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Welcome to the NBA DFS slate for Thursday. I hope your week has been profitable and your season enjoyable as we welcome spring. It has been a solid season overall, and I hope you’ve benefited from it. If you’re participating in NBA DFS, remember to pay attention to lineup updates and be ready for last-minute changes. This strategy is key to gaining an edge over other players and ensuring you remain in the money.
Tonight, we have six games on the schedule, which is a bit restrictive, but I anticipate opportunities for value to emerge. The goal is to make informed decisions and identify the right matchups, which is precisely why I’m here to assist you. Let’s dive into the best plays for this slate.
**Luka Dončić (PG – LAL)**
It’s been some time since Luka Dončić was featured prominently, so I want to highlight his return to the forefront. His inclusion in lineups deserves recognition, especially given the lack of strong alternatives. While New York isn’t the easiest matchup for DFS players, they have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards in the last 15 games.
Dončić has proven to be matchup-proof, having scored over 68 points in two of his last five outings, showcasing how he has integrated smoothly into the Lakers’ lineup. He possesses the highest ceiling among players. I would lean towards using him in GPP contests, but he’s a strong choice overall.
**Alperen Sengun (C – HOU)**
In my opinion, Alperen Sengun stands out as the top center option for tonight’s slate. He faces a Pelicans team currently struggling defensively, rating as the second-worst in the league in a game expected to have a faster pace. Over the last 15 games, New Orleans has surrendered the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers, ranking second over the entire season.
Since the All-Star break, Sengun’s minutes and usage are at career highs, averaging nearly 33 minutes with a 30% usage rate. He has exceeded 40 DraftKings points in all but one of his last six games, making him a compelling choice on DraftKings and an excellent play on FanDuel.
**Paolo Banchero (PF, SF – ORL)**
I may have downplayed Paolo Banchero by listing him third, but I anticipate that Orlando will have the highest roster percentage tonight across the slate. The Bulls rank 26th defensively this season while playing at the third-fastest pace.
Chicago has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards, and Banchero is coming off a huge 73.5 DraftKings point performance, so expect significant interest in rostering the Magic forward. Although his price has increased, his better performance at home and elevated usage rate over the last two weeks make him more than worth including in your lineups tonight.
**Jayson Tatum (SF, PF – BOS)**
I want to stress the importance of keeping an eye on injury updates, as this selection comes with some caution. Jayson Tatum sat out yesterday due to a right shoulder issue and is currently listed as questionable or probable for tonight’s game. Should he take the court, he becomes a prime option for cash lineups.
This is largely due to the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the Celtics roster, as several players are questionable which leaves us uncertain about who will be available in this back-to-back. With various illness and injury concerns, value opportunities will arise against a struggling Philadelphia defense. For now, Tatum stands out as a cash game target.
**Amen Thompson (PG, SF – HOU)**
I always appreciate players with multi-position eligibility. As mentioned about Alperen Sengun, the Pelicans provide a favorable matchup for DFS players. They have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points overall in the league and the most in the past 15 games.
Amen Thompson has cleared 30 DraftKings points in 23 of his last 26 games, and I’m confident that will be his baseline tonight. While he isn’t a budget option, Thompson’s versatility as a guard-forward enhances your lineup flexibility, making it highly likely he’ll elevate the overall performance for cash games tonight.
**Guerschon Yabusele (PF, C – PHI)**
While not the flashiest choice, Guerschon Yabusele has demonstrated potential in his last two games as a starter and could provide strong value against a shaky Boston team in their second game in a row.
Yabusele achieved 18 points in two of his last three games, recording 34 and 30 DraftKings points in those matchups. His price, however, has remained steady on DraftKings. Although Boston might slow the pace, their defensive performance hasn’t been stellar, ranking 15th since the All-Star break.
Anticipating around 33+ minutes for Yabusele, I expect it’s reasonable for him to generate over 30 fantasy points. He’s a solid spend-down option for cash lineups, although the overall pace of the game may cap his ceiling.
**Trae Young (PG – ATL)**
Considering that he is another questionable player (and there are quite a few of them), Trae Young is an intriguing GPP candidate. Despite Indiana being identified as a team with a high pace and poor defense, their recent performances have shifted below average, ranking 17th in pace and 9th defensively.
These statistics are likely to stabilize. With the game total nearing 247, I plan to invest in Trae Young’s ceiling potential. In his previous matchup against Indiana this season, he scored 34 points and compiled 68 DraftKings points. Given this promise, he emerges as a solid GPP option.
**Tyrese Haliburton (PG – IND)**
There are numerous candidates from this game who could serve as GPP selections, and Tyrese Haliburton is among them, despite his questionable status. He is anticipated to play, and I’m pleased with his current roster percentage. After a somewhat turbulent start to the season, the Iowa State alum has secured seven consecutive games with 47+ DraftKings points. I foresee a similar outcome tonight.
This matchup against Atlanta offers a pace advantage, and Haliburton is averaging 34 minutes with a steady 22% usage rate. With his scoring consistently on the rise, he shapes up as a GPP pick. As the lock approaches, I expect his ownership will increase, but I’m a fan regardless.
**OG Anunoby (SF, PF – NYK)**
While this pick may feel like a stretch, with Anunoby posting four consecutive games over 35 DraftKings points and a 53-point standout recently, I’m inclined to include him in my GPP lineups against the league’s top defensive team right now.
The Knicks forward is contending with a thumb sprain, so keep him on your radar. If he’s good to go, Anunoby could log 37+ minutes with a 22% usage rate. Regardless of the matchup quality or pace, those figures present a fair opportunity for his price to yield a high-performing return.
**Zaccharie Risacher (SF, PF – ATL)**
This is more of a GPP play, but if you’re looking for options at small forward, Zaccharie Risacher is worth considering. The rookie has shown improvement, averaging 21 DraftKings points over his last five games, with an upward trend in both minutes and usage rate, now sitting around 30 minutes and 20%.
Given that this game carries the highest total on the slate, I want to explore any potential here. A player priced at $4,440 on DraftKings and on track for 30 minutes in a 247 total game is certainly enticing.
**Sam Hauser (SF, PF – BOS)**
Another major caveat comes into play here with the uncertainty surrounding Boston’s lineup. With Jrue Holiday sidelined, Sam Hauser has started in two of the last three games. I’m writing this with cautious optimism that he’ll gain another start tonight. Given that scenario, you can anticipate 30+ minutes for Hauser, making him one of the best value plays against a struggling defense with potential for a blowout.
Although Hauser might not be a primary scorer, he can contribute in numerous aspects. Be sure to check back before lineup lock to fit him into your roster, as he holds significant promise for a strong return on investment.
**Andrew Nembhard (PG, SG – IND)**
As we await injury updates, the reliable low-cost options on the slate remain uncertain. However, Andrew Nembhard stands out as a solid candidate. Atlanta’s defense has been ineffective since the break, ranking among the bottom four while still maintaining one of the league’s fastest paces.
The Hawks have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to guards. If Tyrese Haliburton faces any limitations, this will be an ideal opportunity for Nembhard.
