Welcome to the NBA DFS Playbook for Wednesday, December 4th, 2024! Tonight’s six-game slate offers a mix of marquee matchups and under-the-radar opportunities to build your winning lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel. 

Headlining the evening is an Eastern Conference clash between the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, where Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will look to shine against Cade Cunningham and Jayden Ivey. 

The Los Angeles Lakers head to Miami in a star-studded showdown against the Heat, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis facing off against Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in a battle of heavyweights. 

Over in Milwaukee, Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks challenge Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in a high-paced affair that could deliver DFS fireworks. 

Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Los Angeles Clippers in a matchup packed with two-way talent, featuring Anthony Edwards battling James Harden

With plenty of superstar power and intriguing value options across the slate, there’s no shortage of ways to craft competitive DFS lineups. Let’s break down the top plays and strategies to help you dominate this exciting night of NBA action!

 

 

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 4th

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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.

We have six teams on back-to-backs here today so it would not shock me at all to see a few names pop up on the injury report this afternoon that will eventually be ruled out.

As of now the notable names to watch include Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, most of the Brooklyn Nets roster, Jimmy Butler and Austin Reaves.

We also have Khris Middleton listed as questionable after being ruled out last night following his 5-of-5 practice participation on Monday.

Even if Middleton is active he is likely to experience a heavy minutes restriction early on.

UPDATE - 12:50 PM

UPDATE - 4:20 PM ET

UPDATE - 6:00 PM ET

UPDATED - 6:28 PM ET

  • Cameron Johnson IN

NBA Injuries, News & Updates Today, 12/4

 

 

NBA DFS Slate & Game Overviews

Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics

  • Total: 221.5
  • Spread: BOS -13.5

Indiana Pacers vs Brooklyn Nets

  • Total: 225.5
  • Spread: IND -2.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat

  • Total: 216.5
  • Spread: MIA -2.5

Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers

  • Total: 209.5
  • Spread: ORL -4.5

Atlanta Hawks vs Milwaukee Bucks

  • Total: 236.5
  • Spread: MIL -4.5

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers

  • Total: 212.5
  • Spread: MIN -2.5
 

 

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)
PGJames HardenMIN @ LAC Wed 10:30940047.9980047.6

The Clippers come into this game rather shorthanded with Norman Powell, Kevin Porter Jr. and Terrence Mann all ruled out for tonight. What this means is more of the same from James Harden as the ball dominant source for fantasy points for the Clippers in this matchup against the Timberwolves.

Game Type: GPP
PGTyrese MaxeyORL @ PHI Wed 7:30890048.2870046.9

The 76ers are without Paul George, Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry tonight. With those three off the floor this season Maxey has a team high 32.3% usage rate and while this matchup against the Magic isn't the greatest we expect something around 40 minutes out of Maxey tonight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PGTrae YoungATL @ MIL Wed 8:00880048.3930044.5

We like this matchup for tonight's six gamer and getting Trae on DraftKings at his price point certainly leaves some room for nice upside. We know the assists are a lock but if the scoring gets going we could see 60+ fantasy points.

Game Type: GPP
PGTyrese HaliburtonIND @ BKN Wed 7:30820042.5850040.2

In the same vein as Trae Young. We finally saw Haliburton hit some shots on the road last night and he's now put together some really good games of late. The price point is way too low if Haliburton has figured out his shooting woes and I'd be willing to run it back with him this evening against the Nets.

Game Type: GPP
PGDennis SchröderDET @ BOS Wed 7:307500078000

We have to see who ends up in or out for the Nets tonight but either way we likely find ourselves getting to some shares of Schroder given his high usage rate and great pace up matchup for the Nets here against the Pacers.

Game Type: GPP
PGPayton PritchardDET @ BOS Wed 7:30550034.2700032.5

Fast PP, Pro-Am P, Park P , the man of many nicknames of late, Pritchard has been unbelievable for the Celtics off of their bench and while they look to be fully healthy this evening with Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum present at the morning shootaround, we've seen Pritchard put up some big numbers with a healthy lineup plenty of times this season. I don't think you can play him on FanDuel unless people are out but on DraftKings he is still worth the look. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: GPP
PGD'Angelo RussellIND @ BKN Wed 7:304900059000

Currently the chalk monster. Austin Reaves has already been ruled out which means we likely see Russell back in the starting lineup where he was very highly rostered and also very good the other night.

