Hey, FantasyPros family. We are thrilled to have you here for tonight’s main slate on Sunday, November 17. We have a nice slate of games with the potential for explosive performances, making tonight a prime opportunity to take some creative plays with your lineups.
Things could get inspirational tonight with how high the money line could be to get any kind of return, so seeing beyond tonight’s immediate plays but not past them could be vital in getting the right combination of pairings to, at the very least set a personal best in points scored, hopefully enough to secure your top spot in the cash “court.”
The crew is just getting warmed up, as FantasyPros will be delivering the goods all year. So be on the lookout for daily picks and advice from our daily experts Nick Rodriguez (@NickIsInNet), Ryan Coleman (@ryancoleman_98), and Daniel E. Dobish (@danieledobish), who will be serving you all top-notch plays to elevate your game all season long.
As always, thank you for joining us tonight. Let’s dive into our player recommendations and set those lineups up for success. Let’s go.
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: $9,400
- FanDuel: $9,100
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Cade Cunningham continues to solidify his place as one of the league’s rising stars. This season, he’s taken a leap as a leader on a young Pistons squad, showcasing his ability to produce across multiple categories. Averaging 23.2 points per game alongside 8.6 assists and 7.1 rebounds, Cunningham is not only filling the stat sheet but also leading by example on both ends of the court.
Tonight, Cunningham faces the Wizards, a team ranked last in points allowed and near the bottom in rebounds and steals. The fast-paced matchup (Washington ranks 2nd in team pace) creates the perfect storm for Cunningham to take full advantage of his all-around game. With his ability to excel as a scorer, playmaker, and rebounder, he presents a rare combination of a high floor and explosive upside.
Recommendation and Strategy
Cunningham stands out as a must-have Core play for tonight’s slate. His price point aligns well with his potential output, making him a premium option without overpaying for similar upside players. His matchup against the Wizards’ vulnerable defense provides an ideal environment for him to surpass his season averages and flirt with slate-breaking numbers.
While he offers significant appeal across all formats, his consistent production makes him especially valuable in Cash lineups. For GPPs, his potential to dominate in this high-scoring contest makes him a top-tier option, particularly as part of a balanced lineup strategy. Cunningham is poised to deliver a high-impact performance that could anchor your lineups and keep you competitive on a night when totals may soar.
Core Play Considerations
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,600
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,400
- FanDuel: $9,100
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Cade Cunningham has emerged as one of the most reliable fantasy basketball assets this season, consistently showcasing his ability to produce across multiple categories. With averages of 23.2 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game, he provides a steady floor that makes him ideal for cash lineups. Against a struggling Washington Wizards defense, ranked last in points allowed and 29th in rebounds allowed, Cunningham’s multi-categorical skill set is primed to shine. His efficient usage and control on the floor and a fast-paced matchup create a perfect storm for cash-game dominance.
Recommendation and Strategy
Cade Cunningham‘s salary aligns perfectly with his high-floor potential, making him a must-have for cash lineups. While he isn’t likely to deliver slate-breaking performances, his consistency and ability to hit key statistical marks ensure that he anchors your lineup effectively. With the Wizards’ defensive vulnerabilities and league-leading pace, Cunningham is positioned to exceed his value by scoring, facilitating, and crashing the boards. Build around him confidently, knowing he will deliver stable production while allowing flexibility for other premium or value plays in your lineup.
Cash Game Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,600
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $10,800
- FanDuel: $10,600
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the most electrifying players in the league, consistently delivering elite performances across multiple categories. Averaging 27.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game, he provides a high ceiling with his ability to impact scoring, playmaking, and defensive stats alike. His 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game further reinforce his value as a multi-category juggernaut who can dominate in virtually any matchup.
Tonight, SGA faces the Dallas Mavericks in a pivotal Western Conference clash. While Dallas boasts a respectable defense (4th in points allowed), their pace and rebounding vulnerabilities (25th in rebounds allowed) provide opportunities for Shai to exploit. This sets the stage for a dynamic performance, especially with the rivalry factor and home-court advantage in play.
