This might be a small five-game slate, but it’s packed with household names.
You’ll have to decide not only who you want to build your DraftKings lineups around, but how you’re going to be able to afford those studs. I’m here to help. Let’s dive into the stats and break down everything you’ll need to know on Thursday night.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
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Key Injury News
QUESTIONABLE: Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Bradley Beal, PJ Washington, Cole Anthony
OUT: Kelly Olynyk
Click here for the slate’s full injury report
Matchup Analysis
Best Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. MIN (107.2)
- Golden State Warriors at ORL (107.8)
- Orlando Magic vs. GSW (109.3)
Worst Defensive Rating (Last 10 Games)
- Phoenix Suns vs. NOP (121.8)
- Charlotte Hornets at DAL (119.1)
- Dallas Mavericks vs. CHA (117.4)
Fastest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- New Orleans Pelicans at PHX (102.4)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. MIN (101.1)
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. DEN (100.8)
Slowest Pace (Last 10 Games)
- Orlando Magic vs. GSW (97.0)
- Charlotte Hornets at DAL (97.7)
- Dallas Mavericks vs. CHA (99.0)
Highest Game Total
- Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks (240.5)
- New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns (236.5)
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers (229)
Top DFS Pick
SG/SF Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans, $6,800
Editor’s Note: Suns SG/SF Bradley Beal (calf) is now listed as questionable for tonight’s game vs. the Pelicans.
I’m not sure how much longer Beal will be priced below $7,000, but I’m going to keep taking advantage — especially when he’s in a matchup with the defensively-challenged and uptempo Pelicans. Phoenix is currently in desperation mode and is throwing anything at the wall to see what sticks. Specific to Beal, that’s meant re-insertion into the starting lineup across the past three games, a span where Beal is averaging 40.8 minutes, which is the second-highest mark in the entire NBA. This hasn’t been empty volume, either. Beal has actually scored at least 24 points in five of his last six contests, culminating in a massive 55.25 FPTS performance on Tuesday against the Grizzlies. A repeat showing would be asking a lot, but I have faith that Beal can do some serious damage on Thursday, as New Orleans is surrendering second-most FPTS per game to opposing shooting guards this season. Stay hot, Brad.
Top Value Pick
SG Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns, $3,800
Who the Pelicans decide to start in place of Kelly Olynyk (rest) is one of the biggest dominos on this slate. Going up against a Suns squad that possesses the league’s worst defensive rating across its past 10 games (121.8), there is an opportunity for New Orleans to put up some gaudy offensive numbers on Thursday. Zion Williamson ($8,700), Trey Murphy ($7,900) and CJ McCollum ($7,100) will surely get theirs, yet there’s still a lot of available usage after that trio. Prior to the All-Star break, Javonte Green was in Olynyk’s spot in the starting five. However, Green now calls Cleveland home. In Tuesday’s victory over the Spurs, Bruce Brown (rest) led all Pelicans’ reserves in minutes (28.6), but the veteran wing is also being rested in Phoenix. That should leave Hawkins as the clear choice. The former lottery pick started five times earlier in 2024-25, producing 20.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Hawkins isn’t shy to get his shot up and he should easily being back value at this modest price point.
