NBA Daily Fantasy Picks
There are nine games on Thursday’s NBA slate, kicked off by a high-profile non-conference matchup between the Nuggets and Cavaliers. In addition, the Grizzlies travel to take on the 76ers at 7:30 PM ET. The highest over/under’s are in the later games. This includes a showdown between the Warriors and Lakers (238.5) and a matchup between the Trail Blazers and Kings (239.5).
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Studs DFS Player
Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers
FantasyData Projection: 48 | DraftKings Cost: $11400
By adding Damian Lillard, you should be getting plenty of bang for your buck, Lillard is not only one of the top players in terms of usage rate, but he has increased his usage in 6 straight games. Through 46 games, he is averaging 50.9 fantasy points per game and is coming off a matchup vs. the Wizards in which he scored 39 points on 14 of 30 shooting in 38 minutes.
Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers
FantasyData Projection: 50 | DraftKings Cost: $11100
For the season, Joel Embiid is averaging 57.0 fantasy points per game while playing an average of 34.9 minutes. In his previous game, Embiid scored 29 points against the Cavaliers and has averaged 52.9 fantasy points per game over his last three games. This year, the Grizzlies are 12th in points allowed to centers. Embiid has averaged 54.6 fantasy points per game against opponents in the middle third of the league at defending his position.
Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies
FantasyData Projection: 48 | DraftKings Cost: $10800
So far this season, Ja Morant is averaging 49.8 fantasy points per game and is one of the more expensive options. However, it is worth targeting him today as he is a sure bet to get his fair share of opportunities. For the season, he has a usage rate of 35.3, which is 3rd among today’s options. At $10800.0, it’s worth paying up for Morant, given the primary role he will be playing.
Kyrie Irving | Dallas Mavericks
FantasyData Projection: 43 | DraftKings Cost: $10300
Kyrie Irving enters with an excellent matchup against a Spurs defense that is ranked 30th in points allowed. Over their last three games, San Antonio is allowing 127.0 points per game, which is 24th during that span. For the season, Irving is averaging 44.2 fantasy points per game against teams in the bottom third of the league in points allowed.
Value DFS Player
Myles Turner | Indiana Pacers
FantasyData Projection: 34 | DraftKings Cost: $7200
So far this season, Myles Turner is averaging 35.8 fantasy points per game and comes in at a price tag of $7200. Turner enters today’s action, increasing his fantasy production in 2 straight games and finishing with 34.75 DFS points in his most recent game against the Bulls.
Christian Wood | Dallas Mavericks
FantasyData Projection: 34 | DraftKings Cost: $7100
Although Wood comes into the game ranked 21st in season usage rate, he has shown signs of taking on a bigger role in the team’s offense. He has now increased his game-by-game usage rate in 2 straight contests. Most recently, he played 21 minutes against the Nuggets, scoring 17 points on 46.2% shooting from the field. Through 48 games, he is averaging 33.8 fantasy points, placing him 35th among today’s players.
Keldon Johnson | San Antonio Spurs
FantasyData Projection: 34 | DraftKings Cost: $7000
Over his last three games, Johnson has averaged 34.3 fantasy points per game. For the season, he is averaging 21.8 across 32.6 minutes of action per game. Heading into today’s game, Johnson has surpassed his DFS average in 2 straight games and should be in line to do so once again against the Mavericks.
Buddy Hield | Indiana Pacers
FantasyData Projection: 31 | DraftKings Cost: $6200
Even though the Celtics have been a top 10 defense throughout the season. Over their last three games, they have given up 121.0 points per game, which is 19th in that span. Overall, Hield is averaging 31.7 fantasy points per game and 34.5 DFS points against top 10 defensive units. Heading into today’s game, he will cost $6200
