2025 is finally here, and hoops fans have eight NBA games to start the new year right. Big names such as Nikola Jokic, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis 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 forwards at the top of Wednesday’s board:
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1. Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors vs. BKN ($10,100)
The only thing that got in Scottie Barnes’ way on Tuesday was his own teammates. Despite the Raptors getting blown out by a score of 125-71 in Boston, the former Rookie of the Year put together a solid 16-point, 13-rebound stat line in just 31 minutes of play. Through 20 games this season, the lanky forward is putting up 19.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists.
The Raptors should have a much easier time scoring on Wednesday. Their opponent, the Nets, are a middling defense, giving up the 15th-most points in the NBA (112.8). Barnes in particular should thrive against a Brooklyn squad allowing the 11th-most DK fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Look for Toronto’s face of the franchise to put together another double-double performance.
2. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls at WAS ($8,000)
Sitting at 15-18, it’s clear that the Bulls aren’t anything more than a fringe play-in contender. With the trade deadline just over a month away, we could be looking at the end of an era for several Chicago veterans. That includes Zach LaVine, a player that has been the subject of nonstop rumors over the past few years. The sharpshooter has been his typical score-first self this season, averaging 22.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 49.9/44.7/81.4 shooting splits.
Normally, those numbers aren’t enough to warrant a spot on this list. However, tonight’s matchup is fantasy gold. The Wizards have played atrocious defense all season, giving up more points to opponents than any other team (122.4). LaVine has scored at least 25 points in six of his last eight outings against Washington. The two-time All-Star can be a streaky player, but this is the perfect spot to sink some easy buckets.
* As of Wednesday morning, LaVine (toe) is questionable to play vs. the Wizards.
3. Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks at DEN ($9,200)
Trae Young will always get more headlines, but Jalen Johnson has been Atlanta’s best player this season. The 23-year-old is an all-around threat, notching 19.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 50.9% shooting from the field (33.1 3PT%). Most impressive has been the power forward’s production on the defensive end, accounting for 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks.
Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Nuggets isn’t a walk in the park, but the continued absence of Aaron Gordon (calf) should make things easier down low. Denver has given up the sixth-most points in the paint this season (50.3). That weakness plays directly into Johnson’s strength as a scorer. Atlanta’s budding young star is too good to leave off tonight’s list, even as the second-most expensive forward on tonight’s slate.
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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.
