The NBA has a handful of games on Saturday night’s main DFS fantasy basketball slate on DraftKings. The spotlight game of the night is a matchup on ABC between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which is the final contest on the slate. Of the 10 teams in the player pool, the Heat, Grizzlies, and Pelicans are playing for the second night in a row, so fantasy managers need to keep a close eye on the injury reports, especially for those three teams. As the availability of players 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, Tyrese Maxey has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections of all players on the slate. He will lead his Sixers into a great matchup against the Pelicans, and he’ll once again have to carry the load with his star teammates unavailable. Joel Embiid (knee/shin) and Paul George (suspension) are both out, leaving Maxey with as much work as he can handle.
On Thursday, Maxey carried the load against the Hawks, finishing with 41.25 DraftKings points on 28 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 39 minutes. He struggled with shooting, going just 8-for-23 from the field, and he should be able to turn in even bigger totals if he keeps getting so much work. Without Embiid and George before the All-Star break, Maxey had 30 points against the Trail Blazers and 32 points against the Knicks, earning 38.25 and 40.5 DraftKings points, respectively.
He is averaging 48.5 DraftKings points per game in his 53 games this season, and in his 28 games without Embiid, he’s averaging 49.0 DraftKings points, with his usage increasing to 29.9% in those contests.
The Pelicans have been a favorable matchup for point guards this season, and with such a heavy usage projection, Maxey is once again a very strong pay-up play to consider with a sky-high ceiling this Saturday.
Value
On the other side of that matchup, Trey Murphy III (shoulder) missed the front half of the back-to-back and Dejounte Murray (Achilles) is nearing a return but will likely miss Saturday’s game as well. Even when he does come back, he’ll likely be on a minutes restriction. If both are ruled out for Saturday as expected, Jordan Poole and Jeremiah Fears will be two of the top values on the board at point guard.
Poole has the highest Projected Plus/Minus on the board at point guard since his salary is only $3,300, while Fears has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at the position.
On Friday, without Murphy and Murray, Poole played 25 minutes in his first game since late January. He finished with just three points, three assists, and four rebounds for 13 DraftKings points, but he went 1-for-6 from the field, so in a similar role again on Saturday, he’d likely be an even better value after knocking the rust off a little bit Friday.
Fears and Poole both came off the bench, and Fears had more than twice as many shots. The No. 7 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft scored 16 points and added five assists, four rebounds, and two steals to post 31 DraftKings points. He has over 30 DraftKings points in three straight games and is a relatively safe value play at the position if he continues to get about 30 minutes per game in the second unit. He outproduced Bryce McGowens, who started ahead of him, so he could even slide into the starting lineup for a few games until Murray of Murphy returns.
Fast Break
The Spurs host the Kings on Saturday, setting up a revenge game narrative for De’Aaron Fox against the team that traded him to San Antonio. He averaged 22.0 points, 9.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in two games against his former team since the trade. Fox had 31.2 DraftKings points in his first game after the break on Thursday, and he went into the break with 45.5 DraftKings points against the Warriors. He isn’t quite as consistent as Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Cade Cunningham, but he has elite upside if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper pivot play from the elite tier.
Under $6,000, Ty Jerome should be a great value play if he returns after missing Friday’s game for right calf injury management. Jerome has been limited to six games this season and only 20 minutes per game, but he is averaging 19.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for 34.7 DraftKings points per game. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his six games and should carry a significant workload for the Grizzlies for any game he is available. The Heat play at the fastest pace in the NBA this season, so it should be a great matchup for the Grizzlies players who are available. Javon Small is a bargain option worth a look in the Memphis backcourt if Memphis is missing pieces again.
The Kings have given up the third-most points per game this season and have dropped 15 straight games. The Spurs are heavily favored and could jump out to a big lead, allowing bench options like rookie Dylan Harper more playing time. Harper has scored at least 14 points in three straight games and has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last 10 games. He has scored at least nine points in eight straight games and has over 26 DraftKings points in six of his last eight. He had 17 points in 26 minutes, as the Spurs rolled past the Suns on Thursday in their first game after the break.
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, VJ Edgecombe has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at shooting guard since he’ll remain a huge part of the Sixers’ offense without Embiid and George.
The No. 3 overall pick continued his strong rookie season with 20 points, nine rebounds, and 33.75 DraftKings points on Thursday against the Hawks. He has averaged 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists for 32.0 DraftKings points per game on the season. In the 15 games he has played without Embiid and George this season, his usage rate has increased over 3.75 percentage points to 23.4%, and he has averaged 31.6 DraftKings points in that situation, which he’ll be in again this Saturday.
