Saturday’s five-game NBA DFS main slate features a mix of high- and low-scoring environments, though every contest projects to remain competitive with all spreads sitting within eight points.
The Charlotte Hornets versus Utah Jazz headline the slate with a 236.5-point total, while the Miami Heat versus the Indiana Pacers follow closely behind at 235.5. On the other end of the spectrum, the Los Angeles Clippers versus Detroit Pistons carries the lowest total at 219.5.
With a wide range of game totals, multiple teams navigating injuries and a couple of clubs playing on zero days of rest, identifying the right spots and leveraging lineup differentiation will be critical. 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
Cooper Flagg (PG, SG, SF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $7,800
- FanDuel: $8,900
Cooper Flagghas been outstanding over his last two games, leading the team in scoring at 23 points per contest while adding nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. He has also ranked third on the team in usage over that span at 21.6%, a figure that is expected to climb with Anthony Davis (hand) set to begin an extended absence. With additional offensive responsibility likely coming his way, Flagg should see more opportunities both as a scorer and playmaker.
The matchup further enhances his outlook, as he faces a Chicago Bulls team ranked 21st in defensive efficiency over its last five games. Flagg’s ability to contribute across the box score provides a strong fantasy floor. The 19-year-old carries significant upside given the expected increase in usage, combined with a favorable opponent.
Keyonte George (PG, SG – UTA)
- DraftKings: $8,500
- FanDuel: $8,600
Keyonte George is expected to take on a significant role this evening with Lauri Markkanen (rest) and Ace Bailey (hip) unavailable. He has already demonstrated his upside without Markkanen this season, averaging 28.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and seven assists in his last three games without him.
The game environment further boosts his outlook, as the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets matchup carries the highest total on the slate at 236.4 points with a narrow 4.5-point spread. A fast pace and competitive setting create an ideal scenario for George to deliver across the box score with both a strong floor and considerable ceiling.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Tyler Herro (PG, SG – MIA)
- DraftKings: $6,800
- FanDuel: $7,800
Tyler Herro looked terrific in his first game back on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes. He played aggressively, consistently attacking the basket and capitalizing on favorable one-on-one matchups, an encouraging sign so soon after returning to action.
Based on how he performed and the workload he handled, Herro profiles as a viable cash-game option. He also draws a favorable matchup against the Indiana Pacers, who rank 23rd in defensive efficiency over their last four games while playing at the league’s seventh-fastest pace, further boosting his fantasy outlook.
Naji Marshall (SF, PF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $5,400
Naji Marshall is expected to see 30+ minutes once again on Saturday with P.J. Washington Jr. (ankle) and Anthony Davis (hand) sidelined. He has averaged 33.9 minutes over his last three games while posting 14 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest. With the Dallas Mavericks shorthanded, Marshall should continue to benefit from an expanded role on both ends of the floor.
The matchup adds to his appeal, as he faces a Chicago Bulls team that has allowed more than 110 points in four of its last five games. The combination of consistent minutes and increased responsibility gives Marshall a reliable floor, while the favorable game environment provides upside for a strong fantasy performance.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Nikola Vucevic (C – CHI)
- DraftKings: $7,900
- FanDuel: $7,800
Nikola Vucevic has been inconsistent in fantasy production this season, but paying up for him while he’s on a hot streak makes sense. Over his last six games, he’s averaged a team-high 20 points along with 10.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple categories.
Vcevicu also draws a favorable matchup against a Dallas Mavericks team that will be without Anthony Davis (hand), which weakens their frontcourt defense. Vucevic should be able to take advantage of a frontcourt dealing with injuries, making him an appealing option.
T.J. McConnell (PG – IND)
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,500
Andrew Nembhard (back) missed the Indiana Pacers’ last game against the Charlotte Hornets and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s matchup against the Miami Heat. If he sits out again, T.J. McConnell is expected to assume an expanded role.
McConnell has shown he can deliver in extended minutes, posting 23 points, four rebounds, eight assists and four steals in a season-high 27 minutes in his last game. He could once again be relied on heavily, making him a strong fantasy option if Nembhard remains sidelined.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Max Christie (SG, SF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $4,600
- FanDuel: $4,900
With Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis drawing most of the attention in Dallas, Max Christie has quietly flown under the radar. He has been excellent over his last five games, averaging 18.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and three assists while carving out a consistent role in the rotation. His steady production has come despite limited buzz, making him an overlooked contributor in recent contests.
Christie also remains reasonably priced across all daily fantasy sites, further boosting his appeal. With the Dallas Mavericks continuing to deal with multiple injuries, he should remain a key part of the rotation and is well-positioned to maintain his current level of production.
Kevin Love (PF – UTA)
- DraftKings: $4,800
- FanDuel: $4,300
With Lauri Markkanen (rest) sidelined for Saturday’s contest and Jusuf Nurkic (toe) listed as questionable, Kevin Love is in line for an expanded role. He has averaged 23.5 minutes in his last two appearances while posting 7.5 points, 10 rebounds and 3.5 assists, providing steady production in limited run.
Love could push toward the 30-minute mark if Nurkic is ruled out, which would significantly boost his fantasy outlook. Increased playing time would put him in a position to put up some fantasy points, making him an even more appealing option at his current price point.