Strategy and Stats for 05/07/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 07:00 PM EST tonight, the NBA offers a thrilling double-header, culminating with a high-stakes clash at the Paycom Center where the Dallas Mavericks will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 09:30 PM EST. With an enticing Over/Under set at 218.5, fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on this game as it promises to be a treasure trove of points. Spotlighting top fantasy prospects, the point guard duel features Dallas’ sharpshooter, who has been averaging 25 points per game this season, against Oklahoma City’s dynamic playmaker, known for his impressive double-doubles. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, these key players and others are poised to dominate the fantasy leaderboards, making strategic picks crucial for tonight’s fantasy success.

Point Guard Fantasy Insights

Luka Doncic ($12000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 63.8 pts

Luka Doncic continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports, especially noticeable in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Doncic has averaged 57.1 fantasy points per game, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 63.6 points. Despite this decrease, his scoring remains robust at 29.2 points per game, and his playmaking is as effective as ever with an average of 10.2 assists. Although his three-point shooting has seen a significant decline to 21.8%, his overall field goal percentage remains strong at 54.2%. Looking at his upcoming matchup against the Thunder, which ranks 11th in defense against point guards, Doncic’s comprehensive skill set and high court time (averaging 42.6 minutes per game recently) position him as a crucial pick for DFS lineups. With a DraftKings salary of $12000 and a projected point tally of 63.8, his DFS value score stands at 5.3, categorizing him as a strong value play in today’s slate.

Shooting Guard Daily Fantasy Analysis

Tim Hardaway Jr. ($8000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 13.9 pts

Tim Hardaway Jr. has been navigating a rocky stretch in his recent performances for the Dallas Mavericks. Over his last five games, Hardaway has averaged 12.4 daily fantasy points, a dip from his previous set of five games where he scored an average of 17.6 points. His scoring has decreased to 6.8 points per game from 9.2, alongside declines in assists and rebounds. Despite an impressive improvement in field goal accuracy, shooting 63.6% recently up from 50.0%, his three-point shooting remains a concern at just 31.6%. Given his reduced court time, down to 15.7 minutes from 25.3, and a DFS value score of 1.7, Hardaway’s current fantasy outlook is not very promising, especially considering his high DraftKings salary of $8000. The upcoming game against the Thunder, who rank 11th in defense against SGs, might not provide much relief for boosting his fantasy production. Fantasy managers should tread carefully with Hardaway in their lineups, as his current form and matchup do not bode well for high returns.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Spotlight on Small Forwards

Luguentz Dort ($4700), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 25.6 pts

Luguentz Dort’s recent performances for the Oklahoma City Thunder have showcased a mix of highs and lows, making him a player to watch closely in the upcoming slate against the Mavericks. Over his last five games, Dort has averaged 22.7 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game average of 27.2 points. Despite this decrease, his assists have improved, moving from 1.5 to 2.4 per game, and his three-point shooting has been impressive at 50.0%. However, his field goal percentage has seen a significant drop to 28.6%, which is something to consider when assessing his overall efficiency. Dort’s minutes on the court remain robust at 33.7 per game, indicating his critical role in the Thunder’s lineup. With a DraftKings salary of $4700 and a projected point total of 25.6, Dort’s DFS value score stands at 5.4, positioning him as a strong value pick for the upcoming game against the Mavericks, who rank 19th in defense against SFs. This matchup could provide Dort with opportunities to capitalize on his strengths, particularly from beyond the arc.

Power Forward Analysis for Today’s DFS Slate

PJ Washington ($11000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 25.2 pts

PJ Washington’s recent performance has shown a mix of consistency and areas for improvement as he prepares to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team ranked #27 against power forwards. Over his last five games, Washington has averaged 24.1 daily fantasy points, a slight decrease from his previous five-game stretch. Despite this, his scoring has seen a slight uptick to 10.8 points per game, and his three-point shooting has improved significantly to 32.0%. However, his assists and rebounds have dipped, which might concern DFS players considering his high DraftKings salary of $11000. Given his current DFS value score of 2.3, Washington’s performance does not justify his cost in the lineup, making him a risky pick against the Thunder’s weak defense against PFs.

Center Court: Daily Fantasy Analysis

Chet Holmgren ($6800), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 39.5 pts

Chet Holmgren has been a revelation for fantasy managers, especially in his recent performances for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over his last five games, Holmgren has not only maintained but improved upon his already impressive early-season form, averaging 37.3 daily fantasy points. This marks a significant uptick from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 34.1 points, highlighting his upward trajectory in fantasy relevance. His scoring ability has been robust, with an average of 16.6 points per game on an exceptional 69.7% shooting from the field. Although his three-point shooting percentage sits at 29.6%, his inside game and rebounding, where he pulls down 8.8 boards per game, more than compensate for his perimeter inconsistencies. Furthermore, Holmgren’s playmaking has seen a noticeable improvement, dishing out 2.4 assists per game compared to 1.5 in the earlier games. His increased involvement in the Thunder’s offensive setups, coupled with his consistent playing time of around 30.8 minutes per game, solidifies his role as a central figure in the team. Despite the upcoming challenging matchup against the Mavericks, who rank #2 in defensive efficiency against centers, Holmgren’s recent form and his ability to impact various facets of the game make him a valuable asset. With a DraftKings salary of $6800 and a projected point total of 39.5, his DFS value score stands at 5.8, categorizing him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.