Game Type: GPP
PGKris DunnMIN @ LAC Wed 10:30400027.2480027.7

Dunn should start tonight with all the injuries to the Clippers guard rotation. He is a decent fantasy point per minute play that can fill up the stat sheet but tends to be limited offensively when it comes to scoring.

Game Type: GPP
SGJared McCainORL @ PHI Wed 7:30680027.7600026.5

Maxey has a 32% usage rate with Embiid, George and Lowry off of the floor but McCain is also rocking a 28% usage rate. We could very well see him moved back into the starting lineup tonight and play heavy minutes knowing how short handed the Sixers are tonight against the Magic.

Game Type: GPP
SGDerrick WhiteDET @ BOS Wed 7:30660037.9720038

Great cash game play even if the Celtics are fully healthy tonight. We often talk about how on any given night one of the Celtics players can go off but rarely do we see White be a complete bust and his price point is also a value compared to the likes of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum who need to get us 40-to-50 fantasy points at a minimum to pay off their tags. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: CASH
SGBogdan BogdanovićMIN @ LAC Wed 10:304400050000

I've been touting Bogdan for a few slates now and the minutes continue to go up. Last slate he missed his shots but we know he's a better shooter and if the minutes and shot attempts remain steady he is just way too cheap. Could tonight be the night it all clicks for a 40 FP effort?

Game Type: GPP
SGKentavious Caldwell-PopeORL @ PHI Wed 7:30420021.3450021.8

Grande was dead on with his KCP call last night as he went out and knocked down three first quarter three-pointers. Unfortunately the Magic basically closed up shop after that on their way to getting blown out by nearly 30 points at times by the Knicks last night. I'd be willing to run it right back with KCP in a game where it should be far more competitive. 

Game Type: GPP
SFFranz WagnerORL @ PHI Wed 7:30980045960044.2

The only guy who had anything going for Orlando last night were the Wanger Bros which probably isn't too shocking as Franz has been incredible since the Banchero injury. I have zero problem running right back to him here today, as long as you don't mind the price.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJaylen BrownDET @ BOS Wed 7:30820046.8860045.8

Another Celtics player that is pretty consistently giving us 40 fantasy points. If Jrue Holiday or more importantly, Jayson Tatum end up not playing then Brown would be a much more interesting play. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: CASH & GPP
SFJimmy Butler7500076000

Does he play? If he does I have interest but as of right now he is questionable. Generally this season when he's suited up we've gotten some elite production from Butler and this matchup against the Lakers may be one that gets his juices flowing.

Game Type: CASH
SFDe'Andre Hunter4900055000

Another Hawks play I like tonight. Hunter is playing minutes and is a guy that I've always talked about as a low rostered tournament play. There are times where he gets hot and can drop 20+ actual points while chipping in with some extra stats and at his price point we only need 25-to-28 fantasy points to pay it off.

Game Type: GPP
SFAmir CoffeyMIN @ LAC Wed 10:30380023.8380023.5

Another play that is going to get minutes tonight out of necessity. With no Mann, Porter Jr. or Norm Powell tonight we should look to Coffey getting close to 30 minutes tonight if not more. It was only a few weeks back where Coffey was playing 25-to-30 minutes a night and turned in 20+ fantasy points in four of the six games.

Game Type: GPP
SFJordan MillerMIN @ LAC Wed 10:30300018.8370019.7

Min price play that is getting all of the ownership here tonight. He could start but more likely ends up being the first man off the bench and plays 25+ minutes. Saw 24 minutes last night and scored 25.5 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFGiannis AntetokounmpoATL @ MIL Wed 8:001210059.31200057.5

Guy continues to be a monster. The only reason he didn't get there last night was due to the blowout but even then he had 28 points with seven rebounds and eight assists over 28 minutes. Love him as the top overall spend up this evening.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFCameron JohnsonIND @ BKN Wed 7:30660035.4650034.1

He's active and in a great pace up spot. He likely leads the Nets in shot attempts tonight and has been fantastic with Cam Thomas off the floor since his injury.

