NBA DFS Picks, Projections, Lineups, Injuries & More Today: Saturday Playbook

Published: Mar 29, 2025
Happy Saturday, March 29th, we have a 6-game NBA DFS main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel.
Despite the shorter slate, we are not lacking for spend-up options. Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum and LeBron James are some of the stars available for us to plug into our lineups this evening. Ja Morant and P.J. Washington headline the names listed questionable on the injury report.
Let's get into some of the top plays and best pivots for this NBA slate.
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
NBA DFS Picks & Daily Fantasy Playbook Today, March 29th
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Pre/Post-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.
All status updates after contest roster lock will be made in the Fantasy Alarm Discord: https://discord.gg/2yATJxXe8G
UPDATE 6:40 PM ET
- Noah Clowney - Available
- Marcus Smart - Available
- Jalen Hood-Schifino - Available
- Lonzo Ball - OUT
UPDATE 6:50 PM ET
- P.J. Washington - Available
- Daniel Gafford - OUT
- Dereck Lively - OUT
- Kai Jones - Available
NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 3/29
- D'Angelo Russell - OUT
- Nic Claxton - OUT
- Noah Clowney - Available
- Day'Ron Sharpe - OUT
- Kyshawn George - OUT
- Khris Middleton - OUT
- Marcus Smart - Available
- Andrew Wiggins - OUT
- Duncan Robinson - OUT
- Jalen Hood-Schifino - Available
- Payton Pritchard - OUT
- Al Horford - OUT
- P.J. Washington - Available
- Daniel Gafford - OUT
- Dereck Lively - OUT
- Kai Jones - Available
- Lonzo Ball - OUT
- Bennedict Mathurin - OUT
- Chet Holmgren - OUT
- Aaron Wiggins - OUT
- Jaylin Williams - Q
- Alex Caruso - Q
- Ja Morant - Q
NBA DFS Slate & Game Overviews
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. Not every game is listed, but every game listed has the pace and defensive numbers listed.
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
- Keon Johnson, Justin Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, Davion Mitchell, AJ Johnson, Tristan Vukcevic, Haywood Highsmith, Jaylen Martin
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) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PG | Luka Dončić | LAL @ MEM Sat 8:00 | 11900 | 50.9 | 11600 | 49.6 |
Luka's usage, rebound and assist rates are all higher with the Lakers than they were this season with the Mavericks, but we have not seen many ceiling performances (for this salary) with LeBron James in the lineup. This is an elite game environment with a total above 237 and a 2.5 points spread. Austin Reaves (questionable) missing this game would be a big boost to Luka and LeBron. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | IND @ OKC Sat 8:00 | 10800 | 53.1 | 11500 | 53.4 |
Chet Holmgren is out and Jalen Williams is likely still limited. SGA has a massive ceiling in this up-tempo matchup with the Pacers. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PG | Josh Giddey | DAL @ CHI Sat 8:00 | 9200 | 50.2 | 9700 | 47.6 |
Giddey dropped yet another triple-double last time out that also included an amazing, game-winning half-court shot over LeBron James. The guy is averaging 22.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in the month of March and is still priced below $10k in a matchup with the shorthanded Mavs. We just have to trust the production is going to continue at this point, which makes him one of the top plays on the slate. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
PG | Tyrese Haliburton | IND @ OKC Sat 8:00 | 8900 | 50 | 9200 | 47.8 |
Haliburton fell short of his 13th straight double-double last game mostly due to not playing the 4th quarter in a blowout of the Wizards. He compensated for not reaching the DD by scoring 29 points. He has 47+ FP in five straight games and continues to play excellent ball. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PG | Tyler Herro | MIA @ PHI Sat 7:30 | 8300 | 46.5 | 8400 | 43.7 |
Herro dropped 36 points last game against the Hawks. Now he gets an elite matchup against the tanking Sixers and Andrew Wiggins has been ruled out. Herro has regularly flashed 50 FP upside this season, which would be great value at this price. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
