Strategy and Stats for 11/18/24 NBA Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 08:00 PM EST tonight, the NBA presents a thrilling lineup of 8 games, each promising its own set of fantasy fireworks. Among these, the spotlight shines brightest on the late-night clash at Golden 1 Center, where the Atlanta Hawks take on the Sacramento Kings at 11:00 PM EST. With a staggering Over/Under of 236.5, this game is not just a potential thriller but a veritable goldmine for fantasy points. Whether you’re banking on Trae Young’s masterful playmaking or De’Aaron Fox’s explosive scoring ability, this matchup is pivotal for fantasy managers aiming for the top. As we dive deeper into today’s games, keep an eye on the key players from each position who are set to dominate the hardwood, ensuring your fantasy lineup is as dynamic as the games themselves.

Top Point Guard Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

De’Aaron Fox ($8800), Sacramento Kings – Projected 58.0 pts

De’Aaron Fox has been nothing short of spectacular in his recent performances for the Sacramento Kings, marking him as a must-have in today’s daily fantasy sports lineup. Over his last five games, Fox has averaged a staggering 58.8 daily fantasy points, a significant leap from the 38.4 points in the previous set of five games. His scoring ability is highlighted by an impressive average of 36.6 points per game, coupled with a solid 7.4 assists and 5.8 rebounds. His shooting accuracy is equally remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 57.7% and a three-point shooting at 44.4%. Given his heavy involvement, averaging 37.8 minutes on the court, and considering the upcoming matchup against the Hawks—who rank #26 against point guards—Fox’s DFS potential is sky-high. His DraftKings salary of $8800 reflects his elite status and with a DFS value score of 6.6, he represents an elite value pick for today’s games.

Shooting Guard Spotlight

Jalen Green ($6700), Houston Rockets – Projected 31.0 pts

Jalen Green’s recent performance trajectory presents a mixed bag for DFS enthusiasts. Over his last five games, Green has averaged 27.9 daily fantasy points, a notable dip from the 42.2 points in the previous five-game stretch. His scoring has also seen a decline, dropping from 27.2 points to 16.0 points per game. However, his shooting efficiency from the field has improved, boasting a robust 55.0%, up from 48.7%. Despite this, his three-point shooting has plummeted to 21.2% from a much healthier 42.5%. Given his current DraftKings salary of $6700 and a projected point total of 31.0, Green’s DFS value score stands at 4.6. This positions him as a core value pick, especially considering his upcoming matchup against the Bucks, who rank #27 in defensive efficiency against shooting guards. This could be an opportunity for Green to exploit a weaker defense and potentially exceed his recent fantasy outputs.

Top Small Forward Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jimmy Butler ($7500), Miami Heat – Projected 37 pts

Jimmy Butler’s performance over the last five games has shown a slight dip compared to his previous outings, with a decrease in fantasy points from 39.2 to 32.7, points per game from 19.5 to 16.2, and assists from 6.8 to 4.8. Despite these declines, Butler’s field goal accuracy has impressively increased from 52.9% to 63.4%, although his three-point shooting has drastically fallen from 54.5% to 11.1%. His minutes on the court have also reduced from 37.0 to 30.3 per game. Facing the 76ers, who rank #5 in defense against SFs, poses a challenging matchup. However, Butler’s ability to adapt and his scoring efficiency, especially inside the arc, could still make him a valuable asset. His current DFS value score stands at 4.9, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Power Forward Analysis: Daily Fantasy Standouts

Jalen Johnson ($8600), Atlanta Hawks – Projected 44.0 pts

Jalen Johnson has been a beacon of consistency for the Atlanta Hawks, and his recent performances suggest he’s a pivotal pick for your DFS lineup. Over the last five games, Johnson has averaged 44.4 daily fantasy points. His scoring ability is robust, with an average of 20.2 points per game, complemented by 9.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists. His shooting efficiency stands out, particularly from the field where he’s shooting an impressive 58.5%. Despite a slight dip compared to his previous five-game stretch, where he averaged 51.6 fantasy points and higher stats across the board, Johnson’s current form remains strong. His three-point shooting has notably improved, jumping from 22.2% to 39.1%. Facing the Kings, who rank #9 in defense against PFs, Johnson’s matchup is challenging but his high usage and performance efficiency, reflected in a DFS value score of 5.1, make him a strong candidate for your fantasy roster. His DraftKings salary of $8600 is justified, considering his substantial contributions across multiple statistical categories.

Center Position Analysis

Joel Embiid ($10000), Philadelphia 76ers – Projected 53 pts

Joel Embiid remains a pivotal figure in daily fantasy sports, particularly in the challenging matchup against the Miami Heat, which boasts a strong defense against centers. Over his last five games, Embiid has averaged 47.5 fantasy points per game, a slight dip from his previous five-game stretch where he posted 60.6 points. His scoring has decreased from 33.0 points to 23.6 points per game, and his shooting efficiency has also seen a downturn, with his field goal percentage dropping to 43.8% and a significant decrease in three-point shooting to 20.0%. Despite these challenges, Embiid’s ability to contribute across the board with 10.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game keeps him as a valuable asset in DFS. His projected DFS value score of 5.3 reflects a strong value, considering his high involvement and the tough defensive matchup. Embiid’s resilience and capability to perform under pressure will be crucial for fantasy managers considering his $10000 salary on DraftKings.