Game Type: GPP
PFLeBron JamesLAL @ MIA Wed 7:30950046920044.8

The under 10K price is nice and he is an even better value on FanDuel. Sure the production has been a bit more inconsistent of late but those down games are also surrounded by 50+ fantasy point efforts which would be 6x his price today.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
PFJalen JohnsonATL @ MIL Wed 8:00840041.8900041.9

A fan favorite. Jalen Johnson has been tremendous this season and we love to see those assists totals over the past few games. Sure, the prospects of facing off against Giannis aren't always welcoming but he has been a very consistent fantasy producer this season and the Bucks, though better, still aren't a great defensive team.

Game Type: GPP
PFWendell CarterORL @ PHI Wed 7:30510026.1510025.5

Ugh…honestly still sick to my stomach over this play last night. I still don't think it was a bad play but the results just were not there as WCJ only managed to get up two shot attempts against the Knicks in that blowout loss. I'm willing to go right back to the well in a better spot here tonight.

Game Type: GPP
PFDerrick JonesMIN @ LAC Wed 10:30370022.7430022.9

Derrick Jones has quietly been a really good play for the Clippers this season. You get his 25-to-30 minutes and he does a little bit of everything where at the end of the night you look up and see that he gave you 20-to-25 fantasy points. The minutes will be the key thing here tonight but I see no reason they don't keep him on the floor for close to 30 given their depth. 

Game Type: GPP
CAnthony Davis105000110000

I'll never tell you not to play Anthony Davis. He is cheaper than Giannis and has 60+ fantasy point upside even in this matchup against Bam. It's all about where your roster construction allows you to get to.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
CBam AdebayoLAL @ MIA Wed 7:30800044820043.2

Bam has been quite the letdown this season but the Lakers are not a good defensive team even though AD is a good defensive player. IF there was a time for Bam to snap out of his funk and pay off the price tag it is right now against the Lakers whenever everyone else is going the other way.

Game Type: CASH
CKristaps PorziņģisDET @ BOS Wed 7:30700039.3770039.6

With Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday now ruled out we see a ton of ownership flowing towards Porizingis as the top rostered center on the slate. It makes a ton of sense given that Porzingis played a season high 32 minutes the other night and with Tatum and Holiday off of the floor he has the second highest usage rate on the team dating back to last season.

Game Type: GPP
CClint CapelaATL @ MIL Wed 8:00520031.9580031.4

He's the cover of the live show today and that's because when Capela gets extended he has been a monster this season. His rebounding is elite and the Hawks are going to need his size and defense tonight against Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Game Type: GPP
CMoritz WagnerORL @ PHI Wed 7:30440022460021.6

IF Goga gets ruled out I do like Wagner has a high output value play at the center position. He will play backup minutes to Wendell Carter but as we saw last night he will also get a ton of extra minutes as an elite fantasy point per minute value play. IF Goga gets ruled in I likely look to go in a different direction.

Game Type: GPP
9400 , 47.9
47.9
9800 , 47.6
47.6

The Clippers come into this game rather shorthanded with Norman Powell, Kevin Porter Jr. and Terrence Mann all ruled out for tonight. What this means is more of the same from James Harden as the ball dominant source for fantasy points for the Clippers in this matchup against the Timberwolves.

Game Type: GPP
8900 , 48.2
48.2
8700 , 46.9
46.9

The 76ers are without Paul George, Joel Embiid and Kyle Lowry tonight. With those three off the floor this season Maxey has a team high 32.3% usage rate and while this matchup against the Magic isn't the greatest we expect something around 40 minutes out of Maxey tonight.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8800 , 48.3
48.3
9300 , 44.5
44.5

We like this matchup for tonight's six gamer and getting Trae on DraftKings at his price point certainly leaves some room for nice upside. We know the assists are a lock but if the scoring gets going we could see 60+ fantasy points.

