Happy Wednesday, March 26th everyone! We have a 6-game NBA DFS main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel.

We have plenty of players listed out. We are in peak spring-NBA mode, and while other teams are forced to rest players, others are blatantly tanking. Fun for everyone!

Make sure to tune into the 5 p.m. show and come hang out in our Discord closer to lineup lock.

 

 

 

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 26th

Be sure to like and subscribe to the Fantasy Alarm YouTube channel!

 

 

 

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 - 6:10 p.m. ET

  • James Harden - IN
  • Alex Reese - OUT

NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 3/26

  • Jalen Brunson - OUT
  • Damian Lillard - OUT
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo - OUT
  • Immanuel Quickley - OUT
  • Miles McBride - OUT
  • Kelly Oubre - OUT
  • Jakob Poeltl - OUT
  • Kyshawn George - OUT
  • Cam Thomas - OUT
  • Cam Johnson - OUT
  • Khris Middleton - OUT
  • Brad Beal - OUT
  • Lonnie Walker - OUT
  • Marcus Smart - OUT
  • Day'Ron Sharpe - OUT
  • James Harden - Q
  • Nikola Jokic - Q
  • Michael Porter -  Q
  • Aaron Gordon - Q
  • Jayson Tatum - Q (went through shootaround)

 

 

 

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 (updated 6:44 ET)

  • Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns (large GPP)

Mid

  • Jamal Murray (if Jokic out), Tyrese Haliburton, Quentin Grimes (better FD price), Kyle Kuzma, D'Angelo Russell (better DK price), Brook Lopez, Nic Claxton, Deandre Jordan (ONLY if starting & Jokic out)

Value

  • Kevin Porter Jr., Jeff Dowtin, Gary Trent Jr., Trendon Watford, Tristan Vukcevic, Ryan Rollins (slightly better on FD), AJ Johnson

Don't Miss The NBA DFS Playbook Live Show At 5:00 PM ET

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 DončićLAL @ IND Wed 7:301200058.51160057

It's looking like we'll have plenty of value options tonight. Luka has a strong chance to be optimal due to raw points, especially if Jokic sits. Massive usage rates, even with LeBron, and his floor seems to be over 50 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGTyrese HaliburtonLAL @ IND Wed 7:30840045.9920045.2

47+ fantasy points in 10 of his last 12 games, with usage rates consistently in the mid-20s.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGJamal MurrayMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00860045.3860044.7

Really curious how ownership will shake out of Jokic or MPJ get ruled out. There is so much value at guard, but Murray will become one of the safest plays on the slate with a true 60-point upside.

Game Type: GPP
PGD'Angelo RussellTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30580032650030.7

Doubt we see more than 30 minutes from D-Lo under any circumstance, but the Nets are sitting a bunch of regulars, including both Cams – which should free up a TON of usage. We've seen D-Lo do a ton of damage in certain situations this season, even with limited playing time. Without both Cams and Dennis Schroder (three of the highest-usage players he's played with as a Net), Russell has averaged a strong 1.32 DKP per minute. 1.32 x 30 minutes projects him for well over 6x value.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGCarlton CarringtonWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00530025.5490024.4

Carrington isn't the best per-minute producer, but the Wizards are a nightmare tonight. They're missing a ton of bodies, which puts guys like Carrington squarely in the GPP pool. They're also playing a hopeless version of the 76ers. He should have a clear path to 30+ minutes.

Game Type: GPP
PGJamal SheadTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30440023.4500022.4

I don't like Shead as much as some of the other options at PG, but that's probably how the public will feel too. However, he's flashed 30-point upside, and if he hits a ceiling game tonight (sans Quickley), he will be owned at a fraction of the ownership compared to someone such as Kevin Porter.

