We have four games on tonight's NBA DFS main slate and boy oh boy is it going to be something.

Injuries, per usual, are the name of the game and tonight we have some big names already ruled out and some bigger names currently listed as questionable. 

The four game slate also matter because the smaller player pool will increase the ownership on specific players which will force you to make the decision as to whether or not you go with or fade the chalk.

 

 

NBA DFS Picks & Daily Fantasy Playbook Today, November 16th

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Before actually diving into the meat and potatoes, welcome to the NBA DFS season. 

If this is your first time reading our column on NBA DFS picks, I just want to welcome you and give you a few tips and tricks on what you should be looking for each night.

  • News outlets: reliable sources that give us injury news & starting lineups
  • Pace of play: who's playing fast vs. who's playing slow. Which teams get a pace-up spot (more possessions) vs. pace-down (fewer possessions)
  • Usage rates: is a percentage of how many plays that player is being used in
  • NBA DFS Projections
  • Lineup Generator
  • NBA Ownership

 

 


Pre-Lock Update

This section will be used for anything that changes from the morning until right up to roster lock. Injury updates, players we’re higher on than we were in the morning and so much more.

Biggest news of the day is with Victor Wembanyama. As of right now Wemby is considered questionable to play with a knee contusion. He has yet to miss a game this season and if he ends up sitting out the value on this slate only becomes that much deeper.

Update - 7:27PM

Victor Wembanyama - OUT

Zach Collins - STARTING for Wemby

Tre Jones - IN

Luka Doncic - ACTIVE

Key NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 11/16

NBA DFS Slate & Game Overviews

With the NBA season just kicking off we don't have data yet for teams regarding pace of play and defensive matchups. In the section below, I’m listing the most notable things we need to look at in Las Vegas, including notable O/U and spreads.

Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics

  • Spread: Celtics -15.5
  • Game Total: 229.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans

  • Spread: Lakers -7.5
  • Game Total: 219.5

San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

  • Spread: Mavericks -12.5
  • Game Total: 228.5

Utah Jazz vs Sacramento Kings

  • Spread: Kings -6.5
  • Game Total: 227
 

 

NBA DFS Core Player Pool & Lineup Picks

Here are the core players I’m looking at for my NBA DFS picks tonight. You can see the full analysis of tonight’s NBA DFS projections and player pool below or skip ahead to building the best lineups possible by locking these into the aforementioned lineup generator now.

High

Mid

Value

Pos
(Click to sort ascending)
Player
(Click to sort ascending)
Matchup
(Click to sort ascending)
DK
(Click to sort ascending)
DK Pts
(Click to sort ascending)
FD
(Click to sort ascending)
FD Pts
(Click to sort ascending)
PGLuka DončićSAS @ DAL Sat 8:301130066.51140062.6

Luka is a game time decision tonight but obviously if he plays he figures to be the highest rostered spend up on the slate given all of the value that is on the board given the players who are inactive. On smaller slates, few have the upside that Luka brings to the table.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGDe'Aaron FoxUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00860048.3870047.6

Going to be very popular tonight with Sabonis, DeRozan and Monk all ruled out. Fox scored 60 actual points last night in the Kings overtime loss to the Timberwolves which could be a concern if Fox is worn out.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGBrandon BostonLAL @ NOP Sat 8:00680027.3650027.6

The Pelicans continue to be short handed and Boston is playing a lot of minutes. Tonight the Pelicans are also going to be without Trey Murphy which will put more offensive emphasis on Boston in this matchup against the Lakers.

Game Type: GPP
PGPayton PritchardTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00490023.3540022.2

Jrue Holiday has been ruled out tonight for the Celtics so there is a chance we see Pritchard enter the starting lineup. We know what his offensive upside is even if the Celtics decide to keep him on the bench in favor of Sam Hauser.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGBrandon IngramLAL @ NOP Sat 8:00910047.4820046.4

All of the offense is going to run through Ingram tonight with Trey Murphy having the night off. We get a little revenge game with the Lakers  having traded Ingram to the Pelicans back in the day for Anthony Davis.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGKyrie IrvingSAS @ DAL Sat 8:30830043.5850042.7

If Luka ends up being ruled out you can bet that most will pivot right to Irving. That said, we've seen games this season where it's Irving not Luka that pops off. IF you want the contrarian play tonight at this price point go with Irving.

