It’s a jam-packed Friday across the NBA, with 20 teams taking the court for a ten-game slate. That includes plenty of superstars, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic. With so many big names playing, 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. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics at CLE ($9,900)
A seemingly unstoppable Celtics machine relies heavily on depth and devastating shooting. Still, the defending champs wouldn’t be nearly as good without the play of their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a terrific 2024-25 campaign, leading the team in several statistical categories. Through 56 games, the forward has averaged 26.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists (50.5 FPTS).
All eyes will be on the Celtics tonight as they visit Cleveland, owners of the NBA’s best record (48-10). While the Cavaliers possess a solid defense, they have surrendered the 12th-most fantasy points to small forwards. Over the three meetings between these teams this season, Tatum has totaled 29.3 points per game. Another high-volume outing could be in store, especially if Jaylen Brown (thigh) can’t play. To no one’s surprise, Boston’s top dog reigns supreme on Friday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans at PHX ($8,900)
Zion Williamson’s constant health and conditioning issues symbolize the wasted potential of the Pelicans this season. However, on the rare occasion that New Orleans’ best player is healthy, he can do some serious damage. In just 21 games, the former number one pick has posted 24.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists (44.7 FPTS). Those counting stats, combined with elite efficiency (55.1 FG%), make the two-time All-Star a difficult assignment for any defender.
The bruising forward had one of his best outings last night against Phoenix. Over 31 minutes, Williamson recorded a 27-point, ten-rebound, 11-assist triple-double (63.5 FPTS). The two teams are set to play again on the second leg of a back-to-back. This season, the Suns have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. Considering the lack of quality centers he’ll go up against, Zion should deliver another stellar stat line.
3. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns vs. NOP ($9,100)
We’ll stay in Phoenix, where Kevin Durant is putting together another terrific season at the age of 36. In spite of all the distractions surrounding him on the Suns, the former MVP is still one of the NBA’s top scorers. Through 45 games, he’s averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists on efficient 53.0/40.2/82.8 shooting splits (45.1 FPTS). Considering the lack of high-volume teammates playing alongside KD, the veteran has little competition for touches on most nights.
Last night, Durant produced 28 points, five rebounds and two assists against the Pelicans (42.5 FPTS). That’s a good, but certainly not great, outing. The future Hall of Famer will get another crack at it when these two teams meet for the second leg of a back-to-back tonight. This season, New Orleans has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards. As one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, I’m expecting an even better performance on Friday from KD.
