Happy NBA Emirates Cup Tuesday, December 3rd! It's the final day of the group stage, and the team's fate will be decided based on the results of the league. 

There are a lot of teams still in the hunt so there's a TON to play for tonight. There are plenty of stars on tonight's slate with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking the floor.

 

 

 

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, December 3rd

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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.

 

NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 12/3

 

 

 

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.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks

  • Total: 243.5
  • Spread: DAL -4
  • Grizzlies are 3rd in pace, Mavericks are 9th in pace

Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors

  • Total: 238
  • Spread: IND -3
  • Pacers are 6th in pace, Raptors are 14th in pace
  • Pacers are 25h in DRtg, Raptors are 23rd in DRtg

Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets

  • Total: 237.5
  • Spread: DEN -5
  • Warriors are 5th in pace, Nuggets are 8th in pace
  • Nuggets are 19th in DRtg

Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Total: 234.5
  • Spread: CLE -16
  • Wizards are 4th in pace, Cavaliers are 7th in pace
  • Wizards are 30th in DRtg

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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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 Dončić110000115000

Doncic looked amazing in his return and although it wasn't with Kyrie Irving, Dallas continued to play fast, which is what head coach Jason Kidd wanted them to do. Doncic had a 33.7% USG and played 36 minutes out of the shoot. Doncic is getting a solid amount of ownership and is a good spend up if you get there.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGShai Gilgeous-AlexanderUTA @ OKC Tue 8:001030057.81080058.8

With Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso off the floor this year, SGA has been nails. He's notched a 35.5% USG and averages 1.55 FP/min, which are both team-leading. If Utah can keep this game competitive, there is a potential for SGA's first 50-point game. Utah ranks 29th in DRtg.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGTyrese MaxeyPHI @ CHA Tue 7:00820043.1880042

It's not Paul George who leads the 76ers in USG or FGP/min without Embiid & Drummond this year, it's Maxey. Without the big guys, Maxey has a 31.7% USG and averages 1.3 FP/min. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGChris PaulSAS @ PHX Tue 9:00600033.7620033.5

The Spurs can win their group with a win tonight in the Emirates NBA Cup and we saw him tie his season-high in minutes last game with 34. If he plays anywhere close to 34 again, he has 40+ FP upside.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGVasilije MicićSAS @ PHX Tue 9:004500051000

With Ball and Mann sidelined, Micic has done a nice job as the team's starting PG. He's averaged 15.5 potential assists, 32.5 minutes, and 12 points as well. He's a very solid value, one of the better ones on the slate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGMalcolm BrogdonWAS @ CLE Tue 7:00590031.5680030.4

If this game stays competitive at all, Brogdon will have some say as to why. Without Kyle Kuuzma this year, Brogdon sees a 2.5% USG bump to 26.5% and averages 1.17 FP/min. The kicker here is he played 30 minutes (season-high) last time out.

Game Type: GPP
SGBrandon MillerPHI @ CHA Tue 7:00800042.3840041.1

In the last two games without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Miller has posted robust 37.5% USG and 38.8% USG rate games and is taking a boatload of shots. It doesn't matter the matchup, he's going to probably get close to 30 shots again.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGCason WallaceUTA @ OKC Tue 8:00430023.3460023.8

Wallace is a solid player. He's very good defensively, can space the floor well (although he's not shooting well), and is a solid contributor across the board. That being said, he has a low floor and is highly rostered, which is why I wouldn't mind pivoting to KCP at the same price.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGKentavious Caldwell-PopeORL @ NYK Tue 7:30430024.6470025.1

Everyone is flocking to Cason Wallace at this price range and I understand it, but KCP is making shots. When he makes shots, he has a legit ceiling. We knew the shots would start to fall considering he's shot better than 38.5% from three for five consecutive seasons, 40% or better in two straight. He's topped 30+ DKP in two of three. 

