’s still four games left to be played across the NBA. Some of the sport’s biggest names, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kyrie Irving and Domantas Sabonis are expected to suit up. With so few teams 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:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans vs. SAC ($8,200)
The 12-42 Pelicans have little to play for at this point in the season. If there’s anything to take away from a nightmare 2024-25 campaign, it’s the play of Trey Murphy III. Through 38 games, the wing has averaged 22.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists (38.6 FPTS). Efficient shooting splits (47.0/38.3/89.7) have made the fourth-year pro one of the more dangerous players on New Orleans’ roster.
Zion Williamson (reconditioning) has been ruled out of Thursday’s contest. That should lead to plenty of touches for Murphy III in an advantageous matchup. Opponents have connected on 37.6% of their three-point attempts against the Kings this season. That’s the second-highest mark in all of basketball. Trey should find his shooting stroke against one of the NBA’s worst perimeter defenses.
2. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets vs. GSW ($8,600)
The first few months of 2025 have represented a breakout for Amen Thompson. Since January 1st, the 22-year-old has posted 17.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. During that time, the youngster has also recorded 2.1 steals and 1.5 blocks. As an all-around menace, the former lottery pick’s fantasy basketball potential is through the roof.
Even a freak of nature like Thompson might find it difficult to score tonight against the Warriors. This season, Golden State has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Still, the wing is simply too talented to leave off of this list. It may be prudent to target a cheaper option, but you really can’t go wrong with Thompson on Thursday.
3. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings at NOP ($7,500)
Despite trading away De’Aaron Fox, the Kings haven’t thrown in the towel on their playoff hopes. Along with trading for center Jonas Valanciunas, Sacramento was able to acquire Zach LaVine from the Bulls. The former All-Star, while limited on defense, certainly knows how to put up points. This season, the 29-year-old has averaged 23.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game (38.4 FPTS).
Over five games with the Kings, LaVine has seen his scoring dip to 19.4 PPG. However, I’m willing to bet that changes on Thursday. The Pelicans, as previously mentioned, are awful. This season, they’ve surrendered the sixth-most points per game (117.9) and the second-most fantasy points to shooting guards. The veteran has notched at least 22 points in each of his last five meetings with New Orleans. At just $7,500, LaVine is one of the best values available on tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
