An eight-game NBA slate is set for Saturday, with 16 teams taking the floor. Plenty of superstars are in action, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. 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 guards at the top of tonight’s fantasy basketball rankings:
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1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder at DET ($11,500)
An MVP campaign could be brewing for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As leader of the Western Conference’s best team, the guard has put together eye-popping numbers all season for the Thunder. Through 64 games, the Canadian has averaged a league-leading 32.4 points to go with 5.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists (53.7 FPTS).
What makes SGA such a fantasy basketball monster is his all-around prowess. Besides his terrific offensive stats, the two-time All-Star has recorded 1.8 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. That elite skillset should come in handy tonight against a Pistons team that defends the perimeter well. This season, Detroit has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing point guards. Still, Gilgeous-Alexander is too good not to place first on Saturday’s fantasy basketball rankings. Regardless of the opponent, OKC’s face of the franchise is a threat to dominate any matchup.
2. Stephen Curry, Golden Stat Warriors vs. NYK ($9,300)
Let’s head to The Bay, where the Warriors are looking to keep the good times rolling. Golden State has won six straight, spurred on by the play of its ageless superstar. Despite a rough start to the season, Stephen Curry has rounded into form recently. The two-time MVP has posted 28.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over his last 15 games.
Chef Curry will face a familiar foe on Saturday at the Chase Center. The Knicks and Warriors last played on March 4th, a win for the visiting Dubs. Curry was phenomenal in that one, dropping 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists (55.75 FPTS). Opponents have shot 37.4% from three-point range against New York this season, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Keeping that in mind, the greatest shooter in basketball history is someone to target tonight.
3. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets vs. WAS ($7,700)
The Nuggets are a one-man show on most nights, carried by the otherworldly play of Nikola Jokic. That doesn’t mean Denver is without proven talent. Jamal Murray may not be an All-Star, but he’s still one of the sport’s better guards. It’s been another solid season for the former champion, averaging 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game (39.4 FPTS).
On most nights, Murray wouldn’t have the numbers to qualify for these fantasy basketball rankings. However, the Canadian will get to face an atrocious Wizards defense on Saturday. This season, Washington has allowed the most points per game (122.4) and the most fantasy points to opposing point guards. Denver’s second option may not need four quarters to deliver massive value in this matchup.