Game Type: GPP
SGColby JonesWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00340019.3380020.7

The cheap Wizards will be in a lot of player pools tonight. Jones should see a path to big minutes. He only played a handful of games with the Wiz (and a few games with the Kings across the past couple of seasons), but the organization is tanking (and getting a glimpse of what they may have for the future). Jones averaged a solid 15-4-5 line in 30 MPG in the G-League this season, and let's face it, this is basically a G-League game vs. Philly tonight.

Game Type: GPP
SGBogdan BogdanovićLAC @ NYK Wed 7:30480015520014.4

Could become GPP-relevant if Harden sits. Has been seeing solid minutes.

Game Type: GPP
SGCameron PayneLAC @ NYK Wed 7:30460025.5520025

Pretty bad game environment for the Knicks, and there will be a very poor recency bias on the minds of many DFSers after last night's disaster. He did post a horrific usage rate, his lowest since January, but he still played 29 minutes, and I don't see that changing. He has to be in the multi pool, because he can still break the slate at $4,600, and if he's going to check in at lower ownership than the cheap Wizards, that makes him even more appealing.

Game Type: GPP
SGKevin PorterMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00460024.9470024.6

KPJ is an elite spot without Dame and Giannis. He's shown us a 40-point ceiling this year. KPJ has averaged an insane 1.43 DKP per minute and a 31% usage rate without Giannis, Giannis, and Portis on the floor (across 135 minutes) this season. Big numbers there.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGAJ JohnsonWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00450029.7440027.6

You know it's the spring when we are talking about guys like Colby Jones and AJ Johnson. Johnson has played 27+ minutes in three of his last four games with the tanking Wizards. A 19% usage rate isn't fantastic, but it's enough to get the job done with those kind of minutes. Johnson averaged a solid 14-3-3 in 28 minutes per game in the G-League this year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SGRyan RollinsMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00450022.7430023.2

Rollins averages 1.08 DKP per minute without Giannis, Portis, and Dame on the floor this season, with a very respectable 25% usage rate in that scenario. He's a good play, and I think you can pair him with KPJ if you wanted to go that route.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFLeBron JamesLAL @ IND Wed 7:301030053940050.9

If Jokic sits, it may be a battle of value + raw points. LeBron can still challenge the ceiling of Luka, KAT, and the rest of the slate.

Game Type: GPP
SFNorman PowellLAC @ NYK Wed 7:30680030.2660029.1

Will become GPP-relevant if James Harden sits. Bog has been cutting into his playing time, but Harden's possible void could squash that. The Knicks are not great defensively, and they're on the second leg of a back-to-back. Large-field option only if The Beard sits.

Game Type: GPP
SFKyle KuzmaMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00590035.7590034

Kuzma has been absolutely miserable as a Buck, and his price has reflected that. Good news is that he's shown us a bit more consistency over the past two weeks or so. Big minutes and 29+ DKP in three of his last four games. I wouldn't be shocked to see him post a 28-30% usage rate against a porous defense. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFRicky CouncilWAS @ PHI Wed 7:0026.8510026.5

Philly is a disgrace, but we've seen a ceiling from Rick. he should have a clear path to minutes. I prefer Justin Edwards, but if you're running like 50 lineups on this slate, a sprinkle does not hurt.

Game Type: GPP
SFZiaire WilliamsTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30450025500024.9

Anytime both Cams are out, that opens up a boatload of usage. If you zoom out, Ziaire has posted 27+ DKP in 5 of his last 8 games, and now he'll be in line for a bigger role vs. a bad team.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFGary TrentMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00440024.6420023.8

A lot of these cheap guards are similar plays, and it's anyone's guess who will outscore one another by a few points. MIL will be without Giannis and Dame, which should open the door for Trent to have an enhanced role. He's popped up for 30+ fantasy points in two of his last three games, and the Bucks will take on a banged-up Denver team, who may be without Jokic and MPJ.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJaylen MartinWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00300016.8370014.4

I mean, we are talking about a really large-field dart throw here. But if you see him in the starting lineup for some reason, jam him in. We've seen Martin play a bit in March, and in both games that he's played double-digit minutes (27, 31), he's posted 26 and 20.25 fantasy points, respectively. Disclaimer: he may not literally play, but has upside to be a slate winner at likely low ownership if he does come off the bench. Boy, I love March!

