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 forwards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers at DEN ($10,300)
With or without a co-star available, LeBron James is going to produce. The King has enjoyed another standout season, putting up historic numbers at the age of 40. Through 50 games, the four-time MVP has averaged 24.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists while shooting 51.6% from the field (51.1 FPTS). Now that Antony Davis is gone, LBJ should see more work inside the paint as a small-ball center.
As we’ve seen before, James is at his best when the lights are brightest. That could come tonight against a Nuggets team that is vulnerable on defense. This season, Denver has allowed the most assists (29.3) and the seventh-most points (117.5) per game to opponents. When considering the lack of quality forwards available, LeBron is an easy first pick on Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets at UTA ($8,800)
The 35-21 Rockets have surged to fourth place in the Western Conference. Among the several reasons behind Houston’s rapid rise, Amen Thompson’s progression has stood out. The second-year pro has emerged as one of the NBA’s best two-way players, capable of wrecking opponents on both ends of the floor. This season, the 22-year-old has posted 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game (33.5 FPTS). On defense, he’s chipped in with 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks.
Thompson has struggled lately, recording less than 24.0 fantasy points in three of his last four appearances. However, a stellar showing last night vs. Minnesota (48.0 FPTS) offers hope. The forward has a golden opportunity tonight against a cellar-dwelling Jazz team. This season, Utah has allowed the third-most points (119.8) and fourth-most assists (28.9) per game to opponents. Houston’s budding young star offers solid value for fantasy managers that don’t want to pay up for LeBron.
3. Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets at POR ($8,400)
The Hornets are seen as a one-man show, led by the dynamic LaMelo Ball. That perception ignores the impact of Miles Bridges on an otherwise dormant Charlotte offense. This season, the forward has put up 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists (39.0 FPTS). The Michigan State alum isn’t a great shooter (43.3 FG%, 31.5 3PT%), but that doesn’t outweigh terrific counting stats.
In the right matchup, Bridges is a decent pivot from higher-priced DFS options. Following a 36-point, 13-rebound masterpiece vs. Denver (74.75 FPTS), the time to target the 26-year-old is now. Tonight’s opponent, the Trail Blazers, have allowed 117.3 points per game, eighth-most in the NBA. Another remarkable performance is certainly within the realm of possibility for Bridges against Portland.
