Today is going to be a mess in the NBA world.
There’s a massive schedule and trades will be happening left and right over the next 24 hours. For a fantasy basketball writer it’s less than ideal. However, for someone playing DFS, it’s the opportunity for a gold mine of value.
As of now, let’s break down everything you’ll need to know for Wednesday’s nine-game featured slate on DraftKings. Just, you know, keep your head on a swivel for breaking news.
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Key Injury News
IN: De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Williams, Cam Johnson
PROBABLE: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis
QUESTIONABLE: Chris Paul, Lauri Markkanen, Vasilije Micić, Aaron Gordon, Brook Lopez
DOUBTFUL: Paul George, Jalen Suggs
OUT: Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, Desmond Bane, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, Collin Sexton, Russell Westbrook, Lonzo Ball
Click here for the slate’s full injury report
Matchup Analysis
Best Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Toronto Raptors vs. MEM (107.6)
- Minnesota Timberwolves at CHI (111.0)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. WAS (112.3)
Worst Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. MIA (121.4)
- San Antonio Spurs at ATL (119.9)
- New Orleans Pelicans at DEN (119.5)
Fastest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Atlanta Hawks vs. SAS (103.5)
- Memphis Grizzlies at TOR (103.0)
- San Antonio Spurs at ATL (102.1)
Slowest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. WAS (94.1)
- Miami Heat at PHI (97.6)
- Golden State Warriors at UTA (97.7)
Highest Game Total
- San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta Hawks (243)
- New Orleans Pelican at Denver Nuggets (239)
- Memphis Grizzlies at Toronto Raptors (238.5)
Top DFS Pick
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs at Atlanta Hawks, $10,800
Allow me to step into our time machine for a moment. Let’s go back to December 19, when the Spurs welcomed the Hawks into San Antonio. That night, Wembanyama was phenomenal, finishing with 42 points, four blocks and 70.0 FPTS. I could see a similar scenario playing out on Wednesday. Simply put, this matchup is going to be a counting stat dreamland for prospective DFS owners. These two squads rank first and third in pace across their last 10 games, which is why this tilt sports the slate’s highest implied total by a pretty wide margin. Wembanyama should be able to flirt with his ceiling in this environment — and it’s a comically large ceiling. Consider that the reigning Rookie of the Year has exceeded 50 FPTS in 10 of his 13 starts since the beginning of January. Wembanyama is also averaging an eye-popping 1.63 FPTS per minute for 2024-25 as a whole.
Top Value Pick
PG Jamal Shead, Toronto Raptors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, $3,100
With so much news in the NBA today, I’m going to write up a player that wasn’t even featured in my actual values article from Wednesday morning. That’s because the Raptors dropped a hellish injury report on the second night of their back-to-back set. RJ Barrett (concussion), Jakob Poeltl (hip) and Immanuel Quickley (injury management) have all been ruled out for this evening’s contest with the uptempo Grizzlies. As you might expect, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunity in Toronto’s rotation. It’s Gradey Dick ($4,200) that leads all Raptors with a 27.4% usage rate with that specific trio of teammates off the floor this season, yet I prefer Shead, Kelly Olynyk ($3,300) and Ja’Kobe Walter ($3,200) as DFS assets. Olynyk and Walter should start for Toronto, while Shead will probably come in off the bench, with Davion Mitchell ($3,900) getting the call to join the starting five. However, Shead will still likely see 24-28 minutes and he’s far too inexpensive for his role. The rookie is also directly on the heels of his best professional performance, registering 16 points, nine assists and 32.75 FPTS versus the Knicks on Tuesday.
