NBA

NBA DFS Picks Breakdown on DraftKings (Wednesday, October 30)

Wednesday features an eight-game main slate starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
Become a PRO Member
 

Stud

LaMelo Ball is officially back, and if the early results are to be believed, he’s officially better than ever. He’s played extremely well through his first three contests, racking up 67.0, 49.75, and 48.0 DraftKings points in his first three games. That includes a game where he played just 28.7 minutes, and he’s averaged 1.68 DraftKings points per minute to start the year. That’s the best mark among all of Wednesday’s options.

Ball should be able to keep the good times rolling vs. the Raptors. They’re expected to be one of the worst teams in basketball this season, and they’re just 21st in defensive efficiency to start the year. They’ve also played at the eighth-fastest pace, which is an excellent combination for DFS purposes. The Hornets are implied for 115.75 points, which represents a solid increase from their season average (112.0).

Ball leads the entire slate in median and ceiling projections, so his $9,600 salary is very reasonable. He’s one of the top pay-up options regardless of position.

Value

The Nets are in a pretty brutal spot on Wednesday. They’re playing on the second leg of a back-to-back after losing to the Nuggets in overtime on Tuesday. Most of their starters played heavy minutes in that outing, including Dennis Schroder.

Still, it’s hard to avoid Schroder at his current price tag. He’s been an outstanding source of value to start the year. His usage and assist rates are way up compared to his marks with the Nets last year, and he’s going to have to continue to carry a large burden. He’s scored at least 46.5 DraftKings points in back-to-back games, including 51.5 last night vs. the Nuggets. Until his price catches up to his production, expect him to be a staple of this article.

Fast Break

The Raptors are going to be pretty shorthanded on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley is officially doubtful, while Scottie Barnes has already been ruled out. That gives Davion Mitchell a nice boost in value. He’s coming off 35.3 minutes and 29.0 DraftKings points in his last outing, and he’s projected for 30 minutes in our NBA Models. The Hornets are also an excellent matchup, giving Mitchell an Opponent Plus/Minus of +6.65.

Jalen Suggs has been on an absolute mission to start the year. He’s increased his production to 1.35 DraftKings points per minute through his first four games, and he’s scored at least 45.75 DraftKings points in back-to-back outings. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble – which plagued him in his first two contests – he’s a great bet to pay off his $5,500 salary.

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

The Wizards stand out as another strong team to target on Wednesday. They’re going to be without Kyle Kuzma, who is one of their top offensive options. His absence should open up a decent amount of usage for the rest of the roster.

Jordan Poole is someone who doesn’t typically need an excuse to look for his own shot. He’s done that extremely well so far this season, averaging a career-best 22.0 points per game. He’s also averaged three steals and five assists per contest, resulting in an average of 1.30 DraftKings points per minute.

The game between the Hawks and Wizards should also be fantasy-friendly. The total for that contest sits at 232.5, which is the second-highest mark on the slate. Both teams have played at a top-five pace this season, so there should be ample scoring opportunities for both squads.

Value

Tre Mann is another strong option for the Hornets on Wednesday. He’s been a usage monster for the team to start the year. His usage rate was just 18.2% in 28 games with Charlotte last season, but he’s increased that figure to 26.6% through three games this year. He was above 30% in each of his first two outings, and he’s responded with an average of 1.08 DraftKings points per minute.

Mann has posted a positive Plus/Minus in each of his first three games, and his salary has increased slightly to $5,000 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Raptors. That said, he’s still grading out as an outstanding value option, with only Poole projected for a better Plus/Minus at the position.

Fast Break

Like Schroder, Cam Thomas seems underpriced given his role with the Nets to start the year. Thomas has always been a gifted scorer, and after losing Mikal Bridges in the offseason, the team needs his offense more than ever. He’s scored at least 33.75 DraftKings points in all four games, including two games with at least 45.25. He’s averaging 29.5 points and a 32.6% usage rate so far this season, so he has some sneaky upside to be among the league leaders in both departments.

