Six games between 12 teams across the NBA are set for Saturday. That includes a handful of superstars, such as Cade Cunningham, Kyrie Irving and Giannis Antetokounmpo. With so many big names playing, 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at DAL ($10,800)
Following a string of subpar outings, by his own lofty standards, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to form on Thursday. The Greek Freak led Milwaukee to an upset win over the Nuggets, recording 28 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists (65.3 FPTS). It was the forward’s first game of over 60.0 fantasy points since February 2nd. This season, the 30-year-old is averaging 30.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
Antetokounmpo is always a triple-double threat, regardless of which team he’s facing. That’s especially true against a Dallas squad missing three centers, including defensive standout Anthony Davis. This season, the Mavericks have allowed the 14th-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. With limited options available tonight, Milwaukee’s two-time MVP is an easy first pick for Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies vs. SAS ($7,700)
The Grizzlies play an exiting, up-tempo brand of basketball. While guards Ja Morant and Desmond Bane push the pace, Jaren Jackson Jr. leads Memphis on both ends of the floor. The former Defensive Player of the Year has enjoyed a career-best 2024-25 campaign. Through 57 games, the big man has recorded 22.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals (39.3 FPTS). Those counting stats, combined with terrific efficiency (49.5%), makes JJJ a fantasy basketball standout.
The Spurs, equipped with shot-blocker Victor Wembanyama, are normally a difficult matchup for opposing centers. Unfortunately, the Frenchman is out for the rest of the season due to a blood clot. The last time these teams met, with Wemby in action, Jackson Jr. produced 31 points, six rebounds and three blocks (51.5 FPTS). Another dominant outing from Memphis’ best player should be expected on Saturday.
3. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets vs. SAC ($8,400)
On a Rockets team full of surprises, Amen Thompson stands out. The former lottery pick has emerged as a two-way force, capable of wrecking a game from anywhere on the court. This season, he’s posted 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game (34.6 FPTS). On defense, he’s tallied 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks. At 22 years old, the forward is has only just begun to un-tap his massive potential.
The Kings aren’t anyone’s idea of a defensive juggernaut. However, they have surrendered the ninth-fewest fantasy points to small forwards. When Houston and Sacramento last met on January 16th, Thompson totaled 20 points, ten rebounds and five assists (46.0 FPTS). On an otherwise lackluster slate, the youngster is someone fantasy managers need to consider on Saturday.
