Ladies and gentlemen, we’re starting the month of March with a quaint seven game slate. We’ve only got a few more games until the All-Star break. Let’s make them count…onward!
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 Mar. 1
Mavericks vs. Magic
The Mavs are a heavy favorite in this one, and for good reason. They are 7-3 in their last ten games, while the Magic are 4-6. Further, they hold the 18th net rating vs. the Magic’s 28th net rating. After giving Brooklyn a beatdown, I see no reason why the Magic are going to be able to come out with the win in this one. I like the Mavs.
DFS Targets: DAL targets: Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jalen Brunson for value. ORL targets: MCW, Evan Fournier, and Nikola Vucevic. I wouldn’t be surprised if this were a blowout, so I might be underweight the field in terms of ownership for all of these players.
Pacers vs. 76ers
This should be a dogfight between two future playoff teams. They are 11th and 8th in the net rating standings, respectively. 16th and 14th in the offensive ratings, respectively. 11th and 5th in the defensive ratings, respectively. When teams are this closely matched, I tend to lean on the matchups between stars as the decider. I like Simmons and Embiid to best Brogdon and Sabonis. Let’s roll with the Sixers.
DFS Targets: IND targets: McConnell, Sabonis, Brogdon, and Justin Holiday, as much as I don’t want to admit it. He’s inconsistent, but he’s been hard to ignore with his shooting lately. PHI targets: Simmons, Embiid, Curry, and Harris.
Nuggets vs. Bulls
Nuggets. Blowout. Let’s not get cute with this. They’re coming off a loss to my Wizards. They’re going to come out firing against a middling Bulls team. I wouldn’t target anyone from this game, but I’ll list possibilities in case it’s close.
DFS Targets: DEN targets: Murray, MPJ, Jokic, and Campazzo. CHI targets: LaVine, White, Williams, and Carter Jr.
Jazz vs. Pelicans
Like the write-up above, don’t overthink this one. The Jazz are 27-7 and the Pelicans are 14-19. The Jazz are 8-2 in their last 10, while the Pelicans are 3-7. The Jazz are 1st in net rating while the Pelicans are 15th. The Pels have nothing for this team. I’m not sure many teams do, quite honestly. Jazz.
DFS Targets: Utah targets: Mitchell, Ingles, Gobert, and Clarkson. NO targets: Zion and Brandon Ingram. That’s it. Don’t mess around with this defense.
Nets vs. Spurs
This game is binary. If Kyrie and Harden are playing, the Spurs don’t have the offense to keep up. If Kyrie sits out, it becomes a closer matchup. As it stands now, Kyrie is playing, so I’m going to load up on the Nets. I don’t think it’ll be a blowout, but the Nets should take this one easily. Probably one of the highest scoring totals on the slate, considering the Nets’ lack of defense.
DFS Targets: BKN targets: Kyrie, Harden, Harris, Brown, and Jordan. SA targets: Murray, DeRozan, Aldridge, and Patty Mills.
Cavaliers vs. Rockets
The Rockets have lost ten straight. The Cavs have won three straight. Both teams are in the bottom tercile of net rating. Somebody has to win this game, and I’d bet on the Cavs to do that. The Rockets just have too many moving parts lately to win (PJ Tucker on the block and DMC getting waived).
DFS Targets: CLE targets: Garland, Sexton, and Allen. HOU targets: Wall, Oladipo, House Jr., and Nwaba can be great value.
Hornets vs. Trail Blazers
This is going to be up there with the Nets/Pelicans in having a high total. That’s great for DFS purposes. These teams are 21st and 28th in defensive net rating. They are 17th and 8th in offensive rating. It’s the disparity in offensive prowess that leads to my belief that the Blazers will take this one. On the other hand, the Blazers have lost four in a row. I don’t feel confident, but they are absolutely the better team.
DFS Targets: CHA targets: Ball, Rozier, Hayward, Bridges, and Monk. POR targets: Dame, Kanter, Covington, and Melo.
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!
If you are reading this on Fantrax.com make sure to head on over to FantraxHQ to check out Brad’s afternoon updates.
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