That six-game NBA DFS slate last night was just a teaser. An appetizer. Tonight is the main course. A MONSTER twelve game slate. I can’t remember the last time there was that much basketball in one night! You might get a cavity, baby (*read this in a Dick Vitale voice please)! 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 April 14
Cavaliers vs. Hornets
I don’t think the Cavaliers are that far away. I really don’t. They’ve got an incredible backcourt that is young and will keep getting better. They have Allen now in the frontcourt, and some nice young wings. At this present time, however, the Cavs are the 28th net rated team. That’s not enough to deal with a Hornets team, that while they are only 19th in the net rankings, is a playoff team. I think Charlotte takes this.
DFS Targets: CLE targets: Garland, Sexton, Osman, Hartenstein, and Kevin Love (yes, the very same!). CHA targets: Rozier, Graham, Bridges, and Washington.
Nets vs. 76ers
This should be a great one. These two teams have a lot on the line. They are battling for the 1-seed in the East, along with the Bucks. The 76ers are a more well-rounded team. They rank 2nd in defense in the league and 14th in offense. The Nets are 3rd in offense and 25th in defense. The Nets are also likely going to be without Kyrie and Harden. KD is great, but he won’t have the help he needs. 76ers win.
DFS Targets: BKN targets: KD, Brown, LA, and Griffin. PHI targets: Simmons, Embiid, Curry, and Green.
Spurs vs. Raptors
I don’t pretend to know what’s going on with the Raptors. They should be much better. They have the talent. But when picking games and players, the past is the best indicator of the future. This specific Raptors team is over ten games under .500, while the Spurs are fighting for a playoff spot. I personally believe the Raptors have the better team, but my personal takes don’t matter. The Spurs have demonstrated they are better. Take the Spurs.
DFS Targets: SAS targets: The Spurs starting five. TOR targets: Siakam, Boucher, FVV, OG, and Lowry.
Clippers vs. Pistons
The 3rd best net-rated team in the league is facing the 23rd best net-rated team in the league. Advantage Clippers. I expect a blowout to be quite honest.
DFS Targets: On a 12-game slate, I don’t need to pick players in a potential blowout game. I’d stick with the stars if you think it’ll be closer.
Magic vs. Bulls
Oh, boy! We’ve got a revenge game. Two teams from one of the blockbuster trades from this past trade deadline are going to be playing each other. Vuc gets to play against his old team that may have wasted the front end of his prime. Wendall Carter Jr. playing against the team that drafted him and gave up on him. Who’s going to win? The better team, of course. Go with the Bulls.
DFS Targets: ORL targets: Ross, Cole Anthony, Carter Jr., and MCW. CHI targets: LaVine, Vuc, White, and Lauri.
Bucks vs. Timberwolves
Minnesota has plenty on their mind, not to mention they are not good. Bucks win very much.
DFS Targets: I wouldn’t. But, you usually can’t go wrong riding with Giannis.
Knicks vs. Pelicans
Much like the Cavs, the Pelicans have a lot of young great talent, and they’re almost there. Unlike the Cavs, the Pelicans should be much better today. Especially with how dominant Zion has been. Zion may dominate again tonight, but I can’t say the same about the rest of his team. The Knicks have the 3rd best defense in the league. That will carry them to victory.
DFS Targets: NYK targets: Randle, Barrett, Payton, and Rose. NOP targets: Zion and Brandon Ingram.
Pacers vs. Rockets
I’d love to say the Pacers win by a blowout and save some time, but the Rockets have been keeping teams close. They’re still losing, yes. But, they are keeping teams close. The Pacers are the better team, but they aren’t good enough that I feel confident they can blow out the Rockets. Pacers win a close one.
DFS Targets: IND targets: Brogdon, Sabonis, and McConnell. HOU targets: Wall, Kevin Porter Jr., Wood, Tate, and Kenyon Martin Jr.
Warriors vs. Thunder
The Thunder just signed a great young player from Real Madrid named Gabriel Deck. Supposedly Kobe watched him play a while back and implored the Lakers to sign him. He’s 26 now and is well decorated in the EuroLeague. He ain’t playing tonight, though. Warriors win.
DFS Targets: GSW targets: Curry, Green, Wiggins, and Oubre. OKC targets: Pokusevski, Maledon, and Brown.
Mavericks vs. Grizzlies
Two potential playoff teams battling it out. They are very similar in terms of rankings. This is a toss-up to me. I tend to lean towards the best player on either side to win, and that’s Luka Doncic on the Mavs. I’m not very confident in it, but that’s who I’ll pick.
DFS Targets: DAL targets: Doncic, Porzingis, and Richardson. MEM targets: Morant, Jonas, Anderson, and Brooks.
Heat vs. Nuggets
This should be a great one. Heat are 6th in defense, while Denver is 17th. The Nuggets are 4th in offense, while the Heat are 24th. Great defense vs. great offense. Star power abound. Denver has been more consistent over the course of the year, so I’ll pick them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Heat won. Especially since I’m sure the team is down after losing Jamal Murray for what looks like an extended period of time. This is another toss-up.
DFS Targets: MIA targets: Butler, Bam, Herro, and Robinson. DEN targets: Jokic, Porter Jr., and Gordon.
Wizards vs. Kings
My Wizards just beat Utah (again!). The Kings will be no match for them, provided Beal plays. Wiz take this one.
DFS Targets: WAS targets: Beal, Russ, Bertans, and Rui. SAC targets: Holmes, Barnes, Fox, and Haliburton.
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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