Wednesday’s nine-game NBA DFS main slate presents a wide range of game environments, featuring both high-scoring matchups and slower-paced contests. Several games also carry notable blowout risk, which could lead to shortened rotations or reduced minutes for starters.
The matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies leads the slate with a 241.5-point total, while the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks aren’t far behind at 239.5. On the other end, the Oklahoma City Thunder versus Brooklyn Nets (215.5) and Golden State Warriors versus Boston Celtics (216.5) are the only games with totals below 220 points.
Blowout risk is also a key factor, with five games currently featuring double-digit spreads:
- Oklahoma City Thunder (-19.5) vs. Brooklyn Nets
- Denver Nuggets (-13.5) vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Boston Celtics (-12.5) vs. Golden State Warriors
- Minnesota Timberwolves (-12.5) vs. Utah Jazz
- Portland Trail Blazers (-10.5) vs. Indiana Pacers
With a wide range of projected totals and several injury situations to monitor, identifying the right game environments and uncovering lineup leverage will be crucial when building rosters. Below are some of the top targets and value plays 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
Jalen Johnson (SF, PF – ATL)
- DraftKings: $10,700
- FanDuel: $11,200
Jalen Johnson has been one of the most productive all-around players in the league over his last six games, averaging 26 points, 10.2 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.2 steals. He has ranked in the top 15 in points, rebounds and assists during that span, highlighting just how impactful he’s been across every category. His ceiling has also been evident, as he’s topped 55 fantasy points in three of his last five outings.
Johnson’s ability to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator makes him one of the most reliable high-end options on this slate, especially given his current role and usage. He continues to operate as a primary offensive hub, which provides both a strong floor and elite upside in DFS formats.
The matchup further boosts his appeal, as he faces the Dallas Mavericks, who rank 25th in defensive rating over their last five games. Combined with a 239.5 total — the second-highest on the slate — this game environment sets up perfectly for another monster performance, making Johnson one of the top targets to build around.
Deni Avdija (SF, PF- POR)
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $9,400
While there are plenty of appealing high-priced options to build around on this slate, Deni Avdija stands out as a particularly strong target.
Avdija has looked sharp since returning from a seven-game absence due to a back injury and has logged at least 32 minutes in four straight contests, showing no limitations in his workload. During that span, Avdija is averaging a team-high 20.5 points along with 5.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.3 steals across 34.6 minutes per game.
The matchup only adds to his appeal, as Avdija faces an Indiana Pacers team ranked 29th in defensive rating over its last five games. In what projects to be a favorable environment, Avdija carries both a strong floor and a high ceiling, making him one of the top overall options to prioritize in lineup builds.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
Julius Randle (PF – MIN)
- DraftKings: $8,100
- FanDuel: $8,000
Anthony Edwards is dealing with right knee inflammation, which is expected to sideline him for at least a couple of weeks. In his absence, Julius Randle is poised to be the focal point of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense.
Randle already showed what that could look like in Tuesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, finishing with 32 points, seven rebounds, two assists and three steals. Randle’s ability to handle a high usage rate while contributing across multiple categories makes him an especially strong cash game option with upside.
The matchup improves even further on Wednesday, as he faces a Utah Jazz team ranked 24th in defensive rating over its last five games. With elevated usage and a favorable game environment, Randle profiles as one of the top power forward options on the slate.
Ayo Dosunmu (PG, SG – MIN)
- DraftKings: $5,900
- FanDuel: $5,000
Ayo Dosunmu is playing some of his best basketball right now, averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and three assists across 32.5 minutes over his last three games. His role has continued to grow, and he even drew the start in Tuesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns with Anthony Edwards (knee) sidelined.
The shift into the starting lineup didn’t slow Dosunmo down, as he poured in 19 points — his second-highest scoring total as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Edwards ruled out for Wednesday’s contest, Dosunmu should be in line for another start and a steady workload.
Dosunmo’s ability to contribute across multiple categories, combined with consistent minutes, gives him a solid floor while still offering some upside if his scoring remains aggressive. He also benefits from a favorable matchup against the Utah Jazz, a team that has struggled defensively throughout the season.
With opportunity, form and matchup all working in his favor, Dosunmu stands out as a strong mid-tier option on this slate.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
Amen Thompson (PG, SG – HOU)
- DraftKings: $8,200
- FanDuel: $8,500
Amen Thompson enters Wednesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on a strong run, recording back-to-back double-doubles while averaging 21 points, 12 rebounds and 6.5 assists over that span.
While Alperen Sengun (back) is expected to return to the lineup, which could slightly impact Thompson’s usage, he remains firmly in play for tournaments due to his versatility and upside. Even in a more balanced rotation, Thompson has shown he can contribute across the board, particularly with his rebounding and playmaking.
Thompson has had success in this matchup, averaging 22.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and five assists in two games against the Los Angeles Lakers this season. With a proven track record against his opponent and the ability to produce in multiple ways, Thompson offers intriguing upside as a GPP option.
Jakob Poeltl (C – TOR)
- DraftKings: $6,300
- FanDuel: $5,800
After being held to fewer than 10 points in two straight games, Jakob Poeltl bounced back in a big way on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, posting 21 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and one block across 36 minutes. It was a dominant, well-rounded performance and a reminder of the type of impact he can provide when given an extended run.
Poeltl draws a favorable matchup against the Chicago Bulls, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers over their last seven games. With his minutes trending in the right direction and his recent form encouraging, Poeltl profiles as a strong option on this slate.
NBA DFS Value Plays
Rob Dillingham (PG, SG – CHI)
- DraftKings: $4,400
- FanDuel: $4,600
The Chicago Bulls are dealing with significant backcourt injuries, as Jaden Ivey (knee) and Anfernee Simons (wrist) remain sidelined, while Isaac Okoro (knee) is listed as doubtful and Collin Sexton (head) is questionable. With multiple key guards either out or at risk of missing, Chicago is extremely thin in the backcourt, creating a clear opportunity for Rob Dillingham to take on a larger role once again.
Dillingham has already begun to capitalize on the increased opportunity, averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds, five assists and 1.7 steals across 26.8 minutes per game over his last three contests. His recent production highlights his ability to contribute across multiple categories, particularly as a facilitator, while also providing defensive upside with his activity in passing lanes.
With minutes and opportunity trending in the right direction, Dillingham profiles as an appealing value option.
Kobe Sanders (SG, SF – LAC)
- DraftKings: $3,300
- FanDuel: $4,000
Kobe Sanders’ minutes have been inconsistent in recent games, but he could be in line for an expanded role — and potentially a start — in Wednesday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. With Bennedict Mathurin (toe) already ruled out and both Darius Garland (toe) and Kawhi Leonard (ankle) listed as questionable, there’s a clear path for Sanders to see a meaningful uptick in playing time.
In 16 starts this season, Sanders has averaged 10.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists across 27.6 minutes per game. While those numbers don’t immediately stand out, they reflect a player capable of producing when given a steady run.
If Garland or Leonard ultimately sit, Sanders could be asked to take on additional offensive responsibility, which would boost both his usage and overall fantasy appeal. He profiles as a viable value option with upside tied directly to late injury news and starting lineup confirmation.