Game Type: GPP
SFScottie BarnesIND @ TOR Tue 7:30830047.5910047.6

We have finally arrived at the point where everyone's going to play Scottie Barnes and they realize the role is what the role is. He's notched a 26.9% USG or better in four straight games and has been close or notched a triple-double in each of them. His floor of 44.5 DKP during that span still exceeds 5x return because he's too cheap and he lost 3-5 minutes in that game due to a blowout.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFFranz WagnerORL @ NYK Tue 7:30960047.5970046.7

Without Paolo Banchero this year, Wagner sits at a 31.7% USG and 1.37 FP/min. The Knicks have been bad defensively ranking 22nd, so we should see the Magic offense click and Wagner's 40 minutes be at the head of it. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFRJ BarrettIND @ TOR Tue 7:30790039.6800038.1

Barrett's been great lately putting up 41+ DKP in three straight and it's been a two-man show between him and Scottie Barnes. With Scottie Barnes on the floor, Barrett has averaged 1.12 FP/min while posting a 25.2% USG. Great matchup too.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFCody MartinSAS @ PHX Tue 9:005000053000

It's hard to love Martin at this price, but man he's been good the last few games. He's put up 28+ DKP in three straight games. Without LaMelo Ball or Miles Bridges this year, he's averaging .99 FP/min. We just need a few more minutes. That's what Josh Green has on him.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFGiannis AntetokounmpoMIL @ DET Tue 7:001200062.11200060.3

Nobody is playing Giannis tonight and that's largely due to the value or lack thereof. He's put up two triple-doubles and 70+ DKP over his last three games and the Bucks/Pistons is a HUGE cup game tonight. He's going to be highly motivated.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFKevin DurantSAS @ PHX Tue 9:00860047910046.2

Kevin Durant has been really good without Jusuf Nurkic this year, seeing a 3.6% USG bump up to 33.5% while averaging 1.36 FP/min. This is a fun game and one the Suns need, so expect massive minutes from KD after seeing him playing 36 in his third game back from injury.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFPascal SiakamIND @ TOR Tue 7:30760041.7750040.7

Without Nesmith, Sheppard, and Jackson this year, Siakam leads the team with a 24% USG while averaging a very respectable 1.07 FP/min. His usage has actually been up lately too, notching a 24.9% USG or greater in three straight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CVictor WembanyamaSAS @ PHX Tue 9:001060057.61160058.9

The Spurs are in position to advance in the Emirates NBA Cup and Victor Wembanyama has been simply incredible lately and he's played 37 minutes twice in his last three. Wemby has a 32.4% USG and averages 1.6 FP/min on the year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFWendell CarterORL @ NYK Tue 7:30510027.1520026.5

We've now seen the Wendell Carter Jr./Goga Bitadze lineup go 2-0 and Carter's minutes have ramped up. He has played 18, 26, and 28 minutes in three straight. He's been a very productive player this year averaging 1.01 FP/min without Paolo Banchero.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CIsaiah HartensteinUTA @ OKC Tue 8:00730040.7830041

This guy has been the perfect fit. Absolutely perfect. He's put up 38+ DKP in all five games he's played and has a double-double in each. He's a great passer, a great stocks guy, and a great overall fantasy player. This is an important game for OKC with a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup next round on the line.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFOso IghodaroSAS @ PHX Tue 9:00380021.8440023

I think some of the best leverage of the day is pivoting from Mason Plumlee and his popularity to Oso Ighodaro who nobody seemingly wants to play. We're looking for value to play and Ighodaro is that. Last game, Ighodaro closed BOTH halves over Mason Plumlee and nearly 2x his minutes.

Game Type: GPP
CMyles TurnerIND @ TOR Tue 7:30670037.4660038.1

Turner, despite up and down play, has a very high ceiling and is still averaging over 1 FP/min with a near 23% USG rate. I like the price point and the matchup to boot.