In a smash spot against the Pelicans, building around Maxey and Edgecombe as a Sixers backcourt stack is a strong option to consider since both bring some of the best upside on the board at their respective positions.
Value
The Kings have been wiped out by injury, and they traded away many of their established contributors at the trade deadline. In just the last few days, De’Andre Hunter, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis have all been ruled out for the season.
With all their absences, Devin Carter is one player getting more work who can be a good value play against the Spurs. Carter has exceeded salary-based expectations in six straight games, scoring double-digit points in each of those six games and averaging 28.3 DraftKings points per contest on 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 26.8 minutes per game.
Carter was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and is getting a chance to show his upside and establish his spot in the Kings’ core for the future. He has been coming off the bench behind Russell Westbrook, but Westbrook’s minutes could dwindle since the Kings are so far out of the playoff picture, and it makes more sense for them to get a longer look at Carter and other young options.
Of all shooting guards except those in the 76ers-Pelicans games, Carter has the highest Plus/Minus projections on the board in the ShotQuality projections.
Fast Break
The Heat got Tyler Herro back after a 15-game absence on Friday, and he poured in 24 points and 36.5 DraftKings points in just 23 minutes in his return. Norman Powell also returned from missing the last two games and had 23.75 DraftKings points in 25 minutes. If one or the other sits against the Grizzlies on Saturday, the remaining guard would be an excellent play. If both get the night off, Pelle Larsson would be a great value. The Heat’s injury report will be one of the most important to watch on Saturday’s slate since they have a great matchup against the Grizzlies for whoever is available.
Along with Maxey and Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes should help pick up more of the load for the Sixers against the Pelicans, making him a good value from the Philly backcourt. He has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection at both guard positions behind only Jordan Poole in both sets of projections. Grimes has shown he can produce when given a larger role, and he had 14 points and 20 DraftKings points on Thursday in the team’s first game after the All-Star break.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
In both sets of projections, Kevin Durant has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at small forward. Durant has typically performed well at Madison Square Garden and will be a fun star to build around since he’s in the last game of the night, which is also the game on national TV.
In his 11 career games at MSG, Durant has produced 31.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, but he hasn’t played at the venue since 2022 when he was with the Nets. He’ll lead the Rockets into New York on Saturday night after helping them hold on to beat the Hornets in their first game after the All-Star break.
Durant had a tumultuous break with plenty of social media drama, but he stormed back from the break with 59.5 DraftKings points on 35 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against the Hornets. He steps up with more usage and production in his team’s biggest matchups, and this contest against the Knicks qualifies.
Even though it’s expected to be a lower-scoring game overall, Durant should be able to rise to the occasion and be a solid pay-up stud to build around on Saturday.
Value
In the FantasyLabs projections, Olivier-Maxence Prosper has the highest Plus/Minus projection on the entire slate. He’s second in the ShotQuality projections but still leads the way at small forward. His salary of only $3,600 makes him easy to fit into just about any build, and his upside in the Grizzlies’ thin rotation is extremely high. Prosper is still playing on a two-way contract, so make sure he’s available since he can only be active for 11 more games this season unless the Grizzlies convert his contract to a standard deal.
O-Max has played 30 games this season for Memphis, and the 23-year-old forward has flashed upside lately while filling in for the Grizzlies’ injuries in the frontcourt. He has over 23 DraftKings points in four straight games and had 23 points, five rebounds, two steals, and 35.2 DraftKings points against the Jazz on Friday.
If Prosper continues to play 20 to 30 minutes a game, he should have a great chance to fill up the box score against the Heat, who play at such a fast pace. If he’s available, he’ll be one of the top bargains on the board.
Fast Break
Pelicans forwards Saddiq Bey and Herb Jones are both strong plays at small forward against the Sixers. Bey’s salary is $2,000 lower than Durant’s, and he has the second-highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at the position in the FantasyLabs projections. Bey had 22 points and 42 DraftKings points against the Bucks on Friday, and he could get even more work if the Pels rest any other starters. Jones has the third-highest Plus/Minus projections at small forward in the FantasyLabs projections.
With the Bulls’ new-look rotation, Isaac Okoro is a solid mid-level play against the Pistons. Okoro has scored double-digit points in four straight games and is coming off 24.75 DraftKings points on Thursday in a loss to the Raptors.
If Prosper is out, or even if he plays but the rest of the Grizzlies’ forwards remain out, Jahmai Mashack is a bargain worth considering after exceeding salary-based expectations in five of his last six games and posting 25.25 DraftKings points on 11 points in 31 minutes on Friday.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
While Alperen Sengun has the highest raw median, ceiling, and floor projection at the position, Zion Williamson seems like a much easier option to build around with his salary $1,300 lower and better value numbers than Sengun, who could be a little overpriced for his tough matchup with the Knicks.