Coby White is down to $7,000 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Magic, which is undoubtedly a tough one. Orlando was one of the best defensive teams in basketball last season, and they also played at one of the slowest paces. Still, White has averaged 1.13 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s already displayed a ceiling of 60 DraftKings points. That makes him too cheap at his current salary.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1 for a $100 deposit match.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

R.J. Barrett isn’t priced like a stud at $6,600, but he has the potential for stud-like upside. He’ll be playing in just his second game of the year, and he was limited to less than 30 minutes in his first outing. However, his usage when on the floor is extremely promising for his outlook moving forward. He posted a usage rate of nearly 32% after sitting at 25.7% with the Raptors last season.

With Quickley and Barnes both out of the picture on Wednesday, Barrett should take on another sizable scoring role. Barrett saw a +5.06% bump to his usage rate with both players off the floor last season, resulting in an average of 1.25 DraftKings points per minute. He’s also expected to see a few more minutes than he did in his first contest, so he’s an ideal target vs. the Hornets.

Value

Bilal Coulibaly was the No. 7 pick in the draft last season, and the Wizards eased him into the NBA. He was one of the youngest players in the league, so the team limited him to just 27.2 minutes per game.

However, they ramped up his involvement near the end of the season, and he’s taken on a much larger role so far in Year Two. He’s averaged 34 minutes through their first three contests, and he’s responded with averages of 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Overall, he’s increased his fantasy output to 0.83 DraftKings points per minute.

Coulibaly is expected to handle another large role on Wednesday, and he’s currently projected for 34 minutes in our NBA Models. He’s historically posted a Plus/Minus of +3.32 in 26 career games with at least 30 minutes of playing time (per the Trends tool), and he should only continue to get better.

Fast Break

Zach LaVine has increased his fantasy scoring in all four games this season, going from 36.75 DraftKings points on opening night to 43.75 in his most recent outing. That makes him an extremely consistent producer for someone priced in the low $7k range. His 11 Pro Trends are tied for the most at the position on DraftKings, and while his ceiling might be a bit capped vs. the Magic, he’s a good bet to return value for the fifth straight game.

The 76ers are still in the same boat they’ve been in all season, with Joel Embiid and Paul George both out of the lineup. That leaves Kelly Oubre as one of their top threats offensively. He hasn’t exactly crushed in that role this season – he’s averaged 0.88 DraftKings points per minute – but he averaged 1.05 DraftKings points per minute with Embiid and Tobias Harris off the floor last year.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

Is Paolo Banchero poised to take another step forward this season? It’s possible. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick is coming off a monster performance in his last contest, racking up 86.75 DraftKings points thanks to 50 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. That kind of fantasy production is not common. The only players to crack 85 DraftKings points last season were Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Domantas Sabonis, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, so at a minimum, Banchero has displayed a ceiling that only the best producers in fantasy can match.

Banchero hasn’t been nearly as impressive in his other outings, but he’s now averaged 1.51 DraftKings points per minute for the year. He’s still priced below $10,000 in a good matchup vs. the Bulls, so he’s a reasonable pay-up option. 

Value

Caleb Martin is another strong value target for the shorthanded 76ers. He’s played at least 33.8 minutes in all three games this season, and he’s projected for 34 minutes once again vs. the Pistons. Martin is coming off a double-double in his last outing, and he also posted a season-high 26.0% usage rate. Ultimately, he’s too cheap at just $5,100.

Fast Break

Jalen Johnson has blossomed into a really good player for the Hawks. He’s capable of doing a little bit of everything, and he’s on pace for new career highs in basically every category across the board. He put his entire skill set on display in his last outing, finishing with 59.0 DraftKings points on 29 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists vs. the Wizards. He’ll face the same team on Wednesday, giving him some upside at $7,900.

Tobias Harris has struggled to get things going with the Pistons this season, but it hasn’t been due to a lack of opportunities. He’s played plenty of minutes, including 36.7 in his last outing. The bigger culprit has been his subpar shooting efficiency, with his field goal percentage sitting at just 34.1%. Harris has historically been closer to a 50% shooter from the field, and when some shots start dropping, he should provide strong value at $6,000.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

It feels as though LeBron James has officially passed the torch to Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. Davis is one of the best players in the league, and he’s getting more scoring opportunities than he ever has in the purple and gold. His usage rate is up to 31.3% through his first four games after sitting at just 26.7% last season. As a result, Davis is currently leading the league with an average of 32.7 points per game.

