It is the day before Thanksgiving and the NBA has a massive slate of games on tap for tonight, Closing out the night is our NBA DFS Showdown matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. This game is just littered with star power with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on one side, and Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the other.

Finding some of the NBA DFS top picks could be easier if you look at Fantasy Alarm’s NBA DFS Projections, powered by FanJections. Let’s dive into the complete breakdown for tonight’s showdown slate.

 

Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Total: 241 

Spread: Mavericks -3 (-110)

Dallas Mavericks Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Injuries

NBA DFS Showdown CPT/MVP Top Plays

Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic is $2,400 more expensive than the next closest guy on the slate. He has been solid over his last five games scoring over 50 fantasy points in four of those five games. However, it has been a while since we have seen him completely break the slate wide open. Luka has not scored over 70 fantasy points since late October. It could happen in this game with the Mavericks ranking in the top five in pace, and the Lakers in the top half as well. I would expect Luka to have a big night in LA.

Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers

AD is the next guy up for a possible captain play tonight. I like this matchup a lot for Davis against this Dallas team. The rookie Dereck Lively will be matched up with Davis, and I could see AD taking advantage of the rookie on both ends of the court. Outside of Lively, Dallas does not have a ton of size they can throw at Davis. Davis has been very solid in his last two games scoring 26 and 27 points, while also grabbing 16 and 10 rebounds. He pretty much has a double-double floor each night, it's just what he gives you after that, that determines his ceiling each night. 

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

We have seen LeBron James go to another level over the past week. Outside of the blowout win in their last game, James has played over 35 minutes in three straight games. He has scored no fewer than 59 fantasy points in his last three games. He scored 28,35, and 37 game points in those games, while also dishing out at least eight assists. This offense still runs mostly through LeBron, and as long as this game stays close as the Vegas line dictates, I love LeBron as a pay-down option at the captain spot tonight.

NBA DFS Showdown UTIL Top Plays

Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks

In the next tier down from those big three, we have Kyrie Irving. Kyrie has been the perfect sidekick next to Luka this season, and probably the best of Luka's career. Irving has scored fewer than 35 fantasy points just twice this season out of 11 games. Even with somebody like Luka dominating the ball, Kyrie still has a 27% usage rate. This offense is the epitome of the “get the ball to the Italians” offense. If you can fit Kyrie in your utility spot tonight, I would go ahead and do so.

Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers

Austin Reaves has been much better after a very slow start to the season. Over the past six games, he is averaging 32.3 fantasy points per game. He isn't getting a ton of shot attempts but he is being efficient with the attempts he is getting. He is shooting over 50% during those six games along with 45% from behind the arc. In a fast-paced game against Dallas tonight, I look for Reaves to excel, and should find his way in your lineup.

Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Tim Hardaway is coming off the bench, but it doesn't really matter for fantasy purposes. Hardaway is averaging 26 minutes over his past five games, while averaging just under 19 points per game. Hardaway is a walking bucket, and when he gets into the game, that is what he does. He has gotten up double-digit shot attempts in nine straight games. The only issue is he does not give you a ton of other stats. Hardaway is averaging under two assists per game and under four rebounds. We should see Hardaway get his tonight, and have a big game off the bench.

Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Lively is priced at just $6,000 tonight and in my opinion, should be in your lineup. He isn't a high-usage guy, he is more of a rim roller, and hustle player type of guy. That bodes well in a fast-paced game like we are in store for tonight. Lively also has solid floor each and every night as he has grabbed at least nine rebounds in four straight games, and has blocked multiple shots in three of those four. During that span, however, he has yet to record a double-double. I would expect that to change tonight and could see Lively get 10 points and 10 rebounds tonight.

NBA DFS Showdown Value Top Plays

Rui Hacimura, Los Angeles Lakers

With LeBron back in the starting lineup, Hachimura has been sent back to the bench. That is okay though, over his past three games, Rui has played at least 28 minutes in three straight games. That is the most consistent run he has gotten all season long. He has even gotten up double-digit shot attempts in back-to-back games as well. Rui should once again see 25-28 minutes, and if he gives you 20-25 fantasy points it is well worth the price of admission tonight.

Grant Williams, Dallas Mavericks

Williams is back starting for this Mavericks team. At this point in Grant Williams's career, we know who he is. He is out there to be an irritant and a pest on the defensive end of the court and to knock down open three-point attempts. Over his past five games, Williams has gotten up 27 attempts from behind the arc and has knocked down 37% of them. On the back of his three-point shooting, Williams has scored over 25 fantasy points in two of his last three and could do it again tonight against the Lakers.

Josh Green, Dallas Mavericks

Without a ton of value on the slate, Josh Green becomes playable at $4,200 tonight. His floor is low, as we have seen him score fewer than 15 points in three of his past five games. In those other two games, we saw him finish with 25 and 28 fantasy points. What we love to see when Green is in the game is his rebounding. He has grabbed at least four rebounds in four straight games. His ceiling is hit when he knocks down shots, and that could be tonight in transition. If you need a salary-saver and a lower-owned option, Green can be your man tonight.

 

Fantasy Alarm is the home of all things Fantasy Sports. Bringing you the best Fantasy Football, Fantasy Baseball, and Fantasy Basketball content all year long. Be sure to also check out the best fantasy promo codes on offer today!

Dominate your NBA DFS Showdown contests today using our Player Projections that you can use specifically for Showdown!