Just four games tip off across the NBA on Saturday. There are still a few big names taking the floor, including Cade Cunningham, Anthony Edwards, and Scottie Barnes. That makes narrowing down a select group to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats a difficult task. Here are the three guards at the top of tonight’s board:
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1. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons vs. TOR ($10,400)
What’s behind Detroit’s surprising 19-19 start? A few factors, from savvy offseason signings to a coaching staff change, deserve mention. However, the Pistons live and die with their best player, Cade Cunningham. The former number one pick has always been a good player, but he’s rapidly emerging as one of the best in the Eastern Conference. This season, the guard has averaged 24.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 9.3 assists while shooting 45.7% from the field (37.6 3PT%).
Those stellar counting stats highlight the heavy load Detroit’s young superstar carries every night. Cunningham is well-positioned for another standout performance on Saturday vs. the Raptors. This season, Toronto is giving up the fourth-most points to opponents (119.0) and the tenth-most DK fantasy points to point guards. En route to a potential All-Star game selection, the Pistons’ offense should run through their face of the franchise.
2. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. MEM ($8,900)
Following a spectacular 2023-24 campaign, Anthony Edwards has regressed this season. Still, it’s not as if the 23-year-old has suddenly become unplayable; he’s still putting up All-Star caliber numbers. Through 37 games, Ant-Man has posted 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 44.1% shooting from the field (42.7 3PT%).
The All-NBA selection will have an opportunity on Saturday to deliver a crucial win for the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies are one of the best teams in the Western Conference, but they’ve been shaky on defense. This season, Memphis is giving up the tenth-most points to opponents (114.7) and the 13th-most DK fantasy points to shooting guards. In a matchup he can exploit, expect Edwards to flirt with 30 points tonight for Minnesota.
3. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat at POR ($8,800)
Jimmy Butler’s extended hiatus has opened up plenty of minutes and touches for the rest of Miami’s roster. That includes Tyler Herro, who was already enjoying a career year prior to the All-Star’s absence. This season, the Kentucky alum has averaged 23.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 46.8% from the field (40.2 3PT%).
It’s no exaggeration to call Saturday the perfect spot for Herro. The Jazz have allowed the fourth-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards, giving up the fifth-most assists to opponents (28.6). Utah has also surrendered the third-most three-pointers made to opponents (14.4). Those numbers should have Miami’s sharpshooter salivating entering tonight’s contest. Look for the Heat to prioritize getting their top option plenty of good looks from beyond the arc.
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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.