PG | Davion Mitchell | MIA @ PHI Sat 7:30 | 4300 | 28.2 | 4900 | 27.2 |
Mitchell continues to play huge minutes off the Heat bench, and he has been a more productive player in that role. He has scored at least 29 FP in three straight games and gets an elite matchup against a decimated Sixers squad. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SG | Coby White | DAL @ CHI Sat 8:00 | 8100 | 42.2 | 8100 | 40 |
Coby White has been an elite scorer over the last month, but he has been overshadowed a bit by the heroics of teammate Josh Giddey. White has scored no fewer than 21 points in any of his last 14 games, and he has averaged 29.1 points per game in that time. He is underpriced for his recent production and gets a strong matchup with the Mavericks. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SG | Stephon Castle | BOS @ SAS Sat 8:00 | 6600 | 34.2 | 7100 | 33.5 |
Castle leads the Spurs with a 29.7% usage rate since Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the season. He gets a brutal matchup against the Celtics, but he just put up over 50 FP in another tough matchup against the Cavs. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
SG | Keon Johnson | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 5400 | 24.4 | 5400 | 24.4 |
Cam Thomas, D'Angelo Russell and Nic Claxton are out for the Nets, which opens plenty of opportunities for Keon Johnson. Johnson is locked into a starting role and gets an elite matchup against the Wizards. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
SG | AJ Johnson | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 4300 | 26 | 4900 | 24.2 |
The Wizards are in full tank mode, and have been limiting playing time for their best players. AJ Johnson has been one of the beneficiaries, as he has averaged 29 minutes per game over his last seven contests. Khris Middleton is listed out for this game, and Johnson started and played 34 minutes last time Middleton was out. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SG | Tyrese Martin | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 4100 | 18.9 | 4000 | 17.9 |
Brooklyn is shorthanded and gets an elite matchup against the Wizards. Martin has a chance to draw the start and play upper-20s minutes. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SF | Jayson Tatum | BOS @ SAS Sat 8:00 | 10200 | 50 | 10100 | 47.9 |
Tatum gets an elite matchup against the Spurs, who rank 28th in DRtg since Wembanyama was ruled out for the season. The 12.5 point spread is a little concerning, but Tatum should smash if the Spurs can keep it close. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SF | LeBron James | LAL @ MEM Sat 8:00 | 10000 | 53 | 9800 | 50.9 |
LeBron and the Lakers get a matchup against the fastest-paced team in the league who just unexpectedly fired their head coach. There is still some concern the addition of Luka Doncic limits the upside of LeBron, but I am willing to roll the dice given the matchup. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
SF | Kevin Huerter | DAL @ CHI Sat 8:00 | 5900 | 27.2 | 6000 | 27 |
Huerter has been starting and playing huge minutes in the absence of Tre Jones (out), Lonzo Ball (doubtful) and Ayo Dosunmu (out). He played 39 minutes and went for over 39 FP last game against the Lakers. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
SF | Julian Champagnie | BOS @ SAS Sat 8:00 | 3400 | 20 | 4200 | 19.6 |
SF is a weak position today, so I don't mind punting and deploying the available salary elsewhere. Champagnie has consistently been playing low-20s minutes since De'Aaron Fox was lost for the season. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
SF | Jaylen Martin | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 3100 | 9.1 | 4000 | 7.8 |
SF is a weak position today, so I don't mind punting and deploying the available salary elsewhere. Martin has a chance to draw the start for the shorthanded Nets tonight in an elite matchup with the Wizards. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
PF | Anthony Davis | DAL @ CHI Sat 8:00 | 9800 | 37.9 | 10000 | 39 |
AD is likely still a bit limited, as he will play just his 4th game since joining the Mavs. He played 28 minutes last game, so 28-32 minutes is the likely outcome here. I still think he has upside given the matchup with the Bulls, who have been extremely vulnerable in the paint this season. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PF | Bam Adebayo | MIA @ PHI Sat 7:30 | 8400 | 41.7 | 8400 | 40.2 |
