Below you will find today’s best NBA DFS picks and lineup-building strategies. Good luck.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
- DraftKings: $9,900
- FanDuel: $9,800
Tonight’s Hawks-Wizards matchup features the highest total on the slate at a whopping 235 points. Both teams are known for their fast-paced offenses, creating a perfect environment for fantasy explosions. This benefits a player like Trae Young, who thrives in up-tempo games and loves to push the pace.
Despite a poor shooting night against the Wizards on Monday (2-for-15 in field goals and 2-for-10 in three-point attempts), Young still managed to rack up 47 fantasy points. This speaks volumes about his ability to contribute across multiple categories, even when his shot isn’t falling. With a game against the Wizards under his belt and a better shooting performance likely in store, Young has the potential to go off in this high-scoring affair.
- DraftKings: $7,000
- FanDuel: $7,100
Get ready for a classic revenge game narrative. Andre Drummond is going up against the Pistons, where he spent his prime years establishing himself as a dominant force in the paint. He’ll be looking to make a statement against his former team and his recent performance suggests he’s up to the task. Drummond has already recorded a double-double in two of his three games this season, showcasing his consistent ability to contribute in points and rebounds.
The Pistons’ size in the paint should ensure Drummond sees plenty of minutes in this matchup. He’s averaged 30 minutes in his last two starts. With the Pistons needing his presence on the boards, expect him to be a key factor tonight.
- DraftKings: $9,800
- FanDuel: $10,100
Jayson Tatum had a rare off night shooting the ball on Monday, finishing with a subpar 38% shooting rate from the field. However, before that game, he averaged a stellar 57.3 fantasy points per game, showcasing his ability to dominate and consistently contribute across all categories. Tonight’s matchup against the Pacers presents a prime opportunity for Tatum to bounce back. The game boasts the second-highest total of the night at 233.5, hinting at a fast-paced, offensive shootout.
Tatum thrived against the Pacers last year, averaging 58.1 fantasy points in eight matchups. This suggests a favorable matchup for the Celtics star, especially with Myles Turner dealing with an ankle sprain.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $8,800
Cade Cunningham has come out of the gates and is firing on all cylinders this season. His 33.4% usage rate highlights his central role in the Pistons’ offense, translating that into a stellar 48.2 fantasy points per game. This level of production at his current price tag makes him a steal tonight.
Tonight, he faces a 76ers team that has struggled defensively in the early going, allowing at least 114 points in each of their first three games. This defense that is still without its star players should provide Cunningham with ample opportunity to attack and exploit mismatches.
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $7,600
Jordan Poole looked sharp against the Hawks on Monday, logging 40.3 fantasy points with a 25.6% usage rate. This performance showcased his ability to thrive in an up-tempo environment, as the Hawks are known for their fast-paced style of play. Now, he gets another crack at them tonight, and the situation looks even more favorable for Poole.
With Kyle Kuzma sidelined for this matchup, Poole should see increased usage and shot attempts. This is a prime opportunity for him to take on a larger offensive role and truly shine. The Hawks are currently ranked in the bottom five in defensive rating and are dealing with several injuries, making them a prime target for tonight.
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $4,600
Davion Mitchell is primed for a breakout performance tonight with Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley sidelined. This opens up significant opportunities for Mitchell in terms of usage and minutes. Expect him to see an expanded role in the offense and potentially play upwards of 28 minutes.
He flashed his potential on Monday with 16 points, six assists and two rebounds, even with Barnes in the lineup. This favorable situation is further amplified by a matchup against the Hornets, which rank 20th in defensive efficiency.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $5,800
Thanks to his impressive rebounding consistency, Wendell Carter Jr. offers a reliable floor in DFS. He’s hauled in at least 10 boards in each of his first four games, providing a solid foundation for his fantasy production. But Carter Jr. isn’t just a one-trick pony; he contributes across the board, averaging 7.5 points, 2.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. This well-rounded skillset makes him a valuable asset.
Tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls is particularly enticing for Carter Jr. The game boasts a 227 total, the third-highest on the slate, suggesting a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Furthermore, the Bulls rank first in pace of play, which should translate into more possessions and increased opportunities for Carter Jr. to grab rebounds and contribute offensively.
- DraftKings: $6,600
- FanDuel: $7,400
R.J. Barrett’s return to the Raptors couldn’t come at a better time. With the team shorthanded, he’ll be thrust into a prominent role and should see plenty of opportunities to contribute. In his first game back on Monday, Barrett logged 30.8 fantasy points in just 28 minutes of action. While his shooting efficiency wasn’t great (9-for-21 in field-goal attempts) and he battled foul trouble, his 31.9% usage rate highlights his importance to the offense.
Tonight, against a Hornets team that struggles defensively, expect Barrett to see an expanded role. Don’t be surprised if he logs 32+ minutes and his usage rate climbs even higher. He’ll be looking to make a statement and prove he’s fully back from his injury.
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $6,200
In his last outing, Scotty Pippen Jr. flashed his potential with a season-high 30 minutes and an impressive 40 fantasy points. He looked confident and in control, notching a double-double and showcasing his all-around ability. This potential breakout comes at a perfect time, as the Grizzlies face a Nets team with the third-worst defensive rating in the league.
However, Pippen Jr.’s value hinges on Ja Morant‘s status. If Morant is ruled out due to his thigh injury, Pippen Jr. becomes a great option. But with his recent price hike, he’s only a viable play if Morant sits. Keep a close eye on the injury report; if Morant plays, pivot to a different option.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,600
Bilal Coulibaly has been a model of consistency to start the season, delivering solid fantasy performances night after night. He’s put up 24.2, 28.7 and 27.9 fantasy points in his first three games. This reliability makes him an attractive option, especially in a favorable matchup like tonight’s.
The Wizards will be without Kuzma, opening up more opportunities for Coulibaly to contribute offensively. Furthermore, this game against the Hawks has the highest total on the slate, suggesting a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. These factors combine to create a perfect storm for Coulibaly to potentially hit the 30-fantasy point mark.
- DraftKings: $3,300
- FanDuel: $3,800
With the Hawks shorthanded, Garrison Mathews has stepped up and carved out a significant role in their rotation. If De’Andre Hunter remains sidelined, Mathews is poised to easily see another 20+ minutes of action for the third consecutive game. Matthews has quickly become a key contributor on the wing, providing valuable scoring and defensive intensity.
In his last outing, Mathews logged 24 minutes and delivered 14 points and two assists with a solid 23.6% usage rate. Tonight, he faces a Wizards team that currently owns the worst defensive rating in the league.
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,700
Nick Richards is seizing his opportunity, as he’s stepped into the starting lineup and delivered impressive performances. Over his last two games, Richards has seen 30+ minutes and averaged a stellar 34 fantasy points. He’s been a force on the boards, recording a double-double in both contests while also showcasing his defensive presence with four blocks.
Tonight, Richards faces a Raptors team ranked 21st in defensive rating. This suggests a favorable matchup for Richards, who should be able to exploit their weaknesses in the paint.
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