The NBA has a total of 10 games on the scoreboard this Saturday, and seven of those matchups make up the main DFS fantasy basketball slate. The marquee matchup of the night is the Lakers rolling into Orlando to take on the Magic at 7:00 p.m. ET. Of the 14 teams on the slate, four are playing for the second night in a row, so be especially aware of the injury reports for the Hawks, Warriors, Rockets, and Grizzlies. As players’ availability is finalized throughout the day, the models will change and adjust, so be sure to check back before tip-off.
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
In the FantasyLabs projections, Luka Doncic once again has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections on the entire slate. He has been on an impressive roll lately, helping the Lakers win eight straight games
On Thursday in Miami, Luka played through a questionable tag and lit up the Heat even on the second night of the team’s back-to-back. He finished with 60 points and 86.75 DraftKings points in the win and has posted 70+ DraftKings points in five of his last six games while averaging 74.7 DraftKings points per game.
The Lakers face a tougher test from a fantasy perspective on Saturday night since the Magic play much slower than the Heat, making them a tougher matchup. However, Luka has been so good lately that he still makes sense as a pay-up play to build around if you can find enough salary savings in other spots to make his $12,300 salary work under your cap.
Value
The Warriors lost on Friday and have lost seven of their last eight games coming into Saturday’s matchup with the Hawks, who just had their 11-game winning streak snapped on Friday. The Warriors could be without multiple players in the backcourt, and if he gets playing time as expected, Pat Spencer could be a great source of value at point guard. He has the third-highest Plus/Minus projection at point guard, and he has a very high ceiling if opportunity is available against Atlanta
De’Anthony Melton has been sitting out one half of back-to-back games and played last night, while Moses Moody, Steph Curry, and Seth Curry are all out with longer-term injuries. Melton has sat out three games this month, and Spencer has picked up more work in each of those games. He had nine points against the Knicks and Thunder, but his best game of the month was against the Bulls, when he had 17 points, six assists, and 32.75 DraftKings points in 30 minutes.
If he gets that kind of run on Saturday against the Hawks, Spencer has the upside for another big performance. He has hit double-digit points in each of his last two games off the bench, and if he keeps that rate up in an expanded role, he should have no trouble returning value on Saturday night.
Fast Break
The Hornets have the highest implied team total on the board according to our Vegas dashboard, which makes LaMelo Ball a very strong option with a positive Plus/Minus projection in a smash spot against the Grizzlies. Ball went off for 60 DraftKings points on 30 points and 13 assists against Miami on Tuesday and had 43 DraftKings points when the Hornets beat the Magic on Thursday.
The Spurs have the second-highest implied team total as they host the rapidly sinking Pacers. Dylan Harper has the fourth-highest Plus/Minus projection of all point guards, and his teammate De’Aaron Fox is just behind him. The Spurs could give Harper some extra work off the bench in a blowout, and the rookie has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last 10 contests.
Another bargain guard to consider is Grizzlies point guard Walter Clayton Jr. Depending on whom the Grizzlies have available on the second night of their back-to-back, Clayton could have a very heavy workload, which would give him a high ceiling. He had 12 points, seven assists, and 26.5 DraftKings points in his last start and is a strong value to consider if he starts again on Saturday against the Hornets.
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
Stud
When breaking down a slate, it can be helpful to have a second perspective, and one way to get that is by adding the ShotQuality projections to your models. In the ShotQuality projections, Trey Murphy III has the highest median and ceiling projections of all shooting guards, and he should be in one of the best games of the night as his Pelicans host the Cavaliers.
Murphy has helped the Pelicans play much better lately than their 25-46 record indicates. They have won five of their last six games overall and seven straight at home after Murphy carried them to a nice win over the Clippers on Thursday night.
Murphy had 27 points and 39.25 DraftKings points in that victory, and he has at least 38 DraftKings points in eight of his last nine games, including three in a row. He had two games over 48 DraftKings points during that stretch, and he has averaged a solid 41.4 DraftKings points per game.
While he isn’t a cheap shooting guard to build around, he does bring very good upside as he looks to stay hot in the Big Easy.
Value
In the FantasyLabs projections, Coby White has the highest Plus/Minus projection at shooting guard and the second highest on the entire slate. White joined the Hornets at the trade deadline in a deal from the Bulls, but he missed seven games after the trade with a calf injury.
After returning and ramping up, White has started to find a big role off the bench for Charlotte, and he is coming off three straight strong showings. White had 18 points and 33 DraftKings points against the Spurs last Saturday and followed that with 24 points and 33.75 DraftKings points against the Heat last Tuesday. On Thursday, he had his best scoring game with the Hornets, pouring in 27 points against Orlando and totaling 38.75 DraftKings points.
