Five games are on the main Halloween NBA DFS slate this Saturday night, but there’s no need to be scared away from the action. DraftKings offers a full slate of contests covering the 10-team player pool, so let’s dive into the matchups and take a look at the three must-start NBA fantasy basketball options on Saturday. These three must-start fantasy basketball players can serve as a strong core for your roster, whether you build just one lineup or multiple lineups.
The Timberwolves and Rockets are the only two of the 10 teams on the main slate playing for the second day in a row, and none of these teams have another game on Sunday. Be sure to keep a close eye on Saturday’s injury report since key injuries can radically change the slate. Based on what we know coming into the day, here are three strong options to build around on Saturday.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $200K Fadeaway [$50K to 1st]
PG/SG Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento Kings at Memphis Grizzlies, $7,500
The Kings are in Memphis for their Saturday night matchup, which is a rematch of their game last Sunday. The Grizzlies won that matchup in Sacramento 123-112, and since then, they have improved to 5-0 on the season and are the NBA’s last undefeated team. On the other end of the spectrum, the Kings are one of two teams still looking for their first win at 0-5. The Kings have relied heavily in the early going on No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff Jr.
Acuff has a 32% usage rate on the year, which is the eighth-highest in the NBA among players who have played at least 10 minutes. He hasn’t always been efficient, but his very high volume gives him both a high floor and a high ceiling. He hit for a ceiling game on Thursday against the Pelicans, producing a season-high 62.5 FPTS on 34 points, 14 assists and six rebounds. He has at least 38 FPTS in three of his last four, including last weekend’s matchup against the Grizzlies, when he had 22 points and seven assists for 38.8 FPTS.
Acuff has elite potential but comes at an affordable salary, making him a must-start NBA fantasy basketball option this Saturday.
SG/SF Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets, $6,400
The Thunder lost Jalen Williams (leg) to a major injury earlier this season and Cason Wallace (shoulder) to a long-term injury as well. On Friday, news broke that Chet Holmgren (knee) has a small patellar tendon tear and will miss at least 8-to-10 weeks as well. With so many key offensive producers on the sideline, Mitchell will likely stay very involved for the Thunder against the Rockets and going forward.
Mitchell moved into the starting five on Monday and had 30 points and 42 FPTS in his 25 minutes in a win over the Suns. He was questionable on Wednesday but played 28 minutes and had 29 points and 44.5 FPTS in a loss to the Mavs. He is not on the injury report for Saturday’s matchup with the Rockets and should remain involved with a very high scoring ceiling alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
PG/SG Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings, $3,700
The Grizzlies listed both Ty Jerome ($8,400) and Scotty Pippen Jr. ($4,200) as questionable with back injuries for this contest, which could open up even more playing time for Spencer in a very favorable matchup against the Kings, who have allowed the most FPTS per game to shooting guards this season.
Even in his current role in the second unit, Spencer is a strong play to consider after posting 22.75 and 31.5 FPTS in his last two games against the Jazz and Trail Blazers. He had 17.5 FPTS with a season-high 13 points against the Kings last weekend, and he will have a chance to at least return good value at this salary with the potential for much more if he steps into a bigger role.
