The NBA starts the week of Thanksgiving with nine games this Monday, and seven of them are on the main DraftKings slate that tips off at 7:00 p.m. ET. Of the 14 teams in the player pool, the Celtics, Mavs, Pacers, Clippers and Raptors are each playing for the second day in a row, but none of the teams on the main slate have to turn around and play again on Tuesday. It’s always important to keep a close eye on the latest news and updates, as the models will adjust to compensate for any availability updates before tip-off.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly.
Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
NBA DFS Point Guard Picks
Stud
LaMelo Ball leads the NBA in usage rate at 37.4% and is coming off a massive 50-point double-double on Saturday. He has the highest median and ceiling projection of all point guards on the slate, and he definitely deserves consideration even though he’s in a tougher matchup against the Magic.
On Saturday, he smashed the Bucks for 75.75 DraftKings points with 50 points, 10 assists, five boards, and one steal in 40 minutes. He has finished with at least 50+ DraftKings points in seven of his last nine games and has produced 1.58 DraftKings points per minute over that span with a sky-high 41.0% usage rate.
The Magic have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, but Ball’s usage still gives him a high floor to go with his high ceiling. He is expensive, with his salary hitting $10,000 for just the second time this season, but if you can make his salary work under your cap, he has been absolutely crushing it this season, making the 6-10 Hornets a very exciting team to watch.
Value
Since the Mavs will be without Luka Doncic (wrist) for a third straight game, there is some great value in Dallas’s backcourt as they visit the Hawks in the game with the highest over/under on the slate. The Hawks play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA and rank in the bottom 10 in defensive efficiency. One great bargain value to consider is veteran Spencer Dinwiddie, who has the fifth-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all point guards and comes at the rock-bottom salary of only $3,300.
Dinwiddie has played 15+ minutes in four of his last five games and logged 28 minutes on Sunday in a five-point loss in Miami. He shot just 1-of-12 from the field in that game but still had a good fantasy day with 29.75 DraftKings points due to seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals to go with his modest seven points. He also had 20 DraftKings points on Friday in Denver, when he played just 16 minutes but had 10 points and four assists.
Without Luka, there’s an opportunity for Dinwiddie to step in and contribute. He’s risky since his poor shooting could lead to a reduced role on Monday, but if he keeps getting minutes and chances, he doesn’t have to do much to be a great value at $3,300 and can be a key to unlocking more salary cap space in other spots for stars with high ceilings.
Fast Break
James Harden has the fourth-highest Projected Plus/Minus at the position as he leads the Clippers into Boston to take on the defending champs. He had 50 DraftKings points on Friday in a win over the Kings but had a quieter game on Sunday in his return to Philadelphia while playing only 27 minutes in a blowout win. He has hit the 50 DraftKings point plateau three times in his last five games, averaging 1.37 DraftKings points per minute.
The Trail Blazers are in Memphis to face the Grizzlies, who may get Ja Morant (hip, questionable) back from injury. Morant will be high-risk since he’ll likely have a minutes limit, but on the other side of that matchup, Shaedon Sharpe has been playing well for Portland. He has 20+ points in four of his last five games and has exceeded salary-based expectations in each of those four games. The one game he failed to reach expectations was a blowout loss to the Rockets when he played reduced minutes. In those five games, he has produced 1.06 DraftKings points per minute with a team-high 30.4% usage rate in a team-high 32.8 minutes per contest.
The Clippers have been getting solid contributions in the second unit from Kevin Porter Jr. On Monday’s slate, he has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all point guards. On Sunday, he had 11 points, five assists, five rebounds, and 24.75 DraftKings points against the Sixers, exceeding salary-based expectations for the fifth time in his last six games. With Norman Powell (hamstring) missing the last three games, there has been more usage for Porter, along with Amir Coffey, Jordan Miller, and Kris Dunn.
Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:
NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks
Stud
One of the exciting new features this year on FantasyLabs this season is our partnership with ShotQuality. In both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections, Jaden Ivey has the highest Projected Plus/Minus on the entire slate. Ivey will likely take on a bigger role for the Pistons, with Cade Cunningham (hip, doubtful) expected to miss a second straight game.
Without Cade on Saturday, Ivey had 19 points, seven boards, and 36.75 DraftKings points with a 35.1% usage rate in a loss to the Magic. He’ll have a significantly better matchup against the Raptors in this game and should be able to post an even better number if he keeps getting that much work.
