It’s just a four game NBA slate for tonight, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get paid. Let’s take a look at the matchups and see where our money is best spent.
Playing NBA DFS can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also make your head spin. It’s our job to make sure you’re winning as much as possible! There are countless variables that can lead to a player’s individual performance, but I’ve found it’s best to focus on just a few that can lead to better predictability.
My favorite factors to track for NBA DFS targets: Matchups (Offensive/Defensive Ratings), Opportunity (expected player minutes, game pace), and Recent Form.
This is the AM VERSION of a living article that will be updated throughout the day, as news comes through the wire.
LET’S GET INTO THE SLATE!!!!
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NBA DFS Targets and Preview for November 23
Heat (11-6) vs. Pistons (4-12)
I’m not sure whether a rage-filled Isaiah Stewart ready to go to war with LeBron will galvanize or distract this Detroit Pistons team, but quite frankly, I don’t think they have the firepower to take down a healthy Heat squad even if the Pistons were galvanized. The Heat have the league’s third best net rating, 5th best defense, and 4th best offense. Juxtapose that with the Pistons’ 4-12 record, 27th ranked net rating, and a Cade Cunningham who seems to be finding his way, but has no other offensive threat besides him. The Heat will likely be too much to handle. This slate is too small to avoid a potential blowout though, so let’s get into the targets.
DFS Targets: MIA targets: Lowry, Butler, Bam, Herro, Caleb Martin for value. DET targets: Hayes, Cunningham, and potentially Frank Jackson for deep value. He’s been getting healthy minutes lately, and tasked to do nothing but shoot.
Lakers (9-9) vs. Knicks (9-8)
I’ve learned a few things about the Lakers recently. They aren’t a team to fear without LeBron James in the lineup. I’ve also learned that once James returned from injury, having LeBron in the lineup also does not strike fear in an opponent anymore either. This Lakers team either hasn’t had adequate time to gel, or they just aren’t elite. Regardless, there could be a light suspension looming for LeBron, and the Knicks aren’t a team you can beat with your “B” game. The Knicks rate higher than the Lakers in defensive rating, offensive rating, and net rating. They know their rotations and will continue to get better. The Lakers are still figuring things out. Roll with the Knicks.
DFS Targets: LAL targets: Bron (if he’s not suspended), Russ, Davis, and Melo. NYK targets: Randle, Burks, and Rose. Really just Randle, though. Usage rates are very concentrated for the Knicks in Julius Randle’s favor.
Mavericks (9-7) vs. Clippers (10-7)
This one is simple. If Luka doesn’t play, the Mavs don’t stand a chance against the Clippers 2nd ranked defense. It’s a no-brainer, really. If Luka does play, the Mavs might not stand a chance against the Clippers 2nd ranked defense. Kristaps and Luka are still finding their happy medium, but it’s also clear that Luka should be the one to dominate the team’s usage rates. I’m not really sure what Dallas will look like by the end of the year, but I am sure that I’ll be rolling with the Clippers tonight, regardless.
DFS Targets: DAL targets: Luka (if he plays), Hardaway is perfectly priced, and Brunson and Porzingis become must starts if Luka sits. LAC targets: George, Batum (if healthy), Jackson, and Mann (I know Mann has been frustrating, but the talent is there, and he’ll be low-owned which will help you if he produces).
Nuggets (9-8) vs. Trail Blazers (9-8)
The Nuggets and Blazers are very evenly matched. They are 12th and 13th, respectively in net rating. 10th and 26th, respectively in defense, but 21st and 5th, respectively in offensive rating. The Nuggets are 29th in pace, while the Blazers are 15th. Frankly, this is going to be a slug fest. A slow, drawn-out, slug fest. I don’t recommend stacking targets from this game, but there are a few stars that you can count on to hit their value.
DFS Targets: DEN targets: Jokic and Barton. POR targets: Dame and CJ.
Don’t forget to check back later in the day as Bradlee will be updating his NBA DFS preview with all the info you need to turn tonight’s slate into a resounding success!
For help in getting ready for your season-long leagues, check out Bradford Nickerson’s Weekly Schedule Preview. and Mike Omelan’s Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire.
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