Wednesday’s nine-game NBA DFS slate locks at 7:00 p.m. ET and offers a mix of high-scoring battles and one potential blowout. The top projected totals belong to Miami Heat-Dallas Mavericks (240.5) and Portland Trail Blazers-Cleveland Cavaliers (238.5), while Los Angeles Clippers-Atlanta Hawks (227.5) is the only game under 230. On the spread side, Sacramento-Houston (-15.5) is the lone contest with a double-digit line and the clearest blowout risk.
With a wide range of game environments, multiple key injuries and several teams on the second night of a back-to-back, differentiating lineups and targeting the right spots will be key. Below are some of the top plays and value options to consider for 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: $13,400
- FanDuel: $12,800
Jamal Murray sustained a right ankle sprain during Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. While Nikola Jokic is always a top option regardless of Murray’s status, he becomes even more appealing if Murray is ruled out, as his usage and playmaking load would only increase.
In the one game Jokic played without Murray this season — a November 8th matchup against the Indiana Pacers, tonight’s opponent — he erupted for 32 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists and one steal. He’s firmly in play regardless, but could be in line for an even bigger night if Murray sits.
Cade Cunningham (PG – DET)
- DraftKings: $10,600
- FanDuel: $10,800
Since returning from a hip injury, Cade Cunningham has been outstanding across seven games, averaging 29.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals. His rhythm came back immediately, and he continues to look fully in control on both ends while anchoring Detroit’s offense.
Cunningham should once again be leaned on heavily this evening in a matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, a game carrying just a three-point spread. With his recent form and expected workload, he remains one of the slate’s most dependable, high-usage options.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Kawhi Leonard (SF, PF – LAC)
- DraftKings: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,600
Despite the Los Angeles Clippers’ struggles this season, Kawhi Leonard has looked strong since returning from an ankle injury five games ago. He leads the team in scoring during that stretch with 28.8 points per game, adding 5.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.6 steals. He’s also delivered three straight 30-point performances, showing no signs of lingering limitations.
Leonard now draws a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards over their last seven games. With his recent scoring surge and a defense that has struggled to contain wings, he remains an appealing high-ceiling option.
Ayo Dosunmu (SG, SF – CHI)
- DraftKings: $5,800
- FanDuel: $5,500
The Chicago Bulls will be without Coby White (ankle) and Kevin Huerter (calf), while Isaac Okoro (back) is doubtful, putting Ayo Dosunmu in a position to log heavy minutes once again. He’s played at least 35 minutes in each of his last two games and continues to handle an elevated role with confidence.
During that span, Dosunmu has averaged 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, giving Chicago steady two-way production. With the backcourt thinned out once more, he should remain heavily involved.
Wendell Carter Jr. (C – ORL)
- DraftKings: $5,700
- FanDuel: $5,600
Wendell Carter Jr. has gotten off to a strong start this season, averaging 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and two assists across 20 games. He’s seeing consistent minutes and has taken full advantage, providing steady production for the Orlando Magic.
Carter stands out as a solid cash game option tonight against the San Antonio Spurs, who are playing on zero days of rest and rank 25th in defensive efficiency over their last four games.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,400
With several high-priced options on tonight’s slate, Donovan Mitchell could be overlooked. However, he’s worth considering after logging at least 40 points in two of his last three games, averaging 34.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.3 steals over that stretch.
Mitchell now faces the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that carries the second-highest projected total on the slate. With his recent scoring surge and a favorable matchup, he offers upside for both cash games and tournaments.
Matas Buzelis (SF, PF – CHI)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $6,000
With the Chicago Bulls dealing with multiple injuries, Matas Buzelis is an intriguing option to consider. He’s coming off a big performance on Monday, posting 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals against a tough Orlando Magic squad.
Buzelis now draws a much softer matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, giving him another opportunity to build on that huge showing. With Chicago’s rotation stretched thin, he carries sneaky upside on this slate.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (SF, PF – MIA)
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $5,200
Jaime Jaquez Jr. has seen his minutes dip over the last two games while nursing a groin injury, as the Miami Heat gradually regain full health. Despite the recent reduction in playing time, his role remains important, and he’s proven capable of delivering significant production when called upon.
Tonight, with Norman Powell (ankle) and Pelle Larsson (foot) both questionable against the Dallas Mavericks, Jaquez could see heavy usage — especially if both are ruled out. He’s shown strong upside this season, making him an appealing tournament option in a game that carries the highest projected total on the slate.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Spencer Jones (SF, PF – DEN)
- DraftKings: $4,200
- FanDuel: $4,400
Spencer Jones is on track to start his fifth straight game for the Denver Nuggets, a role he’s growing more comfortable in with each outing. Over his last two contests, he ranks second on the team in scoring with 22 points per game while adding seven rebounds across 33.1 minutes. His confidence is rising, and his production has followed.
Jones continues to earn trust throughout the organization, and his workload could climb further if Jamal Murray (ankle) is ultimately ruled out. The 24-year-old has settled into a steady rhythm, and the recent surge in minutes and usage makes him an appealing option on this slate.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (SG, SF – DEN)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,300
Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to come off the bench for the Denver Nuggets, but his role remains steady, averaging 28.5 minutes per game. He’s delivered a reliable scoring punch in that span, averaging 16 points and two rebounds while knocking down 38.7% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Hardaway’s perimeter shooting has kept him firmly in the mix for a meaningful run.
Hardaway is also another candidate to see a bump in minutes if Jamal Murray (ankle) is unable to suit up tonight. His scoring versatility and established bench role position him well to absorb extra usage should Denver need additional backcourt support.
Mouhamed Gueye (PF, C – ATL)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,100
With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) ruled out for tonight’s contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, Mouhamed Gueye is positioned to see 20+ minutes once again. In the last three games Porzingis has missed, Gueye has averaged 23.1 minutes. He has delivered 8.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, two steals and 1.3 blocks per game in those three contests, providing steady production in limited action.
Gueye offers a solid floor at his current price, especially in a matchup against a Clippers team ranked 28th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. If he maintains similar minutes, Gueye should easily return value.