We have a massive 11-game NBA DFS slate ahead of us on this beautiful Friday night and we are looking for nothing but DFS takedowns! With Tuesdays and Fridays being part of the inaugural play-in regular season tournament, we should have a TON of competitive games on tap for tonight with teams continuing to look to claim wins in route to the regular season play-in tournament trophy, and the $500,000 per player top compensation prize. We have a ton of star-power on tonight's slate with the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, the Sun's duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and one of my top personal plays tonight - LaMelo Ball! Let's dive right in!

NBA DFS Tools to dominate tonight's NBA DFS slate!

Make sure to check out today's NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections before finalizing your lineups today. We also have the NBA Consistency Report to help identify players that have exceeded value based off their current price tag this season and of course our NBA DFS Lineup Generator!

 

Here's the NBA DFS Podcast for today's slate. Like the video and subscribe to our channel!

 

Notable NBA Injury Updates

Questionable

Out

PACE:

Pace Definition: Pace is the total number of possessions a team accrues per 48 minutes of play.

Green = Fast Paced Team (Ranked 1st-12th)

Blue = Neutral Paced Team (Ranked 13th-19th)

Red = Slow Paced Team (Ranked 20th-30th)

NBA Game Totals

 

Core Spend Up Plays:

Nikola Jokic (C), Denver Nuggets ($12,500 DK/$12,800 FD):

Joker's price is getting astronomical, but can you blame the price setters on this one? Not only does he get one of the most generous center defending teams in the league in the Pelicans, but the guy continues to put up lots and lots of fantasy points on a nightly basis. Jokic already played the Pelicans once this season on his home floor where he absolutely obliterated this team for 79 DraftKings fantasy points on 35 actual, 14 rebounds, 12 assist triple-double with a block and a steal to go along with it. Jokic has recorded at LEAST 67 or more fantasy points in four-straight contests. This game doesn't support the best game environment, but Jokic still without Jamal Murray is going to continue to be a thing until he returns, as Jokic is carrying a whopping 37.5% usage rate in four games so far without Murray on the floor this year. The Pelicans just so happening to be allowing the 5th MOST DraftKings fantasy points to the Center spot on the year, as well (likely Jokic is a big part of why that is so high currently)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF/C), Milwaukee Bucks ($11,100 DK/$10,800 FD):

I have a pretty strong feeling that Giannis will take the floor tonight (now probable), seeing as how this is a regular season play-in tournament group game against the Hornets. Giannis sat last game due to “injury management” so it was not like he actually couldn't play, it was more the fact that some games mean more during the regular season - like tonight's. With that said, this is an elite game environment with two of the fastest teams in the league currently as denoted above in the PACE section, and seeing the game total at 238 points. Giannis was on an absolute TEAR before sitting last game against the Raptors, in which Damian Lillard showed up with a masterclass and the Bucks were able to somehow come away with a win there. Antetokounmpo's last three road games have totaled: 62, 71, and 68.5 DraftKings fantasy points, and all three topped 60 fantasy points over on FanDuel as well, where he is slightly cheaper at for tonight's slate. The interesting thing is to wait and see where his ownership is going to end up, as we could slightly get a lower-owned Giannis in a smash spot with his questionable designation.

LaMelo Ball (PG), Charlotte Hornets ($10,200 DK/$9,500 FD):

The cover of today's playbook and for good reason. The prices here on Ball are pretty good and seeing as how he is completely dominating with Rozier off the floor, even though the Hornets are getting back Miles Bridges from suspension, Gordon Hayward is also questionable to play tonight. We know Rozier is sitting, could be without Hayward, and Ball is putting up lofty numbers to the tune of 57.5, 54.75, 46.5, 50, and 71.5 DraftKings fantasy points in his last five games. Another key factor here is that we know Damian Lillard is awful on defense. This is a smash spot in an elite environment for Ball.

Anthony Davis (PF/C), Los Angeles Lakers ($10,100 DK/$11,300 FD):

Another top spend up here that could fall once again under-the-radar in ownership is AD. Davis was absolutely embarrassed last time out on his home floor against a Western Conference foe in the Sacramento Kings, and mainly by his counter-part in Domantas Sabonis. Portland has been brutal against the center position this season, allowing the 2nd MOST DraftKings fantasy points overall on average to the center spot at a hefty 61.52 margin. Davis played the Trail Blazers on his home floor just three games ago and recorded 30 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, with three swatted shots in route to 62.25 DraftKings fantasy points. One major factor to keep an eye out for here, LeBron James is questionable to play in this one as he deals with a lingering calf injury. Even if he plays, this match up is too good to over-look against a very poor defending team.

Domantas Sabonis (C), Sacramento Kings ($10,000 DK/$10,300 FD): 

This is such a good spot for Sabonis, who didn't miss a single beat with Fox returning against the Lakers as mentioned above with AD's bit. Sabonis has been smashing lately and gets a sweet match up here on the road against a Spurs team that is full of youth, and poor defense. This game is tied with the Bucks/Hornets as the top total on the slate sitting at 238 points and both of these teams play fast. I was actually quite shocked to see the Spurs sitting in 5th in PACE. This game should be a fun one, and honestly I think both Sabonis and Fox will have very good games. Sabonis recorded 67.5 DraftKings fantasy points last time out vs Lakers, and has topped 53 DraftKings fantasy points in four-straight games (albeit the priors were without Fox).