Davis is also capable of gobbling up rebounds and blocks, so it’s no surprise that he’s on pace for a huge fantasy season. He’s averaging 1.61 DraftKings points per minute, and he’s scored at least 54.75 DraftKings points in all four games. If Davis can maintain that level of usage moving forward, he’s not going to be available below $11,000 for long.

Value

Noah Clowney has been starting at center for the Nets this season, but Nic Claxton has been playing more minutes off the bench. However, Claxton has been ruled out for the Nets on Wednesday. That should give Clowney a significant boost in playing time, making him an elite value target at just $3,700. He’s averaged a respectable 0.84 DraftKings points per minute so far this season, and he’s conservatively projected for 22.5 minutes in our NBA Models. If he can play a bit more than expected – something like 26-28 minutes – he has the potential to be one of the best values on the slate.

Fast Break

Jakob Poeltl doesn’t have the same upside as AD, but he might be the better overall option at the position. He should benefit from the Raptors’ current injury situation, and he’s coming off 44.75 DraftKings points and 40.2 minutes in the team’s last outing. Poeltl has always been an elite per-minute producer, but finding consistent playing time has been an issue. He’s projected for 30 minutes on Wednesday’s slate, and Poeltl has historically averaged a +2.25 Plus/Minus with a comparable salary and minute projection.

I’m not sure why Nick Richards is still priced at $4,800, but I’m certainly not complaining. He’s averaged 1.04 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s playing more than 30 minutes a night in games where he avoids foul trouble. That’s a pretty strong combination for someone who costs less than $5,000.

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Wednesday features an eight-game main slate starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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.

Become an All-Access Member Today

Lineup builder and optimizer

Real-time DFS models & projections

Data-driven analysis & tutorials
Become a PRO Member
 

Stud

LaMelo Ball is officially back, and if the early results are to be believed, he’s officially better than ever. He’s played extremely well through his first three contests, racking up 67.0, 49.75, and 48.0 DraftKings points in his first three games. That includes a game where he played just 28.7 minutes, and he’s averaged 1.68 DraftKings points per minute to start the year. That’s the best mark among all of Wednesday’s options.

Ball should be able to keep the good times rolling vs. the Raptors. They’re expected to be one of the worst teams in basketball this season, and they’re just 21st in defensive efficiency to start the year. They’ve also played at the eighth-fastest pace, which is an excellent combination for DFS purposes. The Hornets are implied for 115.75 points, which represents a solid increase from their season average (112.0).

Ball leads the entire slate in median and ceiling projections, so his $9,600 salary is very reasonable. He’s one of the top pay-up options regardless of position.

Value

The Nets are in a pretty brutal spot on Wednesday. They’re playing on the second leg of a back-to-back after losing to the Nuggets in overtime on Tuesday. Most of their starters played heavy minutes in that outing, including Dennis Schroder.

Still, it’s hard to avoid Schroder at his current price tag. He’s been an outstanding source of value to start the year. His usage and assist rates are way up compared to his marks with the Nets last year, and he’s going to have to continue to carry a large burden. He’s scored at least 46.5 DraftKings points in back-to-back games, including 51.5 last night vs. the Nuggets. Until his price catches up to his production, expect him to be a staple of this article.

Fast Break

The Raptors are going to be pretty shorthanded on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley is officially doubtful, while Scottie Barnes has already been ruled out. That gives Davion Mitchell a nice boost in value. He’s coming off 35.3 minutes and 29.0 DraftKings points in his last outing, and he’s projected for 30 minutes in our NBA Models. The Hornets are also an excellent matchup, giving Mitchell an Opponent Plus/Minus of +6.65.

