NBA DFS Picks Breakdown on DraftKings (Saturday, October 24)

The first weekend of the NBA season features a full Saturday of action with eight games on the scoreboard. Five of those games make up the main DFS fantasy basketball slate on DraftKings, which gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET. Of the 10 teams on the slate, the Hawks, Bulls, Mavericks, Rockets, Bucks, Spurs and Wizards are all playing the second game of their back-to-back set, so keep a close eye out for injury updates as the day goes on. Even though it’s early in the season, injuries will definitely impact the playing time and projections for Saturday’s slate..

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

Tyrese Maxey ($8,200)

Even though he isn’t the most expensive point guard on the slate, Maxey has the highest median and ceiling projections at the position this Saturday, as the Sixers host the Bucks. The new-look 76ers won on Tuesday over the Knicks and on Thursday over the Cavaliers. Even though there are now more superstar options around him, Maxey looks to be ready to carry a heavy load in the offense.

On Tuesday, he had 52.5 DraftKings points in 40 minutes, scoring 28 points and turning in a well-balanced, multi-category stat line. He followed that up with 48.8 DraftKings points on Thursday, scoring 32 points and adding six assists in 42 minutes. The Bucks have been a favorable matchup for point guards in the young season, and Maxey will look to light it up again on Saturday.

Value

Marcus Sasser ($4,400)

Sasser has the highest Plus/Minus projection of all point guards on the slate and will be one of many Mavericks who will need to step up on Saturday night against the Spurs with Cooper Flagg (shoulder) out. Flagg was hit while in the air and took a hard fall on his shoulder on Friday against the Pacers and left the game. He will be evaluated in the next couple of days, according to head coach Dusty May, which sets up the rest of the Mavs as key value options while Flagg misses time.

Sasser played 27 minutes on Friday night against Indiana and finished with six points and 15.5 DraftKings points. He showed more potential in his 24 minutes on Wednesday, when he chipped in 17 points and 23.2 DraftKings points off the bench. He was the second-leading scorer behind Flagg in that game, and he has a great ceiling as a bargain option on Saturday’s slate.

Fast Break

Trae Young ($7,900) – Young has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection and the second-highest ceiling projections at point guard behind only Sasser and Maxey, respectively. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in both his games with Washington this season, posting a pair of double-doubles with at least 20 points. He had 44.5 DraftKings points against the Bucks and 44.75 DraftKings points against the Raptors in his first two games with the Wizards, and on Saturday, he’ll get a favorable matchup against the Bulls.

De’Aaron Fox ($6,500) – Fox is a solid mid-range play as the Spurs visit the Mavs. They’re still looking for their first win of the season after losing to the Thunder and Rockets, but Fox exceeded salary-based expectations in each matchup, posting 34.25 DraftKings points against the Thunder and 40 DraftKings points against the Rockets on Friday.

NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks

Stud

Tyler Herro ($7,000)

Herro has started fast in his first season with the Bucks after being part of the big Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. Herro has a favorable matchup against the 76ers in what should be one of the most entertaining games of the night. The Bucks-Sixers matchup has the second-highest over/under of the night, and Herro will have to carry the load if the Bucks are going to keep up.

In his Bucks debut, Herro had 42 DraftKings points in a loss to the Wizards, and he was even better in his second game of the year, piling up 34 points and 50.2 DraftKings points in 34 minutes against the Bulls on Friday afternoon. He’ll be finishing a back-to-back, but as long as he isn’t a surprise on the injury report, he brings a very high ceiling at a reasonable salary of $7,000.

Value

Max Christie ($4,500)

Christie is another member of the Mavs who will likely pick up more work without Flagg. Christie only had 11.25 DraftKings points on Wednesday, but he was more involved on Friday, with 16 points and 29 DraftKings points.

In his games without Flagg last season, Christie showed the ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple categories and also pick up more of the scoring workload. He has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at shooting guard on this slate behind only Sasser, who is a little cheaper and has a little more upside due to his non-scoring production.

Fast Break

Amen Thompson ($7,400) – Thompson has started the season with a pair of double-doubles, grabbing 10 rebounds in the Rockets’ two victories to start the year. He had 38 DraftKings points against Dallas and stepped up with even more on Friday against the Spurs, racking up 47.5 DraftKings points with 20 points. Thompson brings great production on both ends of the floor and could pick up more work if the Rockets rest anyone on the second night of their back-to-back.

Jaylon Tyson ($3,900) – Tyson is a great value play at either SG or SF as he comes off the bench for the Cavs. He played 24 minutes on Thursday, and even though he went 1-for-6 from the field, he still had 18.5 DraftKings points since he had six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal. If his scoring comes around a little, he’ll be an even better option as the Cavs host the Nets on Saturday.

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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

Kevin Durant ($7,500)

Durant has the highest projections across the board at small forward this Saturday, as he leads the Rockets on the road to Atlanta, looking to improve to 3-0. Durant had 30 points and 45 DraftKings points in his first game of the season against the Mavs, and he followed that up with 20 points and 37.25 DraftKings points on Friday against the Spurs.

The Rockets have looked very solid in their first games, and Durant has the second-highest usage projection and the fifth-highest Plus/Minus projection of all small forwards. As long as they are healthy, it looks like the Rockets are ready to relaunch and be a main contender in the Western Conference this season.

