Tonight’s expansive 11-game NBA DFS slate presents a dynamic mix of close battles and potential scoring surges. Game spreads vary significantly, with six contests sitting within a tight six-point margin, suggesting the potential for intense competition and prolonged minutes for star players. However, the presence of other games with wider spreads introduces the possibility of blowouts, demanding careful consideration of each matchup.
Game totals further amplify this strategic complexity, ranging from a calculated 211 in the Houston Rockets vs. Orlando Magic clash to a potentially explosive 235.5 in the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers showdown. This diverse landscape necessitates a nuanced approach to DFS, where identifying both high-volume scorers and value plays in games prone to either close finishes or lopsided results is key.
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
Luka Doncic (PG – LAL)
- DraftKings: $12,500
- FanDuel: $12,000
Luka Doncic has been on an absolute tear. With LeBron James (groin) sidelined again tonight — his fifth straight absence — Doncic remains in full command of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense. Over the past four games without James, Doncic has been nothing short of elite, averaging 33 points, 10.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 2.3 steals while boasting a massive 38.3% usage rate. With the ball in his hands nearly every possession, his all-around ability to score, facilitate and crash the glass makes him a top-tier option once again.
On top of his stellar form, Doncic draws a favorable matchup against a Denver Nuggets team that has struggled defensively in recent games. Over their last five contests, Denver ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency while playing at the ninth-fastest pace in the league. This combination of a weaker defense and a high-tempo style sets up Doncic for another monster night.
Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)
- DraftKings: $12,900
- FanDuel: $12,900
Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable, but if he suits up, he’s an elite option as always. He’s coming off a dominant performance, dropping 40 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in his last outing, showcasing his all-around brilliance. When on the floor, Jokic is a near-lock for massive production, given his ability to score efficiently, rack up boards and serve as the focal point of the Denver Nuggets’ offense. If he gets the green light, he has one of the highest ceilings on the slate.
Jokic also draws a favorable matchup against a struggling Los Angeles Lakers defense ranked 20th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. With a fast-paced game environment and the potential for another triple-double-like stat line, Jokic is a top-tier play if active.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Austin Reaves (PG, SG – LAL)
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $8,800
Austin Reaves has stepped up in a big way with LeBron James sidelined over the past four games, shouldering a significant offensive load for the Los Angeles Lakers. During this stretch, Reaves has been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 30.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, seven assists and two steals per game. His expanded role as both a scorer and playmaker makes him a high-upside option, especially with the Lakers needing him tonight with James ruled out again tonight against one of the best offenses in the league.
Reaves also finds himself in a favorable matchup against a Denver Nuggets defense that has struggled to contain opposing shooting guards. Over the past seven days, the Nuggets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to the position, creating an ideal spot for Reaves to thrive.
Aaron Wiggins (SF, PF – OKC)
- DraftKings: $5,100
- FanDuel: $5,600
With Luguentz Dort (hip), Jalen Williams (hip) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest) all sidelined for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Aaron Wiggins is in line for an expanded role and should see a significant uptick in usage. Wiggins has shown he can step up when given extended minutes, offering a solid scoring touch, defensive versatility and the ability to contribute across multiple categories. He thrives as a slasher who can get to the rim efficiently while also knocking down perimeter shots, making him an intriguing value play in this spot.
Adding to his appeal, Wiggins faces a Philadelphia 76ers squad dealing with injuries of their own and that has struggled defensively of late, ranking 26th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. With key players missing on both sides, this game could feature plenty of opportunities for Wiggins to produce, especially against a weakened Sixers defense.
Jaxson Hayes (C – LAL)
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,100
Jaxson Hayes has been making the most of his increased role, delivering strong production over his last four games. During this stretch, he’s averaging 14 points, 8.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game, showing his ability to contribute across multiple categories. His activity on both ends of the floor, combined with his athleticism, makes him an intriguing play, especially with the Los Angeles Lakers continuing to lean on him for frontcourt minutes.