With Cunningham off the floor this season, Ivey’s usage increases to 33.8%, and he has produced 1.29 DraftKings points per minute in that scenario, compared to a rate of just 0.88 DraftKings points per minute with Cunningham on the floor. Getting Ivey at under $7,000 is a great option at shooting guard since he has the third-highest ceiling projection in both sets of projections and represents great Pts/Sal value.
Value
In both sets of projections, Ivey’s teammate, Malik Beasley has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at the position. Beasley has exceeded salary-based expectations in 10 straight games and has scored at least 15 points in nine straight. During that span, Beasley has produced 0.96 DraftKings points per minute and has a 21.9% usage rate.
Beasley has been knocking down multiple three-pointers and turning in solid non-scoring stats, making him a strong play under $6,000 in this matchup vs. the Raptors, especially if Cunningham misses a second straight game as expected. Beasley moved back into the starting lineup without Cade on Saturday and finished with 18 points and 28.75 DraftKings points in 31 minutes.
Fast Break
Jaylen Brown has been red-hot the last two games for the Celtics, dropping 53.75 DraftKings points against the Wizards and 44.5 DraftKings points against the Timberwolves. Brown has exceeded salary-based expectations in five of his last six games while averaging 1.22 DraftKings points per minute and putting up a pair of double-doubles.
The Magic have been getting strong production in their second unit from Anthony Black, who has exceeded salary-based expectations eight times in his last 10 games. Jalen Suggs (hamstring) was limited in his last game but does not have an injury designation, but Black stepped into a larger role on Saturday and has 11 points and 22.25 DraftKings points in 32 minutes. He has averaged 24.5 DraftKings points per game in 25.9 minutes over his last 10 games. His defense and high energy make him tons of fun to watch and should put him in a good spot against the Hornets.
With multiple guards injured, Quenton Jackson has started each of the last three games for the Pacers. He exploded for 24 points and 37 DraftKings points in the first of those three games against the Rockets but then calmed down with just 15 and 9.5 DraftKings points in his last two games. Against the Pelicans, though, he ranks in the top seven in Projected Plus/Minus at the position in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.
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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks
Stud
The Magic continue to get outstanding production from Franz Wagner, who is carrying the team with Paolo Banchero (oblique) on the shelf. Wagner has the second-highest median and ceiling projection at small forward on Monday in a smash spot against the Hornets.
Orlando has won eight of its last nine games, and Wagner has exceeded salary-based expectations in eight of his last 10. He has averaged 51.7 DraftKings points per game over that span and an elite 1.47 DraftKings points per minute.
The 23-year-old emerging star had 71 DraftKings points last Thursday against the Lakers on 37 points, 11 assists, and four steals and also hit the game-winning three-pointer. He followed that up with 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists on his way to 57.25 DraftKings points on Saturday.
He’s a great play to build around in Charlotte since the Hornets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to small forwards.
Value
The Hornets will be without Tre Mann (back) and Miles Bridges (knee) on Monday for the second straight game, and Grant Williams (knee) will miss the rest of the season after tearing up his knee on Saturday against the Bucks. With so much playing time available, there should be plenty of good value options in the Hornets’ rotation. Cody Martin has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus at small forward and the third-highest at point guard in the ShotQuality projections. and the third-highest at both positions in the FantasyLabs projections.
Martin has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last eight games, averaging 23.6 DraftKings points per game and 0.85 DraftKings points per minute. Martin had 25+ DraftKings points in three of his last four games and is still a solid value even though his salary has climbed past $4,000.
With more work available in the Hornets’ rotation, he’s a solid value play, even though the matchup with the Magic is a tough one.
Fast Break
Scottie Barnes played 34 minutes in his second game back from his eye injury and turned in a solid 45.25 DraftKings points in a 14-point loss to the Cavs. He has a good matchup on the road in Detroit against the Pistons as long as playing in both games of the back-to-back isn’t an issue. Barnes and R.J. Barrett both rank in the top six in ceiling projections at small forward in the FantasyLabs projections.
The Pelicans are still extremely short-handed, but Trey Murphy III is one source of scoring they can turn to as he rounds into form. He got a late start to the season due to a hamstring injury and has been brought along slowly. However, he played a season-high 38 minutes on Friday, producing 24 points and 39.5 DraftKings points, both season-highs. In a good matchup on the road against the Pacers, he should be ready to take on a heavy workload once again and bring an excellent ceiling for a mid-range play.
The Hornets were already working Josh Green into their rotation more, and the promising young forward posted double-digit points in four of his last five games. His salary is still under $4,000, and his strong non-scoring contributions make him a low-bust risk.