Game Type: GPP
CGoga BitadzeORL @ NYK Tue 7:30530030.5570032.7

With Wendell Carter Jr. back we were kind of interested to see how the Magic would run their rotation, but they've started both Bitadze and Wendell Carter Jr. Bitadze, without Banchero this year, is averaging 1.1 FP/min and has put up 31+ DKP in three straight.

Game Type: GPP
CJonas ValančiūnasHOU @ SAC Tue 10:005200057000

On the year, Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 1.3 FP/min and 23.4% USG and he sees an uptick with 1.4 FP/min and 24.6% USG without Kyle Kuzma. He's very cheap on a slate with little to no value and we know, even if this game is a blowout, he does not need a ton of time to put up a crooked number.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGStephen CurryGSW @ DEN Tue 10:0048.2850044.8

FD ONLY - Without Draymond Green this year, Curry sees nearly a 5% USG increase up to 33.6% and averages 1.44 FP/min and both lead the Warriors. We've seen him play more in competitive games against the top teams in the league. Really solid upside at 8.5K.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGFred VanVleetHOU @ SAC Tue 10:0039.4750039

FD ONLY - It's a tournament thing for me. That's it. His ceiling is extremely high but at his price, his floor is incredibly low. FVV is over a FP/min this season and it's a good spot against a struggling Kings team.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGBrandin PodziemskiGSW @ DEN Tue 10:0029.8550029.3

FD ONLY - If the Warriors go back to the Podz starting lineup, he's VERY appealing. He put up 31 FDP and without Draymond Green, he could fill the Draymond Green role to an extent. In EVERY game he's played 26+ minutes in, he's put up 27 or more FDP.

Game Type: GPP
SFJonathan KumingaGSW @ DEN Tue 10:0030.8550030.4

FD ONLY - I'm interested to see what Golden State does with their lineup tonight. Kuminga, without Draymond Green this year, is averaging 1.1 FP/min and has a robust 30.1% USG rate. I'd love him in all formats if he's starting.

Game Type: GPP
PFJabari SmithHOU @ SAC Tue 10:0028.3560028

FD ONLY - Smith's ceiling has been great. His floor hasn't. We've seen him go for 33+ FDP in three of four and four of six overall. In the two he didn't go for 30 he scored 23 COMBINED.

Game Type: GPP
CNikola JokićGSW @ DEN Tue 10:0064.91220063

FD ONLY - Nikola Jokic. Nikola Jokic? Nikola Jokic. 62 FDP last game. The floor has been 60 on FD. I think there are actually better values, but there aren't many players with the ceiling he has.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CAlperen ŞengünHOU @ SAC Tue 10:0048.7920047.1

FD ONLY - Sengun is BALLIN right now. He's put up 52+ FDP in three straight and has been just shy of three straight 20-point triple-doubles. The minutes have been amazing. The matchup is solid. Sengun should have his way here.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
11000 , 0
0
11500 , 0
0

Doncic looked amazing in his return and although it wasn't with Kyrie Irving, Dallas continued to play fast, which is what head coach Jason Kidd wanted them to do. Doncic had a 33.7% USG and played 36 minutes out of the shoot. Doncic is getting a solid amount of ownership and is a good spend up if you get there.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
10300 , 57.8
57.8
10800 , 58.8
58.8

With Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso off the floor this year, SGA has been nails. He's notched a 35.5% USG and averages 1.55 FP/min, which are both team-leading. If Utah can keep this game competitive, there is a potential for SGA's first 50-point game. Utah ranks 29th in DRtg.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8200 , 43.1
43.1
8800 , 42
42

It's not Paul George who leads the 76ers in USG or FGP/min without Embiid & Drummond this year, it's Maxey. Without the big guys, Maxey has a 31.7% USG and averages 1.3 FP/min. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6000 , 33.7
33.7
6200 , 33.5
33.5

The Spurs can win their group with a win tonight in the Emirates NBA Cup and we saw him tie his season-high in minutes last game with 34. If he plays anywhere close to 34 again, he has 40+ FP upside.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4500 , 0
0
5100 , 0
0

With Ball and Mann sidelined, Micic has done a nice job as the team's starting PG. He's averaged 15.5 potential assists, 32.5 minutes, and 12 points as well. He's a very solid value, one of the better ones on the slate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5900 , 31.5
31.5
6800 , 30.4
30.4

If this game stays competitive at all, Brogdon will have some say as to why. Without Kyle Kuuzma this year, Brogdon sees a 2.5% USG bump to 26.5% and averages 1.17 FP/min. The kicker here is he played 30 minutes (season-high) last time out.

