Strategy and Stats for 06/17/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

As the clock strikes 08:30 PM EST tonight, all eyes will be on TD Garden where the Dallas Mavericks clash with the Boston Celtics in what’s anticipated to be a high-octane affair, marked by an Over/Under of 210.0. Fantasy enthusiasts, gear up as this single-game slate offers a treasure trove of top-tier talent. Leading the charge, Luka Dončić, known for his mesmerizing playmaking and scoring prowess, is set to deliver blockbuster numbers. On the opposing end, Jayson Tatum, with his sharpshooting and versatility, is expected to counter fiercely. This pivotal matchup not only promises thrilling basketball action but also pivotal fantasy implications. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the game’s dynamics, player matchups, and strategic fantasy plays that could dictate the night’s outcomes.

Top Point Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Luka Doncic ($13800), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 72 pts

As we dive into today’s DFS landscape, Luka Doncic stands out not just for his star power but for his recent surge in fantasy productivity. Over his last five games, Doncic has been a fantasy behemoth, averaging 62.0 daily fantasy points, a noticeable uptick from his previous set of games where he averaged 51.6 points. His scoring has seen a significant jump to 31.0 points per game, coupled with 9.2 assists and 9.6 rebounds. His shooting accuracy has been stellar, hitting 48.2% from the field and an impressive 42.9% from three-point range, reflecting a sharp increase from his earlier 31.0% in three-point shooting. Despite a challenging upcoming matchup against the Celtics, who rank fourth in defensive efficiency against point guards, Doncic’s high usage rate and ability to perform in clutch moments keep his DFS value high. With a DraftKings salary of $13800 and a projected point tally of 72.0, his DFS value score stands at 5.2, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s games. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him an indispensable asset for any DFS lineup, especially given his recent form and the high volume of minutes he’s playing.

Shooting Guard Fantasy Analysis

Tim Hardaway Jr. ($7000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 1.0 pts

Tim Hardaway Jr.’s recent performances have been less than stellar, making his fantasy outlook somewhat bleak, especially considering his high DraftKings salary of $7000. Over the last five games, Hardaway has averaged only 6.5 daily fantasy points, a significant drop from the 10.4 points he averaged in the previous set of five games. His scoring has also seen a downturn, with just 2.6 points per game recently compared to 6.2 points earlier. Additionally, his assists and rebounds are minimal, and his shooting percentages, though decent at 50.0% from the field, do not compensate for his low volume of shots and minutes. With only 11.2 minutes on the floor per game lately, his opportunities to rack up fantasy points are limited. Facing the Celtics next, who rank #4 in defense against SGs, does not help his case. Given these factors, his DFS value score stands at a mere 0.1, indicating a player with bad value for the upcoming slate.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Derrick Jones Jr. ($8000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 15.0 pts

Despite being ranked #195 in the NBA for generating fantasy points, Derrick Jones Jr. has shown some promising signs in his recent performances for the Dallas Mavericks. Over the last five games, he has averaged 21.1 daily fantasy points, a notable increase from the previous set of five games where he posted 19.4 points. His scoring has also seen an uptick, averaging 10.8 points per game recently compared to 9.0 in earlier games. His assists and rebounds have slightly improved, and his shooting has been particularly impressive, hitting 50.0% from the field and an exceptional 52.9% from three-point range. The increase in minutes to 35.1 per game has undoubtedly helped bolster his stats, giving him more opportunities to impact the game. However, his projected DFS value score of 1.9 based on a salary of $8000 suggests caution. This valuation primarily reflects his high salary relative to the expected output, especially considering his next matchup against the Celtics, who rank #20 in defense against SFs. Fantasy managers should weigh his recent hot streak against his overall season performance and high salary before locking him into lineups.

Power Forward Analysis for Today’s DFS Slate

PJ Washington ($9000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 31 pts

As we dive into today’s daily fantasy sports considerations, PJ Washington of the Dallas Mavericks stands out, albeit with some reservations. Over his last five games, Washington has posted an average of 23.6 fantasy points per game, a noticeable dip from the 39.1 points averaged in the previous five-game stretch. This decline in performance is reflected in his scoring, assists, and rebounding numbers, which have all seen decreases. His field goal efficiency remains robust at 55.6%, but his three-point shooting has plummeted to 25.0%, down from an impressive 51.4%. Despite these fluctuations, Washington is clocking in 38.0 minutes per game, indicating he still holds a central role in the Mavericks’ game plan. The upcoming matchup against the Celtics, who rank #20 in defense against PFs, might seem favorable. However, his current DraftKings salary of $9000 paired with a DFS value score of 3.4 suggests that his cost may not justify the investment today. Fantasy managers should weigh his recent downturn and high salary against the potential matchup advantage.

Center Position Fantasy Insights

Derek Lively II ($10000), Dallas Mavericks – Projected 29 pts

As we dive into the center position, Derek Lively II of the Dallas Mavericks stands out, albeit with some reservations. Over his last five games, Lively has shown significant improvement, averaging 27.9 daily fantasy points compared to just 17.1 in the previous five-game stretch. His scoring has also seen an uptick from 6.5 to 10.4 points per game, alongside a notable jump in rebounds from 6.2 to 9.6. A staggering shooting efficiency of 91.3% from the field highlights his recent performances, although his lack of three-point shooting (0%) caps his ceiling slightly. Despite these impressive numbers, his high DraftKings salary of $10000 and a challenging matchup against the Celtics, who rank #8 in defense against centers, positions him at a DFS value score of 2.9. This score suggests caution, as his cost may not fully align with the expected fantasy output in this tough upcoming contest.