Bam has seen a healthy 25.1% usage rate – a 1.6% bump – when playing without Andrew Wiggins (out) and Jimmy Butler (traded) this season. He gets a dream matchup against the decimated Sixers who have a serious size deficiency in the frontcourt. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
PF | Justin Champagnie | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 4800 | 21 | 5500 | 21.3 |
The Wizards rotation is a mess these days, but Champagnie has been seeing consistent playing time. He has a chance to play 30+ minutes if he draws the start, and he gets an elite matchup against a shorthanded Nets team. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PF | Keldon Johnson | BOS @ SAS Sat 8:00 | 4700 | 26.1 | 5300 | 25.5 |
Keldon Johnson has flashed 35 FP upside in recent games, including last time out against the Cavs. He draws another tough matchup against the Celtics, but I have GPP interest at this price. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
PF | Haywood Highsmith | MIA @ PHI Sat 7:30 | 3400 | 22.5 | 4100 | 23.1 |
Highsmith has played 30+ minutes in each of the last three games, and now Andrew Wiggins is out. The fantasy production has been abysmal per minute, but at least he gets an elite matchup against the Sixers and he has positional eligibility at the weaker Forward positions. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
C | Kristaps Porziņģis | BOS @ SAS Sat 8:00 | 8300 | 37.2 | 8200 | 37.6 |
Al Horford has been ruled out, which could lead to increased minutes for Porzingis if this game stays close. Zinger is a matchup problem for the Spurs, who have ranked just 28th in DRtg without Victor Wembanyama. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
C | Nikola Vučević | DAL @ CHI Sat 8:00 | 7500 | 35.6 | 7500 | 35 |
Vucevic has fallen into a secondary role with the emergence of Josh Giddey and Coby White, but the price tag has fallen to a point where we can chase some upside. A 20-10 double-double is still well within his range of outcomes. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
C | Isaiah Hartenstein | IND @ OKC Sat 8:00 | 6800 | 34.9 | 7100 | 33.8 |
Chet Holmgren has been ruled out and the Thunder get a great matchup against the Pacers. Hartenstein has a much higher minutes floor/ceiling when Chet is out of the lineup. Indiana has allowed the 4th-most point in the paint this season. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
C | Alex Sarr | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 6600 | 35.6 | 7000 | 36.2 |
Brooklyn is seriously lacking in size tonight with Nic Claxton and Day'ron Sharpe both ruled out (and Noah Clowney questionable). Sarr has had a great role recently with the Wizards in evaluation mode, and he has tremendous upside given the context tonight. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
C | Kel'el Ware | MIA @ PHI Sat 7:30 | 5800 | 29.8 | 6100 | 30.6 |
Ware gets an elite matchup against the depleted Sixers tonight, and his minutes should be more secure with Andrew Wiggins out. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
C | Tristan Vukčević | BKN @ WAS Sat 7:00 | 4000 | 28.9 | 5200 | 28 |
Brooklyn is seriously lacking in size tonight with Nic Claxton and Day'ron Sharpe both ruled out (and Noah Clowney questionable). The minutes have been inconsistent for Vukcevic, but he is an elite per-minute producer if he gets the run. Game Type: GPP |
Luka Dončić, PG | 11900 , 50.9 | 50.9 | 11600 , 49.6 | 49.6 | ||
Luka's usage, rebound and assist rates are all higher with the Lakers than they were this season with the Mavericks, but we have not seen many ceiling performances (for this salary) with LeBron James in the lineup. This is an elite game environment with a total above 237 and a 2.5 points spread. Austin Reaves (questionable) missing this game would be a big boost to Luka and LeBron. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
10800 , 53.1 | 53.1 | 11500 , 53.4 | 53.4 | |||
Chet Holmgren is out and Jalen Williams is likely still limited. SGA has a massive ceiling in this up-tempo matchup with the Pacers. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Josh Giddey, PG | 9200 , 50.2 | 50.2 | 9700 , 47.6 | 47.6 | ||
