Wednesday’s two-game NBA DFS slate features the NBA Cup quarter-finals for the Western Conference and locks at 7:30 p.m. ET. The slate includes a potential blowout between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Thunder are 14.5-point favorites, along with a more competitive matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers, who are favored by six.
With only two games on the board, lineup differentiation becomes crucial while still locking in the core chalk plays capable of breaking the slate. Below are some of the top targets and value options to consider for tonight’s contests.
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: $12,000
- FanDuel: $12,400
The Los Angeles Lakers enter tonight’s contest with their starting unit fully healthy. In their last outing, Luka Doncic led the way with a 38.6% usage rate despite the team’s stars all being active, which makes it easier to justify paying his premium salary on this slate.
Doncic draws an appealing matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, who rank 26th in defensive efficiency over their last five games and will once again be without Victor Wembanyama (calf). Expect him to take full advantage of the matchup and continue his dominant playmaking and scoring output.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)
- DraftKings: $10,600
- FanDuel: $10,500
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (elbow) missed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s last game but is set to return for Wednesday’s NBA Cup quarter-final matchup against the Phoenix Suns. He’s been on a tear lately, scoring at least 30 points in seven of his last eight contests and continuing to carry Oklahoma City’s offense with elite efficiency.
Gilgeous-Alexander also draws a favorable matchup against a Suns team ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency over their last five games. When these teams met on November 28th, he erupted for 37 points, three rebounds, eight assists and one steal — a performance he’ll look to replicate in tonight’s high-stakes showdown.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Jalen Williams (SF – OKC)
- DraftKings: $8,000
- FanDuel: $8,400
Jalen Williams now has five games under his belt and has been producing at a steady level, averaging 17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.2 steals and one block per contest. He’s offered consistent contributions across the board and remains at an appealing price point for Wednesday’s slate.
Williams draws a favorable matchup against a Phoenix Suns defense that has struggled recently. If the Suns can keep this one competitive, he should log 30+ minutes and has nice upside.
Deandre Ayton (C – LAL)
- DraftKings: $6,300
- FanDuel: $6,100
The San Antonio Spurs will once again be without Victor Wembanyama (calf), which significantly weakens their frontcourt defense and opens the door for Deandre Ayton to take advantage. Over their last five games, the Spurs have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points and the eighth-most rebounds to opposing centers, making this an ideal matchup for Ayton.
Ayton is coming off a strong performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, posting 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal. Even with the Lakers’ big three active, Ayton has shown the ability to produce solid numbers and carries appealing upside in this spot.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Stephon Castle (SG – SAS)
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $7,400
Stephon Castle returned to the floor Monday after a nine-game absence and immediately made an impact, posting 18 points, five rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans. Most notably, he led the team with a 33.8% usage rate, a strong indication that he’s feeling confident and comfortable back on the floor.
With Victor Wembanyama (calf) ruled out, Castle should again play a prominent role tonight. Expect his minutes to climb closer to 30 in his second game back, especially with the San Antonio Spurs not scheduled to play again until next Wednesday.
Dillon Brooks (SF – PHX)
- DraftKings: $6,500
- FanDuel: $6,400
Dillon Brooks faces a tough matchup tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who rank first in defensive efficiency this season. However, the Phoenix Suns could be without Devin Booker (groin), who’s listed as questionable for the contest.
If Booker sits, Brooks should see a significant boost in usage — he’s posted a 34.2% usage rate in the last two games Booker has missed. That kind of volume gives him considerable upside, especially if the Suns can keep this one competitive.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Marcus Smart (SG – LAL)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,000
Marcus Smart has been removed from the injury report after missing the last six games with a back issue. Normally, inserting a player coming off an extended absence into DFS lineups isn’t ideal, but this feels like an exception. It’s the NBA Cup, and the Los Angeles Lakers have clearly missed Smart’s presence. Despite going 4-2 without him, the team posted a -1.3 net rating and ranked 25th in defensive efficiency during that stretch.
Smart should provide an immediate boost on the defensive end, which should earn him quality minutes right away. Still, he profiles best as a GPP value play given his extended layoff and the uncertainty surrounding his role with the roster now fully healthy.
Alex Caruso (SG, SF – OKC)
- DraftKings: $3,900
- FanDuel: $3,900
Alex Caruso (quad) returns from a four-game absence and should see solid minutes right away with Isaiah Joe (knee) ruled out. Caruso has logged at least 20 minutes in three of his last five appearances, posting 18+ DraftKings points during that span, showing his ability to deliver value in limited run.
Caruso stands out as a viable GPP value play, especially for those looking to fit multiple high-priced studs into lineups. With his defensive versatility and knack for filling the stat sheet, Caruso offers solid value.
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