A light NBA slate is set for Saturday, with four games between eight teams on tap for hoops fans. Still, several superstars are in action, including Cade Cunningham, James Harden 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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA 300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. WAS ($10,200)
Cade Cunningham is no stranger to heavy workloads. The former first overall pick has been a one-man show since entering the league four years ago. The difference this season is that the rest of Detroit’s roster has finally picked up the slack. Right now, the Pistons currently sit at sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 36-29 record. Their face of the franchise has been terrific, averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game (50.6 FPTS).
With numbers that can rival almost any other player, the first-time All-Star is a fantasy basketball cheat code. That’s especially true against a vulnerable defense, as is the case on Tuesday. The Wizards enter tonight’s contest allowing the most points (122.4), most rebounds (56.7) and sixth-most assists (28.5) per game. As long as this one doesn’t become a blowout early, Cunningham should have his way against Washington.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at NOP ($9,900)
Speaking of do-it-all guards, James Harden remains one of basketball’s elite stat-stuffers. The 35-year-old, while flawed, is capable of carrying an inconsistent Clippers offense. This season, The Beard has posted 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game (46.6 FPTS). Those impressive counting stats are enough to overcome a subpar 39.4% field goal percentage.
Harden has been known to struggle against high-end defensive units. Fortunately, the Pelicans are most definitely not one of those teams. This season, New Orleans has allowed the sixth-most points (117.9) and third-most assists (29.0) per game, in addition to the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. That weak level of opposition makes the former MVP someone to watch on Tuesday night’s fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers vs. MIL ($8,800)
Tyrese Haliburton has missed Indiana’s previous three games due to a hip injury. When the point guard does play, he’s one of basketball’s most gifted passers. This season, the former All-Star has averaged 18.5 points and 8.9 assists per game while shooting 46.8% from the field (41.6 FPTS). Those statistics, while down from last season, are still enough to make Hali an asset for fantasy mangers.
Assuming the guard does suit up tonight, this could be the perfect spot for him to go off. This season, the Bucks have surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to point guards. In addition, Haliburton has produced 21.9 points and 10.0 assists over 11 career games vs. Milwaukee. The 25-year-old also dominated this matchup last spring when these two teams met in the postseason. A double-double performance on Tuesday wouldn’t be too much of a shock for Indiana’s leading man.
*Haliburton (hip) is questionable to play on Tuesday vs. the Bucks.