Game Type: GPP
8000 , 42.3
42.3
8400 , 41.1
41.1

In the last two games without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Miller has posted robust 37.5% USG and 38.8% USG rate games and is taking a boatload of shots. It doesn't matter the matchup, he's going to probably get close to 30 shots again.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4300 , 23.3
23.3
4600 , 23.8
23.8

Wallace is a solid player. He's very good defensively, can space the floor well (although he's not shooting well), and is a solid contributor across the board. That being said, he has a low floor and is highly rostered, which is why I wouldn't mind pivoting to KCP at the same price.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4300 , 24.6
24.6
4700 , 25.1
25.1

Everyone is flocking to Cason Wallace at this price range and I understand it, but KCP is making shots. When he makes shots, he has a legit ceiling. We knew the shots would start to fall considering he's shot better than 38.5% from three for five consecutive seasons, 40% or better in two straight. He's topped 30+ DKP in two of three. 

Game Type: GPP
8300 , 47.5
47.5
9100 , 47.6
47.6

We have finally arrived at the point where everyone's going to play Scottie Barnes and they realize the role is what the role is. He's notched a 26.9% USG or better in four straight games and has been close or notched a triple-double in each of them. His floor of 44.5 DKP during that span still exceeds 5x return because he's too cheap and he lost 3-5 minutes in that game due to a blowout.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
9600 , 47.5
47.5
9700 , 46.7
46.7

Without Paolo Banchero this year, Wagner sits at a 31.7% USG and 1.37 FP/min. The Knicks have been bad defensively ranking 22nd, so we should see the Magic offense click and Wagner's 40 minutes be at the head of it. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7900 , 39.6
39.6
8000 , 38.1
38.1

Barrett's been great lately putting up 41+ DKP in three straight and it's been a two-man show between him and Scottie Barnes. With Scottie Barnes on the floor, Barrett has averaged 1.12 FP/min while posting a 25.2% USG. Great matchup too.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5000 , 0
0
5300 , 0
0

It's hard to love Martin at this price, but man he's been good the last few games. He's put up 28+ DKP in three straight games. Without LaMelo Ball or Miles Bridges this year, he's averaging .99 FP/min. We just need a few more minutes. That's what Josh Green has on him.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
12000 , 62.1
62.1
12000 , 60.3
60.3

Nobody is playing Giannis tonight and that's largely due to the value or lack thereof. He's put up two triple-doubles and 70+ DKP over his last three games and the Bucks/Pistons is a HUGE cup game tonight. He's going to be highly motivated.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8600 , 47
47
9100 , 46.2
46.2

Kevin Durant has been really good without Jusuf Nurkic this year, seeing a 3.6% USG bump up to 33.5% while averaging 1.36 FP/min. This is a fun game and one the Suns need, so expect massive minutes from KD after seeing him playing 36 in his third game back from injury.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7600 , 41.7
41.7
7500 , 40.7
40.7

Without Nesmith, Sheppard, and Jackson this year, Siakam leads the team with a 24% USG while averaging a very respectable 1.07 FP/min. His usage has actually been up lately too, notching a 24.9% USG or greater in three straight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
10600 , 57.6
57.6
11600 , 58.9
58.9

The Spurs are in position to advance in the Emirates NBA Cup and Victor Wembanyama has been simply incredible lately and he's played 37 minutes twice in his last three. Wemby has a 32.4% USG and averages 1.6 FP/min on the year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5100 , 27.1
27.1
5200 , 26.5
26.5

