A loaded ten-game NBA slate is set for Friday, with 20 teams taking the floor. Plenty of superstars are in action, including James Harden, LaMelo Ball and Jayson Tatum. 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. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at ATL ($10,500)
Say what you will about James Harden, but the man is still a fantasy basketball monster. It’s been another typical season from The Beard: gaudy counting stats on less-than stellar efficiency. Despite shooting just under 40% from the field, the former MVP is averaging 47.0 fantasy points per game. He currently leads the Clippers in assists (8.7 APG) and ranks second in points (22.3 PPG).
What makes Harden so dangerous is that even on a poor shooting night, he can produce some impressive numbers. Fortunately, the veteran won’t have to worry about scoring against one of basketball’s worst defenses. This season, the Hawks have surrendered the fifth-most points (118.8) and the fifth-most assists (28.6) per game. Atlanta has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Add it all up, and you have a no-brainer first pick for tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at SAS ($9,800)
Speaking of stat-stuffers, LaMelo Ball has been a busy man this season. When the guard has played, he’s been the engine that drives an otherwise subpar Hornets offense. Through just 42 games, he’s recorded 25.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists (46.3 FPTS). Ball, owner of the NBA’s highest usage rate (36.2%), needs a lot to go wrong in order to disappoint fantasy managers.
Prior to Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending blood clot, the Spurs were an above-average defense. However, San Antonio owns the association’s second-worst defensive rating since the All-Star break (124.0). When these teams last played on February 4th, Ball accounted for 24 points and ten assists (46.0 FPTS). Expect an even better performance on Friday from the 23-year-old.
3. Trae Young, Altanta Hawks vs. LAC ($10,400)
The Hawks are one of many mediocre Eastern Conference squads, especially since Jalen Johnson’s season-ending shoulder injury. Still, at least Atlanta’s fans are entertained by Trae Young. The guard, currently in his seventh season as a pro, is one of basketball’s elite offensive threats. Through 61 games, he’s averaged 24.0 points and a league-leading 11.5 assists (47.8 FPTS).
The Clippers are one of the NBA’s elite defenses, which limits Young’s potential impact. Still, Los Angeles has had some trouble against point guards, allowing the 14th-most fantasy points to the position. When these teams last met on January 4th, Ice Trae tallied 20 points and 14 assists (50.0 FPTS). Atlanta’s face of the franchise is a solid selection for fantasy managers on Friday night.