Game Type: GPP
SGAustin ReavesLAL @ NOP Sat 8:00730033.5770032.2

Its a small slate so sometimes you just need a high floor player and that is what we have with Reaves. You can lock him in for 30-to-35 fantasy points most nights and we've seen the ceiling as well.

Game Type: CASH
SGDerrick WhiteTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00700035.3740035.4

No Jrue Holiday tonight. We already liked White tonight and with Holiday out of the lineup not much changes here. Maybe a few extra shots or assist go his way. We are two games removed from a 50 FP performance where both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were active.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGCollin SextonUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00580030.6590029.5

Minutes are creeping closer to 30 which is great news because all we need is 28-to-30 minutes for Sexton to pop off, especially in this matchup against the shorthanded Kings.

Game Type: GPP
SGKevin HuerterUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00550024.6510024.1

Going to be super popular. He's popped off for 40+ fantasy points in two of the last four games and with no Sabonis, no Monk and no DeRozan tonight the Kings really need Huerter to step up.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGJordan ClarksonUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00510028.2600026.7

Much like Sexton, Clarkson only needs 25+ minutes to go out there and take over a game. On short slates I love putting Clarkson in my GPP lineups.

Game Type: GPP
SGStephon CastleSAS @ DAL Sat 8:30490028500027.5

No Victor Wembanyama and no Devin Vassell tonight. Both should help the rookie with opportunity for both minutes and scoring upside. Yes, Tre Jones is active tonight but I don't see him keeping Castle off of the floor.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGMax ChristieLAL @ NOP Sat 8:00310019.6370019.2

In the starting lineup and coming off of a game where he played 30 minutes and finished with 22.75 fantasy points. Another big value on this short slate in a great matchup.

Game Type: GPP
SGDalton KnechtLAL @ NOP Sat 8:00420018.4410018

Cheap play that should start with Rui Hachimura out of the lineup again. We know he is going to shoot threes and shoot them in bunches. His floor and ceiling all depend on how many he ends up making.

Game Type: GPP
SFLeBron JamesLAL @ NOP Sat 8:001040055.81030054.3

Four straight triple double for LeBron James. First time in his career he has had this many triple-doubles in a row and now he faces a shorthanded Pelicans team that really doesn't have anyone to handle him. I guess the concern would be a blowout where James is possibly limited.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJaylen BrownTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00790039.5860038.6

The Celtics just let their starters play and Brown can pop off and be the best player on the court on any given day.  Always good for tournaments.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFGradey DickTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00650033580031.5

He missed almost every shot he took last night against the Pistons and the Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA but Dick is still going to take a lot of shots tonight and I'll take the shooters chance here.

Game Type: GPP
SFJulian ChampagnieSAS @ DAL Sat 8:30480023.1460023.1

Not having Wemby and Vassell active tonight just opens up so much for the rest of the Spurs. Champagnie has had some good games this season with Wemby active and I'm willing to give Champagnie the go here tonight.

Game Type: GPP
SFSam HauserTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00360015.6420014.8

I think we see Hauser play more minutes no matter what tonight but he could also enter the starting lineup with Jrue Holiday out of the lineup. Hauser is a threat to knock down five threes with a handful of rebounds.

Game Type: GPP
PFJayson TatumTOR @ BOS Sat 8:001010050.81050049

Tatum popped for over 60 fantasy points against the Nets. He is always capable of that and the Raptors really will miss Scottie Barnes tonight on the defensive end of the floor.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFRJ BarrettTOR @ BOS Sat 8:00840037.8750036.2

Much like Gradey Dick, the Raptors will score some points tonight and Barrett is going to be one of the few taking most of the shots. It's not the easiest matchup for Barrett but the volume of shots should be there.

Game Type: GPP
PFLauri MarkkanenUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00740041.5760040.1

I'm really waiting to see the big game from Markkanen and maybe tonight we get it with the Kings missing Sabonis and DeRozan. We know he can score and we know he can rebound. Maybe a 25 point double-double is in the cards.

Game Type: CASH
PFKeegan MurrayUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00650030.8640030.8

One of my favorites on the slate. Murray is going to take a lot of shots tonight, a lot of them from three-point range and we've seen his rebounding really take off this season. A double-double is likely in the cards and maybe a ceiling scoring game.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFKeldon JohnsonSAS @ DAL Sat 8:30550026.8550025.9

No Wemby and no Vassell. Same song and dance for the rest of the Spurs. Keldon has some really nice upside and can be the leading scorer for the Spurs tonight if he gets the minutes. 

