There’s nothing tonight!” That’s what some of you might be thinking when glancing at tonight’s slate. But a closer inspection will start to spark those gears, and you’ll realize that this type of slate is where the fun begins. These are the moments where your expertise gets tested, and your gut instincts have a chance to shine. Think of tonight as a perfect blend of strategy and grit, where matchups might lead to better basketball outcomes than pure fantasy fireworks.
On one hand, you might find yourself battling a tough, quality threshold to hit the money line. On the other, I’m already excited to see the creative, brilliant lineups that emerge from this slate. These slates are the proving grounds for sharp vision and next-level strategy, setting the stage for the real magic that DFS players live for. With that said, let’s dive into tonight’s five-game banger on 11/24/2024 and start building towards a strong finish.
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, I’m thrilled to have you here with us tonight. Let’s lock in, make the most of these matchups, and craft those lineups to compete at the top. 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: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,200
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Maxey has solidified his place as the team’s engine, enabling the Sixers to play above their talent level in a season full of uncertainties. Injuries slowed him and the team down earlier, but his ability to adjust and rise has been undeniable. This guy has MVP-level potential if the Sixers get healthy and he continues to elevate his game.
Maxey embodies versatility. He’s been asked to wear many hats throughout his career, and he wears them well. Whether it’s scoring, facilitating, playing defense, or leading by example, he delivers. His multi-categorical strengths give him a strong baseline of performance, but what sets him apart is how he uniquely tailors his game to the competition. It’s this adaptability that not only lifts his value but also cements his growing legacy.
Recommendation and Strategy
This slate has no guaranteed core plays, but Maxey might be as close as it gets. The matchup against the Clippers is tough, with their defense ranked in the top 10 across major categories. However, this game is personal for Maxey, for the Sixers, and for the city of Philadelphia. With Harden returning to face his former team, the energy in Wells Fargo Center will be electric.
Maxey’s return from injury has shown promise. He had a respectable line against the Grizzlies and then returned to form against an underrated Brooklyn team. Tonight, he has a chance to accelerate his resurgence against one of the league’s best defensive teams.
This slate is one where real basketball will dictate real-life fantasy numbers. Maxey’s ability to rise in pivotal moments makes him a must-consider core play. He has the potential not only to be the best player on the slate but also to lift the overall value and production of your lineup. Lock him in as a cornerstone for your roster, and enjoy watching him shine under the spotlight.
Core Play Considerations
- DraftKings: $9,900
- FanDuel: $9,100
Donovan Mitchell (PG/SG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,000
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $7,100
- FanDuel: $7,200
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Jared McCain has been a breath of fresh air for the Sixers, bringing a swagger and energy that resonates with the team and the city’s demanding basketball culture. This rookie’s confidence and aggressive play style have been instrumental in carving out his role as a scorer and playmaker, complementing Philadelphia’s storied but tumultuous journey through its “Process.”
McCain’s ability to step up in high-pressure situations speaks volumes. He’s knocking down 42.7% of his three-point attempts and shooting at a strong 48.4% overall from the field. While his assist and rebounding numbers aren’t headline-grabbing, his scoring efficiency and penchant for big moments make him invaluable, especially in cash games where safe, high-floor plays are a priority.
Despite Maxey’s return, McCain’s role as a secondary scorer and playmaker will remain impactful. His ceiling will depend on the team’s rotation and long-term vision, but his floor is stabilized by his ability to adapt and deliver consistently. This game offers a chance for McCain to show off his potential while helping the Sixers pivot into the next phase of their season.
Recommendation and Strategy
Jared McCain is an excellent play for those looking for safe production while also aiming to go beyond just hitting the money line in their cash games. He offers a strong high-floor foundation, and given the nature of this game combined with the return of production leader Maxey, tonight might be the perfect opportunity for us to see the young man rumble.
While he’s primarily a cash-game lock, McCain also holds sneaky appeal in GPPs. Some might shy away due to Maxey’s return or concerns over coaching rotations, but talent like McCain’s is hard to suppress. With his dynamic scoring ability and burgeoning confidence, this game could serve as a platform for him to elevate his already impressive performance.
McCain’s price point makes him a great value, and with the Sixers looking to redirect their season, he could be a pivotal part of your lineup. Don’t wait too long to take advantage of his pricing before he climbs into higher asset tiers. Play him with confidence and enjoy watching the continued rise of this promising Sixers star.