Recommendation and Strategy
SGA is the epitome of a GPP play on tonight’s slate. While his price point makes him a premium option, his potential to erupt for a slate-breaking performance is undeniable. Many managers may shy away due to his cost amidst a slate brimming with mid-tier value, but this could work to your advantage, making him a slightly under-rostered yet impactful pick.
The Mavericks’ mix of offensive firepower and defensive respectability creates the ideal environment for a high-scoring yet competitive contest. Shai thrives in these high-pressure situations and could deliver one of his best games of the season. By anchoring your lineup with SGA, you position yourself for massive upside while leveraging contrarian appeal in tournaments.
Pairing SGA with complementary value plays lets you balance your stars-and-scrubs lineup effectively, maximizing your ceiling without sacrificing too much floor. If tonight’s game evolves into an offensive showcase, Shai is the type of player who could single-handedly elevate your lineup above the rest.
- DraftKings: $4,200
- FanDuel: $5,200
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Donovan Clingan is the kind of low-cost, high-upside player that GPP lineups thrive on. His breakout performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased his potential as a defensive force, highlighted by his eight blocks and his ability to contribute meaningfully on the boards. With Deandre Ayton likely sidelined again, Clingan is poised for another opportunity to shine.
Averaging 2.1 blocks per game (8th in the league) and 5.5 rebounds, Clingan’s skill set fits perfectly against the fast-paced Atlanta Hawks. With Atlanta ranking 28th in points allowed and 20th in rebounds allowed, Clingan could exploit the Hawks’ defensive weaknesses, particularly in the paint. While his scoring remains a work in progress (5.7 PPG on 53.7% shooting), his defensive prowess and rebounding give him a high floor for his salary.
Recommendation and Strategy
At his price point, Clingan is an attractive GPP option with the potential to outperform his cost vastly. He’ll likely be popular given his recent standout game, but the chalk is worth eating here if you’re looking to free up salary for higher-priced stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Luka Doncic.
Clingan’s blocks make him a valuable addition to any lineup, especially in a pace-up matchup against an Atlanta team that thrives in transition. If he can build on his breakout performance and find ways to contribute offensively, he could emerge as a slate-defining play.
Pair him with other high-value mid-range options to optimize your lineup construction, or use him as a budget-friendly complement to a stars-and-scrubs strategy. Clingan’s upside in this matchup makes him a must-consider for GPPs, especially with the potential for extended minutes and opportunities to capitalize on a vulnerable Hawks frontcourt.
GPP Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $5,900
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $5,600
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,600
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Mikal Bridges remains a valuable contributor with a proven ability to impact multiple categories. After his breakout stint with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges is finding his groove with the New York Knicks. While his transition to the Knicks hasn’t translated into immediate team success, his individual contributions are becoming more consistent, and his recent performances suggest he’s turning a corner.
Facing his former team, Bridges could be especially motivated to put on a show at Madison Square Garden. With the Nets ranking poorly in defensive categories and pace, Bridges has the opportunity to exploit the matchup and provide solid returns. His ability to contribute across points, steals, and rebounds makes him an ideal value play with a secure floor.
Recommendation and Strategy
Mikal Bridges offers an appealing combination of affordability and upside, making him a great value option for this slate. While his scoring numbers may not explode every night, his versatility ensures that he can contribute meaningfully across categories. With the Nets’ defensive vulnerabilities and a potential revenge narrative in play, Bridges could deliver one of his better performances of the season.
For cash games, he provides a reliable floor to help balance riskier high-ceiling plays. In GPP formats, Bridges’ capacity for a vintage scoring night, reminiscent of his Brooklyn days, adds a compelling edge. Lock him in as a value piece to fortify your lineup without sacrificing cap flexibility.
Value Play Considerations
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price
- DraftKings: $3,500
- FanDuel: $4,000
Jaime Jacquez Jr. (SF, SG – MIA)
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Contrarian, Production Potential, Price
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $5,300
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Price
- DraftKings: $4,900
- FanDuel: $6,100
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential
- DraftKings: $5,100
- FanDuel: $6,300
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Contrarian Production Potential
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $4,900
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