After a massive 12-game Friday night schedule, the NBA bounces back with a six-game main slate on Saturday night. Eight of the 12 teams in action are playing for the second night in a row, while the Warriors are the only team on the front end of a back-to-back. Several big-name stars are already out, but with so many back-to-backs on the board, be sure to check back for updates to our models as injury reports come out throughout the day.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.
Note: Projections and Leverage Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly.
Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
NBA DFS Point Guard Picks
Stud
The Pistons still lead the Eastern Conference with an 18-5 record, and they’ll have a chance to avenge a loss from earlier this week on Saturday night when they host the Bucks, who will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was injured in their first matchup. In the rematch, Cade Cunningham has the top median, ceiling, and floor projections at point guard.
It should be a favorable matchup at home for the Pistons, and Cunningham has averaged an impressive 58.8 DraftKings points per game in his nine home games, producing an elite 1.59 DraftKings points per minute.
On Wednesday in the loss, Cunningham had only 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, but he bounced back on Friday with 29 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and three steals for 56 DraftKings points in a win over the Trail Blazers.
Cunningham is a strong pay-up play to build around on Saturday as long as there are no surprises on the Pistons’ injury report.
Value
On the other side of the Bucks-Pistons matchup, Kevin Porter Jr. has the highest Plus/Minus projection of all players on Saturday’s slate. Porter has stepped right into a major role for the Bucks and has picked up a big workload since returning from an extended absence after spraining his left ankle in the Bucks’ season opener and then undergoing meniscus surgery on his right knee.
Porter has played 30+ minutes and scored 20+ points in three straight games. He had 26 points and 41 DraftKings points against the Pistons on Wednesday and followed that up with 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and 44.75 DraftKings points in 37 minutes on Friday against Philadelphia.
With Giannis out, it’s clear that Porter and Ryan Rollins will have to carry most of the offense for the Bucks, and since Porter is still very affordable at $6,500, he’s a great mid-range value to build around that brings great upside on Saturday night as long as he’s ready to roll for the second night of the back-to-back.
Fast Break
Rockets guard Amen Thompson has started December strong with 23, 20, and 31 points in his first three games of the month. He had 31 points in the team’s Friday night win over the Suns, but he was uncharacteristically quiet on the glass, finishing with 36.5 DraftKings points, just under salary-based expectations. He’ll look to keep scoring and fill in other categories a little more in Saturday’s matchup against the Mavericks. His multi-category potential always gives him a high ceiling, and he has the fourth-highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at point guard on Saturday night’s slate.
Ryan Nembhard has been outstanding for the Mavericks over the last few games, and the undrafted free agent has established himself as part of the new-look young core. He has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection of all point guards on Saturday after scoring double-digit points in four of his five games since moving into the starting lineup. He has averaged 15.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 31.5 DraftKings points in those five starts, making him a solid value play under $5,000.
The Heat were without Tyler Herro (toe) on Friday, and the All-Star guard is scheduled for an MRI on Saturday, making it unlikely he returns Saturday against the Kings. Davion Mitchell and Dru Smith are positioned to get more work if Herro is out again, and Smith has the fourth-highest Plus/Minus projection at the position. He’s been a very solid piece of Miami’s second unit, averaging 6.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in his 17 minutes per game. If he gets a few more minutes on the second night of the back-to-back, he’ll be in a great spot to return value at his bargain salary of $3,500 against the Kings, who allow the fifth-most fantasy points per game to shooting guards.
Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks
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Let’s stick with the Heat for another key option to consider this Saturday. Norman Powell has the fourth-highest ceiling, median, and floor projections at shooting guard even though he has a salary under $7,000, which is only the eighth-highest of the players expected to suit up at the position on Saturday.
Powell has scored at least 28 points in each of the last three games for the Heat, exceeding salary-based expectations in each of those three games and in 10 of his last 13 overall. With Herro expected to miss Saturday’s game against Sacramento, Powell should be in a smash spot to carry the Heat, who have the highest implied team total on the slate, according to our Vegas Dashboard.