Game Type: GPP
PFP.J. WashingtonSAS @ DAL Sat 8:305400058000

Washington has been ruled in for today after missing the past few games. With the Spurs missing players tonight, including Wemby, this is setting up to be a decent spot for Washington if he gets the playing time.

Game Type: GPP
CAnthony DavisLAL @ NOP Sat 8:001060053.91100054.2

We love a good revenge game. We all know that AD did not enjoy the remaining time in New Orleans and essentially forced his trade out. The Pelicans also have no presence on the roster to shut him down and AD has gone for 60+ pretty consistently this year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CJohn CollinsUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00680034.2680033.9

Collins is the cover of the playbook for a reason. He is a fantasy point per minute monster and the Kings are without Sabonis tonight. Lock this man in for a double-double.

Game Type: GPP
CZach CollinsSAS @ DAL Sat 8:30490016.9410016.6

No Wemby tonight so Collins should get the nod. You can also go with Mamu as well as a dart throw but last year we saw Collins put up some big numbers when playing while Wemby was out of the lineup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CTrey LylesUTA @ SAC Sat 10:00380022.4420021.4

He played 40 minutes last night and that likely ends up close to the case tonight as well with Sabonis now ruled out. We also should see Alex Len start, with Len starting last night but not playing a ton of minutes. The Kings will need both big men on the floor tonight against the Jazz.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
11300 , 66.5
66.5
11400 , 62.6
62.6

Luka is a game time decision tonight but obviously if he plays he figures to be the highest rostered spend up on the slate given all of the value that is on the board given the players who are inactive. On smaller slates, few have the upside that Luka brings to the table.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8600 , 48.3
48.3
8700 , 47.6
47.6

Going to be very popular tonight with Sabonis, DeRozan and Monk all ruled out. Fox scored 60 actual points last night in the Kings overtime loss to the Timberwolves which could be a concern if Fox is worn out.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6800 , 27.3
27.3
6500 , 27.6
27.6

The Pelicans continue to be short handed and Boston is playing a lot of minutes. Tonight the Pelicans are also going to be without Trey Murphy which will put more offensive emphasis on Boston in this matchup against the Lakers.

Game Type: GPP
4900 , 23.3
23.3
5400 , 22.2
22.2

Jrue Holiday has been ruled out tonight for the Celtics so there is a chance we see Pritchard enter the starting lineup. We know what his offensive upside is even if the Celtics decide to keep him on the bench in favor of Sam Hauser.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9100 , 47.4
47.4
8200 , 46.4
46.4

All of the offense is going to run through Ingram tonight with Trey Murphy having the night off. We get a little revenge game with the Lakers  having traded Ingram to the Pelicans back in the day for Anthony Davis.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8300 , 43.5
43.5
8500 , 42.7
42.7

If Luka ends up being ruled out you can bet that most will pivot right to Irving. That said, we've seen games this season where it's Irving not Luka that pops off. IF you want the contrarian play tonight at this price point go with Irving.

Game Type: GPP
7300 , 33.5
33.5
7700 , 32.2
32.2

Its a small slate so sometimes you just need a high floor player and that is what we have with Reaves. You can lock him in for 30-to-35 fantasy points most nights and we've seen the ceiling as well.

Game Type: CASH
7000 , 35.3
35.3
7400 , 35.4
35.4

No Jrue Holiday tonight. We already liked White tonight and with Holiday out of the lineup not much changes here. Maybe a few extra shots or assist go his way. We are two games removed from a 50 FP performance where both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were active.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5800 , 30.6
30.6
5900 , 29.5
29.5

Minutes are creeping closer to 30 which is great news because all we need is 28-to-30 minutes for Sexton to pop off, especially in this matchup against the shorthanded Kings.

Game Type: GPP
5500 , 24.6
24.6
5100 , 24.1
24.1

Going to be super popular. He's popped off for 40+ fantasy points in two of the last four games and with no Sabonis, no Monk and no DeRozan tonight the Kings really need Huerter to step up.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5100 , 28.2
28.2
6000 , 26.7
26.7

Much like Sexton, Clarkson only needs 25+ minutes to go out there and take over a game. On short slates I love putting Clarkson in my GPP lineups.

