Get ready for an action-packed Saturday of NBA DFS with a nine-game slate on tap. Tonight’s matchups promise exciting basketball with a mix of high-scoring potential and tightly contested battles.
Five games boast totals of 235+ points, guaranteeing plenty of offensive fireworks. The majority of tonight’s matchups are also projected to be nail-biters, as they all have a spread within seven points, except the Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers matchup, which has a 15-point spread.
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.
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: $12,800
- FanDuel: $13,000
Nikola Jokic is having another MVP-caliber season, and his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. He’s currently averaging a triple-double with 30.3 points, 12.3 assists and 11.3 rebounds per game in his last four starts, showcasing his incredible all-around ability and dominance on the court.
He faces the Phoenix Suns tonight, a team ranked 20th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This vulnerability should allow Jokic to exploit mismatches and put up big numbers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $10,900
- FanDuel: $11,600
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been on an absolute scoring tear, leading the league in points per game over the last five contests with a remarkable average of 38. He’s not just a one-dimensional scorer either, contributing six assists and 4.8 rebounds per game during that stretch.
Tonight, he faces the Memphis Grizzlies in a game with a juicy 242 total and a close 2.5-point spread. This suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring matchup, which is ideal for a player like Gilgeous-Alexander, who thrives in transition and loves to push the pace.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Trey Murphy III (SG, SF – NOP)
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $8,200
Trey Murphy has been a consistent scoring threat for the New Orleans Pelicans, quietly putting up impressive numbers. While he may not be a household name, the 24-year-old is showcasing his offensive potential and proving he’s a rising star in the league.
Over his last four games, Murphy is averaging 34.5 points, five assists, and 4.8 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to fill the stat sheet and carry the Pelicans’ offense.
Tonight, Murphy faces the Sacramento Kings, a team that has struggled defensively. The Kings rank 29th in defensive rating over their last five games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Murphy to exploit.
- DraftKings: $7,100
- FanDuel: $7,600
Dyson Daniels has been a consistent contributor for the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing his all-around abilities and providing valuable production. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Daniels has logged at least 37 DraftKings points in four consecutive games, highlighting his high floor and potential for big performances.
Tonight, Daniels faces the Washington Wizards, a team that presents a favorable matchup due to several factors. The Wizards are dealing with numerous injuries, playing on zero days of rest and are integrating quite a few new faces into their rotation. These factors could lead to defensive breakdowns and inconsistencies, which Daniels is capable of exploiting.
Christian Braun (SG, SF – DEN)
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $6,500
Christian Braun has been a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets recently, providing consistent scoring and all-around production. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple categories.
Tonight, Braun faces the Phoenix Suns, a team that has struggled defensively against opposing shooting guards. The Suns have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Braun.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,100
Last night, with both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal out, Devin Booker erupted for 47 points, 11 assists and six rebounds while commanding a massive 36.9% usage rate. He’s capable of putting the team on his back and delivering elite fantasy production when called upon.
Even though Booker played 48 minutes last night, I have no hesitation recommending him again tonight if Durant and Beal remain sidelined. He’s a tireless competitor with a knack for scoring in bunches. The Phoenix Suns will need his offensive firepower to compete with the Denver Nuggets.
- DraftKings: $6,700
- FanDuel: $7,000
Naz Reid has been a key contributor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, stepping up in a major way with Julius Randle sidelined. He’s started the last four games. After a rough first outing, he has been spectacular in the last three.
During this stretch, Reid is averaging 22.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and two blocks per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. He’s a versatile big man who can score inside and out. His recent performances have highlighted his offensive potential.
Tonight, Reid faces the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that has significantly improved defensively. While this matchup presents a challenge, Reid should still be able to contribute at a high level and see big minutes once again.
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,600
Onyeka Okongwu has been a revelation for the Atlanta Hawks since being inserted into the starting lineup in late January. He’s been a dominant force in the paint, showcasing his scoring ability, rebounding prowess and improved passing skills.
Over his last two games, Okongwu is averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds and 3.5 assists, demonstrating his well-rounded game and ability to contribute across multiple categories.
Tonight, Okongwu and the Hawks face the Washington Wizards in a game with a 236.5 total, the highest on the slate. This suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, which should create plenty of opportunities for Okongwu to shine.
The Wizards have struggled defensively this season, and with their potential fatigue playing on zero days rest, Okongwu could be in line for another big performance.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,200
Aaron Gordon has been a solid contributor for the Denver Nuggets recently, providing value in DFS through his all-around production. He’s exceeded 5.5x value on DraftKings in his last two games, showcasing his ability to outperform his salary.
While his averages of nine points, 9.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds over those games might not be eye-popping, his contributions across multiple categories make him a valuable asset for both the Nuggets and DFS players.
Tonight, Gordon faces the Phoenix Suns, and his role could expand significantly if Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are unable to play due to their questionable status. If one or both of those players are sidelined, Gordon’s usage rate and minutes should see an increase. This would make him an even more appealing option, as he would likely take on a larger role in the offense.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,400
Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be in line for a significant opportunity tonight if either Mike Conley or Anthony Edwards are sidelined for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both players are currently questionable. Their absences potentially open up a spot in the starting lineup, skyrocketing Alexander-Walker’s appeal.
Alexander-Walker is a versatile guard with a well-rounded skillset, capable of contributing with points, rebounds, assists and steals. Alexander-Walker is a strong slasher who can attack the basket and finish through contact. He’s also a capable shooter from beyond the arc.
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,800
Tyus Jones could be a sneaky-good DFS play tonight if the Phoenix Suns are short-handed again. With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal questionable, Jones could be in line for increased minutes.
Last night, without Durant and Beal, Jones exceeded his DraftKings value by 8.7x, logging 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. This performance showcased his ability to contribute across the board when given the opportunity.
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