Let’s dive into the most pivotal plays on today’s slate by harnessing the advanced capabilities of the FantasyLabs tools and projections at our disposal.
For those participating in large-field tournaments, remember to leverage our Lineup Optimizer to seamlessly generate up to 300 lineups. Alternatively, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, our Lineup Builder exists for crafting your lineups manually and with precision.
Additionally, you may take advantage of our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a user-friendly tool that simplifies and enhances the lineup generation process, ensuring optimal lineups tailored to your strategy.
As we approach game time, be sure to consult the NBA Player Models for the latest updates and insights, enabling informed decisions as we get closer to the lock.
NBA DFS Point Guard Picks
Stud
When it comes to the point guard position, no player matches the ceiling projection of the Bucks’ star, Damian Lillard. In his last outing, the seasoned guard thrived, amassing an impressive 36 points at a season-high 41% usage rate, predominantly due to the absence of the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game, making this a crucial development to keep an eye on as it could greatly influence Lillard’s potential output on the slate. If Giannis is sidelined, Lillard’s performance could be formidable, given this marks his second consecutive game scoring over 35 points.
The Utah Jazz have emerged as one of the friendliest matchups for fantasy players this season, currently holding a 23rd ranking in defensive efficiency while playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league. Lillard’s recent scoring spree solidifies his standing as the top point guard to invest in, particularly with Khris Middleton still out with injury. If Giannis indeed remains out, Lillard surely becomes the best overall play to target this evening.
Value
Another player gaining traction is Timberwolves’ starting point guard Mike Conley, who is projected to capture a slate-leading 45% ownership. Priced at a reasonable $4,600, Conley is expected to log around 25 minutes against an up-tempo Bulls squad that ranks first in pace with an average of 106.19 possessions per game. This represents a favorable matchup for Conley, who has registered a positive Plus/Minus in three of his last five games.
Utilizing Conley is an efficient way to tap into a Timberwolves offense that is favored by nearly ten points, boasting an imposing 118.25 implied team total. Notably, the Bulls’ defensive lineup has struggled significantly, particularly beyond the arc, allowing an average of 39.5 three-point attempts per game, which ties for the fifth-highest rate in the league. This trend sets the stage for Conley, who has consistently knocked down at least two 3-pointers in five of his last six contests.
Fast Break
Chris Paul, priced in the mid-range at $6,900, is another excellent option at the point guard position. Over his past five games, Paul has enjoyed a double-digit positive Plus/Minus in four of them, averaging 14.4 points and 9.2 assists, with three double-doubles to his name. Facing off against the Trail Blazers—who surrender an average of 27.8 assists per game, ranking sixth in the league—Paul is in an advantageous position to capitalize on potential assist opportunities, making another double-double well within reach.
Don’t forget to explore our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator for crafting advanced DFS lineups by utilizing the latest in simulation technology:
NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks
Stud
Dominating the league with his long-range shooting is Anthony Edwards, who leads the charge in 3-pointers made. Over the current season, Edwards has significantly improved, averaging 5.1 3-pointers per game while hitting 45% of his shots from beyond the arc. This exceptional performance enhances Edwards’ ceiling, especially in an anticipated matchup against the Bulls. He captures the fourth-highest projected scoring ceiling and is attracting just 17% ownership, asserting him as an appealing contrarian option.
Despite his soaring potential, Edwards remains a boom-or-bust player in fantasy formats. His last two outings saw him register double-digit negative Plus/Minus scores, all while his salary continues to rise. Nevertheless, he remains the primary scoring option for the team. Given the composition of this three-game slate, it would be prudent to confine exposure to Edwards primarily within tournament settings, as other safer pay-up options may be available.
Value
Continuing with the Timberwolves’ backcourt, Donte DiVincenzo has established himself as a formidable contributor. In his inaugural season with Minnesota, DiVincenzo is recording an average of over ten points, contributing 3.4 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. Despite coming off the bench, the veteran has managed an average of 27 minutes per game. With dual eligibility at point guard and shooting guard, and priced at just $4,900, DiVincenzo emerges as an enticing value play.
Connecting on an average of 2.3 3-pointers each game, DiVincenzo attempts nearly 75% of his shots from beyond the arc, placing him in an advantageous position for this perimeter-centric clash against the Bulls’ defense. Pairing two of the three Timberwolves guards is viable, but I would advise against including all three in a single lineup; there are plenty of other viable guard options across various price tiers for tonight’s three-game slate.
Fast Break
Zach LaVine is currently questionable for tonight’s game after sitting out last night’s contest in Dallas. As the leading scorer for the Bulls with an average of 22.7 points per game, LaVine boasts an impressive shooting percentage of 49.5% from the field, complemented by a career-high 45.8% success rate from long distance this season. He has notably drained five 3-pointers in three of the six games in which he has participated. LaVine presents a high ceiling if cleared to play this evening. However, should he be ruled out, alternatives like Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Ayo Dosunmu emerge as worthy additions for exposure.
Don’t miss out on checking out Sleeper’s enticing pick’ems, utilizing promo code LABS1 for an enticing $100 deposit match.
NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
Despite a hot start to the current season, Lauri Markkanen has missed three consecutive games due to a lingering back injury. However, following a full practice yesterday, he should be poised to contribute in tonight’s contest against the Bucks. In the three games prior to his injury, Markkanen delivered an average of 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 36.7 DraftKings points per game.
The Bucks have surprisingly proven to be a favorable matchup for opposing teams this season. Ranking 21st in defensive efficiency and surrendering 118.3 points per game, Markkanen could thrive if Giannis remains out of the lineup. The versatile forward can score from all areas of the court, presenting a challenge for any defense. With a competitive salary of $7,900, Markkanen stands out as a compelling pay-up option.