NBA DFS Power Forward Picks
Stud
Jalen Johnson is having a breakout season for the Hawks and is stepping up as a strong scoring complement to Trae Young. Johnson is a little cheaper than the most expensive power forwards on the slate but has the third-highest ceiling and median projection at the position in a great game environment against the Mavericks.
Johnson is producing 1.25 DraftKings points per minute on the season and has increased that to 1.34 DraftKings points per minute over his last 10 games and 1.39 DraftKings points per minute in his last five. He exceeded salary-based expectations in four of his last five games with four double-doubles and at least 45 DraftKings points in each of those four games.
On Friday, Johnson had 25 points and 13 boards, and a total of 54.75 DraftKings points in a close loss to the Bulls. Atlanta has dropped three straight road games, but it could take advantage of coming home and catching the Luka-less Mavs playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
Value
Without Doncic, P.J. Washington has posted a pair of 20-point double-doubles against the Nuggets and Heat. He had 45.25 DraftKings points on Friday in Denver while leading the Mavs to an NBA Cup victory, and he followed that up with 43 DraftKings points in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Heat.
Washington’s usage rate is just 14.1% with Luka on the floor but jumps to 21.3% with Luka off the floor. In that situation, Washington has produced 1.32 DraftKings points per minute, which makes him a very solid option to target in the midrange at $6,000 in what should be a high-scoring game in Atlanta.
Johnson and Washington are both set for success and rank in the top five in Projected Plus/Minus at the position in the ShotQuality projections.
Fast Break
Jayson Tatum has the highest ceiling projection of all power forwards in his home matchup with the Clippers. Tatum has fallen short of salary-based expectations in each of his last two games while Jaylen Brown did more of the heavy lifting. Tatum has shown an extremely high ceiling this season, though, averaging 53.2 DraftKings points per game and 1.46 DraftKings points per minute.
Against the short-handed Pelicans, Pascal Siakam has very nice upside for the Pacers. He always plays huge minutes and has scored 20+ points in five straight games, exceeding salary-based expectations in three of his last four games.
Another cheap play from the Hornets is rookie Tidjane Saluan, who is only $3,300 but has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at both power forward and small forward. He could take on lots of Williams’ minutes, and he could be a solid bargain option even though he only has produced 0.72 DraftKings points per minute.
NBA DFS Center Picks
Stud
Even though he’s the most expensive player on the board by a wide margin, Nikola Jokic can’t be overlooked since he has been so productive this season. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in every single one of his 12 games this season and is averaging an insane 71.8 DraftKings points per game on 30.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per game.
He returned from a three-game absence due to personal reasons on Friday night against the Mavericks and had 33 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, and 73.25 DraftKings points in 39 minutes. The following night, he posted 68.25 DraftKings points with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists against the Lakers.
He has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all centers in the ShotQuality projections even though his salary is so high.
He will go head-to-head with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee, questionable) and the visiting Knicks in Denver on Monday. The Joker will be a great option to pay up for since he has been so consistent and elite all season long, but he’ll get an even bigger boost if KAT is sidelined, leaving Jericho Sims and Ariel Hukporti as the Knicks’ only true centers.
Value
In both the ShotQuality projections and the FantasyLabs projections, Clint Capela has the second-highest Projected Plus/Minus of all centers. Capela has exceeded salary-based expectations in eight straight games, averaging 1.46 DraftKings points per minute and playing about 23 minutes per game.
On Friday, Capela had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 42.75 DraftKings points in 27 minutes against the Bulls. He continues to share time with Onyeka Okongwu at the center, but for now, it looks like the veteran has taken the slightly larger portion of the timeshare.
Both Hawks’ centers have a great matchup on Monday since the Mavs allow more DraftKings points per game to opposing centers than any other team in the NBA.
Fast Break
Ivica Zubac’s salary continues to slide, but his production has been fairly consistent. He has three straight double-doubles after posting 39.5 DraftKings points with 16 points and 12 rebounds on Sunday vs. the Sixers. He’s a solid option if you can’t pay all the way up to Jokic but don’t want to go cheap at center either.
In the FantasyLabs projections, Moussa Diabate has the highest Projected Plus/Minus at the position. He had 28 DraftKings points and 22.25 DraftKings points in his last two games after moving into the starting five. Diabate played over 30 minutes in each of those games but only scored a single point combined. He had double-digit rebounds and good defensive numbers in both of those games, and it makes sense as a center under $5,000.
As a cheap center play, Isaiah Stewart is worth a look at only $4,300. He posted 33.25 DraftKings points against the Hornets last Thursday, falling just one rebound short of a double-double. On Saturday, he followed that up with 29.75 DraftKings points against the Magic and has exceeded salary-based expectations in eight of his last 11.