Jalen Suggs has been on an absolute mission to start the year. He’s increased his production to 1.35 DraftKings points per minute through his first four games, and he’s scored at least 45.75 DraftKings points in back-to-back outings. As long as he can stay out of foul trouble – which plagued him in his first two contests – he’s a great bet to pay off his $5,500 salary.

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

The Wizards stand out as another strong team to target on Wednesday. They’re going to be without Kyle Kuzma, who is one of their top offensive options. His absence should open up a decent amount of usage for the rest of the roster.

Jordan Poole is someone who doesn’t typically need an excuse to look for his own shot. He’s done that extremely well so far this season, averaging a career-best 22.0 points per game. He’s also averaged three steals and five assists per contest, resulting in an average of 1.30 DraftKings points per minute.

The game between the Hawks and Wizards should also be fantasy-friendly. The total for that contest sits at 232.5, which is the second-highest mark on the slate. Both teams have played at a top-five pace this season, so there should be ample scoring opportunities for both squads.

Value

Tre Mann is another strong option for the Hornets on Wednesday. He’s been a usage monster for the team to start the year. His usage rate was just 18.2% in 28 games with Charlotte last season, but he’s increased that figure to 26.6% through three games this year. He was above 30% in each of his first two outings, and he’s responded with an average of 1.08 DraftKings points per minute.

Mann has posted a positive Plus/Minus in each of his first three games, and his salary has increased slightly to $5,000 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Raptors. That said, he’s still grading out as an outstanding value option, with only Poole projected for a better Plus/Minus at the position.

Fast Break

Like Schroder, Cam Thomas seems underpriced given his role with the Nets to start the year. Thomas has always been a gifted scorer, and after losing Mikal Bridges in the offseason, the team needs his offense more than ever. He’s scored at least 33.75 DraftKings points in all four games, including two games with at least 45.25. He’s averaging 29.5 points and a 32.6% usage rate so far this season, so he has some sneaky upside to be among the league leaders in both departments.

Coby White is down to $7,000 for Wednesday’s matchup vs. the Magic, which is undoubtedly a tough one. Orlando was one of the best defensive teams in basketball last season, and they also played at one of the slowest paces. Still, White has averaged 1.13 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s already displayed a ceiling of 60 DraftKings points. That makes him too cheap at his current salary.

Be sure to check out all the pick’ems Sleeper has to offer with Sleeper promo code LABS1 for a $100 deposit match.

 

NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

R.J. Barrett isn’t priced like a stud at $6,600, but he has the potential for stud-like upside. He’ll be playing in just his second game of the year, and he was limited to less than 30 minutes in his first outing. However, his usage when on the floor is extremely promising for his outlook moving forward. He posted a usage rate of nearly 32% after sitting at 25.7% with the Raptors last season.

With Quickley and Barnes both out of the picture on Wednesday, Barrett should take on another sizable scoring role. Barrett saw a +5.06% bump to his usage rate with both players off the floor last season, resulting in an average of 1.25 DraftKings points per minute. He’s also expected to see a few more minutes than he did in his first contest, so he’s an ideal target vs. the Hornets.

Value

Bilal Coulibaly was the No. 7 pick in the draft last season, and the Wizards eased him into the NBA. He was one of the youngest players in the league, so the team limited him to just 27.2 minutes per game.

However, they ramped up his involvement near the end of the season, and he’s taken on a much larger role so far in Year Two. He’s averaged 34 minutes through their first three contests, and he’s responded with averages of 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Overall, he’s increased his fantasy output to 0.83 DraftKings points per minute.

Coulibaly is expected to handle another large role on Wednesday, and he’s currently projected for 34 minutes in our NBA Models. He’s historically posted a Plus/Minus of +3.32 in 26 career games with at least 30 minutes of playing time (per the Trends tool), and he should only continue to get better.

Fast Break

Zach LaVine has increased his fantasy scoring in all four games this season, going from 36.75 DraftKings points on opening night to 43.75 in his most recent outing. That makes him an extremely consistent producer for someone priced in the low $7k range. His 11 Pro Trends are tied for the most at the position on DraftKings, and while his ceiling might be a bit capped vs. the Magic, he’s a good bet to return value for the fifth straight game.

