Saturday’s NBA DFS slate is brimming with exciting possibilities, featuring six games with a diverse mix of high-scoring potential and defensive battles. The San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies lead the slate with a projected 241.5 total, hinting at a potential shootout, while the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons have the lowest total at 218.5, suggesting a more grind-it-out affair.
This variety of in-game environments allows DFS players to tailor their roster construction to their preferred strategies, whether it’s stacking stars in a high-scoring matchup or hunting for value in a defensive battle.
In this primer, we will guide you through the key matchups, highlight the top plays at each position and uncover some valuable sleepers who can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players who will give you an edge on this Saturday slate.
Saturday’s NBA DFS slate is brimming with exciting possibilities, featuring six games with a diverse mix of high-scoring potential and defensive battles. The San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies lead the slate with a projected 241.5 total, hinting at a potential shootout, while the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons have the lowest total at 218.5, suggesting a more grind-it-out affair.
This variety of in-game environments allows DFS players to tailor their roster construction to their preferred strategies, whether it’s stacking stars in a high-scoring matchup or hunting for value in a defensive battle.
In this primer, we will guide you through the key matchups, highlight the top plays at each position and uncover some valuable sleepers who can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players who will give you an edge on this Saturday slate.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a dominant force for the Milwaukee Bucks, and his recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In his last three games, he’s averaging 26 points, 15 rebounds and 6.7 assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in every facet. Antetokounmpo is a matchup nightmare for any opponent. With his combination of size, athleticism and skill, he’s capable of taking over games on both ends of the floor.
Tonight, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks face the Dallas Mavericks, a team currently dealing with numerous injuries. This presents a favorable matchup for Antetokounmpo, who should be able to exploit the Mavericks’ depleted roster and put up big numbers.
Kyrie Irving has been a man on a mission lately, putting up impressive scoring numbers and leading the charge for the Dallas Mavericks with Anthony Davis sidelined. Over his last six games, he’s been on fire, averaging 30.8 points, six rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Irving is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and get to the basket with ease, and his playmaking ability adds another dimension to his game.
Tonight, Irving and the Mavericks face a tough test against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team known for their strong defense. However, with Davis out, the Mavericks will rely heavily on Irving to carry the offensive load. He’s a player who thrives in big moments and has the potential to put up a huge performance against any opponent.
Draymond Green has been a steady presence for the Golden State Warriors, contributing across the board and providing valuable veteran leadership. Over his last six games, he’s averaging 12 points, 6.3 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Green has also been a consistent source of fantasy points, exceeding 30 DraftKings points in each of those contests.
Tonight, Green and the Warriors face the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that has struggled defensively in recent games. The 76ers rank 27th in defensive efficiency over their last three games, suggesting a favorable matchup for Green.
Naji Marshall could be in line for a spot start tonight if P.J. Washington misses his second straight game with an ankle injury. This would thrust Marshall into a key role for the Dallas Mavericks, who are already short-handed in the frontcourt.
Despite a poor shooting performance in their last game (three points on 1-of-11 shooting), Marshall still managed to contribute with nine rebounds and six assists. If he can find his shooting touch tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, Marshall has the potential for a big game. He’s a versatile player who can score, rebound and facilitate.
Cade Cunningham had a rough outing last night against the Denver Nuggets, shooting just 25% from the field and finishing with only 11 points, five assists and three rebounds. However, don’t let one poor performance scare you away from rostering him tonight. He has a prime opportunity to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets, who have struggled defensively, ranking 28th in defensive efficiency over their last three games.
Furthermore, Cunningham has a history of excelling on zero days rest, averaging an impressive 57.2 DraftKings points per game in those situations. This suggests he’s able to shake off any fatigue and consistently produce at a high level. With his offensive talent and a favorable matchup, Cunningham is a high-upside DFS option with the potential to put up a big score tonight.
Alperen Sengun has been a bit of an enigma for the Houston Rockets this month, showcasing both his impressive upside and frustrating inconsistency. While his fantasy production has fluctuated, he’s flashed his ceiling with two games exceeding 55 fantasy points. Sengun is a unique offensive talent, capable of scoring in the paint and facilitating for his teammates.
Tonight, he draws an appealing matchup against the Sacramento Kings, a team that has been generous to opposing centers. The Kings rank in the top 12 in fantasy points allowed to the position this month, suggesting a favorable matchup for Sengun.
Killian Hayes could be in line for some additional playing time tonight with Cam Thomas potentially sidelined. Thomas played his first game since January 2nd last night and hasn’t played on zero days rest since November 9th, raising concerns about his availability for tonight’s contest. If Thomas is indeed ruled out, Hayes should see a boost in minutes and opportunities. He’s been terrific in his last two games, averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 assists and three rebounds, showcasing his ability to contribute as a scorer and facilitator.
Even if Thomas plays, Hayes could still see significant playing time due to his recent strong performances. He’s a talented young guard with the potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Keep an eye on the Brooklyn Nets’ injury report, but regardless of Thomas’ status, Hayes is a player to consider thanks to his price.
Taurean Prince has been a consistent contributor for the Milwaukee Bucks, quietly putting up solid fantasy numbers at an affordable price. He’s not the flashiest player on the team, but he’s been efficient and productive, exceeding 21 fantasy points in five out of his last six games.
While his scoring might not be as prolific as some of his teammates, Prince contributes across multiple categories, averaging 28.3 minutes per game and making the most of his opportunities.
