Strategy and Stats for 04/24/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 07:00 PM EST tonight, the NBA offers a thrilling double-header that fantasy enthusiasts should not miss. Highlighting the evening, the New Orleans Pelicans are set to battle the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center at 09:30 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a promising 211.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove of fantasy points. Fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on the top projected players across positions, as these matchups could be pivotal in tonight’s fantasy outcomes. Stay tuned as we break down the key players and stats that could turn the tide in your fantasy lineup.

Top PG Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($9400), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 52.3 pts

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be a linchpin for the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his ability to dominate the court with an average of 41.6 fantasy points over his last five games. With a scoring average of 27.2 points and shooting 51.2% from the field, his offensive prowess is evident, although his three-point shooting has dipped to 20.0%. Despite this, his overall performance, including 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, positions him as a valuable asset, especially considering his 5.6 DFS value score against the Pelicans’ strong defense.

CJ McCollum ($7500), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 39.8 pts

CJ McCollum’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular for the New Orleans Pelicans, especially from beyond the arc where he’s hit an impressive 55.4% of his attempts. Averaging 46.5 fantasy points in his last five outings, McCollum has been a scoring machine with 27.8 points per game. His contributions extend to 5.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, making him a comprehensive playmaker and scorer. His matchup against the Thunder, who are ranked #19 against PGs, further boosts his appeal, reflected in his 5.3 DFS value score.

Shooting Guard Fantasy Insights

Lindy Waters III ($3000), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 13.9 pts

Lindy Waters III has shown a remarkable improvement in his performance over the last five games, making him a potentially undervalued asset in DFS. With an average of 13.9 daily fantasy points during this period, Waters has excelled with an impressive 88.9% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. Despite playing only 11.5 minutes per game, his productivity per minute is high, especially considering his minimal DraftKings salary of $3000. However, facing the Pelicans, who rank #6 in defense against SGs, might pose a challenge. His recent surge in performance metrics compared to the previous five games, where he only averaged 3.4 fantasy points, suggests a potential for high reward, particularly in larger field tournaments where his low ownership could be leveraged.

Lindy Waters III ($6000), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 13.9 pts

At a doubled salary of $6000, Lindy Waters III’s value proposition changes significantly. Maintaining the same performance level as mentioned earlier, with 13.9 fantasy points on average and stellar shooting percentages, his cost-efficiency becomes questionable. The sharp increase in salary demands a critical evaluation, as the DFS value score remains at 0.0. This places him in a riskier position for DFS lineups, especially against a strong defensive team like the Pelicans. Potential investors in Waters at this price must weigh the likelihood of continued high-efficiency shooting against a tougher defense and a higher cost, which might not yield proportional returns.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Trey Murphy III ($11500), New Orleans Pelicans – Projected 33.3 pts

Trey Murphy III has been on a hot streak over his last five games, averaging 39.9 daily fantasy points, a significant increase from his previous set of games. Scoring 23.2 points per game with a stellar shooting efficiency of 57.9% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range, Murphy is a key player for the Pelicans. Despite his high DraftKings salary of $11500, his performance against the Thunder’s weak defense against SFs could justify the investment. However, his DFS Value Score of 2.9 suggests caution, as it indicates a lower return on investment at his current price point.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($11000), Miami Heat – Projected 28.5 pts

Jaime Jaquez Jr. has shown improvement in his recent performances, averaging 20.2 daily fantasy points. His scoring has increased to 9.6 points per game, and his three-point shooting is impressive at 55.6%. Despite these gains, his overall impact remains moderate given his DraftKings salary. With an average of 24.2 minutes on the court per game and facing the Celtics’ 23rd-ranked defense against SFs, Jaquez could be a risky pick. His DFS Value Score of 2.6 indicates a potentially suboptimal choice for today’s slate.

Top Power Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Caleb Martin ($6000), Miami Heat – Projected 19.8 pts

Despite being ranked #-158 in generating fantasy points, Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat has shown a modest uptick in his performance over the last five games. With an average of 20.1 daily fantasy points during this period, Martin has demonstrated his capability to contribute across the board. Notably, his minutes have increased to an average of 32.0 per game, allowing him more opportunities to impact the game. However, his 3.3 DFS value score suggests caution. His next matchup against the Celtics, who rank #11 defensively against PFs, might not be the most favorable. Fantasy managers should weigh his recent improvements against this tough defensive matchup before making a decision.

Nikola Jovic ($4600), Miami Heat – Projected 18.4 pts

Nikola Jovic, also of the Miami Heat, presents a more intriguing option at the power forward position. Over his last five games, Jovic has averaged 26.1 daily fantasy points, significantly outperforming his earlier performances. His scoring has been particularly impressive, with an average of 15.8 points on a stellar 64.0% shooting from the field. Additionally, his three-point shooting at 39.4% adds valuable depth to his game. With a DFS value score of 4.0, Jovic offers core value at a salary of $4600. Given the Celtics’ lower defensive ranking of #23 against PFs, Jovic might be a savvy pick for today’s games, promising both scoring and rebounding potential.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Bam Adebayo ($10600), Miami Heat – Projected 40.8 pts

Bam Adebayo, the top-ranked center for generating fantasy points, has shown a slight dip in his performance over the last five games compared to the previous set. His fantasy points per game have decreased from 40.8 to 31.1, alongside declines in points, assists, and rebounds. Despite these reductions, Adebayo’s field goal efficiency remains strong at 52.7%, although his three-point shooting has dropped significantly. With an average of 35.3 minutes on the court and facing the Celtics’ ninth-ranked defense against centers, Adebayo’s DraftKings salary of $10600 reflects a DFS value score of 3.8, indicating a challenging upcoming slate.

Chet Holmgren ($6900), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 39.1 pts

Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder presents a compelling case for fantasy consideration. Over his last five games, Holmgren has averaged 38.9 daily fantasy points, a significant improvement from his previous five-game stretch. His scoring, assists, and rebounding have all seen upticks, supported by a robust 60.6% shooting from the field and an impressive 39.1% from three-point range. Despite playing fewer minutes on average than Adebayo, Holmgren’s performance against the Pelicans’ 26th-ranked defense against centers could be highly advantageous. With a DraftKings salary of $6900, his DFS value score stands at 5.7, making him a strong value pick in the upcoming game.