Game Type: GPP
PFKevin DurantBOS @ PHX Wed 10:00930046.5970045.7

What a large-field GPP play KD is on this fine evening. Brutal matchup, but he is coming off back-to-back 60 bombs, with 34% usage rates or better in his last two games. One of those games was against the rugged Cleveland defense. KD is probably one of the best large-field plays at likely low ownership.

Game Type: GPP
PFKawhi LeonardLAC @ NYK Wed 7:30880045.2890044.5

Kawhi has been playing amazing basketball, and he looks fully healthy. If you're looking for someone who will likely not kill your lineup, it's Kawhi. If James Harden sits, Kawhi will probably end up as the top per-dollar mid-spend-up on the slate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFJustin EdwardsWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00570029.4610029.1

Edwards has been nothing short of incredible in March, and this could be a G-League track meet. $5,700 is such a fair price for someone who has delivered 31+ DKP in his last five games with consistent usage rates in the 20s in a cupcake matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFJonathan MogboTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30420022.5490023.1

Mogbo does not excite me, but a $4,200 tag does. TOR is without Poeltl and Boucher.

Game Type: GPP
CBrook LopezMIL @ DEN Wed 9:00600032.4570033.6

I have no issue with Lopez today. He leads the team in usage bump (7.9%) without Giannis, Dame, and Portis on the floor and averages 1.3 FPPM. If Jokic is out, he could have a field day.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CNic ClaxtonTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30590028.4590030

Claxton should see a longer league without Sharpe and get a slight usage uptick without both Cams.

Game Type: GPP
CDeAndre JordanMIL @ DEN Wed 9:005000058000

Good to see old man Jordan still thriving. This slate will flip on its head if Jokic/MPJ are out. DO NOT play DJ if Jokic is active. However, even with a price bump to $5K, if Jokic is out, Jordan has another chance to crush and should be squarely in the conversation. It all comes down to when this DEN news will break. If we don't get the news and you're worried about lack of pivots, I am more than fine running Watford or Vuk out there at a similar price.

Game Type: GPP
CTrendon WatfordTOR @ BKN Wed 7:30460028.6480027.9

Watford averages over a FPPM, and the Nets will be without a host of regulars, including Sharpe, which really helps both Watford and Claxton. I think Watrod is one of the better value options as the slate currently stands.

Game Type: GPP
CTristan VukčevićWAS @ PHI Wed 7:00430028.9470028

Not every one of these Wizards value guys will get there tonight for us, but I think Vuk stands out. WAS is thin in the front court without George, Gill, and Middleton. Vuk should play backup center minutes and maybe even cameo at PF in this one.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
12000 , 58.5
58.5
11600 , 57
57

It's looking like we'll have plenty of value options tonight. Luka has a strong chance to be optimal due to raw points, especially if Jokic sits. Massive usage rates, even with LeBron, and his floor seems to be over 50 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8400 , 45.9
45.9
9200 , 45.2
45.2

47+ fantasy points in 10 of his last 12 games, with usage rates consistently in the mid-20s.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8600 , 45.3
45.3
8600 , 44.7
44.7

Really curious how ownership will shake out of Jokic or MPJ get ruled out. There is so much value at guard, but Murray will become one of the safest plays on the slate with a true 60-point upside.

