Tonight’s eight-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 Wednesday slate.
This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers some value plays who can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on this Wednesday 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
- DraftKings: $9,100
- FanDuel: $8,700
This game features a sky-high 239.5 total, hinting at a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. The Golden State Warriors already love to push the pace, and with the Hawks ranked third in the pace of play this season, expect an offensive explosion. This up-tempo environment should lead to more possessions, more shot attempts and, ultimately, more fantasy points for Steph Curry. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase his elite scoring and playmaking abilities.
The Hawks have also struggled defensively against opposing point guards this year, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. This vulnerability plays right into Curry’s hands, as he’s arguably the greatest point guard of all time and capable of torching any defense. As a reminder of what he can do against Atlanta, look no further than their meeting on February 4, when Curry erupted for 60 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C – MIL)
- DraftKings: $11,500
- FanDuel: $11,700
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks face a Chicago Bulls team that plays at the fastest pace in the league and ranks 24th in defensive efficiency. This up-tempo matchup should create plenty of opportunities for Antetokounmpo to attack the basket, draw fouls and dominate in transition. Earlier this season, the Bulls handed the Bucks a 122-133 loss, with Antetokounmpo putting up a monster 38 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Expect the Bucks to be motivated to avenge that loss, especially with the Bucks finding their rhythm and winning three out of their last four games. Antetokounmpo, as always, will be leading the charge. He’s a force of nature with his ability to score, rebound and defend at an elite level.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,400
Trae Young may have had an uncharacteristically poor shooting night in his last game (14% field goal rate), but he still managed to rack up 40.8 DraftKings points thanks to his incredible playmaking, dishing out 19 assists. This demonstrates Young’s ability to contribute across multiple categories and produce even when his shot isn’t falling. He’s the engine of the Hawks’ offense and is consistently involved in every possession.
Tonight, Young faces the Golden State Warriors in a game with a projected high total, suggesting a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. This up-tempo environment should provide Young with ample opportunities to bounce back from his shooting slump and find his rhythm. Expect him to be aggressive in looking for his shot and creating for his teammates.
Bennedict Mathurin (SG, SF – IND)
- DraftKings: $6,700
- FanDuel: $6,700
Bennedict Mathurin is seizing his increased role with the Pacers, showcasing his scoring prowess and all-around ability. He’s seen a significant jump in minutes this month, playing 34.2 per game, and has responded with impressive averages of 21.7 points and 7.9 rebounds. Mathurin is a fearless attacker with a knack for getting to the rim and drawing fouls. He’s also a capable shooter, knocking down shots from beyond the arc. This offensive versatility makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Tonight, Mathurin faces the Houston Rockets in a game with a 231.5 total, the third-highest on the slate. This high-scoring environment should favor Mathurin, who thrives in up-tempo contests and has the potential to put up big numbers.
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,500
Luguentz Dort has been a model of consistency for the Thunder, playing 30+ minutes in each of his last five games. This consistent playing time has translated to solid fantasy production, with Dort averaging 29.4 fantasy points during this span.
Tonight, Dort faces the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that plays at the seventh-fastest pace in the league. This up-tempo style should create more possessions and opportunities for Dort to contribute. Furthermore, the Trail Blazers have been particularly vulnerable to opposing small forwards, allowing the third-most fantasy points to the position.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $7,100
- FanDuel: $7,800
Fred VanVleet is heating up at the perfect time for the Rockets. He’s been on a tear recently, averaging 24 points, 7.3 assists and 6.5 rebounds in his last three games. This surge in production coincides with a notable increase in his usage rate, which has jumped to 25.3% compared to his season average of 19.7%. VanVleet is taking on a larger role in the offense. His all-around contributions make him a valuable fantasy asset.
Tonight, he faces the Indiana Pacers, a team that ranks 23rd in defensive rating. This suggests a favorable matchup for VanVleet, who should be able to exploit their weaknesses and continue his strong play.
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,100
Brook Lopez has been a key factor in the Bucks’ recent success, playing a crucial role in their three wins out of their last four games. He’s seen a significant increase in minutes, consistently playing 30+ per game, and has taken full advantage with two 25+ point performances. Lopez is a unique center in today’s NBA. While he can dominate in the paint, he’s also a threat from beyond the arc, stretching the floor and opening up driving lanes for his teammates. This versatility makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Tonight, Lopez faces the Chicago Bulls, a team that has struggled against opposing centers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to the position. This matchup sets up nicely for Lopez, who should be able to exploit their weaknesses both inside and outside. His ability to space the floor will draw opposing big men away from the basket, creating opportunities for Giannis Antetokounmpo to attack.
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $6,200
Amen Thompson is quietly putting together a strong sophomore campaign, and November has been particularly kind to him. He’s seeing significant minutes, averaging 27.7 per game, and making the most of them with averages of 12.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Tonight, Thompson and the Rockets face the Indiana Pacers. He could see an even larger role if Jalen Green, who is dealing with an illness, is unable to play. This potential increase in minutes would make Thompson an even more appealing option. He’s a player with a high ceiling who can contribute in multiple categories.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,000
With Norman Powell sidelined due to a hamstring strain, Terance Mann is poised for a larger role tonight. Powell’s absence creates a void in the Clippers’ rotation, and Mann should see an uptick in minutes and opportunities.
In their last game, Mann played 22 minutes and contributed 10 points, six assists and five rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. With increased playing time and the Clippers’ leading scorer out, Mann finds himself in an excellent position to deliver strong fantasy value.
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $5,400
Robert Williams is poised for another strong performance with Deandre Ayton doubtful for tonight’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the two previous games Ayton missed, Williams stepped up admirably, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in about 25 minutes of action. He’s a force in the paint, providing valuable scoring and rebounding while bringing energy and athleticism to the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt.
What makes Williams particularly appealing is his defensive activity. In those two games without Ayton, he averaged an impressive 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. This ability to contribute defensively adds to his fantasy value and gives him a high floor.
- DraftKings: $3,900
- FanDuel: $4,700
Oso Ighodaro is a name to watch closely tonight, especially if Jusuf Nurkic sits out for the Phoneix Suns. In their last game, with Nurkic sidelined, Ighodaro stepped up and delivered a strong performance. He played 32 minutes, showcasing his potential with 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, all while shooting an efficient 75% from the field. This impressive showing suggests Ighodaro is ready to contribute when given the opportunity.
If Nurkic is indeed ruled out against the New York Knicks, Ighodaro becomes a fantastic DFS option. He’s a versatile player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Even if Nurkic returns, Ighodaro may have earned more playing time with his recent performance. Keep an eye on the injury report, but if Ighodaro is in line for significant minutes, he has the potential to provide excellent value at an affordable price.
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