The NBA Cup is finally coming to a close, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder for the in-season title. With so many big names in action, narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three guards at the top of tonight’s board:
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $400K NBA Cup Special [$100K to 1st] (MIL @ OKC)
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. MIL ($18,000)
Despite injuries and cutthroat competition, the Thunder sit atop the Western Conference. Leading the charge is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; through 25 games, he’s averaged 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. The two-time All-Star is one of the game’s most well-rounded players, giving him a terrific fantasy floor. SGA has produced 50 or more DK fantasy points in ten of his last twelve outings.
The Bucks have improved on defense this season, but much of their strength comes down low from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Up top, there aren’t many perimeter defenders capable of keeping up with a superstar such as Gilgeous-Alexander. With a massive workload and an opponent ill-equipped to stop him, this MVP candidate is set for a terrific showing in Sin City.
2. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks vs. OKC ($16,200)
On a one-game slate, Damian Lillard and Gilgeous-Alexander are the clear-cut top dogs. This season, Dame is averaging 25.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists through 22 games, shooting 45.0% from the field (37.1 3PT%). Together with Antetokounmpo, the pair have helped lead the Bucks to a 13-7 record and the NBA’s eighth-best offensive rating (117.0) since the start of November.
When a two-time MVP drives attracts so much defensive attention inside the paint, it’s nearly impossible to worry about anyone else, even a generational sharpshooter. That should lead to some open looks tonight, even against an Oklahoma City defense giving up the fewest points (103.5 PPG) and lowest field goal percentage (42.4%) in basketball. For those looking to invest in a guard while saving a few bucks, Lillard makes plenty of sense as an alternative to Gilgeous-Alexander.
3. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. MIL ($9,000)
The final spot on the list is up for grabs, but ultimately it comes down to which Thunder guard is expected to contribute the most on offense. While there are plenty of names worth consideration, such as Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, Lu Dort is the safest bet of the three. This season, the six-year veteran is putting up 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 41.1% shooting (40.3 3PT%).
Dort can be an inconsistent shooter, but he’s also someone to target during hot streaks; he’s put up 14.7 points over his last three games. The two-way wing also offers plenty on the defensive end, where he’s snagged 1.2 steals and 0.8 blocks over 25 games. The Canadian isn’t a ‘must-start’ by any means, but he’s the best player to target for those looking to avoid paying a premium at guard.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $400K NBA Cup Special [$100K to 1st] (MIL @ OKC)
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
