With the NBA trade deadline now passed and the All-Star break on the horizon, basketball fans and daily fantasy sports (DFS) enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting Saturday night featuring five games on the DraftKings slate. The action kicks off at 7:00 p.m. ET, following some afternoon matchups that promise to set the stage for the evening’s drama. As all teams come off a day of rest, we can expect a return to normal rotations, although several key players are listed as questionable, so it will be crucial to stay updated on their availability before tip-off.
This weekend’s slate presents some intriguing prospects for DFS players. Using various tools and projections available through FantasyLabs, let’s highlight some top plays.
The point guard position features standout Jamal Murray from the Denver Nuggets, who boasts the highest projections in terms of median, ceiling, and floor. The Nuggets are set to face the Chicago Bulls, and with several teammates, including Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson out, Murray will likely shoulder the offensive load. His strong recent performances, including over 50 DraftKings points in two consecutive games, make him a pivotal choice, especially if Nikola Jokic remains sidelined.
On the value side, Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic stands out, particularly given the matchup against the Utah Jazz, who are historically vulnerable. After returning from injury, Suggs has ramped up his minutes and recently posted an impressive 63.75 DraftKings points in a game against the Brooklyn Nets. His potential to deliver high returns at a reasonable salary position him as a top choice this Saturday.
In the shooting guard category, Austin Reaves rises to prominence with Luka Doncic ruled out. Expected to be in the starting lineup, Reaves has thrived in Doncic’s absence, averaging strong points and DraftKings outputs.
For small forwards, Brandon Miller of the Hornets is generating buzz, given a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, who have struggled defensively against his position. Miller’s consistent performance in recent games illustrates his solid potential for this matchup.
In the power forward slot, LeBron James remains a key figure without Luka. His contributions will be vital, especially given his strong historical outputs in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, value finds in Dominick Barlow of the 76ers shows promise, as his role could expand with Joel Embiid’s status uncertain.
Finally, at center, Jaren Jackson Jr. emerges as a notable option after being acquired by the Jazz. His prior performance for the Grizzlies indicates he could play a crucial role this Saturday. Additionally, Hornets center Moussa Diabate has been gaining traction, yielding high outputs recently and holding a favorable salary position.
As the NBA DFS landscape is ever-evolving, it’s essential to keep an eye on live updates and player models leading up to the games. It promises to be an eventful night of basketball filled with potential sleepers and core plays that can make the difference in fantasy competitions.