The NBA has a seven-game slate on tap for Saturday night, which tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. In one of the two later games, the Celtics and Lakers meet in the marquee matchup of the night. While that game will take the spotlight, there are several other interesting options to consider for DFS contests. Of the 14 teams on the board, the Heat and Raptors are the only two teams playing for the second day in a row. The Pistons, Bucks and Pelicans are playing the front half of their set of back-to-back games, so keep a close eye on their rotations as well.
You can keep up to date with the latest availability updates in today’s injury report, so that you can shift your strategy if necessary as we approach tip-off.
Coming into the day, the three teams in this post are strong stacking options to consider for your NBA DFS fantasy basketball contests on DraftKings, headlined by the NBA $222K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st].
Indiana Pacers at Atlanta Hawks
The Pacers visit the Hawks, who have played with the most pace in the NBA over the last 15 games. Atlanta has given up 123.5 points per game over that 15-game span, the third-most in the NBA. The Pacers lost by six to the Hawks in the first game of this two-game set in Atlanta but did score 118 points. Indiana has scored at least 115 points in four straight and over 110 points in each of their last 12.
Core Plays: The key injury to watch for the NBA DFS slate Saturday is Tyrese Haliburton ($8,800; hip), who is questionable. He had 28 points, 15 assists and 59.25 fantasy points in his last game on Tuesday but missed Thursday’s game against the Hawks. Hali has a double-double and at least 47 fantasy points in six straight games. If he plays, he’ll be a strong option, but if he’s out, that would open lots of usage for the rest of the roster. Pascal Siakam ($7,900) is a good play either way and had 50.75 fantasy points against the Hawks on Thursday.
Value Options: Without Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard ($5,400) continued his recent resurgence with 32.75 fantasy points and a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists. He has over 30 fantasy points in three of his last four games and is a solid play at this price with Hali, although his ceiling is higher without. T.J. McConnell ($4,800) also got much more work with Haliburton out. Aaron NeSmith ($5,000) had 21 points and 35.25 fantasy points on Thursday against Atlanta and is a solid mid-range target with upside, especially if Bennedict Mathurin ($4,900; wrist, questionable) is out. If you need a bargain play, Ben Sheppard ($3,300) can round out your Indy stack since he has been getting more minutes lately as well.
Golden State Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons
The Warriors won four of the five games on their road trip and eight of their last nine overall as they come home to host the Pistons. Golden State has scored at least 114 points in eight straight and is finding a nice rhythm while looking to climb the Western Conference standings.
Core Plays: The pieces around him have changed a little, but Stephen Curry ($9,300) is still the heart of the team. He had 40 points against the Nets on Thursday and earned 50+ fantasy points in four of his last five games, dating back to his 73.5 fantasy points against the Magic. Draymond Green ($5,900) has also been productive, averaging 35.1 fantasy points per game over his last 10 games. He’s also better at home than on the road this season.
Value Options: Brandin Podziemski ($5,800; back) is questionable, and if he’s out, there will be more work available in the backcourt next to Steph. His absence would set up Moses Moody ($4,700) and Buddy Hield ($4,400) as strong value plays, while Gary Payton II ($4,000) has also been getting meaningful minutes and has over 25 fantasy points in three of his last five contests. Payton is a very solid NBA DFS option, especially if he moves into the starting five in place of Pod Racer.
Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans were a smash spot for stacking a few weeks ago, but as they have gotten healthier their pace has slowed a bit and their defense has improved. They still rank in the top 10 in pace over the last 15 games and the top five in points allowed over that span, but they have been trending better lately, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Rockets beat the Pelicans 109-97 in New Orleans on Thursday and will come home looking to sweep the home-and-home set on Saturday. Fred VanVleet (ankle) and Reed Sheppard (thumb) are out, creating more opportunity in the backcourt.
Core Plays: Without VanVleet, Amen Thompson ($8,700) continues to emerge as one of the biggest rising stars in the league. He had a double-double with 39.75 fantasy points against the Pelicans on Thursday after a double-double and 39 fantasy points in Indiana on Tuesday. He is still a little hit-or-miss, but this matchup makes him much more likely to hit. Alperen Sengun ($9,500) has been his running mate and has posted over 44 fantasy points in five of his last six games. Since no team in the NBA allows more fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season than the Pelicans, Sengun is a great play Saturday.
Value Options: The Rockets have let Tari Eason ($5,600) play a few more minutes lately, and he has delivered big performances. He had 20 points and 40 fantasy points on Thursday in New Orleans after 41 fantasy points on a double-double in Indiana. He and Jabari Smith Jr. ($5,700) have both been productive, although the rotation will get shaken up if Thompson doesn’t have to play as much point guard. With Sheppard out, Aaron Holiday ($3,500) could get more run as the backup point guard and is the best NBA DFS bargain play from Houston.