White got extra playing time in that blowout win over the Magic and could be in a similar spot against the Grizzlies on Saturday, especially if Memphis rests players on the second night of their back-to-back. White has a very high ceiling as a scorer, and since his salary is still only $4,600, he’s one of the best bargains on the board coming into the day.
Fast Break
The FantasyLabs projections give the top median, ceiling, and floor projections at the position to Austin Reaves, but Reaves has taken a backseat to Luka’s run over the last few games. Reaves still has the potential to go off if he gets the work, but he has scored under 20 points and under 36 DraftKings points in three straight games on this trip.
Norman Powell and the Heat visit the Rockets on Saturday, who just snapped the Hawks’ win streak on Friday night. Powell has played three games since returning from two weeks off with a groin injury, and he has 27.75, 31.5, and 31.0 DraftKings points. He should be ramped up and ready for more production in this matchup, and he’s a very solid mid-range option based on his role in Miami’s offense.
Another bargain play to consider is Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill at just over $4,000. Merrill has scored at least 13 points in each of his last three games, producing over 24 DraftKings points in each contest as well. Cleveland listed Donovan Mitchell as questionable after he missed Thursday’s game, and if he misses a second straight contest, Merrill and the rest of the Cavs would have plenty of usage available.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
The Mavericks host the Clippers on Saturday night, and in that matchup, Cooper Flagg has the top median and ceiling projections at small forward in both sets of projections. Flagg will go head-to-head with Kawhi Leonard if Kawhi can play through his questionable tag.
If Kawhi is out or limited, Flagg would be an even better play, but either way, he makes sense as a stud option since he has been getting so much usage and opportunities to grow on the job. The No. 1 overall pick had posted over 45 DraftKings points in back-to-back games against the Cavaliers and Pelicans before slowing down a little bit on Wednesday against the Hawks. He had only 17 points in that game but also produced strong non-scoring numbers to still finish with 37 DraftKings points.
Flagg had 27 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and 54 DraftKings points last Sunday against Cleveland, and he has that kind of potential upside whenever he takes the floor. Since he’s a rookie, there’s some inconsistency to his production, but he has shown a very high ceiling and plenty of reason for optimism for the Mavericks as they rebuild around their new star going forward.
Value
In both sets of projections, Will Richard has the top Plus/Minus projection at small forward. He’s expected to step into a larger role with some of the other Warriors getting the night off in Atlanta.
The second-round rookie has played 60 games for Golden State this season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 14.9 DraftKings points per game. He has been more productive lately, playing at least 25 minutes in six straight games and getting three starts during that span. In those six games, Richard is averaging 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.8 steals, and 13.5 DraftKings points.
Richard showed a good upside with 21 points and 42.75 DraftKings points against the Grizzlies toward the end of February and had double-digit points for the first time since then on Friday night. If he can build on that success and carry a bigger role on Saturday against Atlanta, he could be one of the best bargains of the night at small forward.
Keep a close eye on the Warriors’ injury report, since the status of Melton, Kristaps Porzingis, Draymond Green, and Gary Payton II will be very important to figuring out the value in the rest of the Warriors’ rotation against the Hawks.
Fast Break
Kevin Durant has the second-highest median and ceiling projection at small forward in both sets of projections. He had 25 points and 47.25 DraftKings points to help his Rockets beat the Hawks on Friday, which was a nice bounce-back performance after down games against the Lakers earlier in the week. The Heat play at the fastest pace in the NBA, so KD should get plenty of possessions and field goal attempts this Saturday.
Orlando Magic guard/forward Desmond Bane has good Plus/Minus projections and the third-highest ceiling at small forward in both sets of projections. Bane has been helping to carry the load for Orlando while Franz Wagner is out, and he had a solid 38.25 DraftKings points in his last game against the Hornets. He has at least 38 DraftKings points in five of his last eight contests.
Cam Spencer could be in a big role for the Grizzlies depending on who starts and who sits. Spencer has over 25 DraftKings points in three of his last four games and had 11 points, five assists, and 25.75 DraftKings points against Boston on Friday. If other options sit on Saturday, he could have even more work against the Hornets and be a great value to consider. He has the fourth-highest Plus/Minus projection at small forward in the ShotQuality projections.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
With Jarrett Allen still out and Donovan Mitchell uncertain, Evan Mobley should be in a great spot to keep rolling as his Cavaliers take on the Pelicans. He has the second-highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at power forward in the ShotQuality projections and the third highest in the FantasyLabs projections.
Mobley has been carrying a big workload and posting great numbers over his last 10 games, averaging 21.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.0 blocks per contest. He’s averaged 43.9 DraftKings points per game over those nine games and posted over 45 DraftKings points in four of his last five.
