You and me?…we’re getting ready to go on a run. A run for the ages. I’m getting ready to give you the perfect targets for tonight’s NBA DFS slate, and you’re getting ready to make the optimal lineup out of those targets. I’ll spare you anymore anticipation and get into it!
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 April 12
76ers vs. Mavericks
The 76ers are back and they are healthy. I wouldn’t bet they have the necessary roster to make a push for the 1-seed in the Eastern Conference, but they can definitely beat the Mavs. In terms of net rating, they’re actually closer than one might anticipate (both in the top ten). However, basketball is a matchup dependent game, and the Mavs have absolutely nothing for Embiid, and Ben Simmons is quite possibly the best and most versatile defender in the NBA. The Sixers can check Luka, but nobody can check Embiid. I like Philly.
DFS Targets: PHI targets: Embiid, Simmons, Curry, and Thybulle can provide nice dart throw value. DAL targets: Luka (though pricier than I’d like to pay for in this matchup).
Lakers vs. Knicks
Look…I don’t know how this depleted Lakers team beat the Nets the other night. I know Kyrie got ejected, but even KD should’ve been enough for that all-star team to get the win. The Knicks however, have something that the Nets don’t. Defense. The Lakers and Knicks are ranked first and third in defensive rating, and there’s an asterisk for the Lakers’ rating as they haven’t had that quality of defense since LeBron and AD left. Roll with the Knicks tonight.
DFS Targets: LAL targets: Drummond, Dennis the Menace, and McLemore for value. NYK targets: Payton, Barrett, and Randle.
Spurs vs. Magic
The Magic are rebuilding. They tend to make the highlights because Terrance Ross did something incredible, but Ross isn’t enough to beat a Spurs team that is legitimately in the playoff hunt. I’m not expecting a blowout, but this one shouldn’t be particularly close. Spurs.
DFS Targets: SAS targets: The Spurs starting five. ORL targets: Ross, Cole Anthony, Okeke, and Carter Jr.
Nets vs. Timberwolves
The 3rd to last net rated team in the league is facing the 3rd best offense in the league. Advantage Nets. I know Kyrie and Harden aren’t playing. Don’t overthink it!
DFS Targets: MIN targets: KAT, Russell, and Anthony Edwards. BKN targets: KD, Griffin, Aldridge, Harris, and Brown.
Kings vs. Pelicans
Zion, Brandon Ingram, Tyrese Haliburton, Holmes, and Fox. If you’re tuning in to this game tonight, it should be to watch these future stars of the league. Focus on the individual talent, because their teams are pretty bad. Pelicans win.
DFS Targets: Copy and paste from the above game breakdown. That’s where all the usage is on these squads.
Wizards vs. Jazz
Brad Beal is said to have some nerve issues with his hip. The Wiz can’t shut him down because they can legitimately make the playoffs, and they can’t play him frequently, because they aren’t going to win anything substantial, so they can’t ruin their best asset. This is the normal hell I’ve been in as a Washington fan since I was a wee little gambling baby. Anyway, Jazz win.
DFS Targets: The Jazz are top four in offensive and defensive rating. The Wizards just got blown out by the Suns (understandable) and the Magic (inexcusable). Don’t target players in a blowout game.
Bulls vs. Grizzlies
I didn’t see it coming, but the Bulls revitalized their franchise at the trade deadline by getting Vuc. Zach LaVine is coming off of a 50 burger. The Grizzlies are in the playoff race, and I actually like the bones of what they’re building, but the star power tilts toward the Bulls. So does their bench. I like Chicago tonight.
DFS Targets: CHI targets: Vuc, LaVine, Young, and Lauri. MEM targets: Their starting five, sans Grayson Allen. The Grizz spread their usage around, and you should have all of those players in your player pool.
Rockets vs. Suns
Suns.
DFS Targets: This slate is big enough you don’t have to chase a blowout game.
Nuggets vs. Warriors
Nuggets.
DFS Targets: Copy-paste from the above matchup. There are levels to this game. The Nuggets can blow GSW out of the water. Curry isn’t enough when there are no other viable threats.
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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