It’s Saturday. That means one thing: A jam-packed NBA DFS slate is here to keep us entertained. With nine games on tap, there’s no shortage of options for crafting winning lineups. Whether you’re looking to build around a superstar or find value plays to fit in a balanced roster, tonight’s slate offers 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: $12,300
- FanDuel: $12,800
Nikola Jokic is simply unstoppable right now, putting up video game numbers and dominating the competition. He’s coming off a monstrous performance against the San Antonio Spurs yesterday, where he tallied 41 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. And guess what? He gets to face them again tonight. Jokic has been on an absolute tear recently, averaging 33.3 points, 19 rebounds, 11.7 assists and two steals per game. He’s a walking triple-double threat who can control every facet of the game.
While his price tag is sky-high, and rightfully so, Jokic is worth every penny. He’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent, and the Spurs have struggled to contain him in the past. With his elite scoring, rebounding and playmaking abilities, Jokic is someone to consider building your lineups around.
- DraftKings: $11,300
- FanDuel: $11,900
Victor Wembanyama continues to be the focal point of the San Antonio Spurs’ offense, commanding a massive 38.1% usage rate over his last three games, the second-highest mark in the entire NBA. This speaks volumes about his importance to the team and his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Wembanyama is a unique talent with his combination of size, skill and athleticism. He can score from anywhere on the court and protect the rim with his shot-blocking prowess.
Last night, Wembanyama put on a show against the Denver Nuggets, the same team he faces tonight. He erupted for 35 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, showcasing his all-around dominance. With his high usage rate and overall incredible talent, Wembanyama has the potential to deliver another monster performance.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)
- DraftKings: $11,500
- FanDuel: $11,800
Giannis Antetokounmpo has a prime opportunity for a monster performance tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers have struggled mightily on defense, ranking 27th in defensive rating over their last five games. This vulnerability plays right into Antetokounmpo’s hands, as he’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent with his unique blend of size, athleticism and skill. Expect him to attack the basket relentlessly and dominate the boards.
The only potential concern is that the Milwaukee Bucks are heavy 12-point favorites, which could lead to limited minutes for Antetokounmpo if the game gets out of hand. However, even with reduced playing time, he’s capable of putting up massive numbers in a short amount of time. Ultimately, his upside is too high to ignore in this matchup.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $7,800
Josh Hart has been on a tear recently, showcasing his all-around abilities and stuffing the stat sheet. Over his last three games, he’s averaging an impressive 19 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. He’s a tenacious rebounder, a capable scorer and a willing passer, making him a threat to record a triple-double every time he steps on the floor.
Tonight, Hart faces the Chicago Bulls, a team that has struggled against opposing small forwards. The Bulls have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. With his recent form and a vulnerable opponent, Hart has a great opportunity to achieve another triple-double and deliver a big performance.
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,100
Jordan Clarkson has been on fire for the Utah Jazz, leading the team with 23.3 points per game over their last five outings. He’s a dynamic scorer with a knack for getting buckets, capable of creating his own shot and filling it up from anywhere on the court. Clarkson is a microwave scorer who can heat up in a hurry, providing instant offense off the bench or as a starter.
Tonight, Clarkson faces the Miami Heat, a team that has struggled defensively recently. The Heat rank 21st in defensive efficiency over their last three games.
- DraftKings: $5,700
- FanDuel: $6,200
Draymond Green’s fantasy value often gets a boost when Steph Curry is out of the lineup, and that’s the case again tonight. With Curry sidelined, Green takes on a larger role in the Warriors’ offense, showcasing his playmaking abilities and contributing more as a scorer.
In games without Curry this season, Green is averaging 10.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, demonstrating his well-rounded skillset and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He becomes more involved in initiating the offense, leading to increased assist opportunities and often looks for his own shot more aggressively.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $8,000
With Jimmy Butler‘s suspension and likely departure from the Miami Heat, Tyler Herro is poised to take the reins of the offense. In games without Butler this season, Herro has commanded a 28.4% usage rate, showcasing his ability to shoulder a larger offensive load. He’s a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for creating his own shot. Herro can also facilitate for his teammates, making him a dual-threat offensive weapon.
Even with Butler in the lineup, Herro has been on fire lately. In his last three games, he’s averaged an impressive 25.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to contribute across the board. Tonight, Herro faces the Utah Jazz, a team that ranks last in defensive rating over their last five games.
Dennis Schroder (PG, SG – GSW)
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,700
Dennis Schroder could be in line for a significant role tonight with Steph Curry ruled out for the Golden State Warriors. This opens up a major opportunity for Schroder to handle the ball and initiate the offense.
We’ve seen what he can do when given the reins, as evidenced by his impressive stint with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 18.4 points and 6.6 assists per game in 23 starts. Schroder is a crafty scorer and capable playmaker who can thrive with increased responsibility.
- DraftKings: $4,600
- FanDuel: $5,500
Toumani Camara has been a bright spot for the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s hit the double-digit point mark in two straight games, averaging 15 points and seven rebounds during this stretch. Camara is a versatile forward with a developing offensive game and a nose for the ball.
Tonight, Camara faces a tough test against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are one of the top teams in the league, and Camara will need to be on his A-game if the Trail Blazers want to keep the game close. However, this challenging matchup could also lead to increased opportunities for Camara to contribute. With his recent scoring surge and a likely high workload, Camara is an intriguing option with the potential to outperform his value.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Julian Champagnie (SG, SF – SAS)
- DraftKings: $4,100
- FanDuel: $4,400
Julian Champagnie is someone to consider if Jeremy Sochan is ruled out for the San Antonio Spurs. In yesterday’s contest, with Sochan sidelined, Champagnie saw 25 minutes of action and made the most of it, logging 15 points and four rebounds. If Sochan misses tonight’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Champagnie should see another increase in playing time, boosting his fantasy potential.
Champagnie is a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple ways. He’s a capable scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, and he’s also shown a willingness to crash the boards and defend. With his potential for extended minutes and a matchup against a Nuggets team that has had its defensive struggles this season, Champagnie is an intriguing option, especially at his price.
- DraftKings: $3,600
- FanDuel: $4,200
Kel’el Ware is a name to watch tonight, as he could be in line for increased minutes after a breakout performance in his last game. Ware saw a season-high 21 minutes of action and made the most of it, exploding for 25 points and showcasing his offensive potential. This impressive showing could earn him more playing time against the Utah Jazz.
While predicting the Miami Heat’s rotation can be challenging due to its constant fluctuations, Ware’s recent play suggests he’s earned a longer look. He’s a talented young big man with the ability to score around the basket and stretch the floor with his shooting.
- DraftKings: $3,100
- FanDuel: $4,000
Moses Moody is poised for a significant role tonight with the Golden State Warriors’ backcourt decimated by injuries. With Steph Curry out due to rest and other key guards already sidelined, Moody should see an extended run. He’s been averaging 18 minutes per game in his last three outings, and that number could climb significantly with the Warriors needing backcourt depth.
In those three games, Moody has showcased his scoring ability, averaging 15.5 points and knocking down 3.5 three-pointers per game. He’s a sharpshooter with the potential to get hot from beyond the arc, and his increased playing time should translate to more opportunities to contribute.
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