Tonight’s seven-game NBA DFS slate presents a well-balanced mix of competitive matchups and high-upside opportunities. Only one game, the Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs, features a spread greater than 10 points, keeping most contests within a reasonable range.
This ensures starters and key players will play their usual roles, without the concern of blowouts reducing their minutes. The game totals also reflect this balance, with the highest sitting at 234.5 in the Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks matchup, offering a prime target for offensive production.
In this primer, we will break down the key matchups, spotlight the top plays at each position and identify the best value options to help maximize your lineup’s potential. With a slate that combines stability with scoring upside, let’s dive in and pinpoint the players who can give you an edge tonight.
View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet 
NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer
NBA DFS Core Plays
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)
- DraftKings: $11,900
- FanDuel: $11,900
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a dominant force against the Atlanta Hawks this season, averaging 29.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and eight assists in three games. His ability to stuff the stat sheet in multiple categories makes him a top-tier play, especially in a matchup where he’s historically thrived. With such a well-rounded performance against the Hawks, Antetokounmpo is poised to deliver another strong outing tonight.
The matchup also plays to Antetokounmpo’s strengths, as his size and athleticism create major mismatches against Atlanta’s defense. The Hawks are known for playing at the second-fastest pace in the NBA, which suits Antetokounmpo’s game by creating more opportunities for him to push the ball in transition, where he thrives. With his unique combination of size, speed and ball-handling ability, Antetokounmpo is a nightmare for opposing defenses when he’s attacking the rim on the move.
- DraftKings: $9.500
- FanDuel: $9,300
Trae Young has had strong performances against the Milwaukee Bucks this season, averaging 26 points, four rebounds and 9.3 assists in three games. His ability to both score and facilitate against them has made him a consistent fantasy contributor in this matchup. With his high usage and key role in Atlanta’s offense, Young is poised to continue his success against the Bucks tonight.
In addition to his success against Milwaukee, Young has been playing at a high level recently, recording at least 42 DraftKings points in six straight games. This run of strong performances makes him a reliable option for tonight’s slate.
NBA DFS Cash Game Targets
- DraftKings: $8,400
- FanDuel: $7,600
Jalen Green has been on a scoring tear lately, averaging 27.8 points, seven rebounds and five assists over his last three games. His offensive game is clicking. He’s been a major focal point for the Houston Rockets, putting up consistent numbers across multiple categories.
The Phoenix Suns’ defense has been a major weakness recently, ranking 27th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This gives Green an excellent opportunity to continue his hot streak, as he’ll likely be able to take advantage of the Suns’ defensive struggles.
Ricky Council IV (SF, PF – PHI)
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $5,500
Ricky Council IV has been a model of consistency recently, averaging 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists over his last five games. His usage rate has been solid at 22.6%, ranking third on the Philadelphia 76ers, which highlights his role as a key offensive contributor.
The matchup against the Toronto Raptors is favorable for Council, as they have been playing at the second-fastest pace in the NBA over their last five games. This up-tempo style of play should lead to more possessions, giving Council extra chances to contribute offensively and on the boards.
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $5,200
Yves Missi has been providing solid production recently, averaging 11.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over his last five games. His well-rounded contributions make him an intriguing option looking for a reliable, value-oriented center.
Tonight’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets is particularly favorable for Missi. The Hornets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers and rank 29th in defensive efficiency over their last seven games. This defensive vulnerability should give Missi plenty of opportunities to rack up points and rebounds while also contributing on the defensive end.
NBA DFS GPP Targets
- DraftKings: $6,700
- FanDuel: $6,800
Rudy Gobert has been in strong form recently, averaging 16 points, 13.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals over his last three games. His ability to contribute across multiple categories, especially in rebounds and defensive stats, makes him a highly valuable option for lineups. Gobert’s strong presence in the paint and his ability to impact both ends of the floor give him an impressive fantasy ceiling.
The Detroit Pistons, while a solid defensive team, have been playing at the 10th-fastest pace over their last seven games. This fast tempo creates more possessions and opportunities for Gobert to rack up rebounds, points and defensive stats.
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $6,400
With Cade Cunningham (calf) listed as doubtful, all signs point to Ausar Thompson stepping up in his absence. Over the last two games Cunningham has missed, Thompson’s usage rate has jumped to 23.9%, and he’s thrived in his expanded role.
During this stretch, Thompson is averaging 16 points, eight rebounds, 2.5 assists, two steals and two blocks. Thompson’s ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an intriguing option, especially as he continues to take on more responsibility in Detroit’s offense.
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $5,300
With Jakob Poeltl (rest) ruled out for tonight’s game, Orlando Robinson could be in line for a starting role. Robinson has impressed in his last two games, averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. His ability to contribute in multiple areas, especially on the boards, gives him solid fantasy upside, particularly in a starting role where he’s likely to see increased minutes and opportunities to make an impact.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ defense has been struggling recently, ranking 28th in defensive efficiency over their last five games. This vulnerability, especially in the paint, should allow Robinson to capitalize on his size and rebounding ability.
NBA DFS Value Plays
- DraftKings: $4,100
- FanDuel: $5,000
With Damian Lillard (calf) missing the Milwaukee Bucks’ last five games, Ryan Rollins has stepped up in a big way. Over that stretch, he’s averaged 25.7 minutes per game, putting up solid all-around numbers — 11 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
Rollins’ recent form has been especially promising, as he’s averaged 18.5 points in his last two games. At his current price, he offers great value, particularly for DFS players looking for a low-cost player with the potential to deliver solid production.
- DraftKings: $4,200
- FanDuel: $4,400
Ja’Kobe Walter has been a steady contributor for his team, averaging 28 minutes per game over his last five outings. During this stretch, he’s been putting up 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
At his current price point, Walter offers great value, especially considering his consistent production. He may not be putting up monster numbers, but his reliability and the potential for more opportunities in tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers make him an appealing pick.
- DraftKings: $3,300
- FanDuel: $4,500
Elfrid Payton has stepped up in recent games, averaging 24 minutes per game over his last two contests. During this stretch, he’s been contributing across multiple categories, with averages of five points, 5.5 rebounds and 12 assists. Payton has always been known for his playmaking ability, and he’s done a great job setting up his teammates in recent outings.
If Jordan Hawkins (back), who is currently questionable, is ruled out for tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, Payton could see a significant boost in playing time, potentially pushing him to 30+ minutes. This increased role would provide even more opportunities for Payton to contribute across the board.
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