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

Luka has been playing huge minutes, averaging right around 38 mpg over his last five games. His shot-making has fallen off a bit with the Lakers, but you would expect that to tick back to his career-levels in short order. He has a massive ceiling in any matchup with the minutes he has been playing. 

Steph was incredible last time out, shooting a ridiculous 12-of-20 from three-point range and dropping 52 points against the Grizzlies. With the Warriors fighting for playoff seeding, Curry should be amped up again for this matchup with the Lakers. 

This is a huge pace-up spot for the Heat against the fastest team in the league. Herro has been incredibly consistent of late and Andrew Wiggins is out again. 

High usage players Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson remain out, which should leave D-Lo with an excellent role. He played 31 minutes last game, racking up 18 points and 11 assists as the primary ball handler. The matchup is not ideal, but you have to love the role. 

Rollins has filled in admirably for the injured Damian Lillard, and he is still underpriced for that role. He gets a dream matchup against a decimated Sixers team. 

Shead should draw the start again for the injured Immanuel Quickley, and he would get an impactful boost in role if Scottie Barnes (questionable) is also ruled out. 

Sharpe has been excellent since stepping into a starting role for the Blazers. Scoot Henderson (out) and Jerami Grant (doubtful) are expected to be out again, which gives Sharpe an excellent floor. Anfernee Simons (questionable) missing again would vault Sharp to one of the top plays on the slate. 

Simons is questionable to play, but if he goes I have interest given the excellent matchup with the tanking Raptors. He has a huge ceiling at this price, assuming he plays full minutes. 

Keon Johnson posted a 34.5% usage rate and scored 24 points last game with Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson out. They are both out again, which leaves the door for another game with a big role for Keon.  

Bub Carrington appears to be one of the players the Wizards want a long look at as they are in full evaluation mode. Carrington has played at least 36 minutes in the last two games. Playing time of those levels outweighs the tough matchup against the Magic. 

Walter has started the last four games for Toronto and should have a similar role this evening. He is underpriced if Scottie Barnes (questionable) is active, and Walter is one of the top values on the slate if Barnes sits. 

LeBron has not had a huge ceiling with Luka playing huge minutes next to him, but the big performance could come at any time. This should be a competitive game and LeBron has the upside to play 40 minutes. 

Franz is overpriced for his recent production, which leaves him as a GPP-only target for me. He gets one of the best possible matchups, so the theoretical ceiling is huge, we just haven't seen it from Franz very often lately. 

Avdija is playing amazing basketball and is one of the top plays on the slate. Over his last 11 games, he has per-game averages of 37.1 minutes, 25.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists. He has four games of over 60 fantasy points during that stretch. 

Butler is filling up the stat sheet and playing big minutes in competitive games, which this is expected to be. He has an excellent floor and the ceiling is decent for the price if Steph Curry isn't going off for 50+ points. 

Battle has carved out a nice role for Toronto and would get a big boost if Scottie Barnes (questionable) is unable to go. If Barnes plays, we can still expect mid-20s minutes for Battle near minimum price. 

Giannis has the highest ceiling on the slate with Damian Lillard out again and a matchup against what is left of the Sixers. He just went off for 32-17 in a similar spot against the Kings. 

Paolo gets a dream matchup against the Wizards. The 15.5-point spread is the only negative thing that can be said about this spot. Banchero has a massive ceiling if the Wizards are able to keep the game within 20 points. 

This a massive pace-up spot for the Heat against the league's fastest team. Blowouts have impacted the minutes for Bam in recent games, but he should play his usual mid-30s in a close game. 

Kuzma was disappointing last game without Damian Lillard, but a massive role is available to him if he wants it. He is the clear top option to step up as the number two scorer next to Giannis, and he gets an elite matchup that he should thrive in. 

Aldama has a solid role and the potential to play mid-30s minutes, even with the return of Ja Morant. He is coming off two strong games, so I am not concerned about the tougher matchup with the Heat. 

Gobert is seeing huge minutes and has seen an uptick in usage over the last couple games. If he adds 10-12 shots to his elite rebounding and shot-blocking, he is a very useful fantasy player. 

I have a ton of interest in the upside if Bona draws the start again. He has played at least 27 minutes in each of the last three games and is a strong FPPM producer. 

Carter gets one of the best matchups on the board. He should thrive if he sees the minutes, but the inconsistent playing time is a risk here. 

Edey was extended to 32 minutes last time out and gets a matchup that features another true post player (Ware) on the other side. Edey has upside to play 30+ minutes again. 

Vukcevic is sitting at 1.23 FPPM on the season, so we just need him to continue playing 20+ minutes and there is plenty of upside. 

Mogbo has been playing well for the Raptors and consistently seeing mid-20s minutes. He gets a solid matchup against the Blazers.