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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at MIN ($11,000)
The NBA’s best record of 44-9 resides in Oklahoma City, and the driving force has been Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It’s been a standout 2024-25 campaign for the Canadian, who has earned his status as a superstar. This season, he’s posted 32.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists. Efficient shooting (52.7 FG%) and stellar defense (1.9 STL, 1.0 BLK) have led to an average of 53.3 fantasy points per game.
SGA will face one of the association’s better defenses on Thursday when the Thunder travel to Minnesota. This season, the Timberwolves have allowed 107.4 points to opponents, the fourth-lowest mark in basketball. However, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 30 points in each of the last eight meetings between these two teams. OKC’s face of the franchise is the undisputed top selection for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at UTA ($9,200)
A solid Clippers team has thrived in the Western Conference due to a mix of star power and reliable depth. However, if there’s one player that’s kept this group afloat without an injured Kawhi Leonard, it’s James Harden. The former MVP isn’t the most efficient player (39.3 FG%), but his all-around play leads to some serious stat-stuffing. This season, the veteran has produced 21.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.6 assists.
Leonard (injury management) won’t suit up against the Jazz on Thursday. That should give Harden full control of Los Angeles’ offense against an awful defensive unit. This season, Utah has allowed the third-most points per game (119.8) and the most fantasy points to point guards. The Beard is a threat as both a passer and a scorer, making him a fantasy monster under the right circumstances. As just the third-highest priced guard, Harden is a big name fantasy managers should consider targeting.
3. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks vs. MIA ($9,300)
With Luka Doncic in LA and Anthony Davis injured, the fate of the Mavericks lies with Kyrie Irving. This season, the guard has averaged 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 47.8% from the field (41.5 FPTS). Last night against the Warriors, Uncle Drew dropped 42 points and seven rebounds in a winning effort for Dallas.
On paper, a matchup with a solid defense appears daunting. However, the Heat have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to point guards. Miami has been especially vulnerable to the pass, granting the ninth-most assists per game to opponents (26.8). Irving might not offer the most value, but he’s a one-man offense that can go off on any given night.
