NBA DFS Picks & Lineup Advice: Wednesday (1/28)

Wednesday’s nine-game NBA DFS main slate features a wide range of scoring environments, with only one notable blowout concern. The Golden State Warriors are favored by 10.5 points against the Utah Jazz, marking the largest spread on the slate.

Golden State versus Utah is also the lone matchup with a total north of 240, sitting at 241.5. The next-highest totals belong to the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Cleveland Cavaliers at 234.5 and the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Dallas Mavericks at 232.5.

On the lower end, the San Antonio Spurs versus the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks versus the Toronto Raptors are the only games carrying totals below 225 points.

With such a broad range of totals and several teams navigating injury situations, identifying the right game environments and finding leverage through lineup construction will be critical. Below are the top plays and value options to target 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: $9,900
  • FanDuel: $10,100

Jaylen Brown has been on a dominant run, leading the league with a 36.3% usage rate over his last six games while averaging 30.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, five assists and 1.7 steals. His all-around production and massive offensive role continue to make him one of the most reliable high-end options.

He now draws a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, a team that has been inconsistent defensively throughout the season and ranks fifth in pace of play over its last four games. Brown has already torched Atlanta once this year, posting 41 points, six rebounds and two assists in their January 17th meeting, further reinforcing his upside in this spot.

Donovan Mitchell (PG, SG – CLE)

  • DraftKings: $9,700
  • FanDuel: $9,900

Evan Mobley (calf) and Darius Garland (toe) are both sidelined for Wednesday’s contest, leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers even more dependent on Donovan Mitchell to carry the offense. With Garland out over the team’s last six games, Mitchell has already posted a 32% usage rate, ranking ninth in the league during that span. A figure that should only climb further with Mobley also unavailable.

Mitchell has more than delivered in an expanded role, averaging 28.3 points, five rebounds, seven assists and 1.5 steals across his last six games. With multiple key pieces off the floor and Cleveland needing his scoring and playmaking, Mitchell is positioned for another high-usage, high-ceiling performance.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Rudy Gobert (C – MIN)

  • DraftKings: $6,400
  • FanDuel: $6,800

Rudy Gobert is coming off an impressive performance against the Golden State Warriors on Monday, finishing with 15 points, 17 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. That outing highlighted the type of ceiling he can reach when he controls the paint and racks up defensive stats.

Gobert now draws a favorable matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing centers over their last seven games. With his rebounding floor and block upside firmly in place, Gobert is well-positioned to deliver another strong fantasy performance in this spot.

Max Christie (SG, SF – DAL)

  • DraftKings: $5,300
  • FanDuel: $5,500

Max Christie has emerged as the Dallas Mavericks’ leading scorer, averaging 23.3 points per game while also contributing 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and one steal. He has been aggressive from the perimeter, launching 9.5 three-point attempts per game during that span and converting at an impressive 52.6% clip, underscoring both confidence and efficiency.

Christie has quickly become one of Dallas’ primary scoring options since Anthony Davis (hand) went down, and his role could expand even further if Cooper Flagg (ankle) is forced to miss Wednesday’s contest. With his volume trending upward and a green light offensively, Christie offers a nice floor with strong upside.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Cam Spencer (PG, SG – MEM)

  • DraftKings: $6,400
  • FanDuel: $6,200

Ja Morant (elbow) has missed the Memphis Grizzlies’ last two games, and Cam Spencer has emerged as the primary beneficiary. Over that stretch, Spencer is averaging 13 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and one block across 27.7 minutes, taking on a much larger playmaking role.

Spencer has looked comfortable running the offense and has made the most of his increased responsibility, providing strong assists upside along with solid peripheral production. With Morant expected to miss at least two more weeks, Spencer should continue to see meaningful minutes and opportunities, making him an appealing option.

Jalen Smith (PF, C – CHI)

  • DraftKings: $6,200
  • FanDuel: $5,600

It remains unclear whether Jalen Smith will return to the bench with Josh Giddey potentially rejoining the starting lineup on Wednesday, but his role should remain intact regardless. Smith has been playing heavy minutes, averaging 29.2 per game over his last eight outings, and his production has followed.

During that span, Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists, providing a steady interior presence and reliable fantasy output. He has been an important piece in the Chicago Bulls’ recent turnaround and should continue to see 25+ minutes whether he starts or comes off the bench, keeping him firmly in play as a strong DFS option.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Dean Wade (SF, PF – CLE)

  • DraftKings: $4,200
  • FanDuel: $4,000

Dean Wade has seen a noticeable bump in minutes over his last four games, ranking fifth on the team at 27.5 minutes per contest. During that span, he is averaging 6.5 points, six rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals and one block, providing quiet but useful production across multiple categories.

With Evan Mobley (calf) sidelined for Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wade’s minutes are likely to climb even further. The added run should give him more opportunities to contribute on both ends, making him a viable value option.

Dru Smith (SG – MIA)

  • DraftKings: $4,000
  • FanDuel: $3,900

With Tyler Herro (rib) ruled out and both Norman Powell (back) and Davion Mitchell (shoulder) listed as questionable, Dru Smith could be in line for 20+ minutes on Wednesday. Over his last three games with Herro and Mitchell sidelined, Smith is averaging seven points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.7 steals and one block across 22.9 minutes, providing strong peripheral production.

If Mitchell is ruled out again, Smith should see a similar workload, and his minutes could climb even higher should Powell also be forced to sit. While scoring upside may be limited, Smith’s ability to rack up defensive stats and contribute across the board makes him an intriguing punt option.