The veteran has the top Plus/Minus projection at shooting guard this Saturday, and he should be a great option as long as his ankle, which he tweaked on Friday night, doesn’t force him to miss the second half of the back-to-back. If he’s out as well, Dru Smith (mentioned above), Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson would be lined up for big workloads.
Value
The Kings are not playing for the second day in a row and have been off since Wednesday’s loss to the Rockets. They’ll still be without veteran Dennis Schroder (hip), leaving more work for Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk. In the ShotQuality projections, Monk has the highest Plus/Minus projection at shooting guard and the third-highest at point guard. He also looks good in the FantasyLabs projections, where he has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard behind only Powell.
Monk has continued coming off the bench for the Kings even with Schroder out, but he is playing 25.4 minutes per game over his last nine contests and has scored at least 12 points in seven of those nine games.
He’s been especially hot in his last two games, dropping 21 points and 45.5 DraftKings points against the Grizzlies last Sunday and following that up with 25 points and 42.75 DraftKings points against the Rockets.
At only $5,000, he can be a great value if he’s around that level of production again on Saturday.
Fast Break
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has the highest ceiling, median, and floor projection at shooting guard, as he leads his team against the Warriors in the NBA TV matchup of the night. On Friday, Mitchell had 28 points and eight assists to lead the Cavs past the Spurs. Mitchell has over 43 DraftKings points in five straight games, with a high point of 63.75 DraftKings points against the Pacers last Monday.
The Wizards host the Hawks in what should be a high-scoring environment between teams that play with plenty of pace. Kyshawn George has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all shooting guards in both sets of projections. The second-year guard is having a breakout season and has shown an extremely high ceiling, which makes him a good target at his mid-range salary.
The Rockets have been giving more run off the bench to Aaron Holiday, which makes him a good bargain play at either guard spot from under $4,000. He has scored double-digit points in five of his last six games, averaging 20.2 DraftKings points per game over that stretch, which is also exactly how many DraftKings points he had on Friday night in the Rockets’ win over the Suns.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
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At small forward, Kawhi Leonard has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projection on the slate as the Clippers visit the Timberwolves in Minnesota.
Kawhi has at least 20 points in each of his last five games and has exceeded salary-based expectations with over 44 DraftKings points in four of those matchups. While the team is still struggling, Leonard has been able to put together solid fantasy numbers since returning from his extended absence.
Even though his efficiency has been a little down, his volume and non-scoring stats have been enough to keep him as a strong fantasy contributor. He always brings a high ceiling since he can go off and dominate in any matchup, and Leonard and James Harden will look to get the Clip Ship sailing smoothly after floundering early in the season.
Value
With a salary of only $4,000, Vit Krejci has a top-seven Projected Plus/Minus at both shooting guard and small forward in the FantasyLabs projections. Depending on exactly whom the Hawks have available, he could be pressed into a larger role on Saturday and would get a great matchup against the Wizards if he gets more minutes.
The Wizards have given up more fantasy points per game to small forward than any other team in the NBA, and Krejci has shown a good ceiling even though he has been boom-or-bust over the last few weeks. He has double-digit points in four of his last eight games, and he scored 15 points on Friday night in the Hawks’ loss to the Nuggets.
Krejci’s role fluctuates from game to game, but if he’s set for minutes against the Wizards, he’ll be a great value option at only $4,000.
Fast Break
Kevin Durant has exceeded salary-based expectations in three straight games after posting 51.5 DraftKings points on Friday. It was his first matchup against his former team, the Suns, and he racked up 28 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and three steals in 32 minutes. On Saturday against the Mavericks, Durant has the second-highest median, ceiling, and floor projection of all small forwards.
Durant’s teammate Jabari Smith Jr. has been steady this season and has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection at small forward in the ShotQuality projections, behind only Norman Powell. Smith’s solid production and favorable matchup against the Mavs make him a nice mid-range option to stack with other Rockets or to be used as a standalone play at forward.
