The NBA’s second half is underway, with all 30 squads having played over the last three days. Eight more teams will take the court on Saturday evening for a select four-game slate. Still, plenty of superstars are set to play, including Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic. With so few squads in action, narrowing down who to start in season-long fantasy and DFS formats isn’t easy. Here are the three guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers at DEN ($10,600)
Three games in, and we’re still waiting on a monster Luka Doncic performance with the Lakers. To be fair, Los Angeles has kept the guard on a minutes restriction, a smart move following the guard’s calf strain in December. During his brief time in LA, the five-time All-Star has put up 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game (32.3 FPTS).
Doncic’s track record suggests a breakout performance is only a matter of when, not if. A primetime duel with Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets sounds like the perfect environment for a shootout. This season, Denver has surrendered the seventh-most points (117.5) and the most assists (29.3) per game to opponents. Luka’s five-digit price tag is nothing to sneeze at, but this wouldn’t even be a discussion two months ago. This superstar is due for a monster stat line tonight.
2. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets at POR ($9,600)
LaMelo Ball is quickly earning a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier stat-stuffers. The former Rookie of the Year, when healthy, is a threat to drop 30 on any given night. This season, the guard has averaged 27.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game with the Hornets (48.4 FPTS). Currently leading the association in usage rate (37.1%), Charlotte’s face of the franchise has a massive fantasy basketball floor.
Ball’s heavy workload makes him nearly matchup-proof for the purpose of these rankings. However, it certainly helps to face a below-average defense. In that regard, the Trail Blazers fit the bill. This season, Portland has allowed 117.3 points per game to opponents, eighth-most in basketball. On a relatively light slate, Ball could easily finish Saturday atop these fantasy basketball rankings.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers vs. BKN ($9,100)
A nightmare 2024-25 campaign for the 76ers would be far worse without the presence of Tyrese Maxey. With Paul George and Joel Embiid missing plenty of time, Philadelphia has been forced to lean on the 24-year-old. This season, he’s averaged 27.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field (46.1 FPTS).
The Sixers should have all their stars active for tonight’s game. In theory, that lowers Maxey’s fantasy ceiling. However, the guard has recorded 20+ points in four of his last five meetings with the Nets.. The former All-Star isn’t the most exciting name available on Saturday, but he should get the job done against a rebuilding Brooklyn squad.
