11 games. 22 teams. Countless injuries.
Who’s ready for a lil’ NBA DFS tonight on DraftKings?
It’s a messy slate, so let’s go through all the things you’ll need to know to build a couple lineups.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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Key Injury News
AVAILABLE: Josh Giddey, Walker Kessler
QUESTIONABLE: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Isaiah Hartenstein, Christian Braun, Jordan Poole, Andrew Wiggins, Guerschon Yabusele, Mitchell Robinson, Santi Aldama, Toumani Camara, Cole Anthony, Cason Wallace, Kyshawn George, Marcus Smart
DOUBTFUL: Kelly Oubre Jr., Jerami Grant
OUT: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Domantas Sabonis, Ja Morant, Lauri Markkanen, Khris Middleton, Luguentz Dort, Bradley Beal
Click here for the slate’s full and updated injury report
Matchup Analysis
Best Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Detroit Pistons at MIA (106.7)
- New York Knicks at SAS (108.1)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. NOP (110.2)
Worst Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- San Antonio Spurs vs. NYK (129.3)
- New Orleans Pelicans at MIN (125.2)
- Dallas Mavericks at IND (123.6)
Fastest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Utah Jazz vs. WAS (105.4)
- Detroit Pistons at MIA (103.9)
- Washington Wizards at UTA (102.8)
Slowest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Miami Heat vs. DET (96.0)
- Orlando Magic vs. HOU (96.0)
- New York Knicks at SAS (96.3)
Highest Game Total
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Sacramento Kings (237)
- Washington Wizards at Utah Jazz (236)
- Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers (236)
Top DFS Pick
C Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs, $9,900
The only real fear I have with Towns on this slate is the potential for a blowout, but it feels like the big man would still find his way to at least 30 minutes in such a scenario. Thanks, Thibs. To be blunt, matchups don’t get much juicier than this. The Spurs are not only undersized and undermanned, but they’ve been bleeding points to opponents the past few weeks. In fact, San Antonio has by far the league’s worst defensive rating across its last 10 contests (129.3). For the season as a whole, the Spurs are also surrendering the fourth-most FPTS per game to opposing centers. Let’s also not forget about Jalen Brunson (ankle), who is still expected to miss at least a few more starts due to his injury. With Brunson off the floor in 2024-25, Towns possesses a 32.9% usage rate and he produces 1.57 FPTS per minute. When people talk about the potential for ceiling performances, this is the kind of situation they’re usually referring to.
Top Value Pick
PG AJ Johnson, Washington Wizards at Utah Jazz, $3,500
The Wizards have yet another rookie guard playing big minutes in their rotation. AJ Johnson was picked up in the Kyle Kuzma trade with the Bucks and he made his first-career start in Monday’s loss to the Blazers. Actually, that might be underselling it. Johnson started and logged 34.7 minutes of action — the lone Washington asset to exceed 30 minutes of playing time. I don’t see that changing on Wednesday, not with Khris Middleton (ankle) already ruled out and Jordan Poole ($6,800; elbow) listed as questionable. Johnson wasn’t exactly polished in that contest against Portland, shooting just 37.5% from the field and racking up six turnovers, but he still finished with 22.25 FPTS thanks to eight points, seven rebounds and four assists. Tonight should present a much easier matchup for the 20-year-old, as the Jazz have surrendered the second-most FPTS to opposing point guards in 2024-25. If Johnson sees over 30 minutes he should have little issue bringing back value at his modest salary in what should also be a track meet. These two squads both rank in the top three in pace across their past 10 contests.