If you need a bargain play at small forward, Simone Fontecchio is worth a look since he has been stepping into more minutes lately for Miami. Fontecchio has a top-four Projected Plus/Minus at both forward spots in the FantasyLabs projections for Saturday.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
After missing Wednesday’s game with calf tightness, rising star Jalen Johnson was back in action on Friday, and he will be an outstanding play on Saturday against the Wizards if he’s able to play both halves of Atlanta’s back-to-back. He has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projection of all players on the entire slate in both sets of projections.
Johnson was spectacular in his return, posting 75 DraftKings points with a triple-double of 21 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists, and two steals. While that’s definitely a huge game, spectacular totals have become the norm for the versatile forward, who has posted at least 70 DraftKings points in three of his last four games.
In his 21 games this season, he’s averaging 1.49 DraftKings points per minute, and he will be in a smash spot against the Wizards, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards this season.
Value
In another great spot, Andrew Wiggins is in a favorable matchup against the Kings and has the highest Plus/Minus projection of all power forwards in the FantasyLabs projections and the second-highest in the ShotQuality projections.
Wiggins exceeded salary-based expectations in three straight games before Friday night’s matchup with the Magic, when he came in right at salary-based expectations with 29.75 DraftKings points on 13 points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots in 33 minutes.
Without Herro, Wiggins will have to stay more active on offense, and since the team typically plays bigger in Herro’s absence, Wiggins gets a better matchup by sliding more to small forward or shooting guard depending on the rotation.
Fast Break
Jimmy Butler could carry the load for the Warriors against the Cavaliers if he’s ready to return from left knee soreness, which kept him out of Thursday’s game against the 76ers. With Steph Curry (quad) out, Butler would have a high ceiling if he returns, especially against the Cavs, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to power forwards this season.
Without Giannis, Kyle Kuzma has lots of upside, although he has been very boom or bust all season for the Bucks. He’s worth a look against the Pistons for GPP lineups due to his high ceiling, but he is too risky for cash game builds.
Along with Fontecchio, Will Riley is a bargain play worth a look according to our projections. The Wizards’ power forward has played 26 and 27 minutes in his last two games, producing 22 and 14 DraftKings points. Khris Middleton (knee) and Cam Whitmore (illness) are questionable, and if either or both are out, Riley should get enough time to be a good value under $3,500.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
With Jarrett Allen (finger) out, the ShotQuality projections are very high on Cavs center Evan Mobley. Mobley has the top Projected Plus/Minus of all power forwards and of all centers on Saturday’s slate in those projections, and he also has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections of all centers.
Mobley has been on a roll lately, posting six double-doubles in his last eight games and exceeding salary-based expectations in five of those eight contests. He scored 20+ points in three of his last five and exceeded salary-based expectations in those three games.
He gets a good matchup against the Warriors, especially if Butler is out again, and Mobley should be set up to carry the load for Cleveland depending on who is available and who sits out the second night of the back-to-back.
Value
For the Wizards, Tristan Vukcevic has the highest Plus/Minus projection at the position in the FantasyLabs projections and the third-highest in the ShotQuality projections. He is questionable with a knee contusion, but he will play an expanded role if available with Alexandre Sarr (thigh) out.
Vukcevic has scored double-digit points in three straight games. He had 24 DraftKings points against the Bucks last Monday and 27.5 DraftKings points against the Sixers on Tuesday. While Marvin Bagley III will likely start, Vukcevic is a great bargain play if he’s active since his salary is only $4,000.
Fast Break
Both Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware are solid center options against the Kings, who are hurting in the middle without Domantas Sabonis (knee). Adebayo has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus in the ShotQuality projections and the third-highest ceiling projection at the position overall. Ware also has a high ceiling, which he showed with his 43.5 DraftKings points on Wednesday, but he is more volatile than Adebayo.
Without Sabonis, Maxime Raynaud has been a good value play for the Kings, producing over salary-based expectations in three straight games. The 22-year-old rookie from France had 25 points and 41.5 DraftKings points against the Rockets on Wednesday, and if he keeps getting over 20 minutes a game, he should be a great value at $4,500.
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