Eight games between 16 teams across the NBA are set for Wednesday. That includes a handful of superstars, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, 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. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks vs. DAL ($11,000)
The Bucks aren’t world-beaters this season, sitting at fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 35-25 record. Still, Milwaukee has a shot on any given night against any opponent thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-way menace has had arguably his best season in the NBA, which is saying a lot. Through 48 games, the forward has averaged 30.8 points, 12.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 60.4% from the field (59.3 FPTS).
On paper, the Mavericks have been a solid defensive team, allowing the 14th-fewest points per game (111.5). However, this is the same group that has lost Anthony Davis (adductor), Dereck Lively II (ankle) and Daniel Gafford (knee) at center. As long as this game remains close (no guarantee without Kyrie Irving), Antetokounmpo should dominate. Milwaukee’s face of the franchise is an obvious first pick for Tuesday’s fantasy basketball rankings.
2. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs. POR ($10,000)
The Celtics are banged up heading into Wednesday, with multiple key contributors listed as questionable. That includes Jayson Tatum, currently suffering from a shoulder injury. At this point, health is the only thing that can slow down Boston’s best player. This season, the forward has posted 26.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists (51.0 FPTS).
As the engine that powers one of basketball’s best offenses, Tatum is due for plenty of work in any given contest. That should remain the case tonight, assuming the 26-year-old is active. This season, the Trail Blazers have given up 117.3 points per game to opponents, eighth-most in the association. As one of the sport’s most dominant forces, Tatum is a safe pick in any fantasy basketball lineup.
*Tatum (shoulder) is questionable to play on Wednesday vs. the Trail Blazers.
3. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder at MEM ($8,200)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets most of the praise, but the Thunder would be far worse without Jalen Williams. Earning his first career All-Star Game selection this season, the forward has emerged as a difference-maker on both ends of the court. Through 58 games, the 23-year-old has averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game (40.6 FPTS). He’s been just as impressive on defense, recording 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks.
With so many avenues to produce, OKC’s budding star has several ways to deliver value. A date with the Grizzlies is ideal, as the team plays at the NBA’s fastest pace (103.95). When these teams last met on February 8th, Williams compiled 25 points, six rebounds and six assists (44.0 FPTS). Another stellar outing vs. Memphis would make J-Dub a massive steal for fantasy managers on Tuesday.
