Saturday’s eight-game NBA DFS slate sets up as a largely high-scoring environment, with nearly every game carrying an implied total of at least 234 points. The only exceptions are Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat at 230.5 and Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 224.5, making most contests appealing for fantasy purposes from a pace and scoring standpoint.
While scoring potential is plentiful across the board, blowout risk is something to monitor. The Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs matchup stands out in that regard, as San Antonio enters as a hefty 16.5-point favorite, which could impact minutes and late-game production.
With elevated totals throughout the slate, along with teams managing injuries and rest situations, identifying the right game environments and leveraging lineup differentiation will be key. Below are some of the top plays and value options to target for Saturday’s slate.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet 
Saturday’s eight-game NBA DFS slate sets up as a largely high-scoring environment, with nearly every game carrying an implied total of at least 234 points. The only exceptions are Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat at 230.5 and Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 224.5, making most contests appealing for fantasy purposes from a pace and scoring standpoint.
While scoring potential is plentiful across the board, blowout risk is something to monitor. The Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs matchup stands out in that regard, as San Antonio enters as a hefty 16.5-point favorite, which could impact minutes and late-game production.
With elevated totals throughout the slate, along with teams managing injuries and rest situations, identifying the right game environments and leveraging lineup differentiation will be key. Below are some of the top plays and value options to target 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
- DraftKings: $12,500
- FanDuel: $12,800
Nikola Jokic is coming off a dominant Christmas Day performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves, erupting for 56 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists, and two blocks across 42 minutes. It was one of the most complete fantasy outings of the season and further cemented Jokic’s ability to single-handedly tilt a DFS slate.
After a day of rest, Jokic draws an appealing matchup against the Orlando Magic in a game projected to stay competitive, featuring a 4.5-point spread and a 235.5 total. The matchup is further enhanced by Orlando’s recent defensive struggles, as the Magic rank 24th in defensive efficiency over their last five games, setting Jokic up for another elite fantasy performance.
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,100
Despite the Milwaukee Bucks going 1-3 over their last four games, Kevin Porter Jr. has been stellar, averaging a team-high 21.5 points per game while adding seven rebounds, eight assists, and 2.5 steals. His all-around production has made him a consistent fantasy contributor, even as the team has struggled to find wins.
Porter profiles as a serious triple-double threat in a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who rank second in pace of play over their last four games. The uptempo environment should create additional scoring and assist opportunities, further boosting his fantasy ceiling.
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,200
Jalen Brunson returned to the New York Knicks starting lineup on Christmas Day after missing the previous game with an ankle injury and delivered a strong performance, finishing with 34 points, one rebound, four assists, and two steals across 39 minutes. His workload and efficiency suggest the injury is no longer a concern.
Brunson appears to have no limitations heading into tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, putting him in an excellent spot from a fantasy perspective. Atlanta ranks first in pace of play over their last five games while also sitting 28th in defensive efficiency during that stretch, creating an ideal environment for Brunson to thrive.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $9,100
- FanDuel: $9,500
The Chicago Bulls are playing on zero days of rest, and with Coby White yet to appear in both games of a back-to-back this season, it would not be surprising to see him sit. If that happens, it sets up Josh Giddey for an expanded role and increased opportunity.
In 14 games without White this season, Giddey is averaging 21.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. An uptick in usage would only enhance his fantasy outlook, especially in a matchup carrying a 234.5 total that should provide plenty of scoring opportunities.
- DraftKings: $9,000
- FanDuel: $8,600
Trae Young’s availability for the second leg of the back-to-back remains uncertain, but he would draw an appealing matchup if active against the New York Knicks. New York is currently dealing with multiple injuries and has struggled defensively of late, ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency over its last five games.
If Young is unable to suit up, Nickeil Alexander-Walker becomes an extremely appealing cash-game option, as he would be in line for increased ball-handling responsibilities and a larger offensive role.
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $5,600
With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined, Kyle Kuzma has capitalized on the increase in minutes and usage, averaging 16.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over his last seven games while logging 30.4 minutes per contest. His role has remained stable, providing a reliable fantasy floor at his current salary.
Kuzma has recorded at least 25 FanDuel points in three straight games and is well-positioned to continue that trend. He once again finds himself in a favorable environment, playing in a matchup with a 234.5 total that should offer plenty of scoring opportunities.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $8,600
- FanDuel: $7,900
Julius Randle is worth considering in daily fantasy lineups, as he is averaging 22.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists on the season. His consistent production and ability to contribute across multiple categories provide a strong baseline for fantasy production.
Randle becomes an even more appealing option if Anthony Edwards (shoulder), who is currently listed as questionable, is unavailable Saturday. In seven games without Edwards, Randle has taken advantage of the increased usage, averaging 25.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and five assists.
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,900
Desmond Bane has led the Orlando Magic in scoring over their last four games, averaging 22.5 points while adding six rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 blocks. His ability to contribute across multiple categories has made him a well-rounded and reliable fantasy option during that stretch.
Bane now draws a home matchup against the Denver Nuggets in a game carrying a 235.5 total, setting up another favorable environment for continued all-around production.
- DraftKings: $4,600
- FanDuel: $4,600
Bones Hyland could be in line to start Saturday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, as the Minnesota Timberwolves are playing on zero days of rest and may rest Mike Conley. Anthony Edwards (shoulder), who is listed as questionable, could also sit out.
If Hyland draws the start, he becomes an appealing fantasy option. In his last two starts, he has averaged 15 points, three rebounds and five assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple categories when given increased opportunity.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,300
The Denver Nuggets are currently dealing with multiple injuries, as Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) remain sidelined. Now, Cameron Johnson (knee) will also be out, opening the door for Tim Hardaway Jr. to see an increased role and more minutes.
Hardaway Jr. has been enjoying his best month of the season in December, averaging 14.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 29.8 minutes. The added opportunity in this matchup makes him a compelling fantasy option.
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,300
Tyler Kolek has been making a strong impact recently, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.5 steals over his last two games while logging 28.1 minutes.
He is expected to see at least 20 minutes again tonight, especially with Josh Hart (ankle) ruled out and Miles McBride (ankle) potentially remaining sidelined. Kolek draws a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks in a game carrying a 242.5 total, making him an intriguing fantasy option with plenty of scoring and assist opportunities.
- DraftKings: $3,600
- FanDuel: $3,900
With the Utah Jazz playing the second leg of a back-to-back, they could opt to rest Kevin Love, who has yet to play on zero days of rest this season, as well as Jusuf Nurkic, who has missed games due to injury management. This would create a significant opportunity for Taylor Hendricks to see extended minutes.
Hendricks has shown his potential recently, logging 26 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 24 and posting 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals. He becomes an appealing fantasy option if one of the veterans sits and emerges as the top value play on the slate if both are ruled out.
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