Welcome to our NBA DFS Slate Preview article for Saturday 3/9/24. Let’s dive into a DFS-focused preview of each NBA matchup, highlighting key insights to keep you ahead of the competition.
Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Clippers
- Vegas Line: Clippers favored by 8, with a game total of 221.5.
- DFS Insight: The Bulls’ recent upswing, powered by DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, meets a Clippers squad missing Russell Westbrook. Ivica Zubac‘s status (questionable) could impact the center matchup. High usage for Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden suggests DFS gold, especially if Zubac sits out.
- Key Points:
- Consider stacking DeRozan and Vucevic given their recent performances.
- Clippers’ stars are must-plays, but keep an eye on Zubac’s status for potential value picks like Terance Mann stepping up.
Brooklyn Nets vs Charlotte Hornets
- Vegas Line: Nets favored by 5, game total at 210.5.
- DFS Insight: Dennis Schroder and Mikal Bridges have been leading the charge for the Nets, making them solid plays against a struggling Hornets team. For Charlotte, Miles Bridges continues to shine, providing a consistent fantasy output.
- Key Points:
- Schroder and Bridges are strong options given their current form and usage.
- Despite the Hornets’ woes, Miles Bridges offers great value due to his all-around contributions.
Dallas Mavericks vs Detroit Pistons
- Vegas Line: Mavericks favored by 6.5, with a high game total of 235.
- DFS Insight: Luka Doncic‘s dominance makes him a top pick, even at high salary. Detroit’s Cade Cunningham offers value as the focal point of the Pistons’ offense.
- Key Points:
- Doncic is almost a lock for DFS lineups given his triple-double prowess.
- Cunningham’s all-around game provides a potential high ceiling against a Mavericks team that can give up points.
San Antonio Spurs vs Golden State Warriors
- Vegas Line: Warriors favored by 9, game total at 230.
- DFS Insight: The Spurs’ young roster presents some unpredictability, but Devin Vassell stands out for his scoring. Without Curry, look towards Draymond Green and Klay Thompson to step up for the Warriors.
- Key Points:
- Vassell offers scoring upside against a high-paced Warriors team.
- With Curry out, Thompson and Green’s increased roles make them attractive DFS plays.
Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns
- Vegas Line: Celtics favored by 5.5, total at 227.5.
- DFS Insight: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (if playing) are always in play for their scoring and all-around contributions. On the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant‘s scoring ability makes him a prime option, especially if Devin Booker sits.
- Key Points:
- Tatum and Brown (watch his status) provide high upside in what should be a competitive game.
- Durant is a must-consider, especially with Booker’s uncertain status.
Utah Jazz vs Denver Nuggets
- Vegas Line: Nuggets favored by 11.5, with a game total of 233.
- DFS Insight: The Jazz’s struggles could continue against a strong Nuggets team led by Nikola Jokic. Jokic’s all-around dominance makes him a top DFS choice.
- Key Points:
- Jokic’s MVP-caliber performances make him a cornerstone in DFS lineups.
- The Jazz’s young talent like Keyonte George offers value, but their inconsistency is a risk.
Toronto Raptors vs Portland Trail Blazers
- Vegas Line: Raptors favored by 1.5, game total at 224.
- DFS Insight: Immanuel Quickley‘s role as a primary playmaker for the Raptors provides upside, while the Blazers’ youth, led by Anfernee Simons, offers value in a potentially close game.
- Key Points:
- Quickley’s increased usage makes him a valuable play against a struggling Blazers team.
- Simons is a key option for Portland, offering scoring and playmaking upside.
Remember, in DFS, game totals and spreads can guide us towards higher-scoring games with more fantasy points to go around. Keep an eye on injury reports and starting lineups for late value plays.
