Saturday’s five-game NBA DFS main slate features a mix of game environments, with both high-scoring matchups and slower-paced contests on the schedule. Several games also carry notable blowout potential, which could lead to shortened rotations or reduced minutes for starters.
The matchup between the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks carries the highest total on the slate at 233.5 points, while the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons owns the lowest projected total at 216.5.
Blowout risk is also a factor across the slate, as three games currently feature double-digit spreads:
- Golden State Warriors versus Oklahoma City Thunder (-14.5)
- Brooklyn Nets versus Detroit Pistons (-14.5)
- Utah Jazz versus Milwaukee Bucks (-10.5)
With a wide range of projected totals and several injury situations to monitor, identifying the right game environments and uncovering lineup leverage will be key when building rosters. Below are some of 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
Tyrese Maxey (PG – PHI)
- DraftKings: $10,400
- FanDuel: $11,200
With Joel Embiid (oblique) sidelined for the last four games, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up in a major way for the Philadelphia 76ers. His usage has climbed to 32.7% during that stretch, and he has taken full advantage, averaging 26.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists while also contributing two steals and 1.8 blocks per game.
The 76ers enter the matchup as 6-point underdogs against the Atlanta Hawks, which should keep Maxey heavily involved throughout the contest. If Philadelphia is going to keep this game competitive, much of the offensive burden will fall on Maxey once again, giving him another opportunity to deliver strong all-around production.
Jalen Johnson (SF, PF- ATL)
- DraftKings: $10,200
- FanDuel: $10,800
Jalen Johnson has emerged as one of the top forwards in the league this season and has been especially productive in conference play. Across 38 games, he is averaging 23.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.4 steals, showcasing elite all-around production that translates extremely well to DFS formats. His ability to contribute heavily in multiple categories gives him one of the highest fantasy ceilings among forwards on the slate.
Johnson has also had plenty of success against the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 28.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, eight assists, one block and 1.7 steals in three meetings this season. Although he comes in as one of the highest-priced players available, his upside justifies the salary, especially in a matchup with one of the tighter spreads on the slate.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Keyonte George (PG, SG – UTH)
- DraftKings: $7,900
- FanDuel: $8,300
The Utah Jazz continue to deal with numerous injuries and will once again rely heavily on Keyonte George in tonight’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Since returning from an ankle injury, George has appeared in three games and owns an eye-popping 35.7% usage rate. He has made the most of those opportunities, averaging 27.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals while taking on a major offensive role.
The matchup also sets up well for George, as the Bucks have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing point guards over their last seven games. With Utah thin across the roster and George handling a significant share of the offense, he should once again be in line for heavy usage and strong fantasy upside.
Tobias Harris (SF, PF – DET)
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $5,700
The Detroit Pistons are dealing with injuries to key players, as Ausar Thompson (ankle) has been ruled out and Cade Cunningham (quadriceps) is listed as questionable.
If Cunningham is unable to play, Tobias Harris would become an even more attractive option, as he would likely see a noticeable boost in usage. That added opportunity would be especially appealing in a matchup against a defense in the Brooklyn Nets that ranks last in defensive rating over its last five games.
Regardless of Cunningham’s availability, Harris remains firmly in play based on his recent production. Over his last four games, he is averaging 16 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and two steals across 32.8 minutes. With consistent playing time and the potential for additional offensive responsibility, Harris profiles as an appealing option in this matchup.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Ryan Rollins (PG, SG – MIL)
- DraftKings: $8,000
- FanDuel: $7,800
Ryan Rollins delivered a monster performance on March 4th in a tough matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, 12 assists and three steals.
The Bucks guard saw a notable bump in responsibility with Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) sidelined, and that opportunity should remain available with Porter set to miss Saturday’s contest. Rollins’ ability to contribute as both a facilitator and defender gives him multiple paths to fantasy production when he’s handling more of the offense.
The matchup also works in his favor, as he draws the Utah Jazz, who rank 20th in defensive efficiency and have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards over their last seven games. With increased usage and a favorable opponent, Rollins stands out as an appealing option.
Gui Santos (SF, PF – GSW)
- DraftKings: $6,400
- FanDuel: $6,200
The Golden State Warriors are dealing with numerous injuries, which should allow Gui Santos to continue seeing expanded opportunities. He has been terrific since the All-Star break, averaging 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals across 32.1 minutes in seven games.
Santos draws a challenging matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but his recent role and production keep him firmly in play. With Golden State still shorthanded, Santos should remain heavily involved in the rotation and continue to see enough usage to provide solid upside, making him an appealing mid-priced tournament option.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Adem Bona (C – PHI)
- DraftKings: $4,000
- FanDuel: $4,300
With Joel Embiid (oblique) ruled out for tonight’s contest, Adem Bona emerges as a viable low-priced center option for the Philadelphia 76ers. He has logged 20+ minutes in two straight games and is averaging nine points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists during that span, showing he can produce when given a modest workload.
Bona also performed well the last time he faced the Atlanta Hawks on February 19th, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds and four blocks in 20 minutes. His ability to rack up defensive stats gives him additional upside. If he reaches the 20-minute mark again, he has a strong chance to return five times his salary.
Duncan Robinson (SF, PF – DET)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,000
Duncan Robinson was held scoreless in a March 1st matchup against the Orlando Magic, but has bounced back since, averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals and one block. While the raw numbers are not eye-popping, his recent stretch has been supported by strong perimeter shooting, as he is connecting on 44.4% of his attempts from three-point range.
Robinson could also see additional opportunities depending on the injury situation for the Detroit Pistons. With Ausar Thompson (ankle) ruled out and Cade Cunningham (quadriceps) listed as questionable, there is an opportunity for Robinson to take on a slightly larger role offensively. If the rotation shortens, his ability to stretch the floor could translate into increased shot volume and solid value at his salary.