The NBA’s second half is underway, with just a handful of weeks remaining in the regular season. 18 more teams will take the court on Wednesday evening for a nine-game slate. That includes plenty of superstars, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and Domantas Sabonis. With several big names 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. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at DET ($9,900)
Following a brief cold stretch to start the month, Jayson Tatum has returned to form. In each of his previous six appearances, the forward has recorded at least 45.0 fantasy points. It’s yet another hot streak in a season full of them for the 26-year-old. Through 55 games, Boston’s face of the franchise has averaged 26.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists (50.8 FPTS).
Tatum’s recent success should continue on Wednesday, even against a scrappy Pistons defense. Detroit can be beaten in the front court, having allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. During the three matchups this season between these squads, Tatum has recorded 35.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists. That makes the six-time All-Star an easy first pick for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors at IND ($8,600)
In a season plagued by injuries for the Raptors, Scottie Barnes has been a steady presence. That doesn’t mean the former Rookie of the Year has become a sharpshooter or an elite passer. Still, you almost always know what you’re going to get. The forward is a jack of all trades on offense while playing terrific defense on the wing. Through 45 games, he’s recorded 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists (43.9 FPTS).
The All-Star talent hasn’t reached ‘must-start’ status in DFS, but he’s not too far off. In a matchup with the high-scoring Pacers, Toronto’s leading man could have a productive night. Indiana has given up the eighth-most fantasy points to power forwards, so there should be an opportunity to produce in this one. Barnes’ versatility gives him one of the safest fantasy floors at any position on Wednesday’s slate.
*Barnes (hip) is questionable to play tonight vs. the Pacers.
3. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings at UTA ($7,800)
The blockbuster three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio marks a new era in Sacramento. Rather than enter a rebuilding phase, the Kings have opted for a ‘re-tooling’; i.e. competing while collecting future assets. That’s why Zach LaVine, long the subject of trade rumors while with the Bulls, now resides in California. The former All-Star has had a quality season (on offense). Through 50 games, he’s averaged 23.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists (38,8 FPTS).
LaVine’s fantasy viability depends almost entirely on his ability to score points. That makes the 29-year-old one of the ultimate boom-or-bust DFS options. Agains the cellar-dwelling Jazz, managers should consider the sharpshooter on Wednesday. Utah has allowed the third-most points per game (119.8) and the most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Following a 42-point outing vs. the Hornets on Monday, look for LaVine to put up buckets tonight.