Giddey dropped yet another triple-double last time out that also included an amazing, game-winning half-court shot over LeBron James. The guy is averaging 22.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 9.5 assists in the month of March and is still priced below $10k in a matchup with the shorthanded Mavs. We just have to trust the production is going to continue at this point, which makes him one of the top plays on the slate. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
8900 , 50 | 50 | 9200 , 47.8 | 47.8 | |||
Haliburton fell short of his 13th straight double-double last game mostly due to not playing the 4th quarter in a blowout of the Wizards. He compensated for not reaching the DD by scoring 29 points. He has 47+ FP in five straight games and continues to play excellent ball. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Tyler Herro, PG | 8300 , 46.5 | 46.5 | 8400 , 43.7 | 43.7 | ||
Herro dropped 36 points last game against the Hawks. Now he gets an elite matchup against the tanking Sixers and Andrew Wiggins has been ruled out. Herro has regularly flashed 50 FP upside this season, which would be great value at this price. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Davion Mitchell, PG | 4300 , 28.2 | 28.2 | 4900 , 27.2 | 27.2 | ||
Mitchell continues to play huge minutes off the Heat bench, and he has been a more productive player in that role. He has scored at least 29 FP in three straight games and gets an elite matchup against a decimated Sixers squad. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Coby White, SG | 8100 , 42.2 | 42.2 | 8100 , 40 | 40 | ||
Coby White has been an elite scorer over the last month, but he has been overshadowed a bit by the heroics of teammate Josh Giddey. White has scored no fewer than 21 points in any of his last 14 games, and he has averaged 29.1 points per game in that time. He is underpriced for his recent production and gets a strong matchup with the Mavericks. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Stephon Castle, SG | 6600 , 34.2 | 34.2 | 7100 , 33.5 | 33.5 | ||
Castle leads the Spurs with a 29.7% usage rate since Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the season. He gets a brutal matchup against the Celtics, but he just put up over 50 FP in another tough matchup against the Cavs. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Keon Johnson, SG | 5400 , 24.4 | 24.4 | 5400 , 24.4 | 24.4 | ||
Cam Thomas, D'Angelo Russell and Nic Claxton are out for the Nets, which opens plenty of opportunities for Keon Johnson. Johnson is locked into a starting role and gets an elite matchup against the Wizards. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
AJ Johnson, SG | 4300 , 26 | 26 | 4900 , 24.2 | 24.2 | ||
The Wizards are in full tank mode, and have been limiting playing time for their best players. AJ Johnson has been one of the beneficiaries, as he has averaged 29 minutes per game over his last seven contests. Khris Middleton is listed out for this game, and Johnson started and played 34 minutes last time Middleton was out. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Tyrese Martin, SG | 4100 , 18.9 | 18.9 | 4000 , 17.9 | 17.9 | ||
Brooklyn is shorthanded and gets an elite matchup against the Wizards. Martin has a chance to draw the start and play upper-20s minutes. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Jayson Tatum, SF | 10200 , 50 | 50 | 10100 , 47.9 | 47.9 | ||
Tatum gets an elite matchup against the Spurs, who rank 28th in DRtg since Wembanyama was ruled out for the season. The 12.5 point spread is a little concerning, but Tatum should smash if the Spurs can keep it close. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
LeBron James, SF | 10000 , 53 | 53 | 9800 , 50.9 | 50.9 | ||
LeBron and the Lakers get a matchup against the fastest-paced team in the league who just unexpectedly fired their head coach. There is still some concern the addition of Luka Doncic limits the upside of LeBron, but I am willing to roll the dice given the matchup. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Kevin Huerter, SF | 5900 , 27.2 | 27.2 | 6000 , 27 | 27 | ||
