A three-game NBA slate is on tap for Friday, with just six teams set to tip off across the association. Still, plenty of big names are expected to take the floor, including LaMelo Ball, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Tyrese Maxey. With so few stars in action, figuring out who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats is a difficult task. Here are the three guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets vs. POR ($10,500)
LaMelo Ball may have missed out on a starting spot in the All-Star game, but this season has proven he’s an elite guard. Through 29 games, the 23-year-old has averaged 29.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Charlotte’s budding superstar has a league-leading usage rate of 37.2%; that should increase following Brandon Miller’s season-ending wrist injury.
A talent-deficient roster ensures that the Hornets will give their best player plenty of touches. As if that wasn’t enough for Ball, he’ll get to face a porous Trail Blazers defense on Friday. This season, Portland is allowing the eighth-most points to opponents (117.3) and the fourth-most DK fantasy points to point guards. Assuming the former Rookie of the Year plays, he’s an easy choice atop tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings.
*Ball (wrist) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Trail Blazers.
2. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies vs. NOP ($9,000)
It’s no surprise that the Grizzlies have rebounded from a dismal 2023-24 campaign. Armed with far better health this season, Memphis has surged near the top of the Western Conference with a 29-15 record. Much of the credit needs to go to Ja Morant. Without lengthy injuries and off-court incidents, hoops fans have been reminded of the point guard’s immense talent. Through 26 games, the two-time All-Star has put up 21.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists for the association’s highest-scoring offense (123.3 PPG).
Memphis’ offensive scheme is the perfect set up for a dynamic guard. Playing at the fastest pace in the NBA (104.7), there’s plenty of points to go around for the Grizzlies. That should continue tonight against a subpar Pelicans defense. This season, New Orleans has surrendered the sixth-most DK fantasy points to opposing point guards. Morant should have little difficultly delivering a solid performance for fantasy managers.
*Morant (illness) is questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. CLE ($10,000)
The play of Tyrese Maxey is the silver lining on an otherwise miserable 76ers season. With Joel Embiid sidelined for an indefinite amount of time, Philadelphia’s offense has run through its talented guard. This season, the 24-year-old is averaging 26.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Despite inefficient shooting (42.7 FG%), the former All-Star is clearly the top option on offense over Paul George.
On paper, a 25+ PPG guard with little competition for touches would be a fantasy dream. However, those numbers won’t come easy tonight against the Cavaliers. This season, Cleveland has allowed the 11th-fewest points to opponents (110.5) and the eighth-fewest DK fantasy points to point guards. Maxey’s volume still makes him a name to watch, but a five-figure salary might be too pricey.