We've now seen the Wendell Carter Jr./Goga Bitadze lineup go 2-0 and Carter's minutes have ramped up. He has played 18, 26, and 28 minutes in three straight. He's been a very productive player this year averaging 1.01 FP/min without Paolo Banchero.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7300 , 40.7
40.7
8300 , 41
41

This guy has been the perfect fit. Absolutely perfect. He's put up 38+ DKP in all five games he's played and has a double-double in each. He's a great passer, a great stocks guy, and a great overall fantasy player. This is an important game for OKC with a spot in the Emirates NBA Cup next round on the line.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3800 , 21.8
21.8
4400 , 23
23

I think some of the best leverage of the day is pivoting from Mason Plumlee and his popularity to Oso Ighodaro who nobody seemingly wants to play. We're looking for value to play and Ighodaro is that. Last game, Ighodaro closed BOTH halves over Mason Plumlee and nearly 2x his minutes.

Game Type: GPP
6700 , 37.4
37.4
6600 , 38.1
38.1

Turner, despite up and down play, has a very high ceiling and is still averaging over 1 FP/min with a near 23% USG rate. I like the price point and the matchup to boot.

Game Type: GPP
5300 , 30.5
30.5
5700 , 32.7
32.7

With Wendell Carter Jr. back we were kind of interested to see how the Magic would run their rotation, but they've started both Bitadze and Wendell Carter Jr. Bitadze, without Banchero this year, is averaging 1.1 FP/min and has put up 31+ DKP in three straight.

Game Type: GPP
5200 , 0
0
5700 , 0
0

On the year, Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 1.3 FP/min and 23.4% USG and he sees an uptick with 1.4 FP/min and 24.6% USG without Kyle Kuzma. He's very cheap on a slate with little to no value and we know, even if this game is a blowout, he does not need a ton of time to put up a crooked number.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 48.2
48.2
8500 , 44.8
44.8

FD ONLY - Without Draymond Green this year, Curry sees nearly a 5% USG increase up to 33.6% and averages 1.44 FP/min and both lead the Warriors. We've seen him play more in competitive games against the top teams in the league. Really solid upside at 8.5K.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 39.4
39.4
7500 , 39
39

FD ONLY - It's a tournament thing for me. That's it. His ceiling is extremely high but at his price, his floor is incredibly low. FVV is over a FP/min this season and it's a good spot against a struggling Kings team.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 29.8
29.8
5500 , 29.3
29.3

FD ONLY - If the Warriors go back to the Podz starting lineup, he's VERY appealing. He put up 31 FDP and without Draymond Green, he could fill the Draymond Green role to an extent. In EVERY game he's played 26+ minutes in, he's put up 27 or more FDP.

Game Type: GPP
, 30.8
30.8
5500 , 30.4
30.4

FD ONLY - I'm interested to see what Golden State does with their lineup tonight. Kuminga, without Draymond Green this year, is averaging 1.1 FP/min and has a robust 30.1% USG rate. I'd love him in all formats if he's starting.

Game Type: GPP
, 28.3
28.3
5600 , 28
28

FD ONLY - Smith's ceiling has been great. His floor hasn't. We've seen him go for 33+ FDP in three of four and four of six overall. In the two he didn't go for 30 he scored 23 COMBINED.

Game Type: GPP
, 64.9
64.9
12200 , 63
63

FD ONLY - Nikola Jokic. Nikola Jokic? Nikola Jokic. 62 FDP last game. The floor has been 60 on FD. I think there are actually better values, but there aren't many players with the ceiling he has.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 48.7
48.7
9200 , 47.1
47.1

FD ONLY - Sengun is BALLIN right now. He's put up 52+ FDP in three straight and has been just shy of three straight 20-point triple-doubles. The minutes have been amazing. The matchup is solid. Sengun should have his way here.

Game Type: CASH & GPP