Value
A standout value option on this three-game slate is the Spurs’ rookie, Stephon Castle. The UCONN product has a projected ownership rate of 56%, the highest on the slate. At only $4,400 and with dual eligibility as a shooting guard and small forward, Castle fits seamlessly into any lineup configuration. Although he has had a negative Plus/Minus for six straight games, his model shows high projections due to the Spurs’ injury troubles.
With Tre Jones, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan—the latter ranked second on the team with 15.4 points per game—all out, Castle stepped into the starting role in the last game, logging 25 minutes of playing time. Consequently, he’s expected to start again and play approximately 28 minutes tonight, making him a staple for cash games.
Fast Break
Jaden McDaniels has somewhat underwhelmed this season, primarily due to foul troubles. However, when he can remain disciplined, he’s capable of playing upwards of 35 minutes. His current projection sits at around 30 minutes, attracting about 25% projected ownership with a high projected Plus/Minus among small forwards. Despite a career shooting average of 35% from the perimeter, McDaniels has struggled, shooting just 23.1% from long distance this year. Expect a rebound in his production during this matchup.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
The Jazz have demonstrated average rebounding and defensive capabilities this season. Regardless of the matchup, Giannis has consistently proven effective, but facing a favorable assignment can bolster his ceiling further. If Giannis suits up tonight, he stands as the top pay-up option on the slate. The Bucks are currently reeling with a 1-6 record, having lost six straight games. They find themselves nearly double-digit favorites at home in a critical situation requiring a victorious outcome.
Value
Harrison Barnes emerges as yet another Spurs player poised to benefit from the burgeoning roster injuries for tonight’s game. Barnes has been a constant presence, starting in all eight games this season, while tying for the second-most minutes averaged per game on the squad. He is projected for around 31 minutes this evening and is attracting nearly 30% ownership, representing the only power forward on the slate with a positive projected Plus/Minus. This makes him an attractive option across various formats.
With a price tag under $5,000 and dual forward eligibility, Barnes provides a budget-friendly avenue for exposure to the Spurs’ 111.5 implied team total. Although the Spurs are off to a modest 3-5 start, they are four-point favorites at home versus the Trail Blazers tonight. Barnes’ production this season has varied widely, scoring anywhere between 30 and 3 DraftKings points. It’s best to limit exposure to tournaments, but he is certainly appealing for budget-conscious lineups.
Fast Break
Jerami Grant presents another player with a spectrum of performance outcomes throughout the season. After initially thriving against the Pelicans, he has since seen fluctuations in his output. Currently, Grant enjoys back-to-back games with a positive Plus/Minus, averaging 34.5 DraftKings points during that stretch. Despite the Trail Blazers’ league-low 107-point team total, Grant warrants consideration due to the smaller slate size and the opportunity for potentially significant performances.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
Wembanyama, a standout rookie, is projected to capture over 40% ownership in this matchup. A considerable portion of his ceiling derives from his exceptional defensive stats. As a rookie, Wembanyama led the league with 3.6 blocks per game and is now on track to repeat that performance with 3.8 blocks per game this season. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are permitting opponents an average of 6.5 blocks per game, the fifth-highest rank in the league. This matchup favors Wembanyama significantly.
Value
Brook Lopez has seen a dip in scoring as the season commenced, a shift reflected in his $5,700 salary. In a recent game without Giannis, however, Lopez excelled, contributing 13 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks over 36 minutes. With a projection for 32 minutes tonight, Lopez represents a solid option across all formats, regardless of whether Giannis returns to play. The Bucks establish the top team to target on this slate.
In their last game, the Jazz allowed a staggering 58 points in the paint while compiling a mere 50% rebound rate. Lopez not only excels at scoring easy baskets in the painted area, but he also serves as a legitimate perimeter threat. He averaged nearly two 3-pointers per game last season and is on course for a similar statistic this year. If Giannis is absent, Lopez, alongside Bobby Portis, figures as a prime target at this position tonight.
Fast Break
Rudy Gobert emerges as yet another boom-or-bust fantasy candidate, ideal for tournament lineups. Over his last five games, Gobert has managed to surpass 40 DraftKings points in two instances while sinking below 20 DraftKings points in two others. A positive factor for Gobert lies in the Bulls, who currently rank last in points conceded in the paint, with an average of 57.3 points per game. Given their struggles on the boards too, Gobert could easily secure another double-double in this contest while being reasonably priced at just $7,000 for this slate.
Spurs defensive rating without Wembanyama
Currently struggling defensively in their frontcourt, present an ideal matchup for Wembanyama to showcase his skills. With a robust rebounding presence to pair with his shot-blocking capabilities, he holds a very high upside in this slate, especially with his ability to score efficiently and generate fantasy points through defensive stats.
Value
For those searching for a budget-friendly option at the center position, Jakob Poeltl stands out. He has solidified his role as a pivotal part of the Raptors’ frontcourt, contributing consistently in points and rebounds. Poeltl’s current average of around 10 points and 8 rebounds per game, along with his matchup against a weak interior defense, makes him an appealing choice. With a price tag under $5,500, he offers great value, especially on a small slate where finding reliable options can be challenging.
Fast Break
Clint Capela has shown occasional flashes of brilliance, particularly in matchups that favor him on the boards. However, his inconsistency has kept his ownership relatively low. If he can exploit a favorable matchup, Capela could see a spike in both minutes and production. His recent performances have been promising, and he’s positioned to harness significant rebounding opportunities, which could yield a strong outing.
Remember, the landscape of NBA DFS can change rapidly with injury news and lineup adjustments. Always stay updated on the latest news leading into game time, and consider leveraging simulation tools to optimize your lineups. Good luck!