Game Type: GPP
5800 , 32
32
6500 , 30.7
30.7

Doubt we see more than 30 minutes from D-Lo under any circumstance, but the Nets are sitting a bunch of regulars, including both Cams – which should free up a TON of usage. We've seen D-Lo do a ton of damage in certain situations this season, even with limited playing time. Without both Cams and Dennis Schroder (three of the highest-usage players he's played with as a Net), Russell has averaged a strong 1.32 DKP per minute. 1.32 x 30 minutes projects him for well over 6x value.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5300 , 25.5
25.5
4900 , 24.4
24.4

Carrington isn't the best per-minute producer, but the Wizards are a nightmare tonight. They're missing a ton of bodies, which puts guys like Carrington squarely in the GPP pool. They're also playing a hopeless version of the 76ers. He should have a clear path to 30+ minutes.

Game Type: GPP
4400 , 23.4
23.4
5000 , 22.4
22.4

I don't like Shead as much as some of the other options at PG, but that's probably how the public will feel too. However, he's flashed 30-point upside, and if he hits a ceiling game tonight (sans Quickley), he will be owned at a fraction of the ownership compared to someone such as Kevin Porter.

Game Type: GPP
3400 , 19.3
19.3
3800 , 20.7
20.7

The cheap Wizards will be in a lot of player pools tonight. Jones should see a path to big minutes. He only played a handful of games with the Wiz (and a few games with the Kings across the past couple of seasons), but the organization is tanking (and getting a glimpse of what they may have for the future). Jones averaged a solid 15-4-5 line in 30 MPG in the G-League this season, and let's face it, this is basically a G-League game vs. Philly tonight.

Game Type: GPP
4800 , 15
15
5200 , 14.4
14.4

Could become GPP-relevant if Harden sits. Has been seeing solid minutes.

Game Type: GPP
4600 , 25.5
25.5
5200 , 25
25

Pretty bad game environment for the Knicks, and there will be a very poor recency bias on the minds of many DFSers after last night's disaster. He did post a horrific usage rate, his lowest since January, but he still played 29 minutes, and I don't see that changing. He has to be in the multi pool, because he can still break the slate at $4,600, and if he's going to check in at lower ownership than the cheap Wizards, that makes him even more appealing.

Game Type: GPP
4600 , 24.9
24.9
4700 , 24.6
24.6

KPJ is an elite spot without Dame and Giannis. He's shown us a 40-point ceiling this year. KPJ has averaged an insane 1.43 DKP per minute and a 31% usage rate without Giannis, Giannis, and Portis on the floor (across 135 minutes) this season. Big numbers there.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4500 , 29.7
29.7
4400 , 27.6
27.6

You know it's the spring when we are talking about guys like Colby Jones and AJ Johnson. Johnson has played 27+ minutes in three of his last four games with the tanking Wizards. A 19% usage rate isn't fantastic, but it's enough to get the job done with those kind of minutes. Johnson averaged a solid 14-3-3 in 28 minutes per game in the G-League this year.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4500 , 22.7
22.7
4300 , 23.2
23.2

Rollins averages 1.08 DKP per minute without Giannis, Portis, and Dame on the floor this season, with a very respectable 25% usage rate in that scenario. He's a good play, and I think you can pair him with KPJ if you wanted to go that route.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
10300 , 53
53
9400 , 50.9
50.9

If Jokic sits, it may be a battle of value + raw points. LeBron can still challenge the ceiling of Luka, KAT, and the rest of the slate.

Game Type: GPP
6800 , 30.2
30.2
6600 , 29.1
29.1

Will become GPP-relevant if James Harden sits. Bog has been cutting into his playing time, but Harden's possible void could squash that. The Knicks are not great defensively, and they're on the second leg of a back-to-back. Large-field option only if The Beard sits.

Game Type: GPP
5900 , 35.7
35.7
5900 , 34
34

Kuzma has been absolutely miserable as a Buck, and his price has reflected that. Good news is that he's shown us a bit more consistency over the past two weeks or so. Big minutes and 29+ DKP in three of his last four games. I wouldn't be shocked to see him post a 28-30% usage rate against a porous defense. 

