Six games between 12 teams across the NBA are set for Thursday. That includes a handful of superstars, such as Trae Young, LeBron James and Karl-Anthony Towns. 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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers vs. NYK ($11,200)
It took a bit of time, but Luka Doncic has settled into life in Los Angeles. Since February 22nd, the Slovenian has recorded 27.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game with the Lakers. On the season, he’s averaged a whopping 54.3 fantasy points per game. Together with LeBron James, the guard has formed one half of the association’s most terrifying duo.
The Knicks enter tonight’s contest having struggled defensively. That’s likely to continue against one of the best players on planet Earth. During his previous six meetings with New York, Doncic has put up 36.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.4 assists. Even 2/3rds of that production on Thursday would make the five-time All-Star a worthwhile investment for fantasy managers.
2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks at IND ($9,800)
The Hawks can still secure a play-in spot, giving every game going forward importance. If Atlanta has any hopes of reaching the postseason, it’ll need Trae Young at his best. The guard has been a bit of a mixed bag this season. Terrific counting stats, including a league-leading 11.5 assists per game, have been dampened by inconsistent shooting (40.3 FG%).
In DFS contests, Young’s poor efficiency isn’t as big of a concern. The four-time All-Star has accounted for 47.4 fantasy points per game. It’s difficult to imagine a letdown tonight against a Pacers team that doesn’t play much defense. Indiana has given up 116.9 points per game to opponents this season, ninth-most in the NBA. Heading into a potential shootout, Ice Trae makes plenty of sense at this spot on Thursday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks at LAL ($9,100)
A Knicks team in need of a big win will look to Jalen Brunson in primetime. The two-time All-Star has enjoyed another standout campaign, conducting the association’s fifth-highest scoring offense (117.4 PPG). Through 60 games, the guard has averaged 26.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and a career-best 7.4 assists (43.2 FPTS). He enters Thursday on a hot streak, dropping at least 22 points over eight straight contests.
Although the Lakers have played great defense recently, this is still a team that’s vulnerable on the perimeter. This season, Los Angeles has allowed the eighth-most assists per game (27.3) and the 14th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Brunson has scored 29 or more points in three of his last four meetings with the Purple and Gold. On a limited slate, he’s worth consideration in most DFS lineups.