Game Type: GPP
8200 , 42.5
42.5
8500 , 40.2
40.2

In the same vein as Trae Young. We finally saw Haliburton hit some shots on the road last night and he's now put together some really good games of late. The price point is way too low if Haliburton has figured out his shooting woes and I'd be willing to run it back with him this evening against the Nets.

Game Type: GPP
7500 , 0
0
7800 , 0
0

We have to see who ends up in or out for the Nets tonight but either way we likely find ourselves getting to some shares of Schroder given his high usage rate and great pace up matchup for the Nets here against the Pacers.

Game Type: GPP
5500 , 34.2
34.2
7000 , 32.5
32.5

Fast PP, Pro-Am P, Park P , the man of many nicknames of late, Pritchard has been unbelievable for the Celtics off of their bench and while they look to be fully healthy this evening with Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum present at the morning shootaround, we've seen Pritchard put up some big numbers with a healthy lineup plenty of times this season. I don't think you can play him on FanDuel unless people are out but on DraftKings he is still worth the look. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: GPP
4900 , 0
0
5900 , 0
0

Currently the chalk monster. Austin Reaves has already been ruled out which means we likely see Russell back in the starting lineup where he was very highly rostered and also very good the other night.

Game Type: GPP
4000 , 27.2
27.2
4800 , 27.7
27.7

Dunn should start tonight with all the injuries to the Clippers guard rotation. He is a decent fantasy point per minute play that can fill up the stat sheet but tends to be limited offensively when it comes to scoring.

Game Type: GPP
6800 , 27.7
27.7
6000 , 26.5
26.5

Maxey has a 32% usage rate with Embiid, George and Lowry off of the floor but McCain is also rocking a 28% usage rate. We could very well see him moved back into the starting lineup tonight and play heavy minutes knowing how short handed the Sixers are tonight against the Magic.

Game Type: GPP
6600 , 37.9
37.9
7200 , 38
38

Great cash game play even if the Celtics are fully healthy tonight. We often talk about how on any given night one of the Celtics players can go off but rarely do we see White be a complete bust and his price point is also a value compared to the likes of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum who need to get us 40-to-50 fantasy points at a minimum to pay off their tags. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: CASH
4400 , 0
0
5000 , 0
0

I've been touting Bogdan for a few slates now and the minutes continue to go up. Last slate he missed his shots but we know he's a better shooter and if the minutes and shot attempts remain steady he is just way too cheap. Could tonight be the night it all clicks for a 40 FP effort?

Game Type: GPP
4200 , 21.3
21.3
4500 , 21.8
21.8

Grande was dead on with his KCP call last night as he went out and knocked down three first quarter three-pointers. Unfortunately the Magic basically closed up shop after that on their way to getting blown out by nearly 30 points at times by the Knicks last night. I'd be willing to run it right back with KCP in a game where it should be far more competitive. 

Game Type: GPP
9800 , 45
45
9600 , 44.2
44.2

The only guy who had anything going for Orlando last night were the Wanger Bros which probably isn't too shocking as Franz has been incredible since the Banchero injury. I have zero problem running right back to him here today, as long as you don't mind the price.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8200 , 46.8
46.8
8600 , 45.8
45.8

Another Celtics player that is pretty consistently giving us 40 fantasy points. If Jrue Holiday or more importantly, Jayson Tatum end up not playing then Brown would be a much more interesting play. UPDATED - Jayson Tatum & Jrue Holiday are OUT

Game Type: CASH & GPP
7500 , 0
0
7600 , 0
0

Does he play? If he does I have interest but as of right now he is questionable. Generally this season when he's suited up we've gotten some elite production from Butler and this matchup against the Lakers may be one that gets his juices flowing.

Game Type: CASH
4900 , 0
0
5500 , 0
0

Another Hawks play I like tonight. Hunter is playing minutes and is a guy that I've always talked about as a low rostered tournament play. There are times where he gets hot and can drop 20+ actual points while chipping in with some extra stats and at his price point we only need 25-to-28 fantasy points to pay it off.

