A five-game, ten-team slate makes up Saturday’s featured NBA DFS slate. That means big names are expected to take the floor across the association. Superstars such as Jalen Johnson, Tyrese Maxey, and Jamal Murray are all projected to suit up this evening.
Still, building a successful lineup requires a balance between paying up and finding value. A few low-cost selections can make all the difference in fantasy basketball. Here are three bargains to target tonight in DFS and season-long fantasy formats.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $150K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PG Pat Spencer, Golden State Warriors at LAL ($4,800)
A combination of trades and injuries have re-shuffled Golden State’s rotations in a major way. That includes the absence of Stephen Curry, currently sidelined with a knee injury. In the superstar’s place, it’ll be Pat Spencer taking over at point guard. The third-year pro has spent most of his NBA career as a backup. However, he’s begun to earn the trust of head coach Steve Kerr. Over his last two outings, Spencer has notched a combined 62.0 fantasy points.
Tonight, the Warriors will get an opportunity to improve their standing in the Western Conference. The Lakers, despite all their star power, struggle on the defensive end of the floor. That’s especially true on the perimeter, where Los Angeles has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards. At the moment, this Golden State depth chart is made up of De’Anthony Melton ($5,700), Draymond Green ($5,300) and Moses Moody ($5,000). That’s not enough for me to not consider prioritizing Spencer on Saturday.
C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets at ATL ($4,500)
The Hornets have been a pleasant surprise over the past few months, making a strong push for the Eastern Conference play-in. Part of what’s made Charlotte formidable in recent weeks is solid play down low. The center duo of Moussa Diabate ($5,300) and Ryan Kalkbrenner have surpassed all expectations so far. The latter has impressed, especially for a second-rounder. Over 40 games, the Creighton alum has accounted for 8.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks (20.9 FPTS).
On Saturday, Charlotte will take on a Hawks team that’s shorthanded inside the paint. Onyeka Okongwu (mouth) is currently questionable to suit up. Even if OO does play, there isn’t much depth in the frontcourt. Atlanta has surrendered the tenth-most fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season. Kalkbrenner has notched 20+ fantasy points in each of his last two appearances. That’s despite logging just under 20 minutes in both contests. A solid floor gives the rookie an edge over similarly priced players tonight.
PF/C Guerschon Yabusele, Chicago Bulls vs. DEN ($4,400)
Chicago made one of the more puzzling moves of the trade deadline, acquiring Knicks big man Guerschon Yabusele. It’s been a brutal 2025-26 campaign for the Frenchman in New York. However, this Bulls front office clearly thinks Yabu can recapture his form from last season with the 76ers. So far, it’s looking like they might be right. The 30-year-old impressed during his team debut on Thursday, posting 15 points, 11 rebounds and three assists (39.8 FPTS). In addition, he was able to stay on the court for 33 minutes.
It’s important to note that the Bulls are lacking quality centers. Outside of Jalen Smith ($5,900), there aren’t many players capable of protecting the paint. As any fantasy manager knows, opportunity is everything. Saturday’s opposition, the Nuggets, haven’t been amazing down low. Denver has coughed up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. Given the lack of internal competition, it’s difficult to see Yabusele not garner 25+ minutes. That’s enough to target the veteran at a modest $4,400 price tag.