Kevin Durant (SF/PF), Phoenix Suns ($9,700 DK/$9,900 FD):

Like KD's price tonight on DraftKings and honestly I just feel like a lot don't spend up on him tonight with Booker now back in the fold. It was announced earlier that Beal will now miss up to three more weeks, so the Sun's will continue to be the Durant and Booker show for a while more. This game has the make up of a barn-burner as both the Suns and Jazz are pretty darn good this year. The Suns did blow out the Jazz on their home floor earlier this year in a 126-104 route in which Durant only saw 29 minutes of action, and still managed to accumulate 45 DraftKings fantasy points in the blow out. Even with Booker returning to action, Durant is still living in the 50-fantasy point range as he has now put up 49.5 DraftKings fantasy points or more in his last six-straight games. I fully expect this game to be much closer tonight, as the Jazz look to seek revenge on their home floor, making KD a very attractive spend up at a reasonable price.

 

Core Mid-Tier Plays:

Tyrese Maxey (PG), Philadelphia 76ers ($9,100 DK/$9,700 FD):

The price is starting to catch up to Maxey and I think a bunch of people will likely scroll right on past him tonight at his price given his last game's performance against the Celtics. Let's face it, the Celtics are arguably the best defending team in the league currently even without Brown and Porzingis in the line up. Maxey had an awful start to that game and was barely in the scoring column the whole first half. Maxey gets a very nice match up here in Atlanta tonight against the Hawks in a game that is supporting a top-three total on the slate at 236 points, with just a 1-point spread to boot. Before last game's output, Maxey had produced 46 or more DraftKings fantasy points in eight of 11 games played so far this season. I fully expect a major bounce-back here tonight in a game that matters a ton with the regular season play-in groups. LOVE his DraftKings price tonight.

De'Aaron Fox (PG), Sacramento Kings ($9,000 DK/$9,300 FD):

I believe both of the Kings studs are in play tonight with Fox and Sabonis. The Spurs defense is so bad, but this game environment and total is too good. Obviously, this game could end up chalkier than expected due to this, as well, but Fox and Sabonis eat up all the King's usage, so they should still be fine at some ownership. Fox stepped back onto the court against two games ago vs the Cavaliers and put up 42 DraftKings fantasy points in that match up, and then against the Lakers pouring in 28 points, grabbing five boards, dishing five dimes, and adding four steals in route to 49.75 DraftKings fantasy points across 38 big minutes. Fully expect this game to be an up-and-down, fast-paced affair with a total sitting at 237.5, so don't pass up a chance to fit some King's studs tonight.

Julius Randle (PF/C), New York Knicks ($8,800 DK/$8,800 FD):

Randle continues to play out of his mind over the last few games, tallying up at least 44 or more DraftKings fantasy points in five of his last six and gets a date with the Washington Wizards on the road tonight. With the Wizards ranking 1st in PACE, the Knicks will be sped-up to full speed in this one and we should expect lots of possessions (and lots of missed shots by the Wizards likely). Randle and Brunson mainly continue to eat up the usage here for the Knicks, and that could change a smidge if Barrett suits up, but this shouldn't take much away from Randle as he continues to be a beast nightly. Really like the spot here again for Randle against a bad team.

Cade Cunningham (PG/SG), Detroit Pistons ($7,900 DK/$7,800 FD):

Hear me out, first off. I know Cade is tough to play, as he is one of the most inconsistent young players in the NBA at the moment, in both real basketball and in fantasy. However, he is playing 38-40 minutes a night, and has put up three games of 42+ DraftKings fantasy points on the road out of six total, so far. This Pistons team is running through two players mainly at the moment - Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. Obviously, I feel this play is more heavily leaned towards tournaments as I feel this is a decent spot on a guy who could go for 50+ fantasy points tonight at nearly zero ownership. Again, I wouldn't look at a must play for cash on Cade, but I do like him in tournaments tonight.

Shaedon Sharpe (SG/SF), Portland Trail Blazers ($7,400 DK/$7,100 FD):

Sharpe is second on the team in usage rate at 23.5% with Brogdon out, only behind Jerami Grant at 26.8%. Tonight, he gets one of the friendly SG match ups with the Lakers on his home floor, who are currently allowing the 9th MOST DraftKings fantasy points to the position overall on average on the season at 45.52. Sharpe should continue to see healthy minutes, and is coming off a rough game vs the Cavaliers. This is a late-night hammer opportunity and part of a game that we should be looking to have some pieces in with a 224 point total. Sharpe has managed to record 35+ DraftKings fantasy points in 3 of his 4 home games played so far this year. Look for a bounce-back here tonight against a team that has been generous to SGs.

