Saturday’s six-game NBA DFS slate presents a unique challenge with a mix of potential blowouts and tightly-contested matchups. This creates an intriguing landscape for roster construction, where identifying value plays and predicting playing time will be crucial.
Whether you’re drawn to the safety of established stars or the high-risk, high-reward potential of lesser-known players, there’s something for everyone.
This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers 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 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: $11,400
- FanDuel: $11,700
Luka Doncic has wasted no time returning to his dominant form after a brief injury absence. In the three games since his return, he’s averaging a stellar 31.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. This all-around production showcases his ability to impact the game in every facet, making him someone to consider whenever he’s on the court.
Tonight, Doncic faces the Toronto Raptors, who rank ninth in pace played over their last five games. This suggests a potentially up-tempo matchup, which should create more possessions and scoring opportunities for Doncic. This game also has the second-highest total on the slate, indicating a favorable environment for fantasy production.
- DraftKings: $12,100
- FanDuel: $12,400
Nikola Jokic is in a tier of his own right now, putting up video game numbers and dominating the competition. He’s coming off back-to-back games with over 72 DraftKings points, showcasing his unparalleled ability to fill the stat sheet with points, rebounds and assists. It’s no surprise he’s the most expensive player on the slate, but his recent performances suggest he’s worth every penny.
Tonight, Jokic faces the Washington Wizards, a team playing at the fourth-fastest pace in the league over their last five games while ranking 28th in defensive efficiency. This matchup is a dream scenario for Jokic, who thrives in up-tempo games and exploits defensive weaknesses. The only potential concern is that the Nuggets are heavy favorites. If the game gets out of hand early, Jokic’s minutes could be limited.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $10,200
- FanDuel: $10,700
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a prime matchup tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that has struggled defensively. The Pelicans rank 22nd in defensive rating and seventh in pace of play over their last five games, suggesting a favorable environment for Gilgeous-Alexander to thrive. He’s an elite scorer with a knack for getting to the free throw line and contributing in other areas, making him a consistent threat for big fantasy performances.
When these two teams met on November 13, Gilgeous-Alexander put up a strong stat line with 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals. Don’t be surprised if we see similar production tonight.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,900
- FanDuel: $10,300
Jayson Tatum returned to the Boston Celtics lineup last night after a one-game absence, logging 37 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks and looking refreshed. He shot an efficient 60% from the field, pouring in 34 points while contributing 10 rebounds and five assists.
Tonight, he faces the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that has been playing at the fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This up-tempo environment should benefit Tatum, who thrives in transition and can score in bunches. Expect a high-scoring affair with plenty of possessions, giving Tatum ample opportunity to fill the stat sheet.
- DraftKings: $7,400
- FanDuel: $7,800
Isaiah Hartenstein has been a revelation for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, significantly boosting their frontcourt. In seven games, he’s been nothing short of spectacular, averaging a double-double with 11.7 points and 12.9 rebounds, along with 4.4 assists and 1.4 blocks. Hartenstein is a versatile center who impacts the game on both ends.
Tonight, Hartenstein and the Thunder face the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that has struggled defensively this season. This matchup presents an excellent opportunity for Hartenstein to continue his impressive play and contribute across multiple categories.
- DraftKings: $5,700
- FanDuel: $5,800
Russell Westbrook could be in line for a spot start tonight if Jamal Murray, who is questionable with right hamstring inflammation, is ruled out. With the Denver Nuggets heavy favorites against the Washington Wizards, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them exercise caution and rest Murray. This scenario would open up a significant opportunity for Westbrook to showcase his playmaking abilities.
In the three games Westbrook has started this season, he’s averaged 18.3 points, 6.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board. Westbrook could be poised for a big performance against a Wizards team ranked 29th in defensive rating this season. Keep a close eye on the injury report, but if Murray is indeed sidelined, Westbrook becomes an appealing option with the potential to outperform his value.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $9,400
- FanDuel: $9,200
Devin Booker is poised to shoulder a heavy offensive load for the Suns with Kevin Durant sidelined. Booker’s usage rate in the team’s last game without Durant was 33.3%, showcasing his importance to the team’s attack. While his shooting efficiency wasn’t ideal (6-of-20 field goal attempts), the volume of shots demonstrates his willingness to take on the scoring burden.
Tonight, Booker faces the Miami Heat in a game projected to be a close contest. This means he’ll likely be on the court for significant minutes and remain a focal point of the Suns’ offense. If his shot is falling, Booker has the potential for a huge game, racking up points and contributing across the board.
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $6,300
Santi Aldama has been a consistent contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies, and his recent performances have been particularly impressive. Over his last three games, he’s averaged 27.7 minutes and stuffed the stat sheet with 15.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. Aldama is showcasing his versatility and efficiency, shooting an impressive 76% from the field during this stretch.
Tonight, Aldama and the Grizzlies face the Boston Celtics in a game with a 235.5 total, the highest on the slate. This suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, which should create plenty of opportunities for Aldama to contribute.
- DraftKings: $5,800
- FanDuel: $6,500
Mikal Bridges has been a workhorse for the New York Knicks, leading the team in minutes over their last four games with an average of 38.6 per contest. He’s making the most of that time on the court, stuffing the stat sheet with 19.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.
With Jalen Brunson likely sidelined for tonight’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Bridges could see an even greater role in the offense. His usage rate, typically around 20%, could see a bump as the Knicks look to replace Brunson’s scoring and playmaking. This could translate to more points and assists for Bridges, making him an even more appealing option.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Carlton Carrington (PG, SG – WAS)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,700
With Malcolm Brogdon sidelined, Carlton Carrington is expected to step into a significant role for the Washington Wizards. This presents a valuable opportunity for the 19-year-old rookie to showcase his skills and contribute to the team’s success. We’ve already seen glimpses of Carrington’s potential this season, and his previous starts provide a glimpse of what he can offer.
In the 12 games Carrington has started, he’s averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals. He’s a versatile guard with good court vision and a knack for finding open teammates. Carrington can also score in a variety of ways, attacking the basket and knocking down open jumpers. With increased playing time against the Denver Nuggets, Carrington has the potential to deliver a strong performance and provide excellent value.
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,500
Miles McBride has recently been a key contributor for the New York Knicks, stepping up with increased playing time and showcasing his offensive abilities. Over his last four games, he’s averaged 25.4 minutes per game and delivered solid production with 13.8 points, 3.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds. McBride is a quick and shifty guard with a knack for getting to the basket and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He’s also a pesky defender, capable of disrupting passing lanes and generating steals.
Tonight, McBride and the Knicks face the Detroit Pistons, a team that has struggled at times this season. If Jalen Brunson is ruled out due to his injury, McBride could see a significant increase in minutes and usage. This would make him an even more enticing target, as he would likely take on a larger role in the offense.
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $4,700
Terry Rozier’s price has been steadily declining due to some inconsistent performances this season, making him an intriguing value option at just $4,700. Despite the fluctuations in his scoring, Rozier is still averaging 24.2 minutes per game for the Miami Heat, providing him with ample opportunity to contribute.
Rozier is a dynamic scorer with a quick trigger and the ability to create his own shot. Coming off the bench allows Rozier to lead the second unit and face weaker defenders, which can lead to increased scoring opportunities.
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