On Thursday against the Bulls, Mobley racked up 26 points, 14 boards, and 51.5 DraftKings points just two days after hanging 56.25 DraftKings points on 27 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks against the Bucks.
While the matchup with the Pelicans isn’t as easy as it was early in the season, the Cavs offense will still feature Mobley prominently enough for him to be one of the top pay-up options either at power forward or center, wherever he fits best in your roster construction.
Value
The Grizzlies acquired Taylor Hendricks in the trade that sent Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz, and Hendricks is one of the few healthy big men available for Memphis. The top-10 pick from the 2023 NBA Draft has flashed some upside since arriving in Memphis, and he has the third-highest Plus/Minus projection on the entire slate in the ShotQuality projections for Saturday.
Hendricks started and played 29 minutes against the Celtics on Friday night, producing 12 points, five rebounds, and 29.2 DraftKings points. He has at least 24 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games, including a double-double that earned him 41 DraftKings points in 24 minutes against the Mavericks.
If GG Jackson is unable to return on Saturday, Hendricks should get another start and bring great potential upside against the Hornets.
Fast Break
Jalen Johnson always brings a very high ceiling as a triple-double threat, and he has the highest ceiling projection at power forward on this slate in both sets of projections. He only had 25.75 DraftKings points in a disappointing showing in Houston on Friday, but he’ll look to bounce back on Saturday night in a favorable spot at home against Golden State.
As a mid-range play on the other side of that matchup, Gui Santos has a great Plus/Minus projection. He only had 25.75 DraftKings points on Friday, but he is still averaging 32.3 DraftKings points per game in his 10 games this month. He could get more work for the Warriors depending on the team’s injury report.
The Pelicans continue to tweak their frontcourt rotation and have brought Karlo Matkovic back into the mix. Matkovic has played at least 20 minutes in four straight games and has 21+ DraftKings points in three of those games. He went 0-for-6 from the field on Thursday but will look to bounce back against the Cavs on Saturday.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
As was also the case on Thursday, Victor Wembanyama has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projection at center and is second behind only Luka on the entire slate. The Spurs are heavy favorites against the Pacers, and Wemby will likely dominate while he’s on the floor, although there is real risk of the game turning into a blowout.
Wemby only had to play 22 minutes on Tuesday against the Kings, totaling 35.5 DraftKings points, but he was back to a full role against the Suns, racking up 34 points and 12 rebounds for 59.5 DraftKings points. He has six double-doubles in his last eight games, with over 50 DraftKings points in each of those six games and an average of 58.7 DraftKings points per game over that span.
In any matchup, Wemby has an immensely high ceiling, and he has proven he can put up monster stat lines in close, competitive games or lopsided wins. He and the Spurs are just three games behind the Thunder for the top spot in the Western Conference and have pulled away from the pack battling for seeding behind them.
Value
In the FantasyLabs projections, John Collins has the highest Plus/Minus projection on the entire slate. In the ShotQuality projections, he has a top-four Plus/Minus projection at center and power forward.
Collins missed a couple of weeks earlier this month with a neck strain, but he has played each of the last four games for the Clippers. Since returning to the starting five, Collins has produced at least 29 DraftKings points in each of his last three games despite tough matchups against the Spurs and Pelicans. Collins had exactly 18 points in each of his last two games, which were both against the Pelicans. He had 31.25 DraftKings points on Wednesday and followed that with 31.5 DraftKings points the next night in the rematch.
If Kawhi is out again, Collins will have even more opportunity to step up. He’s in a very favorable matchup against the Mavs, which makes him a solid mid-range target with a high ceiling. His positional flexibility to slide to power forward also helps him fit in more roster builds.
Fast Break
Bam Adebayo had 29 points and 10 boards for 48.5 DraftKings points against the Lakers in his last game after sitting out one contest due to a calf issue. The Heat will face the Rockets on Saturday night in one of the most exciting games on the board. He has an extremely high ceiling (even when he’s not playing the Wizards), and he is a solid play if you can’t get the salary together to spend all the way up for Wemby.
The Grizzlies have been playing Olivier-Maxence Prosper big minutes over the last few weeks, and Prosper has double-digit points in eight of his last nine games and is averaging 24.8 DraftKings points per game over that stretch. He played 31 minutes and had 27.75 DraftKings points on Friday, but as long as he’s lined up for a similar workload against Charlotte on Saturday, he should be a solid value play just under $5,000.
Matkovic and Yves Missi are the best punt plays at center. Matkovic has the highest Plus/Minus projection of all centers under $4,000, while Missi is just over $4,000 and has posted at least 25 DraftKings points in three of his last five games, including a solid 32.25 DraftKings points in the Pelicans’ win over the Clippers on Thursday.
