Happy Thanksgiving Eve, everyone! Get ready to feast on a massive 14-game NBA DFS slate tonight! With a plethora of options and a variety of intriguing matchups, there’s something for everyone on this pre-holiday feast. 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 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
- DraftKings: $10,800
- FanDuel: $11,400
Victor Wembanyama is riding a wave of momentum, showcasing his incredible talent and dominating on both ends of the floor. Over his last two games, he’s averaged 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.0 blocks, stuffing the stat sheet and proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Wembanyama faces the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has struggled defensively, ranking 28th in defensive rating over their last five games. This vulnerability, combined with the game’s high total and projected close score, creates a perfect storm for Wembanyama to thrive. He’s already had success against the Lakers, averaging 24.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 3.8 blocks in four career games against them. With his elite skillset and a favorable matchup, Wembanyama is a top-tier DFS option tonight with the potential to deliver a monster performance.
- DraftKings: $10,300
- FanDuel: $10,400
LaMelo Ball is playing at an MVP level, scorching opposing defenses with his incredible scoring and playmaking abilities. He’s currently commanding an absurd 44.2% usage rate, highlighting his dominance and involvement in the Hornets’ offense. This has translated to video game-like averages of 43.0 points, 8.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds, making him a guy to build around in any format.
Tonight, Ball faces a Miami Heat team playing on zero days of rest after a tough matchup against Damian Lillard and the Bucks. Lillard torched the Heat for 37 points and 12 assists last night, suggesting a potential vulnerability Ball can exploit.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,700
- FanDuel: $9,700
Franz Wagner has been a driving force behind the Orlando Magic’s recent surge, averaging 25.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6.0 rebounds in November. He’s a key reason why the Magic have won nine out of their last 10 games, showcasing his offensive versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Wagner can score from all three levels, create for his teammates and contribute on the boards, making him a valuable asset for both the Magic and DFS players.
Tonight, Wagner and the Magic face the Chicago Bulls, a team struggling defensively this month, ranking last in defensive rating while playing at the second-fastest pace in the league. This uptempo matchup should favor Wagner, who thrives in transition and can take advantage of defensive lapses.
- DraftKings: $7,800
- FanDuel: $8,100
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a rock for the Memphis Grizzlies this season, providing consistent production and anchoring their defense. Averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, Jackson is a vital part of the Grizzlies’ success. His value only increases with Ja Morant out.
With Morant sidelined, the offensive burden falls on Jackson’s shoulders. However, this is nothing new for the talented big man, as Morant has missed multiple games this season. Expect Jackson to be aggressive in looking for his shot and carrying the scoring load. Against the Detroit Pistons, a team that has struggled this season, Jackson has a prime opportunity to dominate.
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $5,500
Malik Beasley has been a consistent source of offense for the Detroit Pistons, especially with the team battling injuries. He’s stepped up in a major way, showcasing his scoring prowess and sharpshooting ability. Beasley has recorded at least 14 points and knocked down three three-pointers in 10 consecutive games, highlighting his reliability and ability to provide instant offense. This impressive streak demonstrates his value to the Pistons and his fantasy appeal.
On top of his consistent scoring, Beasley has also been a solid contributor in DFS, logging over 21 DraftKings points in each of those 10 games. This consistent production makes him a valuable asset, especially at his affordable price tag.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Scottie Barnes (SG, SF, PF – TOR)
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $8,800
Scottie Barnes has hit the ground running since returning from injury, providing a much-needed boost to the Toronto Raptors. Over his last three games, he’s averaged an impressive 22 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.7 assists, showcasing his all-around ability and offensive versatility. With a 26.9% usage rate during this span, Barnes is a focal point of the offense. His ability to score, rebound and create for his teammates makes him a valuable fantasy asset.
Tonight, Barnes faces the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that has struggled on defense, ranking last in defensive rating over their last five games. This porous defense should allow Barnes to exploit mismatches and attack the basket with confidence. His ability to drive and finish through contact, combined with his improved jump shot, makes him a difficult cover for any defender.
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $6,800
P.J. Washington has been a force for the Dallas Mavericks recently, elevating his game to new heights. He’s seen a significant increase in playing time, logging 35+ minutes in each of his last three games, and has responded with dominant performances. Washington has recorded a double-double in all three contests, showcasing his ability to contribute with points and rebounds, while also adding assists and blocks. This impressive stretch has resulted in at least 39 DraftKings points in each game.
Tonight, Washington faces the New York Knicks, a team that has struggled defensively in recent games, ranking 24th in defensive rating over their last five games. This vulnerability bodes well for Washington, who should be able to exploit mismatches and continue his strong play.
- DraftKings: $5,800
- FanDuel: $5,800
Ty Jerome has stepped up admirably for the Cleveland Cavaliers with Caris LeVert sidelined. Over the last three games, Jerome has seen an increased role, averaging 26.7 minutes per game and showcasing his offensive abilities. He’s boasting a 24.2% usage rate and averaging 21.7 points, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
Tonight, he faces the Atlanta Hawks, who have been playing at the fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This uptempo style should benefit Jerome, who thrives in transition and can push the pace. With more possessions and increased opportunities for scoring, Jerome has the potential to deliver another strong performance.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Julian Champagnie (SG, SF – SAS)
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $5,400
Julian Champagnie has stepped into a significant role for the San Antonio Spurs and is making the most of his increased playing time. He’s averaged 31.2 minutes per game over his last five outings, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. During this stretch, Champagnie has averaged 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset and fantasy appeal.
This consistent production has translated to 20+ DraftKings points in eight consecutive games. Champagnie is in a great spot to extend that streak to nine against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are playing on zero days rest, which could lead to fatigue and defensive lapses.
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,900
Spencer Dinwiddie is poised for a significant role tonight with Luka Doncic already ruled out and Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes questionable for the Dallas Mavericks. In the last game where all three guys were sidelined, Dinwiddie stepped up with 35 minutes of action and delivered a strong performance. He tallied 22 points, four assists and three rebounds while shooting an efficient 55% from the floor.
If Thompson and Grimes are ruled out tonight, Dinwiddie should see another heavy workload, likely exceeding 30 minutes. Even if one or both return, he should still be in line for a solid 18+ minutes. With his ability to score, facilitate and contribute across the board, Dinwiddie becomes an intriguing DFS option with a potentially high ceiling. Keep a close eye on the injury report tonight.
- DraftKings: $3,500
- FanDuel: $3,700
Tidjane Salaun is thrust into a larger role for the Charlotte Hornets, which are plagued by injuries plaguing their frontcourt. He played 30 minutes in his last game, and while his stat line wasn’t good, there will be growing pains for the 19-year-old rookie. Salaun is a raw talent with intriguing potential, possessing good size and athleticism. He’s shown flashes of his ability to attack the basket, but his shot selection and decision-making are still developing.
However, with the Hornets’ depleted frontcourt, they’ll need to rely on Salaun heavily. This increased opportunity makes him an interesting punt play. Against the Miami Heat, he’ll face a tough test, but the potential for extended minutes and a chance to contribute across multiple categories makes him worth considering if you’re looking for a Hail Mary.
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