Strategy and Stats for 05/22/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock ticks towards 08:30 PM EST tonight, all eyes will be on the Target Center where the Dallas Mavericks clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves in what’s expected to be an electrifying matchup. With an Over/Under set at 206.5, fantasy managers should brace for a high-scoring affair. This game not only promises excitement but also a plethora of fantasy points, making it crucial to pinpoint top performers. Leading the charge, look for the Mavericks’ point guard to control the tempo, while the Timberwolves’ center could dominate the paint, both offering substantial fantasy upside. As we delve deeper into today’s slate, understanding the dynamics of these key players will be essential for building winning DFS lineups.

Top Picks for PG in Today’s NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

Luka Doncic ($13200), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 64 pts

As we dive into today’s DFS landscape, Luka Doncic stands out, not just for his star power but for his consistent fantasy output. Over his last five games, Doncic has been a fantasy powerhouse, averaging 57.2 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability remains robust with an average of 25.8 points per game, complemented by 8.6 assists and an impressive 11.4 rebounds. His shooting efficiency has seen a slight dip to 49.1% from the field but has dramatically improved from beyond the arc to 44.7%. Despite a challenging matchup against the Timberwolves, who rank #1 in defense against PGs, Doncic’s ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him a valuable asset. His high court time, averaging 41.7 minutes per game, ensures he has ample opportunity to rack up points. Given his DraftKings salary of $13200 and a projected point total of 64, Doncic’s DFS value score stands at 4.8, marking him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Shooting Guard Daily Fantasy Analysis

Tim Hardaway Jr. ($7000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 11 pts

Tim Hardaway Jr.’s recent performance trajectory shows a modest uptick in fantasy output, making him a topic of interest for DFS enthusiasts. Over his last five games, Hardaway has averaged 12.4 daily fantasy points, a noticeable improvement from his previous set of five games where he averaged 9.4 points. His scoring has also seen a rise to 7.6 points per game, complemented by a solid 50.0% shooting from the field and an impressive 41.2% from three-point range. Despite these gains, his assists and rebounds have slightly dipped, and his minutes on the court remain limited at just over 15 per game. Facing the Timberwolves next, who rank #1 in defense against SGs, presents a challenging matchup for Hardaway. Given his current form and the tough opposition, his projected DFS value score stands at a mere 1.6. With a DraftKings salary of $7000 and a projected point total of only 11, Hardaway’s fantasy value is less than ideal for the upcoming slate. DFS players might consider this an opportunity to explore other options unless seeking a high-risk, high-reward play.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jaden McDaniels ($5800), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 24 pts

Jaden McDaniels has been showing a remarkable uptick in his performance, making him a noteworthy consideration for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last five games, McDaniels has averaged 26.7 daily fantasy points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 23.6 points. His scoring has been particularly impressive, with an average of 14.8 points per game on an exceptional 76.0% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range. Although there’s been a slight decrease in rebounds and minutes played, his efficiency makes up for the shorter court time. Facing the Mavericks, who rank #22 against SFs, McDaniels’ matchup looks favorable. With a DFS Value Score of 4.1, he stands out as a core value pick at his current salary of $5800.

Power Forward Analysis

PJ Washington ($11500), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 29 pts

PJ Washington has been a standout player for the Dallas Mavericks, particularly in his recent performances. Over the last five games, Washington has averaged 37.1 daily fantasy points, a significant uptick from his previous five-game average of 22.2. This improvement is highlighted by his scoring jump to 19.2 points per game from 9.0, alongside increases in assists and rebounds. His shooting efficiency from the field has seen a slight decrease to 48.3%, but his three-point shooting has impressively risen to 45.7%. Despite these strong numbers, his projected DFS value score stands at 2.5, primarily due to his high DraftKings salary of $11500. The upcoming game against the Timberwolves, who rank 14th defensively against PFs, will be a critical test of whether he can maintain his high performance level and justify his premium salary.

Center Position Daily Fantasy Analysis

Rudy Gobert ($8000), Minnesota Timberwolves – Projected 41 pts

Rudy Gobert, the towering center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, continues to be a significant presence in the paint. Over his last five games, Gobert has averaged 29.2 daily fantasy points. Despite a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he averaged 34.0 points, his consistency remains intact. His scoring, sitting at 11.2 points per game recently, has seen a minor decrease from 15.0, but his field goal efficiency remains robust at 62.5%. Notably, his rebounding prowess is evident with an average of 10.4 rebounds per game, slightly down from 11.0. Facing the Mavericks next, who rank #4 in defensive efficiency against centers, poses a challenge. However, Gobert’s ability to dominate inside with a projected 41.0 fantasy points next game suggests he can overcome tough matchups. His DFS value score of 5.1 indicates a strong value at his current salary of $8000, making him a compelling choice for DFS lineups. Gobert’s consistent playing time, averaging 33.5 minutes per game, ensures he has ample opportunity to rack up fantasy points, solidifying his status as a strong pick in daily fantasy sports.