Value

Naji Marshall ($4,800)

While both Christie and Sasser gain value in the backcourt, Marshall may get the biggest boost of all from the absence of Cooper Flagg. Marshall has the highest Plus/Minus projection on the entire slate since he could move from the bench to the starting unit, or he could just carry a much heavier workload than he did in the first few games of the season.

Marshall was already a great value before the injury, exceeding salary-based expectations in both of his first two games. He had 29.5 DraftKings points against the Rockets and 34 DraftKings points against the Pacers earlier this week. He had six assists in each of those games while contributing 15 and 16 points and also staying very active on the defensive end. Without Flagg, his offensive opportunities get a huge boost both as a creator and as a scorer.

Fast Break

Jaime Jaquez Jr.($5,700) – Along with Herro, Jaquez was another key piece the Bucks got for Giannis, and he should be in a big role for Milwaukee throughout the season. He had 33.2 DraftKings points in 31 minutes in his Bucks’ debut and followed that up with a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes on Friday. He posted 39.75 DraftKings points in that contest, showing how high a ceiling he has when he contributes across multiple columns in the box score.

Dyson Daniels ($5,900) – Daniels is another multi-category option at small forward who brings a very high ceiling. He had 38.5 DraftKings points against the Magic on Wednesday and was even better with 44.25 DraftKings points against the Hornets. The Great Barrier Thief has lived up to his nickname, with 12 steals in those two games, and he hasn’t even hit for a double-double yet despite those impressive totals for a player under $6,000.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

Anthony Davis ($8,700)

Davis has the highest median and ceiling projections at power forward this Saturday, barely edging out several other big names on the board. Davis is in a good matchup against the Bulls, who have been struggling at power forward with rookie Caleb Wilson off to a slow start. Davis will look to put up a big total against the rookie, and he has already shown he has the potential to go off and break the slate.

On Wednesday against Milwaukee, Davis went off for 34 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, one block, and two steals in 34 minutes for 61.5 DraftKings points. He struggled more against the tough defense of the Raptors on Friday, managing just 24.2 DraftKings points on nine points and nine rebounds. He was still right on the edge of a double-double, though, and since he has such a high ceiling, he’s worth backing to have a solid bounce-back performance on the road in Chicago. He has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus, so even though his salary is high, his projections show him still being a good value play.

Value

Kyle Kuzma ($4,400)

Kuzma started the season with a down game against his former team, the Wizards. He only had five points and 22 DraftKings points in that contest, but he looked much better against the Bulls on Friday night.

Kuzma came up just one rebound short of a double-double in that contest, earning 32.2 DraftKings points and contributing nine rebounds and four assists. The Sixers have struggled to defend power forwards early in the season, so Kuzma should be in a good spot to return value against Philly. Kuzma has the fourth-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all power forwards on Saturday.

Fast Break

Julius Randle ($7,100) – Randle dominated in his Nets’ debut on Wednesday, dropping 55 DraftKings points on 33 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and one block over 38 minutes. He should get all the usage he can handle and have the potential for huge games all season long. Even in a tough matchup against the Cavs’ frontcourt, he has one of the highest ceiling projections on the board.

P.J. Washington ($5,300) – Washington has an opportunity to pick up more production in Flagg’s absence. He has the highest Plus/Minus projection of all power forwards, and he finished with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and 43.75 DraftKings points on Friday against the Pacers. He’s boom-or-bust, but his upside is very high against the Spurs.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

Joel Embiid ($8,000)

Embiid went off for a big game in the tip-off game on Tuesday against the Knicks. He had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 46.25 DraftKings points in 34 minutes. He did give up a little of his offensive usage to make room for new arrivals LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, but he was still very effective, compensating in non-scoring categories.

On Thursday, he scored 24 points, but he only had seven rebounds to finish with 34.2 DraftKings points. In his third game of the season, he plans to play at home against the Bucks before taking Sunday’s game against the Pistons off on the second game of the back-to-back. With LeBron James (back) out, Embiid is a strong option to stack with Maxey if you expect the Sixers to have another big game and move to 3-0 to start the season.

Value

Day’Ran Sharpe ($5,500)

Sharpe played 30 minutes as the Nets’ starting center in the season opener next to high-usage forwards Randle and Michael Porter Jr. Sharpe was able to post eight point and eight rebounds along with three blocks and three assists for 27.5 DraftKings points against the Hornets.

Sharpe has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection at center on Saturday, behind only Embiid. He doesn’t usually rack up points, and in his new role next to Porter and Randle, he should be able to stuff the stat sheet with enough rebounds and defensive numbers to still be a fantasy option.

Fast Break

Victor Wembanyama ($10,700) – Wemby has the highest ceiling projection of all players on the entire slate and brings plenty of upside. He is very expensive, though, compared to the rest of the options on the board, and he’ll have to really go off to return value. He finished short of salary-based expectations in both of his first two games, but he will likely have lower ownership than usual since he’s so much more expensive than everyone else.

Jalen Smith ($5,200) – Smith is a solid mid-range play at center after posting 28.5 and 39.75 DraftKings points in his first two games of the season for the Bulls. He had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes on Friday, and if he’s not on the injury report for the second game of the back-to-back, he’ll be a good value in the middle.