After a brief hiatus from NBA action due to the election, we’re rewarded with a massive 12-game slate tonight. With zero games yesterday, players are well-rested and ready to dive back into action.
This primer will break down the key matchups, highlight the top plays at each position and uncover some valuable sleepers who can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on this jam-packed 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: $11,500
- FanDuel: $11,300
Get ready for a Luka Doncic masterclass. He faces a Chicago Bulls team tonight that plays at the fastest pace in the league and has surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. This is a dream matchup for a player like Doncic, who thrives in up-tempo games and possesses the ability to dominate in every facet of the game.
With his elite scoring, playmaking and rebounding skills, Doncic is poised for a monster performance. He’s a threat to rack up a triple-double on any given night. Against a vulnerable Bulls defense, the sky’s the limit.
- DraftKings: $9,800
- FanDuel: $9,600
Domantas Sabonis has a prime opportunity to feast in tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors have been extremely vulnerable to opposing centers this season, allowing the second-most DraftKings points per game to the position. This bodes well for Sabonis, who is a dominant force in the paint with his scoring, rebounding and playmaking abilities.
In their previous meeting on November 2nd, Sabonis erupted for a monster triple-double with 17 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. He’s been a model of consistency this year, scoring at least 41 DraftKings points in every game.
- DraftKings: $8,000
- FanDuel: $8,300
Tyrese Haliburton presents an intriguing opportunity for DFS players tonight. The Orlando Magic have been grappling with injuries and trying to solidify their rotation. They have been particularly vulnerable to opposing point guards, allowing the most fantasy points per game to the position. This weakness plays right into Haliburton’s strengths as a dynamic scorer and playmaker.
While Haliburton had a few shaky performances to start the year, he seems to have found his groove recently, logging at least 48 DraftKings points in three of his last four games. With a game total of 226.5, expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair against the Magic.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $8,500
RJ Barrett has been an absolute fantasy stud on a Raptors team dealing with injuries. He remains a top target until their roster gets healthier or his price tag climbs above $9,000. He’s been a model of consistency, logging at least 52 DraftKings points in four of his last five games, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board with points, rebounds and assists.
He faces a Sacramento Kings team tonight he’s already had success against this season. On November 2nd, Barrett erupted for 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists against the Kings.
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $5,100
Davion Mitchell has been a consistent fantasy producer for the Raptors. Tonight’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings presents another excellent opportunity for him to shine. This game boasts a massive 237.5 total, the highest on the slate, indicating a fast-paced, high-scoring affair. Such an environment should favor Mitchell, who thrives in up-tempo games and has a knack for contributing across multiple categories.
Mitchell has played 30+ minutes in four of his last five games, showcasing his secure role in the rotation. Even more impressively, he’s hit at least 5x value in each of those contests, making him a reliable option. In the Raptors’ previous meeting against the Kings, Mitchell logged 27 DraftKings points. With another high-scoring game expected, he’s poised for another strong performance.
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $6,400
Russell Westbrook is set for a reunion with his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it could be a special one. With Jamal Murray likely sidelined again, Westbrook is expected to get the starting nod and should see significant minutes. He’s coming off an efficient performance on Monday, shooting 6-of-10 from the field, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. This suggests he’s finding his rhythm in the Nuggets’ offense and is ready to contribute in a major way.
Add in the revenge game narrative against the team where he spent many years of his career and Westbrook becomes an even more enticing DFS option. Expect him to be motivated and aggressive, looking to make a statement against his former squad.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $9,400
LeBron James could be in line for a massive workload tonight if Anthony Davis, who suffered a sprained ankle on Monday, is ruled out. With a game total of 230, this matchup against the Grizzlies already has the makings of a high-scoring affair. If Davis sits, James’ usage rate will skyrocket, making him an incredibly appealing DFS option.
James thrived against the Grizzlies last year. In three out of four games against them, he delivered at least 56 DraftKings points. This suggests a favorable matchup for King James, where he can exploit mismatches and dominate offensively.
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,900
OG Anunoby has a prime matchup tonight against the Atlanta Hawks, who rank 27th in defensive rating and third in pace of play. This fast-paced, high-scoring environment should suit Anunoby perfectly, allowing him to thrive in transition and exploit the Hawks’ defensive weaknesses. He’s been a consistent contributor for the Knicks and his recent performances suggest he’s ready to take on an even greater role.
In his last two contests, Anunoby has been a force on both ends of the floor, racking up a total of 42 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks. This impressive stat line showcases his all-around ability and potential to stuff the stat sheet.
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,600
Zach Edey is emerging as a valuable fantasy asset for the Grizzlies. Tonight’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers presents a prime opportunity for him to continue his strong play. The Lakers currently rank 25th in defensive rating, suggesting a favorable matchup for the rookie big man. Expect Edey to exploit the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities and contribute with points and rebounds.
Edey is coming off a career-high performance in both points and rebounds, demonstrating his growing confidence and ability to impact the game. He’s seen 21+ minutes of action in his last three games and has delivered at least 5x value in each of those contests.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $3,400
- FanDuel: $3,900
Naji Marshall stepped up in a major way for the Dallas Mavericks with Dereck Lively sidelined due to a shoulder injury. In 34 minutes of action, Marshall showcased his all-around potential, racking up 20 points on highly efficient shooting (8-of-9 field goals, 2-of-2 three-pointers, 2-of-2 free throws), along with five rebounds and six assists. This impressive performance highlights his ability to contribute across multiple categories and capitalize on increased opportunities.
With Lively questionable for tonight’s game against the Bulls, Marshall could be in line for another significant role. If Lively is ruled out, expect Marshall to see extended minutes and potentially even a spot in the starting lineup. Against a Bulls team that has shown defensive vulnerabilities, this presents a valuable opportunity for Marshall to deliver another strong fantasy performance
- DraftKings: $3,400
- FanDuel: $3,700
Peyton Watson is poised to benefit from Aaron Gordon‘s unfortunate calf injury, which limited him to just four minutes on Monday. Watson stepped up in a major way, playing 30 minutes and showcasing his all-around potential with 16 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
With Gordon sidelined, Watson should see significant playing time and potentially even a spot in the starting lineup. Watson presents great value for a player projected to see 25+ minutes and contribute in various ways.
Julian Strawther (SG/SF – DEN)
- DraftKings: $3,700
- FanDuel: $3,900
Julian Strawther is primed for a solid performance tonight with Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray sidelined for the Nuggets. This leaves a significant void in the rotation, and Strawther is expected to step up and play a crucial role. He’s already shown flashes of his potential, logging a season-high 25 minutes on Monday and contributing 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals with a 20.5% usage rate.
Strawther is a sharpshooter with the ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot. He should see plenty of opportunities to score and contribute across the stat sheet against a young Oklahoma City Thunder team that ranks seventh in pace of play.
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