Huerter has been starting and playing huge minutes in the absence of Tre Jones (out), Lonzo Ball (doubtful) and Ayo Dosunmu (out). He played 39 minutes and went for over 39 FP last game against the Lakers. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
3400 , 20 | 20 | 4200 , 19.6 | 19.6 | |||
SF is a weak position today, so I don't mind punting and deploying the available salary elsewhere. Champagnie has consistently been playing low-20s minutes since De'Aaron Fox was lost for the season. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Jaylen Martin, SF | 3100 , 9.1 | 9.1 | 4000 , 7.8 | 7.8 | ||
SF is a weak position today, so I don't mind punting and deploying the available salary elsewhere. Martin has a chance to draw the start for the shorthanded Nets tonight in an elite matchup with the Wizards. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Anthony Davis, PF | 9800 , 37.9 | 37.9 | 10000 , 39 | 39 | ||
AD is likely still a bit limited, as he will play just his 4th game since joining the Mavs. He played 28 minutes last game, so 28-32 minutes is the likely outcome here. I still think he has upside given the matchup with the Bulls, who have been extremely vulnerable in the paint this season. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Bam Adebayo, PF | 8400 , 41.7 | 41.7 | 8400 , 40.2 | 40.2 | ||
Bam has seen a healthy 25.1% usage rate – a 1.6% bump – when playing without Andrew Wiggins (out) and Jimmy Butler (traded) this season. He gets a dream matchup against the decimated Sixers who have a serious size deficiency in the frontcourt. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
4800 , 21 | 21 | 5500 , 21.3 | 21.3 | |||
The Wizards rotation is a mess these days, but Champagnie has been seeing consistent playing time. He has a chance to play 30+ minutes if he draws the start, and he gets an elite matchup against a shorthanded Nets team. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
Keldon Johnson, PF | 4700 , 26.1 | 26.1 | 5300 , 25.5 | 25.5 | ||
Keldon Johnson has flashed 35 FP upside in recent games, including last time out against the Cavs. He draws another tough matchup against the Celtics, but I have GPP interest at this price. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
3400 , 22.5 | 22.5 | 4100 , 23.1 | 23.1 | |||
Highsmith has played 30+ minutes in each of the last three games, and now Andrew Wiggins is out. The fantasy production has been abysmal per minute, but at least he gets an elite matchup against the Sixers and he has positional eligibility at the weaker Forward positions. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
8300 , 37.2 | 37.2 | 8200 , 37.6 | 37.6 | |||
Al Horford has been ruled out, which could lead to increased minutes for Porzingis if this game stays close. Zinger is a matchup problem for the Spurs, who have ranked just 28th in DRtg without Victor Wembanyama. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
7500 , 35.6 | 35.6 | 7500 , 35 | 35 | |||
Vucevic has fallen into a secondary role with the emergence of Josh Giddey and Coby White, but the price tag has fallen to a point where we can chase some upside. A 20-10 double-double is still well within his range of outcomes. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
6800 , 34.9 | 34.9 | 7100 , 33.8 | 33.8 | |||
Chet Holmgren has been ruled out and the Thunder get a great matchup against the Pacers. Hartenstein has a much higher minutes floor/ceiling when Chet is out of the lineup. Indiana has allowed the 4th-most point in the paint this season. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Alex Sarr, C | 6600 , 35.6 | 35.6 | 7000 , 36.2 | 36.2 | ||
Brooklyn is seriously lacking in size tonight with Nic Claxton and Day'ron Sharpe both ruled out (and Noah Clowney questionable). Sarr has had a great role recently with the Wizards in evaluation mode, and he has tremendous upside given the context tonight. Game Type: CASH & GPP | ||||||
Kel'el Ware, C | 5800 , 29.8 | 29.8 | 6100 , 30.6 | 30.6 | ||
Ware gets an elite matchup against the depleted Sixers tonight, and his minutes should be more secure with Andrew Wiggins out. Game Type: GPP | ||||||
4000 , 28.9 | 28.9 | 5200 , 28 | 28 | |||
Brooklyn is seriously lacking in size tonight with Nic Claxton and Day'ron Sharpe both ruled out (and Noah Clowney questionable). The minutes have been inconsistent for Vukcevic, but he is an elite per-minute producer if he gets the run. Game Type: GPP |