After a long All-Star break, the NBA is back. Several superstars are set to take the floor on Thursday, including Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic. With 18 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. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at DEN ($9,800)
Editor’s Note: Hornets PG LaMelo Ball (injury management) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Nuggets.
The Hornets secured an upset win last night over the Lakers, thanks in large part to LaMelo Ball. The former Rookie of the Year shined in Los Angeles, compiling 27 points, five rebounds and six assists (45.3 FPTS). It’s yet another stat-stuffing performance in a season full of them for the 23-year-old. Charlotte’s franchise cornerstone currently leads the NBA with a 37.1% usage rate, giving the guard massive fantasy basketball upside.
On a roster starved for playmakers, Ball has total control of his team’s offense. As a result, the former All-Star has one of the highest fantasy floors in basketball. Thursday’s opponent, the Nuggets, have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. Considering his role on a talent-starved roster, Ball is a safe first pick for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers at POR ($10,700)
Editor’s Note: Lakers PG Luka Doncic (injury management) has been ruled out for tonight’s game vs. the Trail Blazers.
Luka Doncic has gotten off to a rocky start with his new team. Over his first three games with Los Angeles, the five-time All-Star has averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists. To be fair, head coach JJ Redick has kept the guard on a minutes restriction as he recovers from a calf strain. Regardless, the Lakers are certainly hoping for more production going forward.
If the Slovenian is ever going to have a big game, why not tonight? This season, the Trail Blazers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Doncic has recorded 35.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 9.0 assists over his previous five meetings with Portland. Still, at nearly $11,000, there are far safer, cheaper guard options available on Thursday’s slate. Until Luka returns to form, consider an alternative for your fantasy lineups.
3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks vs. CHI ($8,400)
The Knicks could be without both Josh Hart (knee) and O.G. Anunoby (foot) tonight. That means Jalen Brunson will have to take on an even larger role on offense. If the two-time All-Star has shown anything during his three years in New York, he’s up for a challenge. This season, JB is averaging 26.1 points and a career-high 7.5 assists per game (42.5 FPTS).
As great as Brunson is, he’s shown some inconsistency. That’s a natural result of playing alongside another great scorer in Karl-Anthony Towns. Still, the 28-year-old is set up nicely for tonight’s matchup. The Bulls have allowed the second-most points (121.0) and the third-most assists (29.2) per game. When these teams last met on January 4th, Brunson dropped 33 points and eight assists. A similar stat line would make the guard a steal as the ninth-most expensive player at his own position.