The 76ers are still in the same boat they’ve been in all season, with Joel Embiid and Paul George both out of the lineup. That leaves Kelly Oubre as one of their top threats offensively. He hasn’t exactly crushed in that role this season – he’s averaged 0.88 DraftKings points per minute – but he averaged 1.05 DraftKings points per minute with Embiid and Tobias Harris off the floor last year.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

Is Paolo Banchero poised to take another step forward this season? It’s possible. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick is coming off a monster performance in his last contest, racking up 86.75 DraftKings points thanks to 50 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. That kind of fantasy production is not common. The only players to crack 85 DraftKings points last season were Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Domantas Sabonis, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, so at a minimum, Banchero has displayed a ceiling that only the best producers in fantasy can match.

Banchero hasn’t been nearly as impressive in his other outings, but he’s now averaged 1.51 DraftKings points per minute for the year. He’s still priced below $10,000 in a good matchup vs. the Bulls, so he’s a reasonable pay-up option. 

Value

Caleb Martin is another strong value target for the shorthanded 76ers. He’s played at least 33.8 minutes in all three games this season, and he’s projected for 34 minutes once again vs. the Pistons. Martin is coming off a double-double in his last outing, and he also posted a season-high 26.0% usage rate. Ultimately, he’s too cheap at just $5,100.

Fast Break

Jalen Johnson has blossomed into a really good player for the Hawks. He’s capable of doing a little bit of everything, and he’s on pace for new career highs in basically every category across the board. He put his entire skill set on display in his last outing, finishing with 59.0 DraftKings points on 29 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists vs. the Wizards. He’ll face the same team on Wednesday, giving him some upside at $7,900.

Tobias Harris has struggled to get things going with the Pistons this season, but it hasn’t been due to a lack of opportunities. He’s played plenty of minutes, including 36.7 in his last outing. The bigger culprit has been his subpar shooting efficiency, with his field goal percentage sitting at just 34.1%. Harris has historically been closer to a 50% shooter from the field, and when some shots start dropping, he should provide strong value at $6,000.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

It feels as though LeBron James has officially passed the torch to Anthony Davis in Los Angeles. Davis is one of the best players in the league, and he’s getting more scoring opportunities than he ever has in the purple and gold. His usage rate is up to 31.3% through his first four games after sitting at just 26.7% last season. As a result, Davis is currently leading the league with an average of 32.7 points per game.

Davis is also capable of gobbling up rebounds and blocks, so it’s no surprise that he’s on pace for a huge fantasy season. He’s averaging 1.61 DraftKings points per minute, and he’s scored at least 54.75 DraftKings points in all four games. If Davis can maintain that level of usage moving forward, he’s not going to be available below $11,000 for long.

Value

Noah Clowney has been starting at center for the Nets this season, but Nic Claxton has been playing more minutes off the bench. However, Claxton has been ruled out for the Nets on Wednesday. That should give Clowney a significant boost in playing time, making him an elite value target at just $3,700. He’s averaged a respectable 0.84 DraftKings points per minute so far this season, and he’s conservatively projected for 22.5 minutes in our NBA Models. If he can play a bit more than expected – something like 26-28 minutes – he has the potential to be one of the best values on the slate.

Fast Break

Jakob Poeltl doesn’t have the same upside as AD, but he might be the better overall option at the position. He should benefit from the Raptors’ current injury situation, and he’s coming off 44.75 DraftKings points and 40.2 minutes in the team’s last outing. Poeltl has always been an elite per-minute producer, but finding consistent playing time has been an issue. He’s projected for 30 minutes on Wednesday’s slate, and Poeltl has historically averaged a +2.25 Plus/Minus with a comparable salary and minute projection.

I’m not sure why Nick Richards is still priced at $4,800, but I’m certainly not complaining. He’s averaged 1.04 DraftKings points per minute this season, and he’s playing more than 30 minutes a night in games where he avoids foul trouble. That’s a pretty strong combination for someone who costs less than $5,000.

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