Saturday’s NBA DFS main slate provides a bit of everything, with two games expected to stay competitive and one carrying significant blowout risk.
The matchup between the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards has the widest spread on the board, opening at 14.5 points, creating concern about a lopsided result. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, along with the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz, both feature spreads within seven points and project to be tightly contested throughout.
From a scoring standpoint, Pelicans-Jazz stands out as the premier fantasy environment with a massive 243.5 total. Lakers-Warriors (224.5) and Raptors-Wizards (227.5) trail behind but still offer solid scoring potential, giving this small slate multiple viable paths for lineup construction.
With several injury situations to monitor, identifying the right game environments and finding lineup leverage will be key. Below are the top targets and value plays to consider 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
Luka Doncic (PG – LAL)
- DraftKings: $11,800
- FanDuel: $12,300
Luka Doncic has appeared in four straight games for the Los Angeles Lakers and continues to deliver elite fantasy production despite the team posting a 1-3 record during that stretch. Over those four contests, he’s averaging 31.5 points, seven rebounds and 9.3 assists with 1.3 steals across 36.9 minutes per game, handling a massive workload as the focal point of the offense.
On Saturday, Doncic draws a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, a team he has already torched once this season. In that meeting, he erupted for 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists while adding one block and two steals in a dominant all-around performance. Given the small size of this slate and his proven ceiling, it would not be surprising to see Doncic emerge as one of the highest-rostered players despite his hefty salary, as he offers the most upside of any player available.
Zion Williamson (PF – NOP)
- DraftKings: $8,500
- FanDuel: $8,900
The New Orleans Pelicans are quietly riding a three-game winning streak, and Zion Williamson has been a major catalyst during that stretch. Over his last three games, Williamson is averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 33.1 minutes, providing strong production across the board. His ability to contribute in multiple categories and efficiency around the rim give him a solid fantasy floor.
The Pelicans will be without Trey Murphy III (shoulder) and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) on Saturday, leaving Williamson as the clear focal point of the offense. With multiple key contributors sidelined, New Orleans is expected to lean heavily on Williamson’s scoring and playmaking. In a game environment projected for plenty of scoring, he carries significant upside as one of the top options on the board.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Ace Bailey (SG, SF – UTH)
- DraftKings: $6,000
- FanDuel: $5,900
The Utah Jazz continue to deal with multiple injuries, and Ace Bailey has taken advantage after a slow start to the season. He put together his strongest stretch of the year in February, posting month-high averages in several categories — 14.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 steals per game.
With the Jazz out of contention, Bailey should continue to see steady minutes and expanded usage down the stretch. He also benefits from playing in the game with the highest total on the slate, which creates additional opportunities for fantasy production. Given his recent form and role, Bailey offers solid value, with room for upside in a favorable game environment.
Jakob Poeltl (C – TOR)
- DraftKings: $4,300
- FanDuel: $5,400
Jakob Poeltl, who has dealt with a lingering back issue for much of the season, looked like himself again in his last outing. In a tough matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, he finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal across 28 minutes.
With Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) listed as doubtful for Saturday’s contest, the Toronto Raptors could lean more heavily on Poeltl to handle the bulk of the minutes at center. He also draws a favorable matchup against the Washington Wizards, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers over their last seven games. Given the increased opportunity and strong matchup, Poeltl stands out as one of the safer options at the position on this small slate.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Saddiq Bey (SF, PF – NOP)
- DraftKings: $6,900
- FanDuel: $6,800
During the New Orleans Pelicans’ three-game winning streak, Saddiq Bey has led the team in scoring, averaging 26.7 points with five rebounds and 3.3 assists across 30.6 minutes per game. He has taken full advantage of Trey Murphy III (shoulder) being sidelined, stepping into a larger offensive role and providing a consistent scoring presence in the starting unit. His increased shot volume and steady minutes have made him one of New Orleans’ most reliable contributors during this stretch.
Bey is in a strong position to deliver another productive outing Saturday, as the Pelicans are set to play in the game with the highest total on the slate (243.5). With extra opportunities still available and a fast-paced environment expected, Bey should continue to see enough usage to remain a strong fantasy option.
Jordan Poole (PG, SG – NOP)
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,500
Jordan Poole is a risk worth considering on such a small slate. He missed time earlier but has appeared in each of the last four games for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 10.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 20.6 minutes per contest. While the production has been modest, he has shown the ability to contribute when given consistent minutes, and his offensive skill set gives him more upside than most players in his price range.
With the Pelicans’ backcourt without Trey Murphy III (shoulder) and Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Poole could once again play around 20 minutes. That workload would be enough for him to return value at his salary, especially in a fast-paced environment. However, given his inconsistent role and volatile production, he is best suited for tournament lineups despite the appealing price tag and upside.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Anthony Gill (PF, C – WAS)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,400
Anthony Gill is averaging 28 minutes over his last five games, ranking third on the Washington Wizards during that span. In those contests, he’s produced 9.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one block per game, providing steady contributions across multiple categories. His consistent playing time has given him a solid floor, particularly at a modest salary.
Gill should be in line for another heavy workload with Alex Sarr (hamstring) sidelined, and he could see even more run if Tristan Vukcevic (hip), who is questionable, is also unable to play. With frontcourt depth limited, Gill has a clear path to extended minutes, making him a viable value option on a small slate.
Bryce McGowens (SG, SF – NOP)
- DraftKings: $3,400
- FanDuel: $3,900
Bryce McGowens has appeared in seven straight games for the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 9.9 points, two rebounds and two assists across 25.6 minutes per contest. While the production has been modest, his consistent role and steady playing time have provided a stable floor, especially at a low salary.
With the Pelicans thin in the backcourt, McGowens could be in line for additional opportunities and wouldn’t need much to return strong value. Given his current role and expected minutes, reaching 5X value on both FanDuel and DraftKings is well within reach, making him a viable salary-saving option on this small slate.