Nine games between 18 teams across the NBA are set for Tuesday. That includes a handful of superstars in action, such as Anthony Edwards, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns. 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks at ATL ($11,000)
Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the current co-favorites to win this season’s MVP award, and for good reason. Still, it feels as though Giannis Antetokounmpo is being slept on by some fans and analysts. The Greek Freak is enjoying a spectacular 2024-25 campaign, offering up stellar play on both ends of the floor. Through 47 games, the forward is averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds and 5.9 assists (59.3 FPTS).
Few teams in the NBA are equipped to slow down arguably the best player on Earth. That’s especially true of the Hawks, a team that traded most of their wing depth during February’s trade deadline. This season, Atlanta has surrendered the fifth-most points per game (118.8) and the second-most fantasy points to opposing forwards. Keeping that in mind, Antetokounmpo is a no-brainer first pick for Tuesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic vs. TOR ($8,200)
A Magic team starved for offense has gotten mixed results from Paolo Banchero this season. The forward suffered a torn oblique in October, sidelining him for over two months. Since returning, the All-Star has struggled to get into a rhythm. Over his last 20 appearances, Banchero has recorded 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field.
Poor efficiency has been a constant knock against the former Rookie of the Year. Still, Banchero’s massive share of Orlando’s offense grants him a decent fantasy floor. That’s especially true tonight against a mediocre Raptors defense. This season, Toronto has allowed the fourth-most points (119.3) and the ninth-most rebounds (53.2) per game. The Magic should lean on their franchise cornerstone in an advantageous matchup.
3. OG Anunoby, New York Knicks vs. GSW ($6,100)
Considering the lack of high-end forwards available tonight, OG Anunoby could be an interesting pivot for fantasy managers. The two-way wing isn’t the most consistent offensive threat. Still, he’s a threat to drop 20+ points on any given night. This season, New York’s starting forward has averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game (30.2 FPTS). On defense, he’s contributed with 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks.
Tuesday night should see plenty of fireworks when the Knicks host the Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Golden State is a solid defensive unit, but it has given up the 11th-most fantasy points to small forwards. None of that screams ‘must-start’, but Anunoby’s price tag does. As just the 18th-most expensive forward-eligible player available, New York’s secret weapon could offer massive value tonight.
