Fantasy Basketball: Best Defenses to Target in Week 1 for Starting Lineup Decisions, Pickups

The return of the NBA is here, and that means fantasy basketball leagues will be tipping off as well. If you've already wrapped up your fantasy drafts, you now have some starting lineup decisions to make for Week 1.

Fantasy Basketball Week 1

The Duel has you covered with the top opponents you should be targeting as matchups for your players or potential pickups.

We'll run through the teams giving up the most points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG) and assists per game (APG) to opponents. You'll also find opponent 3-point percentage (3P%) and free throws allowed per game, plus pace (more possessions in a game = more fantasy opportunities for your players).

Fantasy Basketball Week 1 Schedule

Week 1 of the fantasy basketball season encompasses games between Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 24.

Who to Start in Fantasy Basketball

Here's some key matchups to look for in Week 1.

Most Opponent PPG (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Washington Wizards (118.5)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (117.7)
3. Sacramento Kings (117.4)
4. Houston Rockets (116.7)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (115.6)

Most Opponent RPG (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Houston Rockets (47.6)
2. Orlando Magic (47.4)
3. San Antonio Spurs (47.4)
4. Golden State Warriors (47.3)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (47.1)

Most Opponent APG (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Charlotte Hornets (27.1)
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (26.8)
3. Indiana Pacers (26.1)
4. Orlando Magic (26.0)
5. Toronto Raptors (26.0)

Opponent 3P% (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Minnesota Timberwolves (39.2%)
2. Milwaukee Bucks (38.4%)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (38.3%)
4. Houston Rockets (38.2%)
5. Sacramento Kings (38.0%)

Most Opponent Free Throws Attempted Per Game (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Golden State Warriors (25.5)
2. Washington Wizards (25.4)
3. Toronto Raptors (24.8)
4. Boston Celtics (23.5)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (23.5)

NBA Pace Leaders (*based on 2020-21 season)

1. Washington Wizards (104.1 possessions per 48 minutes)
2. Milwaukee Bucks (102.2)
3. Golden State Warriors (102.2)
4. Indiana Pacers (101.6)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (101.6)

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Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.