Game Type: CASH & GPP
, 26.8
26.8
5100 , 26.5
26.5

Philly is a disgrace, but we've seen a ceiling from Rick. he should have a clear path to minutes. I prefer Justin Edwards, but if you're running like 50 lineups on this slate, a sprinkle does not hurt.

Game Type: GPP
4500 , 25
25
5000 , 24.9
24.9

Anytime both Cams are out, that opens up a boatload of usage. If you zoom out, Ziaire has posted 27+ DKP in 5 of his last 8 games, and now he'll be in line for a bigger role vs. a bad team.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4400 , 24.6
24.6
4200 , 23.8
23.8

A lot of these cheap guards are similar plays, and it's anyone's guess who will outscore one another by a few points. MIL will be without Giannis and Dame, which should open the door for Trent to have an enhanced role. He's popped up for 30+ fantasy points in two of his last three games, and the Bucks will take on a banged-up Denver team, who may be without Jokic and MPJ.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
3000 , 16.8
16.8
3700 , 14.4
14.4

I mean, we are talking about a really large-field dart throw here. But if you see him in the starting lineup for some reason, jam him in. We've seen Martin play a bit in March, and in both games that he's played double-digit minutes (27, 31), he's posted 26 and 20.25 fantasy points, respectively. Disclaimer: he may not literally play, but has upside to be a slate winner at likely low ownership if he does come off the bench. Boy, I love March!

Game Type: GPP
9300 , 46.5
46.5
9700 , 45.7
45.7

What a large-field GPP play KD is on this fine evening. Brutal matchup, but he is coming off back-to-back 60 bombs, with 34% usage rates or better in his last two games. One of those games was against the rugged Cleveland defense. KD is probably one of the best large-field plays at likely low ownership.

Game Type: GPP
8800 , 45.2
45.2
8900 , 44.5
44.5

Kawhi has been playing amazing basketball, and he looks fully healthy. If you're looking for someone who will likely not kill your lineup, it's Kawhi. If James Harden sits, Kawhi will probably end up as the top per-dollar mid-spend-up on the slate.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5700 , 29.4
29.4
6100 , 29.1
29.1

Edwards has been nothing short of incredible in March, and this could be a G-League track meet. $5,700 is such a fair price for someone who has delivered 31+ DKP in his last five games with consistent usage rates in the 20s in a cupcake matchup.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
4200 , 22.5
22.5
4900 , 23.1
23.1

Mogbo does not excite me, but a $4,200 tag does. TOR is without Poeltl and Boucher.

Game Type: GPP
6000 , 32.4
32.4
5700 , 33.6
33.6

I have no issue with Lopez today. He leads the team in usage bump (7.9%) without Giannis, Dame, and Portis on the floor and averages 1.3 FPPM. If Jokic is out, he could have a field day.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
5900 , 28.4
28.4
5900 , 30
30

Claxton should see a longer league without Sharpe and get a slight usage uptick without both Cams.

Game Type: GPP
5000 , 0
0
5800 , 0
0

Good to see old man Jordan still thriving. This slate will flip on its head if Jokic/MPJ are out. DO NOT play DJ if Jokic is active. However, even with a price bump to $5K, if Jokic is out, Jordan has another chance to crush and should be squarely in the conversation. It all comes down to when this DEN news will break. If we don't get the news and you're worried about lack of pivots, I am more than fine running Watford or Vuk out there at a similar price.

Game Type: GPP
4600 , 28.6
28.6
4800 , 27.9
27.9

Watford averages over a FPPM, and the Nets will be without a host of regulars, including Sharpe, which really helps both Watford and Claxton. I think Watrod is one of the better value options as the slate currently stands.

Game Type: GPP
4300 , 28.9
28.9
4700 , 28
28

Not every one of these Wizards value guys will get there tonight for us, but I think Vuk stands out. WAS is thin in the front court without George, Gill, and Middleton. Vuk should play backup center minutes and maybe even cameo at PF in this one.

Game Type: CASH & GPP