Game Type: GPP
3800 , 23.8
23.8
3800 , 23.5
23.5

Another play that is going to get minutes tonight out of necessity. With no Mann, Porter Jr. or Norm Powell tonight we should look to Coffey getting close to 30 minutes tonight if not more. It was only a few weeks back where Coffey was playing 25-to-30 minutes a night and turned in 20+ fantasy points in four of the six games.

Game Type: GPP
3000 , 18.8
18.8
3700 , 19.7
19.7

Min price play that is getting all of the ownership here tonight. He could start but more likely ends up being the first man off the bench and plays 25+ minutes. Saw 24 minutes last night and scored 25.5 fantasy points.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
12100 , 59.3
59.3
12000 , 57.5
57.5

Guy continues to be a monster. The only reason he didn't get there last night was due to the blowout but even then he had 28 points with seven rebounds and eight assists over 28 minutes. Love him as the top overall spend up this evening.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
6600 , 35.4
35.4
6500 , 34.1
34.1

He's active and in a great pace up spot. He likely leads the Nets in shot attempts tonight and has been fantastic with Cam Thomas off the floor since his injury.

Game Type: GPP
9500 , 46
46
9200 , 44.8
44.8

The under 10K price is nice and he is an even better value on FanDuel. Sure the production has been a bit more inconsistent of late but those down games are also surrounded by 50+ fantasy point efforts which would be 6x his price today.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8400 , 41.8
41.8
9000 , 41.9
41.9

A fan favorite. Jalen Johnson has been tremendous this season and we love to see those assists totals over the past few games. Sure, the prospects of facing off against Giannis aren't always welcoming but he has been a very consistent fantasy producer this season and the Bucks, though better, still aren't a great defensive team.

Game Type: GPP
5100 , 26.1
26.1
5100 , 25.5
25.5

Ugh…honestly still sick to my stomach over this play last night. I still don't think it was a bad play but the results just were not there as WCJ only managed to get up two shot attempts against the Knicks in that blowout loss. I'm willing to go right back to the well in a better spot here tonight.

Game Type: GPP
3700 , 22.7
22.7
4300 , 22.9
22.9

Derrick Jones has quietly been a really good play for the Clippers this season. You get his 25-to-30 minutes and he does a little bit of everything where at the end of the night you look up and see that he gave you 20-to-25 fantasy points. The minutes will be the key thing here tonight but I see no reason they don't keep him on the floor for close to 30 given their depth. 

Game Type: GPP
10500 , 0
0
11000 , 0
0

I'll never tell you not to play Anthony Davis. He is cheaper than Giannis and has 60+ fantasy point upside even in this matchup against Bam. It's all about where your roster construction allows you to get to.

Game Type: CASH & GPP
8000 , 44
44
8200 , 43.2
43.2

Bam has been quite the letdown this season but the Lakers are not a good defensive team even though AD is a good defensive player. IF there was a time for Bam to snap out of his funk and pay off the price tag it is right now against the Lakers whenever everyone else is going the other way.

Game Type: CASH
7000 , 39.3
39.3
7700 , 39.6
39.6

With Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday now ruled out we see a ton of ownership flowing towards Porizingis as the top rostered center on the slate. It makes a ton of sense given that Porzingis played a season high 32 minutes the other night and with Tatum and Holiday off of the floor he has the second highest usage rate on the team dating back to last season.

Game Type: GPP
5200 , 31.9
31.9
5800 , 31.4
31.4

He's the cover of the live show today and that's because when Capela gets extended he has been a monster this season. His rebounding is elite and the Hawks are going to need his size and defense tonight against Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Game Type: GPP
4400 , 22
22
4600 , 21.6
21.6

IF Goga gets ruled out I do like Wagner has a high output value play at the center position. He will play backup minutes to Wendell Carter but as we saw last night he will also get a ton of extra minutes as an elite fantasy point per minute value play. IF Goga gets ruled in I likely look to go in a different direction.

Game Type: GPP