DFS NBA Picks
NBA is finally back!!!! It’s good to have the season in full swing after last night’s games, but tonight is even better. There are 12 games on the slate, which means there should not be a moment without basketball until it is bedtime. With the NBA back that means DFS plays need to be made. Money needs to be made and it starts tonight.
For the DFS projections and pricing, we will be using Fanduel and DraftKings.
NBA Quick Links
Point Guards
Trae Young (FD: $9.600, DK: $9,800): Trae Young is one of the best point guards in the league, but is somewhat underrated. He is constantly in the top of points and assists in the NBA. This season should be no different. The Atlanta Hawks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season last year and the Charlotte Hornets could be the first stepping stone into that direction.
The Hornets were a bottom-tier team in terms of points allowed last year while generating a top 10 pace. Trae is a wizard with the ball in his hand and tonight should be no different. Expect to see one of those 30 and 10 games from the young guard.
Jordan Poole (FD: $7.770, DK: $8,100): Jordan Poole had a disastrous 2022-23 season. There was the Draymond Green punch that made the season extremely murky for the Golden St. Warriors. Poole took a step back from his progression of the previous year. Hopefully, with a change of scenery, Poole can revert back to the good version of himself.
Tonight the Washington Wizards square off against the Indiana Pacers, who were 29th in points allowed last season. This could turn into a track meet and the biggest winner of the night could be Poole. He thrives in this type of game where things are chaotic and fast-paced. Poole is a great choice for a middle area of pricing to stack up on other spots.
Shooting Guards
Anthony Edwards (FD: $9,300, DK: $9,600): This is going to be the season where Anthony Edwards ascends to superstar status. He has been on an upward trajectory for the past couple of years. This could be the season where an All-NBA can be in the cards. Tonight can be the beginning of that journey.
Edwards is the guy in Minnesota and should be their focal point offensively. Karl-Anthony Towns can still play a huge role on offense, but Edwards will be at the helm no matter what. Edwards is on the higher side in terms of pricing, while having someone like OG Anunoby guarding him. However, Edwards averaged 24.6 points per game last season, and that number should increase.
Tyler Herro (FD: $6,700, DK: $6,300): Tyler Herro has survived another off-season full of trade rumors. The man is destined to be a Miami Heat lifer at this point. Now that the trade rumors are put to bed, Herro is ready for that to fuel him into a big year.
Herro can get criticism for a multitude of reasons, but the man can perform. Last season, Herro averaged a slash line of 20/5/4, while shooting almost 38% from three. Jimmy Butler is going to want to pace himself for the playoffs, which should give Herro the green light on a Detroit Pistons team that was the fourth worst defense all of last season.
Small Forward
Franz Wagner (FD: $7,100, DK: $6,100): The Orlando Magic might be one of the more fun teams to watch this season. The combination of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner is going to be an exciting duo to watch for this season and years to come. Franz is coming off a very good NBA season and even better International season, as he helped lead Germany to the FIBA World Cup.
The Houston Rockets are a young team, but have some big time athletes on their roster. However, Franz is a good middle-of-the-road option for your DFS lineups. His ability to score, rebound, and even pass sometimes can lead to a good night for Franz in your lineup.
Jalen Williams (FD: $6,100): Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was one of the best rookies of last season. He averaged 14 points per game, while shooting 52% from the field. In March of last season, Williams averaged almost 20 points per game on almost 57% shooting. He is an extremely efficient scorer that relieves some of the load from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Even with Chet Holmgren back in the fold, Williams can still produce at a good and efficient level.
Power Forward
Lauri Markkanen (FD: $8,400, DK: $9,300): The reigning Most Improved Player award winner, Lauri Markkanen, is primed to replicate that great season from last year. Lauri and the Utah Jazz are set to face the Sacramento Kings tonight. The Kings are not known for their defense and usually have high scoring contests. This could be another huge scoring output on both sides.
Lauri is a little bit pricey on DK, but the play can be worth it due to his status on the Jazz and matchup.
Cameron Johnson (FD: $6,300, DK: $5,500): Cameron Johnson came over to the Brooklyn Nets in the middle of the year in that blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. Johnson was up-and-down with the Nets, as his three point percentage dropped 8% from his time with the Suns that season before he was shipped to the Nets. However, a full off-season with the Nets can be the difference maker.
They play a tough Cleveland Cavaliers team, but Johnson should be fed some open looks with Mikal Bridges being the focal point and Ben Simmons(I know I know) looking like a facilitator once again. Johnson is a nice cheap play for your DFS lineups.
Center
Domantas Sabonis (FD: $9,800, DK: $10,300): Is Domantas Sabonis the most expensive center tonight? Yes. Is he going to be spectacular and maybe pull off a triple-double? Yes. Sabonis is one of the best DFS players possible. The man can get 18 points with 14 rebounds and 10 assists. Only Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid can take the DFS center title from him on most nights, but neither one plays tonight.
The Kings can score at will and will not be afraid to run all night. Sabonis will gobble up all of the rebounds, while dishing it out to cutters and open three point shooters. Sabonis might be the best DFS player of the night, and you would not want to miss out.
Deandre Ayton (FD: $7,300, DK: $6,400): The Portland Trail Blazers were able to get former number one overall pick, Deandre Ayton this past off-season, which can be a great deal if he ends up putting it all together finally. Ayton had become a polarizing figure with the Phoenix Suns. There were public frustrations on his side for years it felt like.
However, he is on a new, young squad that can maximize his potential. Ayton is going to be a great help for rookie point guard, Scoot Henderson, in the pick and roll. Tonight’s matchup is favorable against the Los Angeles Clippers, as their big men are not known for their defensive abilities. Ayton can have a very nice opening game with the Blazers. He can be a good play here if you go too high on other positions.
