Before the ball drops on 2024, basketball fans will get to close out the year with four marquee NBA matchups. Big names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant and LeBron James are set to take the floor, so 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 Tuesday’s board:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. MIN ($11,000)
The Thunder have imposed their will on opposing teams all season, racking up a 26-5 record atop the Western Conference. Leading the charge is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; this season, the MVP candidate has averaged 30.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists through 31 games. Most impressive has been the guard’s all-around play, chipping in with 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks on defense.
Even against a quality defense, SGA is simply too dominant to place any lower on this list. Minnesota is only giving up 107.2 points to opponents this season, the fourth-lowest mark in basketball. However, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored more than 30 points in each of his previous seven games against the Timberwolves. Given the track record and role in a loaded offense, OKC’s franchise player is worth paying up for.
2. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers at SAS ($9,300)
With Kawhi Leonard’s return on the horizon, James Harden’s role atop the Clippers’ offense might be coming to a close. Until that day comes (if ever), The Beard is still the straw that stirs Los Angeles’ drink. Even at the age of 35, the guard has put up 22.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 8.0 assists through 35 outings. The league’s eighth-highest usage rate (30.3%) has given the veteran one of the game’s safest fantasy floors.
Harden has slowed down a bit after a torrid start, but he’s still positioned for a solid stat line on Tuesday. Even with center Victor Wembanyama down low, the Spurs are giving up the tenth-most DK fantasy points to opposing guards. Considering the lack of high-quality guards available tonight, the former MVP is a solid pick for those looking to pivot away from Gilgeous-Alexander’s high price tag.
3. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers at LAL ($8,400)
To cap off tonight’s set of games, the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers take on native son LeBron James and the Lakers. While Los Angeles has the higher profile stars, don’t get too distracted. Cleveland has proven they can play with anyone in the association, and it starts in the backcourt. It’s been another terrific start to the season for Donovan Mitchell, as the guard has produced 23.6 points, 4.6 assists and 4.6 rebounds on efficient 45.8/41.3/81.0 shooting splits.
In this primetime showdown, look for Mitchell to shine when the lights are brightest. Over his last five games vs. the Lakers, the 28-year-old is averaging 26.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Los Angeles has been shaky on defense, giving up the 12th-most points to opponents this season (114.1). In a statement game for Cleveland, look for their leading man to deliver a Hollywood-worthy performance.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is b.armetta) 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.
