Tonight’s four-game NBA DFS slate may be small, but it still offers plenty of high-scoring potential, with every matchup featuring a projected total of at least 220 points.
Two of the games come with double-digit spreads, raising concerns about potential blowouts and reduced minutes for key players. The other two contests should be more competitive, creating an interesting mix of stability and upside for DFS lineup construction.
In this primer, we will guide you through the key matchups, highlight the top plays at each position and uncover some value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players who will give you an edge on this Saturday 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, C – MIL)
- DraftKings: $12,000
- FanDuel: $11,800
Giannis Antetokounmpo, listed as probable, is primed for a dominant performance tonight with Damian Lillard ruled out due to a calf injury. Lillard’s absence significantly increases Antetokounmpo’s offensive responsibilities. Without Lillard’s playmaking and scoring, the Bucks will rely heavily on Antetokounmpo to create scoring opportunities, leading to a surge in his usage rate and potential for higher fantasy production. This situation amplifies Antetokounmpo’s already formidable fantasy ceiling.
Adding to his appeal is the matchup against the Sacramento Kings, who rank 29th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. Antetokounmpo’s combination of size, athleticism and skill makes him a nightmare matchup for any team. Against a struggling Kings defense, he’s poised to exploit their vulnerabilities.
- DraftKings: $12,600
- FanDuel: $12,000
Luka Doncic is a top-tier play tonight, especially if LeBron James (groin) is ruled out tonight. With James’ absence, Doncic’s usage and responsibilities as the primary offensive option get an even bigger boost. His versatility across all categories — averaging 30.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.1 steals this month — makes him one of the safest and highest-upside options in DFS. Given the lack of competition for usage, he’s poised for another huge performance against a Chicago Bulls defense that has shown vulnerabilities this season.
Even with a hefty price tag, Doncic is worth the investment, especially in GPP formats, where ceiling matters. The volume he commands, along with his ability to impact every facet of the game, provides a high floor and massive potential for returns. If James sits, Doncic becomes the clear top option. You simply can’t go wrong with him in your lineup.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,500
- FanDuel: $8,400
Jimmy Butler is coming off an impressive performance, recording a triple-double on Thursday while showing increased scoring consistency with at least 23 points in two of his last three games. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a strong DFS option. With Steph Curry (pelvis) ruled out, Butler should take on an even greater offensive role. Expect him to be more aggressive as a scorer and playmaker, elevating both his floor and ceiling in fantasy lineups.
Facing the Atlanta Hawks, who play at an up-tempo pace, Butler will have plenty of opportunities to capitalize in transition and exploit defensive lapses. Atlanta’s fast-paced style creates additional possessions, which bodes well for Butler’s all-around production.
Brandin Podziemski (PG, SG – GSW)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,100
Brandin Podziemski appears to be at full strength, logging 35 minutes against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, signaling no minutes restriction moving forward. With Steph Curry sidelined, Podziemski should see an expanded role on offense, taking on more playmaking duties and shot opportunities.
The matchup against the Atlanta Hawks further boosts his appeal, as they have played at the eighth-fastest pace over their last five games. A faster tempo means more possessions, creating additional chances for Podziemski to rack up points, assists and rebounds.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $10,000
- FanDuel: $9,800
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a model of consistency over his last seven games, averaging 25.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while maintaining strong efficiency. With Jalen Brunson (ankle) sidelined, Towns has taken on an even greater offensive role, shouldering more scoring and playmaking responsibilities. His ability to stretch the floor, attack inside and contribute across multiple stat categories makes him a reliable option, especially in a favorable matchup.
He faces a Washington Wizards squad that plays at the fifth-fastest pace in the league and ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency over their last five games. The Wizards’ up-tempo style should provide Towns with extra possessions and scoring opportunities, while their defensive struggles make it easier for him to dominate in the paint and from beyond the arc.
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $5,900
Kyle Kuzma saw a significant boost in usage with Damian Lillard sidelined on Thursday, jumping from 19.7% on the season to 24.3% in that game. With Lillard out again, Kuzma steps into a more prominent offensive role as the clear No. 2 option. Increased shot volume and playmaking opportunities make him an appealing target, especially at his current price point. When given a chance, Kuzma has shown the ability to deliver strong fantasy performances. This matchup sets up well for another opportunity.
While Kuzma has been inconsistent at times this season, his upside in this spot is tough to overlook. The defensive struggles of the Sacramento Kings all season long, combined with Kuzma’s increased role, create a strong case for rolling the dice on him, even if he’s burned DFS players in the past.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,100
- FanDuel: $4,600
Buddy Hield has been the definition of a boom-or-bust player, capable of catching fire from deep or struggling with inconsistency. Tonight, the risk is worth taking, as Steph Curry’s absence opens the door for Hield to see extended playing time, likely 20+ minutes. When given the opportunity, Hield isn’t shy about letting it fly. With an increased role, he should be aggressive in hunting his shot.
- DraftKings: $3,600
- FanDuel: $5,000
With Domantas Sabonis (ankle) sidelined for the last two games, Trey Lyles has stepped up, seeing a significant increase in minutes, averaging 27.2 per game. During this stretch, he’s been highly productive, putting up 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists per game. This expanded role on both ends of the floor has made Lyles a reliable fantasy contributor. With Sabonis still out, he should continue to see ample opportunity to produce.
While he faces a tough Milwaukee Bucks defense, Lyles’ elevated usage and role make him an intriguing option. Despite the challenge, the opportunity to log big minutes and contribute across multiple stat lines gives him a strong floor. With a favorable price tag on DraftKings, Lyles offers significant value, making him a solid choice for lineups, especially in GPP tournaments where his upside can pay off.
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