The All-Star break came to a close last night, with more than half of the NBA taking the court. Several other teams will suit up for the first time in over a week on Friday, with nine different games tipping off. Plenty of superstars are set to play, including Cade Cunningham, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Karl-Anthony Towns. With 18 squads 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at WAS ($11,500)
Giannis Antetokounmpo made his much-anticipated return last night following a six-game injury absence (calf). The results were good, not great: 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists (39.5 FPTS). Still, that doesn’t take away from what’s been a phenomenal season for the two-time MVP. Through 42 games, Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 61.0% from the field (59.9 FPTS).
What happens when an unstoppable force meets a movable object? Hoops fans might find out tonight when the Bucks visit Washington. This season, the Wizards have allowed the most points (122.4), rebounds (56.2) and third-most assists (29.0) per game. The threat of a blowout looms over this contest, but the score might not matter. The Greek Freak’s otherworldly talent is enough to lead Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings, even on a lighter workload.
2. Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic vs. MEM ($8,700)
The Magic got a much-needed win over the Hawks last night, bringing their record to 28-29. Orlando, for all their recent struggles, still has a legitimate shot at avoiding the Eastern Conference play-in. For this team to reach the postseason, they’ll need plenty of production from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The latter of the two was enjoying a breakout 2024-25 campaign prior to suffering a torn oblique in December. Since returning on January 23rd, the 23-year-old has posted 26.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists over 12 games.
The Magic pride themselves on a physical, grind-it-out brand of basketball. That will be put to the test tonight against a Grizzlies squad playing at the NBA’s fastest pace (104.17). A silver lining for Magic fans is that we could see some impressive stat lines from the team’s two best players. Memphis also plays sloppy basketball, ranked second in the association with 16.4 turnovers per game. That’s perfect for a ballhawk such as Wagner, who has recorded 1.4 steals this season. At nearly $2,000 less than Antetokounmpo, Orlando’s young wing is a clear value for fantasy managers.
3. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. MIA ($9,200)
There’s little to play for in Toronto with a 17-38 record. However, the Raptors have quietly amassed an impressive collection of young talent on their roster. Leading the way is Scottie Barnes, in the midst of his fourth year in the NBA. Through 42 games, the forward has averaged 20.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game (44.6 FPTS).
The former Rookie of the Year fills several roles for Toronto: leading scorer, ball-handler and wing defender. That leads to some outstanding stat lines, even on nights when his shot isn’t falling. Friday’s opponent, the Heat, are a solid defensive unit, allowing the sixth-fewest points per game to opponents (108.7). With that being said, Barnes nearly recorded a triple-double when these teams last met in December (49.5 FPTS). The 23-year-old is one of the safest picks available at any position on tonight’s slate.