Game Type: GPP
4900 , 28
28
5000 , 27.5
27.5

No Victor Wembanyama and no Devin Vassell tonight. Both should help the rookie with opportunity for both minutes and scoring upside. Yes, Tre Jones is active tonight but I don't see him keeping Castle off of the floor.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3100 , 19.6
19.6
3700 , 19.2
19.2

In the starting lineup and coming off of a game where he played 30 minutes and finished with 22.75 fantasy points. Another big value on this short slate in a great matchup.

Game Type: GPP
4200 , 18.4
18.4
4100 , 18
18

Cheap play that should start with Rui Hachimura out of the lineup again. We know he is going to shoot threes and shoot them in bunches. His floor and ceiling all depend on how many he ends up making.

Game Type: GPP
10400 , 55.8
55.8
10300 , 54.3
54.3

Four straight triple double for LeBron James. First time in his career he has had this many triple-doubles in a row and now he faces a shorthanded Pelicans team that really doesn't have anyone to handle him. I guess the concern would be a blowout where James is possibly limited.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7900 , 39.5
39.5
8600 , 38.6
38.6

The Celtics just let their starters play and Brown can pop off and be the best player on the court on any given day.  Always good for tournaments.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6500 , 33
33
5800 , 31.5
31.5

He missed almost every shot he took last night against the Pistons and the Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA but Dick is still going to take a lot of shots tonight and I'll take the shooters chance here.

Game Type: GPP
4800 , 23.1
23.1
4600 , 23.1
23.1

Not having Wemby and Vassell active tonight just opens up so much for the rest of the Spurs. Champagnie has had some good games this season with Wemby active and I'm willing to give Champagnie the go here tonight.

Game Type: GPP
3600 , 15.6
15.6
4200 , 14.8
14.8

I think we see Hauser play more minutes no matter what tonight but he could also enter the starting lineup with Jrue Holiday out of the lineup. Hauser is a threat to knock down five threes with a handful of rebounds.

Game Type: GPP
10100 , 50.8
50.8
10500 , 49
49

Tatum popped for over 60 fantasy points against the Nets. He is always capable of that and the Raptors really will miss Scottie Barnes tonight on the defensive end of the floor.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8400 , 37.8
37.8
7500 , 36.2
36.2

Much like Gradey Dick, the Raptors will score some points tonight and Barrett is going to be one of the few taking most of the shots. It's not the easiest matchup for Barrett but the volume of shots should be there.

Game Type: GPP
7400 , 41.5
41.5
7600 , 40.1
40.1

I'm really waiting to see the big game from Markkanen and maybe tonight we get it with the Kings missing Sabonis and DeRozan. We know he can score and we know he can rebound. Maybe a 25 point double-double is in the cards.

Game Type: CASH
6500 , 30.8
30.8
6400 , 30.8
30.8

One of my favorites on the slate. Murray is going to take a lot of shots tonight, a lot of them from three-point range and we've seen his rebounding really take off this season. A double-double is likely in the cards and maybe a ceiling scoring game.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5500 , 26.8
26.8
5500 , 25.9
25.9

No Wemby and no Vassell. Same song and dance for the rest of the Spurs. Keldon has some really nice upside and can be the leading scorer for the Spurs tonight if he gets the minutes. 

Game Type: GPP
5400 , 0
0
5800 , 0
0

Washington has been ruled in for today after missing the past few games. With the Spurs missing players tonight, including Wemby, this is setting up to be a decent spot for Washington if he gets the playing time.

Game Type: GPP
10600 , 53.9
53.9
11000 , 54.2
54.2

We love a good revenge game. We all know that AD did not enjoy the remaining time in New Orleans and essentially forced his trade out. The Pelicans also have no presence on the roster to shut him down and AD has gone for 60+ pretty consistently this year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6800 , 34.2
34.2
6800 , 33.9
33.9

Collins is the cover of the playbook for a reason. He is a fantasy point per minute monster and the Kings are without Sabonis tonight. Lock this man in for a double-double.

Game Type: GPP
4900 , 16.9
16.9
4100 , 16.6
16.6

No Wemby tonight so Collins should get the nod. You can also go with Mamu as well as a dart throw but last year we saw Collins put up some big numbers when playing while Wemby was out of the lineup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3800 , 22.4
22.4
4200 , 21.4
21.4

He played 40 minutes last night and that likely ends up close to the case tonight as well with Sabonis now ruled out. We also should see Alex Len start, with Len starting last night but not playing a ton of minutes. The Kings will need both big men on the floor tonight against the Jazz.

Game Type: CASH & GPP