This figures to be one of the more ignored games of the evening, as the expected totals for both teams are below 106 and there are no relevant injuries. However, taking a flier on Nikola Vucevic, Blake Griffin and/or Andre Drummond would be understandable based on their big-game potential.
This figures to be one of the faster-paced games on the slate, but doesn't feature an prominent injuries to take advantage of. Against a weak Nets frontline, many DFS users will undoubtedly turn to Joel Embiid to have a monster night.
Dallas has the lowest expected total Thursday, as they're expected to score 102 points. Value will be easier to come by on the Heat, who are expected to score 109 points and will be missing Josh Richardson, while Justise Winslow remains questionable. Backcourt and wing players like Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and Derrick Jones could see increased usage as a result.
The Raptors are expected to secure a double-digit win over the Knicks, but Toronto will be missing Kawhi Leonard due to load management. With OG Anunoby's status cloudy as well, we could see increased usage from Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, Danny Green and Norman Powell. The Knicks' rotation is unpredictable as always, but it's possible things normalize if all the players listed below become available.
This will be a highly targeted matchup. Both teams are top four in expected total, but maybe more importantly, Frank Jackson and Harry Giles are out. The Pelicans' backcourt is decimated, which could lead to huge minutes for Ian Clark, Elfrid Payton and Stanley Johnson. Meanwhile, for the Kings, Nemanja Bjelica could be worth a flier in Giles' absence.
Despite the star power of James Harden and Nikola Jokic, this game isn't that enticing from a DFS perspective. Both expected totals are below 112 and there are few relevant injuries to open up value. Based on pure upside, you can probably still take a shot on Jokic, Paul Millsap, Jamal Murray and/or James Harden, however.
The Bucks have the highest expected total on the slate, with a prediction of over 120 points and a spread of -9.0. Injuries have opened up playing time for Pat Connaughton and Sterling Brown, while Eric Bledsoe has been thriving with Malcolm Brogdon out. For the Clippers, there are plenty of solid options, but Lou Williams has shown the highest upside lately.
The Spurs are expected to score the fifth-most points on the slate, though they're favored by 12 points, which means a blowout could be in store. As a result, I'd feel safer taking the role players on San Antonio, such as Derrick White, Bryn Forbes and Jakob Poeltl. For the Cavaliers, who are expected to score the third-fewest points Thursday, Kevin Love has shown the most upside. There are hardly any truly enticing options, however.
The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Alex Barutha plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel Username: unclestosh99, DraftKings Username: Roto_Alex.
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Alex is RotoWire's Chief NBA Editor. He writes articles about daily fantasy, year-long fantasy and sports betting. You can hear him on the RotoWire NBA Podcast, Sirius XM, VSiN and other platforms. He firmly believes Robert Covington is the most underrated fantasy player of the past decade.