This matchup against the Denver Nuggets sets up nicely for Hayes, as the game carries a high 232.5 total, signaling plenty of scoring and rebounding opportunities. With the Nuggets playing at an above-average pace and struggling defensively in recent games, Hayes should find himself in a prime position to exceed his value.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Quentin Grimes (PG, SG – PHI)
- DraftKings: $8,600
- FanDuel: $7,900
Quentin Grimes has been on an absolute tear, putting up video game-like numbers over his last five games. During this stretch, he’s averaging a jaw-dropping 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals while commanding a massive 36.3% usage rate. With the ball in his hands so often and his ability to score at all three levels, Grimes has been nearly unstoppable. Given his current form, it’s tough to fade him, as he remains one of the highest-upside plays on the slate.
While the Philadelphia 76ers enter this matchup as 10.5-point underdogs, Grimes could keep things competitive, especially with the Oklahoma City Thunder battling injuries of their own. Their defense won’t be at full strength, which only enhances Grimes’ ability to dominate.
Josh Hart (SF, PF – NYK)
- DraftKings: $8,000
- FanDuel: $8,100
With Jalen Brunson (ankle) set to miss his sixth straight game, Josh Hart continues to take on an expanded role for the New York Knicks. Over his last five outings, Hart has been stuffing the stat sheet, averaging 11 points, 11.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an excellent option, especially with his increased playmaking responsibilities in Brunson’s absence. Given his rebounding and assist numbers, Hart carries legitimate triple-double upside, which boosts his fantasy appeal even further.
Hart also gets a prime matchup against a struggling San Antonio Spurs defense ranked 29th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. The Spurs’ up-tempo playstyle creates plenty of extra opportunities for rebounds and assists, playing right into Hart’s strengths.
Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, C – HOU)
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,500
With Amen Thompson (ankle) ruled out for tonight, Jabari Smith Jr. is set to see an uptick in minutes and usage. Smith has been taking advantage of the extra opportunities, and his increased role has translated to solid production. He’s coming off an impressive 30-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, showcasing his scoring ability and offensive potential. With Thompson sidelined, Smith is likely to see 28+ minutes, which gives him a chance to continue contributing across multiple areas.
Although the matchup against the Orlando Magic is a bit tougher, Smith’s price is right and he will get plenty of chances to produce fantasy points. The Magic’s defense has been solid, but Smith’s ability to stretch the floor, score efficiently and contribute on the glass should give him ample opportunities to fill up the stat sheet.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Isaiah Joe (PG, SG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,400
Isaiah Joe is poised to have a huge night for the Oklahoma City Thunder. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out and Cason Wallace (shoulder) questionable, Joe has the opportunity for a significant increase in minutes and usage. Even if Wallace plays, Joe is still someone to consider.
Over his last three games, Joe is averaging 29.3 minutes per game and putting up a solid scoring line of 13.7 points, four rebounds and 1.7 assists. He’s a sharpshooter who can get hot from beyond the arc. His increased role should translate to more opportunities to contribute offensively.
Justin Edwards (SF, PF – PHI)
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $4,600
Justin Edwards is coming off a heavy workload, logging 39 minutes in his last outing while putting up 18 points, three rebounds and four assists. With the Philadelphia 76ers dealing with multiple injuries, Edwards is expected to have an increased role once again, making him a strong value play. He can create his own shot, attack the basket and contribute as a secondary playmaker, which gives him multiple paths to production in this expanded role.
Facing an Oklahoma City Thunder team that isn’t at full strength defensively due to their own injury concerns, Edwards has a great opportunity to exceed his value. His combination of length, scoring ability and playmaking should allow him to take advantage of mismatches and put up solid numbers.
Oshae Brissett (PF, C – PHI)
- DraftKings: $4,100
- FanDuel: $4,400
Oshae Brissett has made the most of his 10-day contract, delivering strong performances and proving he deserves extended minutes. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 12.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, one steal and one block per game, showing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
With Philadelphia dealing with numerous injuries, Brissett’s role should continue to grow, making him a nice value play.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
