Strategy and Stats for 05/09/24 Daily Fantasy NBA Slate

Welcome to today’s thrilling NBA fantasy slate, featuring a duo of captivating games that promise to redefine your DFS strategies. As the clock strikes 07:00 PM EST, the basketball world turns its eager eyes to the courts, but it’s the late showdown at 09:30 PM EST that’s poised to steal the spotlight. In this marquee matchup, the Dallas Mavericks journey to the Paycom Center, ready to clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder. With an Over/Under set at a tantalizing 218.0, fantasy aficionados can anticipate a high-scoring affair. This game not only offers a plethora of point-scoring potential but also sets the stage for fantasy dominance, with top-tier players at each position ready to explode onto the stat sheets. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each player’s recent performances and projected impact, ensuring your lineup is both formidable and optimized.

Top Picks for PG in Today’s DFS Slate

Luka Doncic ($11600), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 67.6 pts

Luka Doncic continues to be a dominant force in daily fantasy sports, especially notable in his recent performances. Over his last five games, Doncic has averaged 53.9 fantasy points per game, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 64.1. Despite this decrease, his ability to contribute across the board with 26.6 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game makes him a formidable option. His shooting efficiency stands at 53.5% from the field, although his three-point shooting has seen a significant drop to 16.3%. Facing the Thunder, who rank #7 in defense against PGs, presents a challenge, yet Doncic’s high usage and ability to perform under pressure are key factors to consider. With a DraftKings salary of $11600 and a DFS value score of 5.8, he remains a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Tim Hardaway Jr. ($3800), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 13.5 pts

Tim Hardaway Jr.’s recent performances have painted a picture of inconsistency, especially when considering his fantasy output. Over his last five games, Hardaway has managed an average of only 8.4 daily fantasy points, a noticeable dip from the 15.2 points he averaged in the previous five-game stretch. His scoring has halved from 8.2 points to 4.2, and his assists have seen a reduction from 2.2 to 0.8 per game. Despite a relatively high field goal percentage of 55.6%, his three-point shooting has been lackluster at 18.8%. The decrease in his minutes from 23.7 to 14.6 per game suggests a reduced role, which aligns with his diminished production. Facing the Thunder, who rank #7 in defense against SGs, doesn’t bode well for a rebound in his fantasy output. With a DraftKings salary of $3800 and a projected point total that only translates to a DFS value score of 3.6, Hardaway Jr. is currently positioned as a risky choice for fantasy lineups.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Luguentz Dort ($4800), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 23.5 pts

Luguentz Dort’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, but they reveal some intriguing potential for DFS players. Over his last five games, Dort has averaged 21.2 daily fantasy points, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 25.1 points. This decline is primarily due to a significant drop in field goal percentage, from a robust 54.2% down to a concerning 18.2%. However, his three-point shooting has seen an uptick to 50.0%, which could be a silver lining for fantasy managers looking for three-point contributors. Despite the shooting struggles, Dort’s minutes on the floor have increased, averaging 33.4 per game recently, which suggests he’s still a key component of the Thunder’s game plan. His upcoming matchup against the Mavericks, who rank #19 in defense against SFs, might provide him with a chance to exploit some defensive gaps. Given his current form and role, Dort’s DFS value score stands at 4.9, positioning him as a core value pick in today’s slate. His relatively low DraftKings salary of $4800, combined with a projected point increase to 23.5, makes him a potentially savvy pick for those looking to balance their roster with a player who has the opportunity to outperform his recent stats.

Power Forward (PF) Daily Fantasy Analysis

PJ Washington ($5500), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 26.8 pts

PJ Washington’s recent performances have shown a notable consistency in his fantasy output, maintaining an average of 21.8 daily fantasy points over his last ten games. Despite a slight dip in assists and rebounds in his last five outings, Washington’s scoring and shooting efficiency have seen a slight uptick, with his points per game increasing to 9.2 and his field goal percentage impressively rising to 61.1%. His three-point shooting has also improved, now at 29.2%, which could be pivotal in his next matchup against the Thunder, a team ranked #26 against PFs. Given his average of 33.1 minutes on the court and a DraftKings salary of $5500, Washington’s DFS value score sits at 4.9, positioning him as a core value pick for the upcoming slate.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Chet Holmgren ($7100), Oklahoma City Thunder – Projected 39.6 pts

Chet Holmgren has been a revelation for fantasy managers, especially in the recent stretch where he’s elevated his game significantly. Over the last five games, Holmgren has averaged 36.2 daily fantasy points, a notable improvement from his previous set of games where he posted 34.1 points. His scoring has also seen an uptick to 16.0 points per game, coupled with consistent contributions in rebounds (8.4 per game) and assists (2.0 per game). His field goal efficiency stands out at an impressive 60.0%, although his three-point shooting has slightly dipped to 32.1%. The increase in his court time to 32.0 minutes per game has evidently boosted his output, allowing him more opportunities to impact the game. Despite facing the Mavericks next, who rank #3 in defensive efficiency against centers, Holmgren’s recent form and increased role suggest he can overcome this challenge. With a DraftKings salary of $7100 and a DFS value score of 5.6, he represents a strong value pick in today’s slate. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a potent option for DFS lineups, promising both stability and upside.