Jordan Clarkson (PG/SG), Utah Jazz ($6,800 DK/$7,000 FD):

Don't believe I really need to go into this one very much, as we know how good Clarkson has been since moving to off the ball and not having to be the main facilitator for the Jazz with Keyonte George now taking over those starting PG duties from him. Clarkson is eating up usage and has recorded three-straight games of 40+ DraftKings fantasy point efforts as a result. He has taken 19, 16, and 26 FGAs over that span, while adding in a few boards, dimes, and most notably - blocks and steals. This game should be good and I fully expect Clarkson to continue to let it rip.

 

ADDED PLAYS - Darius Garland + Caris LeVert - Mitchell OUT!

Core Value Plays:

Aaron Gordon (SF/PF), Denver Nuggets ($6,600 DK/$7,500 FD):

Obviously, we get quite the price discount here on AG over on DraftKings and he should help us on some salary relief tonight. Gordon has played extremely well, and as he has been put in the “Jokic Tree” per our FA family! Gordon has now recorded six-straight games of 33 or more DraftKings fantasy points, with four of those topping 40 fantasy points. The Pelicans continue to be a team we can hammer against their frontcourt, and we will be doing it once again here with Aaron Gordon tonight.

Tobias Harris (SF/PF), Philadelphia 76ers ($6,300 DK/$6,900 FD):

Another slightly discounted play here on Tobias Harris over on DraftKings. Harris is the legit model of fantasy floor as he is the kind of player that is going to play heavy minutes nightly and is going to put up between 28 and 35 fantasy points with the occasional 40-ball. With that said, we have already discussed how good this game environment will be with a 236 point total and just a 1-point spread, and Harris has literally put up over 30 or more DraftKings fantasy points in nine of his 11 games played so far.

Austin Reaves (SG/SF), Los Angeles Lakers ($6,100 DK/$6,100 FD):

Another late-night hammer piece that comes in quite affordably for his recent production over the last few games is Austin Reaves. Reaves has amassed at least 29 or more DraftKings fantasy points in his last four-straight games recording 34.75 and 43.5 in his most recent two against the Kings and Grizzlies. With the Lakers dealing with injuries to their backcourt, I think Reaves will continue to see ample minutes as he has seen 28 or more in all but one game so far this season. once again, this match up couldn't be any better to boot. 

Cole Anthony (PG/SG), Orlando Magic ($5,400 DK/$5,300 FD):

With Markelle Fultz already out for this game against the Bulls and now Jalen Suggs a game-time call with general soreness, this should open up time for Cole off the bench. The Bulls and Magic played just two nights ago where Anthony saw 22 minutes off the bench and recorded 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal for a total of 28.25 DraftKings fantasy points. If Suggs sits, this should only increase the opportunity for Cole tonight and he should basically have all the usage on the second unit. Cole started the season off playing extremely well and putting up 29 or more DK fantasy points in his first four of five contests, but since then Fultz had returned and took back over the main PG job. I expect Cole to be very active tonight and the price is fair.

Goga Bitadze (C), Orlando Magic ($5,300 DK/$5,100 FD):

If you want to somewhat punt the Center spot, not saying I highly recommend it as we have quite a few great spend ups at the center spot tonight, however, if you want to get a little different in tournaments then Goga is worth a look here who is fresh off a near 40 DraftKings fantasy point performance against the same Bulls in Chicago that he will face again today. Bitadze picked up a double-double in the effort with 15 points and 11 boards to go along with two dimes, a block and two steals. The big factor here is that the Bulls have actually been pretty soft at the center spot all season, currently allowing the 8th MOST DraftKings fantasy points overall on average to the spot at a margin of 58.24. Goga has two steals in four of the six games since jumping into the starting role and if he can stay out of foul trouble, should see around 25-28 minutes as he did last time out in this same match up.

Robert Covington (PF/C), Philadelphia 76ers ($4,500 DK/$4,800 FD):

RoCo did everything that we likely expected him to do in a spot-start last game for the Sixers with both Kelly Oubre Jr. and Nicolas Batum on the shelf. That is the case once again tonight in a game with a 236 point total. Covington saw 37 huge minutes against the Celtics in route to 27.5 DraftKings fantasy points on 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals on the night. With Batum already ruled out for tonight's game, it should once again be RoCo in the starting unit. Price is fair for the occasion.

Naji Marshall (SF/PF), New Orleans Pelicans ($3,700 DK/$4,700 FD):

This may be a dumpster dive, but seeing as how the Pelicans are still without a few pieces, Marshall is gaining minutes back since returning just two games ago. Marshall should continue to see run in the frontcourt now that the Pelicans are still without CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy and Larry Nance Jr.. Marshall picked up 30 DraftKings fantasy points in the Pelicans most recent home game in his second game back against the Mavericks putting up 16 points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal in just 21 minutes of floor time. As long as he is going to see 21-25 minutes a night off the bench, I don't mind taking a stab at this price, especially on DK.

CORE PLAYER POOL GRID WILL BE OUT AT LEAST 60 MINUTES BEFORE TIP OFF!

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SHEET UPDATE! The grid below is listed as our PLAYER POOLS, not our core plays. We've switched the formatting and the players written up above are the players we're using as CORE options. Everyone in the grid are options we would use too.

Player Pool

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Stacks

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