Tonight’s five-game slate offers a variety of intriguing options. We have a nice mix of star power and value plays, allowing for diverse roster construction strategies. Whether you’re building around a high-priced stud or spreading the salary cap love with a balanced approach, there’s something for everyone on this Saturday NBA DFS slate.
With game totals ranging from 217 to 233 points, tonight’s matchups offer a diverse range of scoring environments to consider when crafting your lineups.
This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers some value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge for Saturday’s NBA DFS slate.
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
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF – MIL)
- DraftKings: $12,000
- FanDuel: $11,800
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a prime opportunity for a monster performance tonight against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards rank fourth in pace and 29th in defensive rating this season, indicating a favorable matchup for the Greek Freak. The Wizards have struggled to contain opponents all year. Antetokounmpo should be able to exploit their weaknesses with his unique blend of size, athleticism and skill.
While the Milwaukee Bucks are heavy 15.5-point favorites, which could lead to limited minutes for Antetokounmpo if the game gets out of hand, his potential upside is simply too high to ignore. He’s projected to be the highest-scoring fantasy player on the slate and with good reason. Even if he sees slightly reduced minutes, Antetokounmpo is capable of putting up massive numbers in a short amount of time.
Brandon Miller (SG – CHA)
Brandon Miller stepped into a larger role with LaMelo Ball sidelined yesterday, showcasing his potential with a season-high 38.7% usage rate. While his shooting efficiency was lacking (28% from the field), he still produced 38.7 FanDuel points, demonstrating his ability to contribute in other areas. This performance highlights his upside and the potential for a big game if his shot starts falling.
Tonight, Miller faces the Atlanta Hawks, who have been playing at the fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This up-tempo environment should benefit Miller, who thrives in transition and has the green light to shoot. If he can find his rhythm against the Hawks, the sky’s the limit for his fantasy production.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Kevin Durant (PF – PHX)
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $9,200
Kevin Durant has wasted no time re-acclimating himself to the NBA hardwood. In his two games since back from injury, he’s looked as sharp as ever, commanding a 34.5% usage rate and translating that into 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. Durant is a walking bucket, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. His all-around contributions always make him someone to consider.
Tonight, he faces his former team, the Golden State Warriors. This matchup could add extra motivation for Durant, who might have a chip on his shoulder facing the franchise he won two championships with. The Warriors also play at the fifth-fastest pace in the league, which should create more possessions and scoring opportunities for Durant.
Naji Marshall (SF, PF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $5,800
- FanDuel: $5,800
Naji Marshall has seized his opportunity with Luka Doncic sidelined, emerging as a key contributor for the Mavericks. He’s currently sporting a 26.8% usage rate, showcasing his increased involvement in the offense. This has translated to impressive scoring outputs, with Marshall averaging 23 points and 3.8 rebounds per game over his last four contests.
Tonight, Marshall faces the Utah Jazz, a team that has struggled defensively, owning the third-worst defensive rating over the past five games. This defense should allow Marshall to continue his aggressive play and find success driving to the basket.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SG,SF – PHI)
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $5,900
If Paul George or Caleb Martin are ruled out, Kelly Oubre Jr. should see an increase in minutes and potentially even a spot in the starting lineup. This would lead to more opportunities for him to showcase his athleticism and scoring ability.
Oubre Jr. has the potential to deliver a strong performance against the Detroit Pistons, a team that has struggled defensively this season. Keep a close eye on the injury report, but if either George or Martin sits, Oubre Jr. becomes an intriguing option with a high ceiling.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Tyrese Maxey (PG – PHI)
- DraftKings: $8,000
- FanDuel: $8,700
It seems Tyrese Maxey has fully recovered from the injury that hampered him earlier this month. He exploded in his last game, recording 39 points, 19 assists and five steals. This offensive outburst showcased his dynamic scoring ability and playmaking skills, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most exciting young guards in the league.
Tonight, Maxey faces the Detroit Pistons, a team that has struggled defensively as of late, ranking 22nd in defensive rating over their last five games. This vulnerability should allow Maxey to attack the basket, create for his teammates and rack up fantasy points.
Andrew Wiggins (SF, PF – GSW)
- DraftKings: $6,300
- FanDuel: $6,500
Andrew Wiggins has been a model of consistency and efficiency recently. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 15.2 field goal attempts while shooting an impressive 50% from the field, resulting in an average of 22.2 points per game. With the Warriors needing consistent scoring against the Suns tonight, Wiggins should continue to see ample opportunities. Beyond scoring, Wiggins contributes in other areas, chipping in with five rebounds and three assists per game.
The matchup against the Phoenix Suns further enhances Wiggins’ appeal. Phoenix has struggled mightily on the defensive end lately, ranking second-worst in defensive rating over their past five games. This suggests Wiggins should be able to find open looks and exploit their defensive vulnerabilities.
Tidjane Salaun (PF – CHA)
Tidjane Salaun has been thrust into a prominent role for the injury-plagued Charlotte Hornets, and he’s making the most of his opportunity. Over his last two games, he’s averaged 35.5 minutes, showcasing his potential and providing much-needed depth in the frontcourt. During this stretch, Salaun has averaged 15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board.
Salaun faces the Atlanta Hawks, a team that has struggled defensively this season. This matchup could provide him with another chance to shine and put up solid numbers. While he’s still a raw talent, Salaun’s increased playing time and potential for growth make him an intriguing option, especially at a likely affordable price.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Quentin Grimes (SG – DAL)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $5,000
Quentin Grimes is poised for another start tonight with the Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt still dealing with injuries. He’s stepped up in his last three starts, showcasing his all-around abilities and providing solid production. During this stretch, Grimes has averaged 13 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute in multiple categories.
Tonight, Grimes faces the Utah Jazz in a game with the highest total on the slate. This suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, which should create plenty of opportunities for Grimes to contribute offensively.
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG – DAL)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $5,800
Spencer Dinwiddie has been a fantastic value play recently, and at only $4,300 on DraftKings, he’s poised to be one of the most popular selections on tonight’s slate. He’s provided consistent production, logging at least 29 fantasy points in his last three games while playing 27+ minutes in each. Dinwiddie has stepped up admirably with the Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt still hampered by injuries, showcasing his ability to score, facilitate and contribute across the board.
Dinwiddie should continue to see a significant role in the offense. He’ll have the green light to score and create for his teammates, making him a high-floor option with the potential for even bigger performances. Against the Utah Jazz, a team that has shown defensive vulnerabilities this season, Dinwiddie has a favorable matchup to exploit.
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