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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at BKN ($10,800)
A seemingly unstoppable Thunder squad has a serious claim as the NBA’s deepest team. Few other rosters in basketball have the ability to throw several elite wing defenders and shot-blocking bigs at opponents. It also helps that Oklahoma City has an MVP candidate orchestrating its offense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been nothing short of fantastic so far, solidifying his place among the game’s elite superstars. This season, the 26-year-old has averaged a league-leading 32.4 points along with 5.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game (53.5 FPTS).
No matter which defense he faces, Gilgeous-Alexander is a good bet to go off. That remains true against a surprisingly solid Nets defense. This season, Brooklyn has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. However, the three-time All-Star recorded 27 points and ten assists (56.75 FPTS) when these teams met on January 19th. As long as this game isn’t a blowout by halftime, SGA should deliver another outstanding stat line.
2. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. BOS ($10,500)
The Pistons can only go as far as Cade Cunningham can take them. This season, that hasn’t been an issue. Detroit, currently on track for its first postseason appearance in five seasons, has leaned heavily on its budding superstar. Cunningham, currently enjoying his fourth season in the NBA, has taken massive strides as an all-around player. Through 53 games, the guard has posted 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.5 assists (51.5 FPTS). Those numbers all represent career-high marks for the former number one pick.
Detroit will have its hands full on Wednesday when they host the Celtics. The defending champs defend the perimeter well, surrendering the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. Still, Cunningham has thrived in this spot all season. Over his last three matchups with Boston, the All-Star has produced 22.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 10.7 assists. With that in mind, expect another stellar performance from Cade tonight.
3. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at CHI ($9,800)
Advanced age hasn’t meant increased consistency for James Harden. The 36-year-old has shot poorly all season, hitting 39.2% of his field goal attempts (34.1 3PT%). However, The Beard’s stat-stuffing prowess hasn’t faded. Through 54 games, he’s averaged 21.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.6 assists. While there’s a level of risk in backing the veteran, he possesses massive upside for fantasy managers.
That’s especially true in a game against one of the NBA’s worst defenses. This season, the Bulls have allowed the second-most points (121.0) and the second-most assists (29.0) per game to opponents. Chicago has had difficulty guarding point guards, giving up the third-most fantasy points to the position. While Harden’s game has its flaws, he could find himself near the top of Wednesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
