Saturday’s seven-game NBA DFS main slate offers a mix of game environments, highlighted by several projected high-scoring matchups along with one potential blowout.
The Utah Jazz versus Golden State Warriors matchup carries the highest total on the slate at 240.5 while also featuring the largest spread, with Golden State favored by 12.5 points.
Behind that game, the Portland Trail Blazers versus San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets versus Chicago Bulls matchups both carry totals north of 235.5 with spreads under nine points. Meanwhile, the lowest total belongs to the Boston Celtics versus the Los Angeles Clippers at 220.5, with Los Angeles favored by just 1.5 points.
With a wide range of game environments, teams managing injuries and several 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
Kawhi Leonard (SF, PF – LAC)
- DraftKings: $9,900
- FanDuel: $10,800
While Kawhi Leonard will be playing in the game with the lowest total on the slate, it is projected to be a tightly contested matchup, which should keep him heavily involved throughout. A competitive spread typically benefits Leonard, as it reduces the risk of reduced minutes and allows him to maintain his usual workload on both ends of the floor.
Leonard has been dominant over his last six games, posting a 36.4% usage rate while averaging a league-high 39 points per game to go along with 8.5 rebounds, four assists, 2.7 steals and 1.5 blocks. Given his recent form and the expectation of a close game, Leonard remains a strong option for lineups despite the lower overall total.
Deni Avdija (SF, PF – POR)
- DraftKings: $9,300
- FanDuel: $9,800
Deni Avdija continues to impress after recording his third double-double in four games on Friday, finishing with 34 points, seven rebounds, 11 assists, one block and one steal. He has been filling the stat sheet in an expanded role and remains heavily involved in the offense.
Avdija now draws a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in a game with the second-highest total on the slate at 238.5. San Antonio has been middle of the pack defensively over its last four games while dealing with several injuries, setting up another favorable spot for Avdija to produce.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
De’Aaron Fox (PG – SAS)
- DraftKings: $7,900
- FanDuel: $8,300
The San Antonio Spurs could be without Victor Wembanyama (knee) on Saturday, creating a prime opportunity for De’Aaron Fox to see increased usage and potentially deliver a huge night. Fox has thrived in Wembanyama’s absence this season, averaging a team-high 25.1 points along with 3.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.5 steals over 13 games.
Fox is likely to shoulder even more of the offensive load, which is significant against the Portland Trail Blazers, who have allowed at least 120 points in two of their last three games. Combined with a fast-paced game environment, this makes Fox one of the top plays on Saturday’s slate.
Brandon Ingram (SF, PF – TOR)
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $8,000
Brandon Ingram has been extremely consistent this season and has been excellent on the floor recently, averaging a team-high 25.5 points along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game across his last four outings. He has contributed across the board while maintaining high efficiency, shooting 44.9% from the field during that span.
Ingram now draws a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who will be playing on zero days of rest. Fatigue could lead to defensive lapses and additional scoring opportunities, allowing Ingram to continue producing efficiently.
Jalen Smith (C – CHI)
- DraftKings: $5,200
- FanDuel: $5,500
The Chicago Bulls will again be without Coby White (calf) and Josh Giddey (hamstring) on Saturday, setting Jalen Smith up for his third straight start. Over his last two games, Smith is averaging 12.5 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks across 26.6 minutes. He has looked comfortable in an expanded role.
Smith draws a favorable matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, who are dealing with multiple frontcourt injuries and rank 27th in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With his combination of playing time, production and matchup, Smith profiles as a strong mid-priced option.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Joel Embiid (C – PHI)
- DraftKings: $8,600
- FanDuel: $8,800
While Joel Embiid will still occasionally have a maintenance day, he appears to no longer be under a strict minutes restriction. He has played at least 30 minutes in each of his last seven games, averaging 32.8 minutes with 27.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest. Embiid has been dominant on the floor and remains the focal point of the offense.
Embiid draws a matchup against the New York Knicks, who have been strong defensively all season. However, with Josh Hart (ankle) out and Karl-Anthony Towns (illness) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) potentially sidelined, Embiid could see even more opportunities to exploit the frontcourt and continue his high-level production.
LaMelo Ball (PG – CHA)
- DraftKings: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,700
LaMelo Ball will be playing on zero days of rest on Saturday, which is always worth monitoring given his injury history. However, he was limited to just 25 minutes on Friday, which could help mitigate any concerns about his workload today.
Ball also draws an extremely favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who are dealing with multiple backcourt injuries. With Chicago shorthanded on the perimeter, Ball should have ample opportunities to control the offense and produce at a high level.
Matas Buzelis (SF, PF – CHI)
- DraftKings: $5,400
- FanDuel: $6,100
Since Josh Giddey (hamstring) and Coby White (calf) went down, Matas Buzelis has helped lead the Chicago Bulls to a 2-0 record. He is leading the team with a 28.6% usage rate and averaging 20 points per game to go along with 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, one steal and one block.
Buzelis should continue to see plenty of opportunities and will be playing in a game environment with an appealing 237.5 total, making him an attractive option for all formats.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Isaac Okoro (SF – CHI)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,300
One player who has flown under the radar amid the Chicago Bulls’ rash of injuries is Isaac Okoro. While he has posted the lowest usage rate in the starting lineup over the last two games, he is averaging 32.6 minutes per contest, which ranks second on the team.
During that span, Okoro is averaging 16.5 points, four rebounds, 1.5 assists, one block and one steal, which is more than enough production to pay off his price point.
Tidjane Salaun (PF – CHA)
- DraftKings: $3,800
- FanDuel: $4,100
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) and Moussa Diabate (wrist) both sat out Friday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks and could remain sidelined on Saturday, opening the door for Tidjane Salaun to see extended minutes. He logged 22 minutes on Friday and finished with 12 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block.
If those frontcourt injuries persist, Salaun could again push past 20 minutes, making him an appealing value option on the slate.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn