Tonight’s eight-game NBA DFS slate features a variety of game environments, with spreads ranging from 2.5 to 20 points. Competitive matchups offer stability, while potential blowouts introduce volatility, opening up unique paths for lineup construction. Staying on top of injury reports is crucial with the season winding down, as late scratches and surprise rest days can shift the slate dramatically.
In this DFS primer, we will guide you through the key matchups, highlight the top plays at each position and uncover some value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players who 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
Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)
- DraftKings: $12,700
- FanDuel: $12,700
Nikola Jokic has been unstoppable since returning from injury, leading the league in scoring over the last five games with an eye-popping 40 points per game. He’s doing it with brutal efficiency, punishing defenses from all three levels while maintaining his usual command of the Denver Nuggets’ offensive flow.
Jokic’s scoring surge hasn’t come at the expense of his all-around impact. He’s still dominating the glass with 11.5 rebounds per game during this stretch, creating second-chance opportunities and controlling possessions. He’s also dishing out 8.8 assists per contest, operating as a point guard/center combo player and consistently breaking down defenses with elite passing vision.
Trae Young (PG – ATL)
- DraftKings: $10,200
- FanDuel: $9,500
Trae Young has been in full command of the Atlanta Hawks’ offense lately, leading the league with 13.4 assists per game over his last five. He’s consistently creating high-quality looks for teammates while still getting his own, averaging 23.6 points during that span. Young’s elite playmaking and shot volume keep his DFS floor high, and the assist upside gives him a strong path to ceiling outcomes in the right matchup.
That matchup arrives tonight against a Jazz team ranked 29th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. Utah’s struggles on that end, particularly against dynamic guards, should allow Young to dictate the pace and pick apart a vulnerable defense.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Stephon Castle (PG, SG – SAS)
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $7,400
Stephon Castle has been stuffing the stat sheet over his last three games, flirting with a triple-double each time out. He has averaged 17.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists during that stretch, showcasing his versatility and role in the offense. He came just one rebound shy of a triple-double on Friday, and with the way he’s trending, it feels like only a matter of time before he breaks through.
Tonight’s matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers sets the stage perfectly. The Trail Blazers rank sixth in pace over their last five games, which should lead to a faster tempo and more possessions for Castle to rack up stats. With his ability to contribute across all categories and the added boost from an up-tempo game environment, Castle shapes up as a strong mid-range play with legitimate ceiling potential.
Collin Sexton (PG, SG – UTA)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,200
Collin Sexton has taken on a leading role for a short-handed Utah Jazz squad, averaging a team-high 21.7 points over his last three games. With multiple key players sidelined, Sexton has become one of the main focal points of the offense, carrying a high usage rate and consistently looking for his shot.
He’ll be in a great spot to keep the momentum going tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks rank fifth in pace over their last five games, creating an up-tempo environment that suits Sexton’s attacking style.
Donovan Clingan (C – POR)
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $6,100
Donovan Clingan has been a force on the glass over his last three games, averaging 12.7 rebounds to go along with 8.7 points, three assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. While his scoring remains modest, his contributions across multiple stat categories give him a solid floor with sneaky upside. His defensive presence and activity around the rim continue to stand out, especially with increased minutes.
Tonight’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs adds to the appeal. The Spurs have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to centers over their last seven games, struggling to contain bigs on the interior.

NBA DFS GPP Targets
Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,100
Donovan Mitchell has been in stellar form recently, putting up impressive numbers across the board. Over his last five games, he has averaged 28 points, 6.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.6 steals, showcasing his ability to contribute in every facet of the game. He’s clearly in a rhythm, with his scoring and playmaking both at a high level.
Tonight, Mitchell faces the Sacramento Kings, who have struggled defensively against opposing shooting guards. Over their last seven games, the Kings have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to the position, presenting Mitchell with a prime opportunity to continue his strong run.
Myles Turner (C – IND)
- DraftKings: $6,300
- FanDuel: $6,500
Myles Turner is one of the top shot-blockers in the league, and he demonstrated his upside on Friday with a stellar performance of 26 points, seven rebounds and six blocks. While it’s unrealistic to expect another six-block outing, Turner’s ability to protect the rim remains a key part of his game. Over his career, he’s averaging 2.2 blocks per game, consistently providing elite defensive stats to complement his scoring and rebounding.
Tonight’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets presents another opportunity for Turner to deliver strong DFS value. This game has the second-highest total on the slate at 239.5, indicating a high-paced, high-scoring affair that should provide plenty of chances for Turner to rack up points, boards and blocks. With his shot-blocking prowess and a favorable game environment, Turner is an intriguing play with significant upside.
Dalano Banton (PG, SG – POR)
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $6,600
Dalano Banton is in line for another sizable workload with Scoot Henderson (concussion) already ruled out. If Anfernee Simons (forearm), currently listed as questionable, also sits, Banton should see 30+ minutes and take on an even larger role in the offense.
Over his last three games in an expanded role, Banton has delivered well-rounded production, averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 blocks.
He now draws a favorable matchup against a Spurs team ranked 25th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. If Simons is ultimately ruled out, Banton becomes an excellent value play with clear paths to volume and opportunity. Monitor the injury report, but if the news breaks in his favor, he profiles as one of the top mid-range guard options on the slate.

NBA DFS Value Plays
Jarace Walker (SF, PF – IND)
- DraftKings: $3,900
- FanDuel: $4,200
With Pascal Siakam (elbow) sidelined, Jarace Walker is set to see an increased role in the rotation, giving him a valuable opportunity to step up. His extended minutes should lead to more chances to contribute, particularly in scoring and rebounding, as he fills the void left by Siakam’s absence.
Walker has been consistent over his last five games, recording at least 20 DraftKings points in each contest. This level of production, combined with his low price tag, makes him a strong value play tonight.
Sam Hauser (SF, PF – BOS)
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,100
The Boston Celtics are massive 20-point favorites against the Washington Wizards, one of the worst teams in the league, making this game ripe for potential blowout scenarios. Both Jaylen Brown (knee) and Jayson Tatum (ankle) are listed as questionable for tonight’s game.
If either or both sit out, Sam Hauser would be in line for a significant increase in minutes and usage. Given the potential for an extended run, Hauser could be a strong value play, especially considering his ability to contribute from beyond the arc.
Hauser has shown he can step up when given the opportunity, and with the Celtics potentially resting key players, he could see more opportunities to score and provide peripheral stats. His shooting ability, particularly from three-point range, makes him a solid option for a team that could be leaning on him more than usual.
Johnny Juzang (SG, SF – UTA)
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,000
Johnny Juzang stepped into the starting lineup on Friday with Walker Kessler (concussion) sidelined, and he made the most of the opportunity. Logging 36 minutes, Juzang dropped in 17 points, knocked down five three-pointers and added three assists, showing confidence and scoring ability from deep. With Kessler already ruled out again, Juzang is in line for another heavy workload.

Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn