Wednesday’s six-game NBA DFS slate presents a variety of intriguing roster construction possibilities. With a balanced mix of star power and value plays, you can build your lineups around a high-priced stud or opt for a more balanced approach. No matter your preferred strategy, there’s something for everyone tonight.
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 Wednesday’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
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF – MIL)
- DraftKings: $12,100
- FanDuel: $12,000
Giannis Antetokounmpo should be well-rested for tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. He only played 27 minutes last night due to the Bucks’ dominant win over the Detroit Pistons, so fatigue shouldn’t be a concern. This game has a much closer spread of 4.5 points, suggesting a more competitive contest where Antetokounmpo will likely see his usual heavy workload.
Over his last five games, Antetokounmpo has been incredibly efficient and effective, averaging 34.8 points on a scorching 64.6% shooting from the field, along with 10 rebounds and nine assists. He’s a walking triple-double threat who can dominate in every facet of the game, making him a guy to consider building your lineups around.
- DraftKings: $10,500
- FanDuel: $11,000
Anthony Davis had a rare off night in his last game, scoring just 12 points on 29% shooting from the field. However, don’t let that deter you from rostering him tonight. Davis is an elite talent capable of bouncing back in a big way, and this matchup against the Miami Heat presents a prime opportunity for him to do just that. In their last meeting on January 3rd, Davis erupted for 74.3 DraftKings points, stuffing the stat sheet with 29 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, five blocks and three steals.
The Heat have been dealing with some key injuries, which could further enhance Davis’s chances of dominating this matchup. With his ability to score, rebound and contribute across the board, Davis is always a high-upside option.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,800
- FanDuel: $9,600
Franz Wagner has been a model of consistency for the Orlando Magic this season, providing reliable production and showcasing his all-around offensive skills. Over his last five games, he’s commanded a 29.4% usage rate, highlighting his importance to the Magic’s attack. This has translated to dominant performances, with Wagner averaging 24.2 points, 7.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. He’s a versatile scorer who can create his own shot, facilitate for his teammates and contribute on the boards.
Tonight, Wagner faces the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that has shown some defensive vulnerabilities this season. With his high usage rate and consistent production, Wagner is a strong option with the potential to deliver another big performance.
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $9,200
Damian Lillard has been on fire lately. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 28.8 points, 8.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds, showcasing his ability to fill the stat sheet and dominate opposing defenses.
Tonight, he faces the Atlanta Hawks, a team that plays at the second-fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This up-tempo environment should benefit Lillard tremendously, as he thrives in transition and loves to push the pace. With more possessions and increased scoring opportunities, Lillard has the potential to deliver another huge performance.
- DraftKings: $7,000
- FanDuel: $7,700
Kristaps Porzingis could be a key figure for the Celtics tonight with Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday questionable. The Detroit Pistons looked rough last night against the Bucks and now face a tough Boston Celtics team, who are understandably 13.5-point favorites. If Tatum and Holiday sit, the Celtics will lean heavily on their remaining stars, such as Porzingis and Jaylen Brown. Porzingis has shown he can step up, as evidenced by his 32-minute performance on December 1st, where he recorded 21 points and eight rebounds.
With potentially increased usage and a favorable matchup against a struggling Pistons team, Porzingis becomes an intriguing cash-game option. He’s a versatile big man who can score inside and out, rebound effectively and even contribute with blocks. Keep a close eye on the Celtics’ injury report.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $8,200
- FanDuel: $8,500
Tyrese Haliburton can be a frustrating player to roster in DFS due to his inconsistent fantasy production. However, he’s coming off a strong performance against the Toronto Raptors, showcasing his scoring prowess with 30 points and adding six assists. This suggests Haliburton is finding his rhythm and could be poised for a big game tonight.
Tonight, he faces the Brooklyn Nets, a team that has struggled defensively, ranking 24th in defensive rating over their last five games. Even more importantly, they’ve allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. This vulnerability plays into Haliburton’s strengths as a dynamic scorer and playmaker.
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $7,800
Dennis Schroder has stepped up as a key contributor for the Brooklyn Nets, especially with the team dealing with injuries. Over their last five games, he’s led the team in usage rate at 29.5% and ranks third in minutes played. The 31-year-old veteran is proving his value, averaging 24 points and 6.8 assists per game during this stretch.
Tonight, Schroder and the Nets face the Indiana Pacers, who rank seventh in pace of play over their last five games. This fast-paced environment should benefit Schroder, who thrives in up-tempo games and can push the pace. With more possessions and increased opportunities for scoring and assists, Schroder has the potential to deliver a strong performance.
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,600
Moritz Wagner delivered a strong performance last night despite the Orlando Magic’s loss, showcasing his talent with 20 points and 12 rebounds in 28 minutes of action. He’s a skilled big man who can score inside and out. His rebounding prowess makes him a valuable fantasy asset. The main obstacle for Wagner has been consistent playing time, but tonight’s circumstances could work in his favor.
With the Magic playing on zero days rest and Wendell Carter Jr. likely on a minutes restriction as he returns from injury, Wagner has a good chance of seeing significant playing time again. Furthermore, Goga Bitadze, who competes with Wagner for minutes, also missed last night’s game and could be sidelined again tonight. Be sure to check the injury report before tip-off, but if Bitadze is out, Wagner becomes an appealing option with the potential to outperform his value against the Philadelphia 76ers.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG, SF – ATL)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $5,000
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a consistent source of offense for the Atlanta Hawks, providing a scoring punch off the bench. He’s seeing solid minutes, averaging over 23 per game in November. He has been a reliable fantasy producer, logging at least 21 DraftKings points in five straight contests. Bogdanovic is a skilled scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot. Coming off the bench allows him to face weaker defenders and potentially lead the second unit’s offense, which often translates to increased usage and scoring opportunities.
Tonight, Bogdanovic and the Hawks face the Milwaukee Bucks in a game with the highest total on the slate at 236.5. This high-scoring environment should benefit Bogdanovic, who thrives in up-tempo games and can light it up from beyond the arc.
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,700
Tyrese Martin has stepped up for the injury-plagued Brooklyn Nets, finding himself in the starting lineup on Sunday and logging 33 minutes despite a blowout loss. He made the most of his opportunity, contributing 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. This performance showcases his all-around ability and potential to produce when given extended playing time.
If Martin remains in the starting lineup tonight, he’s in a favorable position to deliver another strong performance against the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have struggled defensively, ranking 26th in defensive rating over their last five games. Keep a close eye on the Nets’ injury report, but if Martin is starting, he becomes an appealing value play for tournaments.
Haywood Highsmith (SF, PF – MIA)
- DraftKings: $3,700
- FanDuel: $4,500
Haywood Highsmith could be in line for a significant role tonight with the Miami Heat facing a star-studded Los Angeles Lakers squad and dealing with some key injuries. The Heat will likely rely on Highsmith’s defensive prowess to try and contain the Lakers’ offensive weapons. He’s a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots could be crucial in this matchup.
Highsmith has seen consistent minutes recently, playing at least 26 in each of his last four games. He’s also shown flashes of fantasy potential, logging 20+ DraftKings points in two contests. While his offensive upside may be limited, Highsmith’s defensive contributions and potential for increased minutes make him an intriguing value option.
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