Cash Game Target Considerations
- DraftKings: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,200
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $8,200
- FanDuel: $7,900
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Scottie Barnes has cemented himself as a key piece for the Raptors, and after a stellar rookie season and flashes of dominance since, he’s become one of the most debated names in NBA discourse. The Barnes Bangers (his diehard fanbase…unofficially) and the PaoloBanchero Stans have been embroiled in heated online arguments, but Barnes’ return to form after injury might just give his supporters the upper hand in this ongoing rivalry.
In his first game back after a month-long absence, Barnes scored 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals against a competitive Timberwolves squad. This performance not only showcased his resilience but also reminded everyone why he was the Rookie of the Year and why he’s crucial for the Raptors’ success. If that’s his baseline, the ceiling could be much higher tonight against a Cavaliers team that plays solid defense but at a deliberate pace that allows for significant stat accumulation.
Barnes also elevates his teammates, and players like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji stand to benefit from his return. These young talents are part of the Raptors’ new-look squad and could quietly produce strong numbers if Barnes’ playmaking continues to open up opportunities.
However, for those waiting on Chris Boucher, the hashtag #FreeBoucher is still relevant. While Boucher remains a fan-favorite capable of big performances, his minutes may remain inconsistent with Barnes back in full swing. That said, his trade value continues to rise, and a new home could unlock his potential down the road.
Recommendation and Strategy
Barnes’ price is incredible, and while the doubts surrounding his consistency and the strength of the opposition are fair, this is exactly the type of play that can thrive in GPP lineups. Barnes offers the perfect combination of value and upside on a slate where many stars might struggle to meet their lofty projections. His ability to dominate multiple categories gives him the potential to be a slate-breaking addition without carrying the high cost of some other options.
A game against the Cavaliers, stacked defensively and challenging in pace, could force Barnes to rise to the occasion. The Raptors need him to play big, and his contributions should not only elevate his own production but also create opportunities for teammates like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji to shine. If Barnes is locked in, this could be one of those performances where he re-establishes himself as a top-tier DFS option.
Deploying Barnes tonight gives you a player who can simultaneously anchor your lineup with his solid floor and add a contrarian twist to your roster construction. While his rostership might not be as low as a deep GPP sleeper, it will likely be manageable, making his upside even more valuable. Barnes is the kind of play that can not only win you the slate but also remind the NBA and DFS community why the Barnes Bangers are louder than ever.
GPP Target Considerations
P.J. Washintgon Jr. (PF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $6,200
- FanDuel: $5,900
- DraftKings: $7,400
- FanDuel: $5,300
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,800
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $7,400
- FanDuel: $5,300
Fantasy Impact and Category Strengths
Malcolm Brogdon has built a reputation for consistency and reliability, and he was brought into Washington to provide precisely that. A seasoned, supportive leader who now has the opportunity to be THE Leader, Brogdon stands as a cornerstone for a Wizards team navigating a rebuild while balancing hopes for future success. Despite setbacks with injuries, Brogdon remains an above-average player in this league who can impact the game on both ends of the court.
His recent performance against the Celtics, a double-double against arguably the league’s most dominant team, shows that Brogdon is ramping up faster than expected. As the team’s leader, he’s set to guide this squad through a transitional season while keeping fans hopeful for brighter days. Brogdon’s all-around skill set makes him a safe and versatile asset for DFS players, especially in value-driven formats. On FanDuel, in particular, his price makes him an attractive option for managers seeking high ROI potential.
Recommendation and Strategy
Brogdon’s price point and proven production make him an excellent value play for this slate. While game-to-game performance isn’t always linear, the fact that Brogdon dropped a double-double against the Celtics in just his third full game of the season speaks volumes about his potential to contribute consistently.
He’s likely to be overlooked on this slate, making him an excellent differentiator in your lineups, particularly in cash games. While the stars on this slate may find themselves locked into big team-focused matchups, Brogdon’s role as a stabilizing force for the Wizards puts him in a position to shine. Whether you’re looking to save salary or capitalize on underappreciated talent, Brogdon has the tools to deliver solid value and help you build a competitive lineup.
This slate is all about finding balance, and Brogdon’s ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a strong choice to anchor your lineup while freeing up room for higher-priced stars elsewhere. Don’t sleep on him; his steady floor and potential upside could be the difference-maker you need.
Value Play Considerations
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Contrarian
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,300
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Price, Production Potential, Contrarian
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,800
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Format: GPPs
Primary Appeal(s): Production Potential, Contrarian
- DraftKings: $5,100
- FanDuel: $5,500
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