After almost a full week without real games, basketball is back to normal this evening with a nine-game featured slate on DraftKings.
You’re probably a little rusty with NBA DFS. No sweat. I’m here to help. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to know.
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Key Injury News
IN: Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey
QUESTIONABLE: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Jerami Grant, OG Anunoby
DOUBTFUL: Victor Wembanyama
OUT: Josh Hart, Patrick Williams, Vit Krejci
Click here for the slate’s full injury report
Matchup Analysis
Best Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. CLE (106.3)
- Los Angeles Lakers at POR (109.1)
- Boston Celtics at PHI (109.7)
Worst Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Chicago Bulls at NYK (120.4)
- Phoenix Suns at SAS (119.4)
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. LAC (119.1)
Fastest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Atlanta Hawks vs. ORL (103.9)
- Memphis Grizzlies at IND (102.9)
- Chicago Bulls at NYK (102.5)
Slowest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. CLE (93.5)
- Charlotte Hornets at DEN (96.0)
- Orlando Magic at ATL (96.6)
Highest Game Total
- Memphis Grizzlies at Indiana Pacers (251)
- Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks (245)
- Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (238)
Top DFS Pick
PF Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies, $7,800
You’re going to want to get some exposure to this game. For context, this tilt between the Pacers and the Grizzlies currently has a 251-point total on the DraftKings Sportsbook. That isn’t just the highest of this slate, it’s one of the highest I’ve seen all season long. It’s not difficult to figure out why, either. Memphis comes into Thursday ranking first in the NBA in pace (104.5), while Indiana sits sixth (100.7). This is going to be a track meet and that’s an environment where Pascal Siakam usually thrives. The All-Star has long been one of the league’s best transition threats and he’ll get to showcase that skill set this evening. Siakam is also in the midst of a pretty nice stretch. Dating back to January 16, a span of 12 games for the Pacers, Siakam has clearly established himself as the team’s No. 1 offensive option. In that time frame, Siakam leads all Indiana starters in both usage rate (25.1%) and FPTS generated per minute (1.28). It doesn’t hurt that the Grizzlies are allowing the most FPTS per contest to opposing power forwards in 2024-25, as well.
Top Value Pick
C Bismack Biyombo, San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns, $3,000
What year is it?! Bismack Biyombo is currently on a 10-day contract with the Spurs. He’s logged exactly 25 seconds of NBA basketball across the past four months. Yet, here we are. Victor Wembanyama ($10,900; illness) is listed as doubtful to play on Thursday and that leaves San Antonio in a really touch spot when it comes to center depth. Remember, Charles Bassey (knee) is hurt. Zach Collins was traded at the deadline. In all honestly, the only two legitimate big men left on this roster are Biyombo and Sandro Mamukelashvili ($3,000), who is also priced at the absolute bare minimum. This isn’t really an endorsement of either, it’s an endorsement of the situation. The Suns are allowing the fourth-most FPTS per game to opposing fives. If either Biyombo or Mamukelashvili starts, they’re viable on this slate.