Zion and the Pelicans will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, so be sure to check the injury report. However, barring any major surprises, Williamson should continue to shoulder the load for the Pelicans in this matchup.
Williamson had 32 points on Friday in the front end of the back-to-back, playing just 30 minutes against the Bucks. He’s averaging 36.7 DraftKings points per game on the season and has been consistent, with at least 32 DraftKings points in six straight games to start the month of February.
He should be in a good spot against the Sixers’ thinned-out frontcourt, and he always has a high ceiling if he brings good non-scoring production, which has been a challenge for him lately. His lower peripheral numbers are why his salary has dipped under $8,000, but he’s still a good option with a strong ceiling in this matchup.
Value
In the ShotQuality projections, Taylor Hendricks has the highest Plus/Minus projection on the entire slate. The Grizzlies forward is on a standard contract and should be available against Miami. He brings a very high ceiling in the matchup, as the Grizzlies look to see how the 22-year-old former top-10 pick can fit in their future plans.
He got his first start with Memphis on Friday and finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and 24.75 DraftKings points. Hendricks got that start against his former team, the Jazz, who sent him to Memphis as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade at the deadline.
Just before the All-Star break, Hendricks had a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double for 39 DraftKings points, showing he has a very high ceiling when he gets playing time. If he is lined up for big minutes against the Heat, he should be one of the top value plays on the board.
Fast Break
Matas Buzelis continues to be a solid fantasy contributor for the Bulls even though the roster around him continues to settle after a tumultuous trade deadline. Buzelis had scored 15+ points in five straight before going just 2-for-10 with four points and 11 DraftKings points on Thursday against the Raptors. He had over 32 DraftKings points in five straight before that, and he should be able to bounce back with plenty of usage still headed his way against the Pistons.
With so few scoring options for the Kings, Keegan Murray should get plenty of work in Sacramento’s rotation. He had 15 points, eight rebounds, and 30 DraftKings points against the Magic on Thursday in his return after missing over a month with an ankle injury. It’s a tough matchup against the Spurs, but his workload makes him worth considering.
Since the Pelicans were without Yves Missi (calf) on Friday, Karlo Matkovic got extra playing time and made the most of it, contributing 24.2 DraftKings points in 25 minutes against the Bucks. He’s shown upside when given minutes and will be a strong bargain at only $3,200 if Missi misses another game.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
With all the value on the board at every other position, it makes sense to consider spending some of that saved salary on a spend-up play like Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who brings an extremely high ceiling and a good floor as well. Wemby has the third-highest median, ceiling, and floor projections on the entire slate, behind only Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham.
Wemby and the Spurs went into the break playing very well, and on Thursday, he posted 17 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks, and 50.25 DraftKings points in his return to action against the Suns. He has at least 49 DraftKings points in five of his last seven games dating back to before the break, and the rising superstar is back closer to a full minutes load after returning from injury.
He could be in a lopsided matchup against the struggling Kings, but he showed he can go off in limited minutes with his impressive game against the Lakers just before the break. Even though he only played 26 minutes in that game, he went off for 65.5 DraftKings points on 40 points and 12 boards. The Kings don’t have anyone in the frontcourt who will slow him down, setting him up for another monster performance. If you have the salary available, he’s a great place to pay up for a high ceiling and floor.
Value
With Joel Embiid out again, Andre Drummond has the second-highest Plus/Minus projection at center, behind only Matkovic as a bargain play. Drummond will get a favorable matchup on the other side of that game against the Pelicans, and he’ll look to build on his success from Thursday against Atlanta.
In three of his last four games, Drummond has over 30 DraftKings points, and on Thursday, he posted 38 DraftKings points, his highest mark since dropping 50.5 DraftKings points against the Heat on Nov. 23.
He had 10 points, 14 boards, and two blocks against the Hawks in 28 minutes and should continue to get around that workload until Embiid is ready to return from his latest injury.
Fast Break
If the Heat give Herro, Powell, or both the second game of their back-to-back off, Bam Adebayo could absolutely feast against the Grizzlies’ beleaguered frontcourt. Adebayo was red hot going into the break, but he cooled off a little with more help on Friday. Check the injury report to determine his value for this matchup.
Without Missi, Derik Queen could get more playing time, and the rookie has the third-highest Plus/Minus projection at center on this slate. He can stuff the stat sheet when he’s at his best, and he had 43.25 DraftKings points against the Bucks on Friday.
The ShotQuality projections back Adem Bona as a good value play from the Sixers as well. He’s only $3,300, but he had 25.25 DraftKings points on Thursday, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in his 20 minutes off the bench. If you go ultra-cheap at the position, Bona is a flier to consider.
