Saturday’s nine-game NBA DFS slate tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET and features a mix of competitive, high-scoring matchups along with a few projected lower-scoring games. The Magic-Jazz and Trail Blazers-Kings contests headline the slate with the highest totals, both sitting at 239.5. Meanwhile, the Celtics-Raptors matchup carries the lowest total at 225.5.
Most games on the slate are expected to remain competitive, with the notable exceptions being Wizards vs. Grizzlies and Hornets vs. Pistons, as both contests feature double-digit spreads.
With a wide range of totals and spreads, along with teams navigating injuries and playing on zero days of rest, lineup differentiation and identifying favorable fantasy environments become critical. With that in mind, here are some of the top plays and value options to consider for Saturday’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
Cade Cunningham (PG – DET)
- DraftKings: $10,600
- FanDuel: $10,500
Cunningham is in outstanding form, averaging 30.5 points, seven rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. He remains a triple-double threat every time he takes the floor and continues to anchor Detroit’s offense.
He has another strong opportunity to stuff the stat sheet tonight in a favorable matchup against the Hornets, who rank 24th in defensive efficiency over their last three games. His ability to contribute across all categories makes him one of the safest high-end options on the slate, with a ceiling that few players can match.
Deni Avdija (SF, PF – POR)
- DraftKings: $9,700
- FanDuel: $9,600
Avdija has been on a tear of late, averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.7 assists over his last 10 games. He has been a focal point of the Trail Blazers’ offense all season, consistently handling a high-usage, playmaking role.
Avdija draws an ideal matchup against the Kings in a game tied for the highest total on the slate at 239.5. With the pace and scoring environment working in his favor, he profiles as a strong option with both a reliable floor and significant upside.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Keyonte George (PG, SG – UTH)
- DraftKings: $11,000
- FanDuel: $8,300
George is in a strong position to deliver a big performance for the Jazz. He draws a matchup against the Magic in a game carrying a 239.5-point total, setting up an appealing fantasy environment.
George should see a notable usage boost with Lauri Markkanen (groin) listed as doubtful, and his recent production supports the upside. He has been outstanding of late, averaging 36.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists, making him one of the more intriguing high-ceiling options on the slate.
Cam Spencer (PG, SG – MEM)
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $5,800
The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant (ankle) and Vince Williams Jr. (knee) tonight, leaving the backcourt thin and setting the stage for Spencer to take on a heavy workload. The opportunity alone will likely make him one of the highest-owned players on tonight’s slate.
Spencer has already been excellent over his last five games, averaging 27.6 minutes while posting 19.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, leading the team in scoring during that span. With both Morant and Williams sidelined, Spencer should push past the 30-minute mark, boosting both his floor and ceiling.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
LeBron James (SF, PF – LAL)
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $9,000
James has appeared in the Lakers’ last four games and has been stellar during that stretch, averaging 25.5 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks per game. At 40 years old, he continues to defy expectations and remains one of the most impactful players on the slate.
He is well-positioned to produce again tonight, as the Lakers are without Austin Reaves (calf), which should further solidify his usage. James also draws a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, who rank 24th in defensive efficiency over their last five games, adding to his appeal as a high-end DFS option.
Desmond Bane (SG, SF – ORL)
- DraftKings: $10,600
- FanDuel: $7,600
Bane struggled in his last outing, finishing with just six points on 3-of-11 shooting while adding two rebounds, though he was still able to tie a season high with eight assists. Despite the poor scoring night, his playmaking remained intact.
He is in an excellent position to bounce back offensively in this matchup against the Jazz, who rank last in defensive efficiency over their last five games. The contest is also tied for the highest total on the slate, making Bane an appealing option with strong bounce-back upside.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Keon Ellis (SG, SF – SAC)
- DraftKings: $3,600
- FanDuel: $4,300
The Kings will be without Zach LaVine (ankle) again tonight, opening the door for Ellis to continue seeing extended minutes. Over the Kings’ last three games, he ranks third on the team in minutes while averaging nine points, three rebounds, 3.5 assists, and an eye-catching five steals per game.
Ellis has been extremely active on the defensive end, which has helped him earn consistent playing time with LaVine sidelined. He should see plenty of opportunities at a very favorable price point, making him an appealing value play.
Kris Murray (SF – POR)
- DraftKings: $3,900
- FanDuel: $3,900
Jerami Grant (Achilles) is questionable for Saturday’s matchup against the Kings, and his status is worth monitoring, as it could open the door for Murray to see extended minutes. Murray becomes a much stronger option if Grant is ultimately ruled out.
That said, Murray still profiles as a viable punt play even if Grant suits up, especially for those looking to pay up for high-priced options elsewhere in tournaments. Over his last five games, he is averaging 24.5 minutes along with 4.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, one steal, and 1.2 blocks.
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