Buckle up because the NBA is back in full swing. We’ve got a monster 10-game slate on our hands tonight, tipping off at 7:00 p.m. ET.
It’s the second official day of NBA action. You know what that means: Fresh legs, unpredictable rotations and a whole lot of value waiting to be unearthed. Whether you’re trying to decide on which high-priced studs to pay up for or those under-the-radar gems, we’ve got you covered.
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: $9,000
- FanDuel: $9,600
With Joel Embiid sidelined for the first week of the season due to a left knee injury, Tyrese Maxey is poised to step into the spotlight and carry the offensive load against the Bucks. Expect him to see a massive uptick in minutes and usage, making him an appealing option in daily fantasy contests.
Last season, Maxey’s usage rate jumped from 27.1% with Embiid on the court to an impressive 31.3% without him. This increased role translated to some explosive performances. It’s also important to note Maxey thrived in his three matchups against the Bucks last season, averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds.
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $5,600
Cameron Johnson is someone to keep a close eye on as the NBA season kicks off. He exploded for 32 points in the Nets’ final preseason game, showcasing his offensive firepower and providing a glimpse of his potential this season. His impressive preseason performance was further backed up by a team-leading 23.5% usage rate, suggesting he’ll be a focal point of the Nets’ offense.
This matchup against the Hawks is a particularly favorable one for Johnson. Atlanta ranked sixth in pace of play last season, which should translate to more possessions and scoring opportunities. Furthermore, their 27th-ranked defensive rating indicates a vulnerability Johnson is well-equipped to exploit.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,200
- FanDuel: $9,300
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined and Paul George now with the 76ers, James Harden is poised to reclaim his role as a high-usage offensive superstar for the Clippers. George’s departure leaves a massive void in terms of shot creation and playmaking, and Harden is the clear choice to fill that void. Harden’s career 29.3% usage rate is a testament to his ability to command an offense. It’s reasonable to expect that number to climb even higher in this new-look Clippers team.
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,800
With Jaren Jackson Jr. and Vince Williams Jr. sidelined, Santi Aldama is set for a significant role increase for the Grizzlies. He should see 25+ minutes and will slide into the starting lineup against the Jazz. This is a fantastic opportunity for Aldama to showcase his skills and build upon the strong finish he had last season.
Aldama looked sharp in the preseason finale against the Heat, shooting an efficient 6-of-11 from the field and an impressive 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Facing a Jazz team that ranked dead last in defensive rating a season ago, Aldama has the potential to put up big numbers.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $6,900
- FanDuel: $7,100
CJ McCollum’s fantasy value tonight hinges heavily on the status of Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, both of whom are game-time decisions. If either one sits, McCollum becomes an appealing option. With Williamson’s 27.5% usage rate and Murray’s 25% usage rate, it’s clear that a significant portion of the Pelicans’ offense runs through those two. Their absence would open up a wealth of scoring opportunities for McCollum, a proven scorer and shot creator more than capable of carrying the offensive load when needed.
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $4,900
With Kawhi Leonard out, Terance Mann is primed for a significant role increase. While he averaged a respectable 25 minutes per game last season, expect that number to jump to over 30.
Mann’s versatility is what makes him so intriguing. He can score in various ways, facilitates for his teammates and plays solid defense. This well-rounded skillset, combined with the increased minutes and opportunity, makes Mann an appealing option in a game that has a 225 over/under
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $3,700
- FanDuel: $4,000
With the Grizzlies short-handed, Brandon Clarke is in line for a significant minutes increase against the Jazz. I expect him to log 20+ minutes, giving him ample opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute across the board.
Clarke is an explosive athlete who excels in the pick-and-roll and finishes efficiently around the rim. He’s a high-energy player who can impact both ends of the court. Given his skillset and the increased playing time, Clarke offers excellent value tonight.
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $4,500
Gary Trent Jr. will slide into the starting shooting guard role for the Bucks this season, providing a much-needed three-point threat alongside Damian Lillard. Trent Jr. is a proven scorer with a knack for getting buckets. His presence should open up driving lanes for Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Having played with Lillard for a couple of seasons in Portland, Trent Jr. should seamlessly fit into the Bucks’ system. This familiarity and chemistry with Lillard could lead to some explosive offensive performances.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn