Wednesday’s five-game NBA DFS main slate is a mix of high- and low-scoring environments, with blowout concerns present in three of the five matchups.
The Atlanta Hawks versus the Memphis Grizzlies headlines the slate with a 237.5-point total, while the Cleveland Cavaliers versus the Charlotte Hornets sits close behind at 236.5. On the opposite end, the Brooklyn Nets versus the New York Knicks own the lowest projected total at 224.5 points.
Competitive game environments are limited, with Atlanta versus Memphis and Cleveland versus Charlotte standing out as the only projected close contests, each carrying a 2.5-point spread. The remaining games feature wider margins, ranging from 9.5 to 10.5 points.
With a broad range of totals and several teams navigating injury situations, identifying the right game environments and finding leverage through lineup construction will be crucial. Below are the top plays and value options to consider for Wednesday’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
Jaylen Brown (SG, SF – BOS)
- DraftKings: $9,800
- FanDuel: $9,700
Jaylen Brown missed the January 12th contest against the Indiana Pacers due to back spasms, but he has since appeared in the Boston Celtics’ last three games and is expected to play again tonight. Brown is listed as probable with left hamstring tightness, and there are no indications his workload will be limited if his status is upgraded.
Since returning, Brown has led the team offensively, averaging 33.3 points to go along with eight rebounds and 1.3 assists. He has remained aggressive as a scorer and heavily involved in the offense, making him an appealing option once again as Boston’s primary scoring threat.
Cade Cunningham (PG – DET)
- DraftKings: $10,000
- FanDuel: $10,600
Cade Cunningham struggled from the field in Monday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics, shooting 4-of-17 (23.5%), but he still salvaged his fantasy output by dishing out 14 assists. That performance was another reminder of his dependable floor, even on an off shooting night.
Tonight brings a much more favorable spot, as Cunningham draws a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, who rank 28th in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With a softer defensive opponent and his usual high usage, Cunningham is well-positioned to bounce back as a scorer while maintaining elite assist upside, making him a strong high-end option across all contest types.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Jalen Duren (C – DET)
- DraftKings: $7,200
- FanDuel: $7,200
Jalen Duren has appeared in three games since missing four contests with a sprained ankle and hasn’t missed a beat. Over that stretch, he is averaging 16.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. He reached the 30-minute mark in Monday’s matchup against the Boston Celtics, a strong sign his workload is back to normal.
Duren now draws a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing centers. With his minutes trending upward and a soft interior defense on the other side, Duren is in a strong position to deliver another productive outing.
Jaylon Tyson (SG, SF – CLE)
- DraftKings: $6,100
- FanDuel: $5,900
Darius Garland (toe) has missed the Cleveland Cavaliers’ last two games, and Jaylon Tyson has taken full advantage of the increased opportunity. Over that span, Tyson is leading the team with 27.5 points per game while also averaging 7.5 rebounds and four assists, showing an ability to contribute across multiple categories.
The 23-year-old should continue to see elevated usage and minutes as long as Garland remains sidelined. His current salary hasn’t caught up to his recent production. With a stable role and expanded offensive responsibility, Tyson stands out as a strong mid-range option on this slate.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,500
Donovan Mitchell has been relatively quiet by his standards since his 35-point outing on January 14th against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he is set up well for a bounce-back performance tonight. The matchup is favorable, as he draws a Charlotte Hornets team that has allowed at least 115 points in two of its last three games, signaling some defensive vulnerability.
This contest is also one of the few on the slate projected to remain competitive throughout, which should keep Mitchell heavily involved on both ends. In a tighter game script, Cleveland is likely to lean on its star scorer to carry the offense, giving Mitchell strong upside.
Jock Landale (C – MEM)
- DraftKings: $5,000
- FanDuel: $5,000
Jock Landale has seen his role grow recently, averaging 27.1 minutes over his last four games compared to 22.8 minutes on the season. His workload could climb even higher if Santi Aldama (knee), who is listed as questionable, is ultimately ruled out.
Over that four-game stretch, Landale is averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal, providing steady production across the board. He also draws a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who rank 27th in defensive efficiency over their last four games, putting Landale in a strong spot to return 5X value.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Sam Hauser (SF, PF – BOS)
- DraftKings: $4,900
- FanDuel: $4,200
Over the Boston Celtics’ last four games, Sam Hauser ranks fourth on the team in minutes at 29.9 per contest and has capitalized on those opportunities. During that stretch, he is averaging 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and two assists, while knocking down 4.8 three-pointers per game on an efficient 44.2% shooting clip from deep.
Hauser has also flashed legitimate upside, highlighted by his 30-point outing in Saturday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks. In that game, all 21 of his shot attempts came from beyond the arc, underscoring both his green light and confidence within the offense. With steady minutes and elite three-point volume, Hauser profiles as a strong value option.
Duncan Robinson (SG, SF – DET)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $4,300
Duncan Robinson has quietly emerged as a key offensive piece for the Detroit Pistons over the last four games, leading the team in scoring at 17.5 points per contest while shooting an elite 58.1% from beyond the arc. His recent stretch highlights both his confidence and green light from deep.
Robinson now draws a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, who rank 28th in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With Detroit leaning on his perimeter shooting and the matchup setting up well, Robinson profiles as a strong value option capable of returning value through scoring efficiency alone.