A massive NBA slate is set for Wednesday, with nine games between 18 teams on tap for hoops fans. Plenty of superstars are in action, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden and Alperen Sengun. 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. Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, Oklahoma City Thunder at BOS ($11,400)
The Western Conference’s best team has been led by the NBA’s best guard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has rapidly risen the ranks of basketball’s elite superstars, culminating in an MVP-caliber 2024-25 season. Through 63 games, the Canadian has averaged a league-leading 32.6 points, along with 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists (53.8 FPTS). On defense, he’s recorded 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
Another standout performance might not be so easy for SGA tonight. The defending champion Celtics wield one of the association’s best defenses, allowing the seventh-fewest points per game (108.9). In addition, Boston has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. Still, the three-time All-Star recorded 33 points, 11 rebounds and six assists (67.25 FPTS) when these teams last met in January. Even against an elite team, no other guard comes close to Gilgeous-Alexander on Wednesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at ATL ($9,600)
At this point in his career, we know what kind of player LaMelo Ball is. The fifth-year pro is a true score-first guard, often leading to some ugly shooting numbers. Still, as one of the few offensively gifted Hornets, the 23-year-old is often forced into a large workload. This season, the former All-Star has recorded 25.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game (46.2 FPTS).
For all his flaws, Ball’s stat-stuffing skills give him a massive boost in DFS formats. That’s especially true in the right matchup, as is the case tonight. This season, the Hawks have coughed up the fifth-most points (118.8) and fifth-most assists (28.6) per game. Atlanta has also given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Against one of basketball’s worst defenses, the former Rookie of the Year deserves strong consideration from fantasy managers.
3. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at MIA ($10,200)
A defensive-minded Clippers team has allowed James Harden to flourish. Supported by several high-end role players, The Beard has acted as a leading scorer for Los Angeles this season. While his efficiency has been poor (39.4 FG%), the results have still been great. Through 62 games, Harden has averaged 22.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists (46.8 FPTS).
Harden has played excellent basketball recently, notching at least 57.0 fantasy points in four of his last five outings. The former MVP will look to keep his hot streak going tonight against the Heat. When these teams last met in January, the guard produced 26 points, 11 assists and five rebounds (55.25 FPTS). Another standout performance on Wednesday is more than likely for this future Hall of Famer.
