Another loaded NBA slate is set for Friday, with eight games between 16 teams on tap for hoops fans. That includes a handful of superstars in action, such as James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic. 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. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns at DEN ($8,900)
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are atop their respective positions on Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings, and for good reason. The pair might play for the disappointing Suns, but that doesn’t change their impressive statistical output. KD, even at the age of 36, remains one of the NBA’s premier scorers. This season, the forward has averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game (45.2 FPTS).
Durant isn’t an all-around fantasy monster at this point in his career, but the veteran is still reliable. In the right matchup, the former MVP can demolish a defense, especially one that struggles on the perimeter. That’s an ominous sign for the Nuggets, who have surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to power forwards this season. KD has scored at least 23 points in each of his previous ten appearances vs. Denver. That level of consistency makes the wing difficult to pass up on Friday at less than $9,000.
2. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets vs. CLE ($8,300)
Surprisingly, there aren’t many high-end forwards available tonight. That pushes a good, not great, player such as Miles Bridges near the top of this list. To be fair to the 26-year-old, he’s been a much-needed source of offense for the Hornets this season. With Brandon Miller injured, there aren’t many mouths to feed in Charlotte other than LaMelo Ball. Through 47 games, the Michigan State alum has posted 20.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 43.3% from the field (38.8 FPTS).
The Cavaliers, owners of the NBA’s best record, are a difficult matchup for any score-first player. Still, Bridges has produced 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists over his last ten meetings with Cleveland. Those numbers aren’t anything to write home about, but they do suggest the forward can deliver a decent stat line against a formidable opponent. At a reasonable salary, the sixht-year pro is a decent target for fantasy managers looking to avoid paying up for Durant.
3. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers at CHA ($8,100)
Speaking of the Cavs, their pursuit of an NBA championship wouldn’t be possible without the growth of Evan Mobley. The power forward has always been a great player, offering up elite defense since entering the association. However, improvements on offense this season have taken the 23-year-old’s skills to another level. Through 55 games, the All-Star has averaged 18.6 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists (39.9 FPTS). On the other end of the floor, he’s accounted for 1.6 blocks and 0.8 steals.
Friday’s matchup is promising for most members of the Cavaliers, especially down low. The Hornets have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. Mobley has also enjoyed some impressive outings against Charlotte, including a career-high 41 points on December 7th. With that in mind, Cleveland’s talented two-way force offers solid value for fantasy basketball managers tonight.
