If you’re new to daily fantasy sports (DFS), NBA on DraftKings is one of the most exciting ways to experience basketball as a fan. Unlike standard fantasy basketball, where you draft one team that you manage for the entire season, you instead create a new lineup every day –– competing for real cash prizes with every slate. Whether you’re into big tournaments or just looking to win your head-to-head contests, this NBA DFS 101 guide will help you better understand scoring, contest types, lineup strategy and beginner mistakes to avoid.
Along with this guide, visit DraftKings Network for daily advice for fantasy and sports betting.
What is NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?
NBA Daily Fantasy Sports on DraftKings lets you draft a new team each day and compete for real cash prizes. Unlike season-long fantasy basketball, DFS is fast-paced, flexible and offers a variety of contest types. If you’ve ever searched for how to play NBA DFS, you’re in the right place.
DraftKings NBA DFS Scoring
| Point | +1 Pts |
| Made 3pt Shot | +0.5 Pts |
| Rebound | +1.25 Pts |
| Assist | +1.5 Pts |
| Steal | +2 Pts |
| Block | +2 Pts |
| Turnover | -0.5 Pts |
| Double-Double {Max 1 Per Player: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Blocks, Steals} | +1.5 Pts |
| Triple-Double {Max 1 Per Player: Points, Rebounds, Assists, Blocks, Steals} | +3 Pts |
Lineup Requirements
| 1 | PG |
| 1 | SG |
| 1 | SF |
| 1 | PF |
| 1 | C |
| 1 | G (PG,SG) |
| 1 | F (SF,PF) |
| 1 | Util (PG,SG,SF,PF,C) |
Types of DraftKings NBA Contests
When learning NBA fantasy strategy for DraftKings, it’s important to know contest formats:
- GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) – Big-field tournaments with large payouts. Great for chasing upside and taking shots with low-owned players.
- Cash Games – 50/50s, double-ups, and head-to-heads where consistency wins. Chalk plays are cornerstones of lineups.
- Showdown Contests – Single-game format where you pick 6 players, including one Captain with boosted points.
Beginner NBA DFS Strategy Tips
If you want to build better lineups, these DraftKings NBA DFS tips can help:
- Monitor Late News – This is essential for NBA DFS because players often get ruled out minutes before tipoff, which often thrust low-priced players into substantial roles.
- Value Plays – Look for underpriced players due to injuries, line changes or favorable matchups.
- Bankroll Management – Spread your entries between GPPs and cash to manage risk.
- Schedules – Are teams playing two nights in a row? Are teams traveling across the country?
- Matchups – Teams that play at a slow pace and are defensive in nature lower the ceiling for potential fantasy points. Conversely, teams that play fast and eschew defense are ripe for fantasy bonanzas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NBA DFS
- Not mapping out and planning for contingencies. If Player X is out, then which player or players benefit?
- Ignoring injury reports and late-breaking news.
- Relying too heavily on small sample sizes.
How to Get Started with DraftKings NBA DFS
- Sign up on DraftKings – New users often get a deposit bonus.
- Build Your Lineup – Use player projections, matchup research, and advice from DraftKings Network.
- Enter & Watch – Follow your lineup live and enjoy the thrill of daily fantasy.
Useful DraftKings Resources to Help Your Lineup Building
- DraftKings Network – DFS, Sports Betting and daily news information and advice, specifically tailored for DraftKings.
- DraftKings Stats Hub – Updated betting trends, matchups, stats, and much, much more for every game of the NBA season.
