Gear up for another Saturday of NBA DFS with a four-game slate featuring a mix of high-scoring potential and defensive battles. The Lakers and Nuggets are projected for a shootout with a slate-high 240.5 total, while the 76ers and Nets have the lowest total at 213, hinting at a more defensive-minded matchup.
With a variety of game environments and plenty of star power on display, tonight’s slate offers exciting opportunities for DFS players of all styles.
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 on tonight’s slate.
Gear up for another Saturday of NBA DFS with a four-game slate featuring a mix of high-scoring potential and defensive battles. The Lakers and Nuggets are projected for a shootout with a slate-high 240.5 total, while the 76ers and Nets have the lowest total at 213, hinting at a more defensive-minded matchup.
With a variety of game environments and plenty of star power on display, tonight’s slate offers exciting opportunities for DFS players of all styles.
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 on tonight’s slate.
Tonight’s slate features a marquee matchup with the potential for an offensive explosion. The Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers are set to square off in a game with the highest total on the slate, making it an attractive target for DFS players. When a game has a high total, it often makes sense to roster the best player on the slate, regardless of their price tag. In this case, that player is Nikola Jokic.
Jokic has been on a tear recently, averaging 31.2 points, 11.3 rebounds and 9.7 assists in his last six games. He’s a triple-double machine with the ability to dominate in every facet of the game. The Lakers have had their struggles defensively this season and Jokic should be able to exploit those weaknesses.
Jamal Murray has been a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets during their recent winning streak, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. In his last five games, he’s averaging 29.2 points and 5.6 assists, demonstrating his ability to both fill it up himself and create opportunities for his teammates.
He faces a Los Angeles Lakers team that has been playing at the fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This up-tempo environment should benefit Murray, who thrives in transition and loves to push the pace. With more possessions and increased scoring opportunities, Murray has the potential to deliver a big performance.
With D’Angelo Russell ruled out for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Keon Johnson should see a significant boost in ball-handling opportunities and usage rate. In their last game, Johnson stepped up with a 33.9% usage rate and an impressive 16-point performance, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively when given a larger role. Expect him to be aggressive once again tonight, looking to score and create for his teammates.
This is a favorable matchup for Johnson, as the 76ers have struggled defensively, ranking 21st in defensive efficiency over their last four games. This vulnerability, combined with Johnson’s increased role and offensive potential, gives him a high ceiling.
LaMelo Ball is off the injury report and should be good to go for tonight’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. While he’s battled injuries throughout the season, the two days of rest leading into this game should have him feeling refreshed and ready to contribute. Ball is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional court vision and scoring ability, capable of putting up monster stat lines when healthy.
This matchup against the Trail Blazers is a favorable one, as they currently rank 23rd in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This vulnerability should allow Ball to exploit mismatches and attack the basket with confidence. With his high usage rate and potential for a big performance, Ball is an excellent tournament play with the potential to be a difference-maker in your lineups.
Jalen Green is coming off a scorching performance, exploding for 35 points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting efficiently from the field. He’s been a dynamic scorer for the Houston Rockets this season, showcasing his ability to create his own shot and get to the basket with ease. Tonight, Green has a prime opportunity to replicate that success against the Utah Jazz, a team that has struggled defensively.
The Jazz rank 28th in defensive efficiency over their last five games and play at the seventh-fastest pace in the league. This combination of a porous defense and an up-tempo game environment should create plenty of scoring opportunities for Green.
Deni Avdija has been a key contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers, stepping up as a primary scoring option. In their last three games, he’s led the team in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game on an efficient 50% shooting from the field. Avdija is a versatile forward who can contribute in multiple areas, as evidenced by his averages of five rebounds and 4.7 assists during this stretch.
Tonight, Avdija faces the Charlotte Hornets, a team ranked in the middle of the pack defensively this season. With his recent offensive surge and the potential for the offense to run through him, Avdija has a great opportunity to continue his strong play. Coming off a 28-point performance, he’s playing with confidence and aggression.
Ziaire Williams has been a consistent contributor for the Brooklyn Nets. His recent performances suggest he’s ready for a larger role. He’s played at least 21 minutes in four consecutive games, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals per game during this stretch.
Tonight, Williams faces the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that has had its defensive struggles this season. With his consistent minutes and ability to contribute across the board, Williams has the potential to outperform his value in this matchup.
Jusuf Nurkic may not be a flashy name in DFS, but his affordable price tag and consistent production make him a valuable option, especially on a slate with many high-priced stars. Nurkic is averaging six points, 8.7 rebounds and five assists in 17.5 minutes of action. While his limited minutes are a concern, he’s been incredibly efficient with the time he gets, producing fantasy points at a high level.
Tonight, Nurkic faces the Portland Trail Blazers, a team he’s quite familiar with from his time playing there. The Trail Blazers have struggled defensively this season, ranking 28th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This vulnerability, combined with Nurkic’s ability to contribute in multiple categories, makes him an intriguing value in tournaments. While his minutes might limit his ceiling, Nurkic has the potential to outperform his value.
