NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Tonight’s six-game NBA DFS slate promises an evening filled with fierce matchups. Each game features a spread of no more than 4.5 points, indicating a high likelihood of tightly contested contests and ample playing time for essential contributors. This alleviates concerns about blowouts, allowing you to concentrate on optimizing fantasy output from players guaranteed to see solid minutes.
This guide delves into crucial matchups, showcases top-tier selections for each position, and discovers value plays that enable you to fit in star athletes. Let’s examine the players who can provide you with a competitive advantage for tonight’s games.
**Luka Dončić (PG – LAL)**
Luka Dončić remains a powerhouse, scoring at least 30 points in five of his last six outings while averaging 8.6 rebounds and 8.4 assists in that timeframe. His impressive all-around contributions make him an elite choice in any lineup, and he finds himself in a particularly advantageous matchup against the Indiana Pacers, who have been the fastest-paced team in the league over their last five games.
This uptick in tempo could lead to more opportunities for Dončić to accumulate points, rebounds, and assists in what promises to be an offensive showcase.
**Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)**
With Damian Lillard sidelined, Giannis Antetokounmpo has assumed an even greater scoring responsibility, averaging 31.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and four assists across his last two games, all while maintaining a robust 35% usage rate. His status is questionable for tonight’s game, which is a critical consideration for DFS players. If he plays, his heavy involvement in the offense makes him an outstanding pick; however, if he is unable to participate, significant adjustments will be needed in Milwaukee’s offensive strategy.
Should Antetokounmpo be unavailable, Kyle Kuzma is likely to step into a more significant role, boasting the second-highest usage rate on the team (22.4%) over the past couple of games. In that scenario, fantasy players should view Kuzma as a compelling mid-range option, likely to enjoy increased scoring and playmaking chances. Monitoring the injury report will be vital, as Antetokounmpo’s status will influence lineup strategies and possible value picks.
**Kevin Durant (SF, PF – PHO)**
With Bradley Beal out once more, Kevin Durant ascends to a more desirable position. He has been sensational recently, putting up averages of 40 points, seven rebounds, 6.5 assists, and two blocks in his last two games. His high 37% usage rate during this stretch highlights just how pivotal he is to the offense. This trend should persist against the Boston Celtics.
Despite the Celtics being one of the premier defensive teams, Durant’s ability to score in a variety of ways, coupled with his size and proficiency in creating his own shots, makes him almost matchup-proof.
**Quentin Grimes (PG, SG – PHI)**
Quentin Grimes has been excelling in March, delivering averages of 28 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. With the offense revolving around him, he consistently garners plenty of opportunities, making him a solid choice. His dependable output across various statistical categories provides him with both a high floor and considerable upside, especially against an advantageous opponent.
The Washington Wizards’ quick pace, ranking second in tempo over their last five games, creates a prime environment for Grimes. More possessions translate to more chances for scoring, assisting, and rebounding, all of which suit his current capabilities well. Given Washington’s defensive lapses this season, Grimes should find it easy to take advantage of this fast-paced game.
**Payton Pritchard (PG, SG – BOS)**
With Jayson Tatum questionable owing to an ankle injury, Payton Pritchard emerges as an intriguing choice. In the six games Tatum has missed this season, Pritchard has shined, averaging 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 31.5 minutes per game. Even if he continues to come off the bench, his knack for generating offense and facilitating plays makes him a valuable option, particularly given the increase in his role when Boston is short-handed.
**Kristaps Porziņģis (PF, C – BOS)**
If Jayson Tatum is unable to play and with Jaylen Brown nursing a knee issue, Kristaps Porziņģis could benefit from an expanded role offensively. In the four games he has participated in without Tatum this season, Porziņģis has made an impact, averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. His ability to stretch the floor and work effectively in the post positions him as a crucial component when the Boston Celtics are missing significant scorers. This tendency should remain true against the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns have struggled to defend against opposing big men, allowing the seventh-highest amount of fantasy points to centers in their last seven matchups. Porziņģis’ versatility as a perimeter shooter and interior threat presents matchup challenges, especially against a defense that has shown vulnerabilities in the paint.
**Alex Sarr (C – WAS)**
Alex Sarr has been making a mark in his last seven games, averaging 19.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks while holding a 29.2% usage rate—leading his team. His capacity to deliver across multiple categories presents a strong case for being a considerable option, particularly with his enhanced offensive role. With frequent touches, Sarr has been showcasing his scoring ability and defensive contributions, establishing himself as a high-upside play for any format.
Facing off against the Philadelphia 76ers boosts his desirability, as they have ranked last in defensive efficiency over their previous five games. Their struggles could create ample chances for Sarr to exploit mismatches and maintain his impressive run.
**D’Angelo Russell (PG, SG – BKN)**
D’Angelo Russell is making his return after missing two games due to an ankle injury. While rostering a player returning from an absence always carries some risk, he demonstrated strong form before the injury, averaging 20 points, three rebounds, and 6.5 assists in his last two when he played.
With the Brooklyn Nets searching for reliable scoring options, Russell will be essential in bridging that gap and providing offensive consistency. The Toronto Raptors have been playing at the sixth-fastest pace in their last five contests, which works to Russell’s advantage. An uptempo game should lead to more possessions and opportunities for him to accumulate points and assists.
**Kevin Porter Jr. (PG – MIL)**
Kevin Porter Jr. has taken on a larger role in Damian Lillard’s absence, averaging 24.8 minutes over the last two games. During this time, he has been productive across multiple categories, posting averages of 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. With Lillard likely sidelined for the foreseeable future, Porter should continue to log over 20 minutes, providing him with plenty of chances to make an impact on both sides of the ball.
Tonight, he faces the Denver Nuggets, who are offering a favorable matchup as they sit 23rd in defensive efficiency over their last five outings. Porter’s ability to create for himself and facilitate makes him a worthwhile selection, particularly given his pricing and recent performance.
**Jonathan Mogbo (PF, C – TOR)**
With Jakob Poeltl and Chris Boucher out for tonight’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, the Toronto Raptors are left thin in the frontcourt, presenting Jonathan Mogbo with an opportunity for increased playing time. Already averaging 25.4 minutes per game, Mogbo may see even more action tonight, potentially exceeding the 30-minute mark due to the team’s limited depth.
His numbers in the last two games have been decent, averaging seven points, 10.5 rebounds, three assists, and 1.5 steals. Although he typically isn’t known for scoring a lot, his ability to contribute in various ways makes him a strong candidate, especially at an economical price point. With the prospect of achieving a double-double through extended minutes and opportunities, Mogbo could deliver impressive value, particularly for those seeking to diversify their lineups with a lesser-owned player.
**Ja’Kobe Walter (SG, SF – TOR)**
With Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick sidelined for tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, Ja’Kobe Walter is poised for an increased role, likely resulting in more minutes. In his recent return from injury on Sunday, Walter made an immediate impact, playing 24 minutes and contributing 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists. His versatility and capability to contribute across different areas should position him as a reliable choice for lineups, especially with the added opportunity stemming from Quickley’s and Dick’s absences.
