Underdog Fantasy NBA Picks Today, 3/19: Top DFS Projections & Plays
We have five games across the NBA on Tuesday, March 19th, so there are plenty of routes to attack with my Underdog Fantasy NBA picks today.
There are a lot of great spots on today’s slate, but three I’m targeting are Fred VanVleet of the Houston Rockets, Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Julian Champagnie of the San Antonio Spurs. Let’s dive into our top Underdog Fantasy NBA picks today!
NBA Underdog Fantasy Picks Today, 3/19
Fred VanVleet DFS Plays: Houston Rockets
Since Alperen Sengun went down three games ago, Fred VanVleet has averaged 17 potential assists per game. He’s hit the over in four of five games and six of his last eight overall. The match-up for VanVleet doesn’t get any better as Washington is the worst defensive unit in the league while also playing at the fastest pace in the league. What makes you feel better about this game staying competitive enough to get FVV full minutes, Houston is 9-24 on the road this year.
- Pick: Higher than 8.5 Assists (1.1x)
Jose Alvarado DFS Plays: New Orleans Pelicans
I feel like this is a freebie, so I’m going to add it to a three-pick for today’s Underdog Fantasy picks since it’s only a .7x multiplier. Alvarado has made at least one three in nine consecutive games, in 13-of-15 (87%) and 24-of-30 (80%). Alvarado is shooting 43% from the three-point line since the All-Star break.
- Pick: Higher than 0.5 3-Pointers Made (.7x)
Julian Champagnie DFS Plays: San Antonio Spurs
It seems like a small thing, but with Cedi Osman returning to the lineup last game, Champagnie’s minutes plummeted, and he was essentially a non-factor while out there. In fact, he’s gone under the 10.5 PRA in four straight games that Osman has played in and has only played more than 17 minutes once in that span. With the Spurs turning to Keldon Johnson more along with Cedi Osman, just because Champagnie starts doesn’t mean much here.
- Pick: Lower than 10.5 P+R+A
NBA Schedule Today, 3/19
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic - 7:00 PM ET
- Houston Rockets vs. Washington Wizards - 7:00 PM ET
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Brooklyn Nets - 7:30 PM ET
- Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs - 8:00 PM ET
- Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves - 9:00 PM ET
Player News
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reports Dylan Cardwell has agreed to a two-way deal with the Kings.
Cardwell has been an important piece for Auburn and will now be the second center that Sacramento added on draft night after they selected Maxime Raynaud in the second round. Cardwell couldn’t be a more different player from Raynaud. He finished in the paint well, but most of his impact was made on the defensive end. He’s also a decent passer for a big, even if the numbers don’t reflect it. He’ll compete to earn a spot in Sacramento, starting in Summer League in a couple weeks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania report RJ Luis Jr. has agreed to a two-way contract with the Jazz.
While St. John’s coach Rick Pitino loaded up on transfers ahead of his second season with the program, his best player was one of the few returnees. Luis, who played one season at UMass before transferring to St. John’s, was one of the best players in college basketball in 2024-25. In 35 games, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 74.7 percent from the foul line. In addition to being named Big East Player of the Year, the versatile Luis was a consensus All-American. Luis will compete for a spot in the rotation on a Utah squad that is loaded with recent first-round picks.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Hunter Dickinson has agreed to a two-way contract with the Pelicans.
Dickinson spent three years at Michigan before transferring to Kansas for the last two, and he was a strong producer throughout his college career. He’s a big-bodied center with decent touch that can also pass the ball. He’ll get a chance to show that he deserves a spot in the NBA for the Birmingham Squadron, but it’s unlikely he cracks the rotation next season.
Mavericks signed undrafted free agent Miles Kelly to a two-way contract.
Kelly spent the first four seasons of his college career at Georgia Tech before transferring to Auburn. Helping lead the Tigers to the Final Four, he averaged 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per game this past season. Kelly is an athletic guard who shot nearly 38 percent from three as a redshirt senior. He’s likely to spend considerable time in the G League this season.
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports Ryan Nembhard has agreed to a two-way contract with the Mavericks.
The younger brother of Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, Ryan spent two seasons at Creighton before following in Andrew’s footsteps and transferring to Gonzaga. As a senior, the 6-foot point guard led the nation in assists, averaging 9.8 per game, while also accounting for 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers. Nembhard averaged only 2.7 three-point attempts per game this past season, but the accuracy was there, as he shot 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. While the lack of size may lead to some overlooking him, Nembhard’s ability as a playmaker and improved perimeter shooter are what have put him on the NBA radar. There is certainly a chance Nembhard gets a chance to play early on in Dallas with Kyrie Irving (knee) sidelined to start the year.
Hawks signed Eli Ndiaye to a two-way contract.
On his 21st birthday, not long after the completion of the 2025 NBA Draft, Ndiaye agreed to a two-way deal. The 6-foot-8 forward most recently played for Real Madrid, where he played for teams that won consecutive Liga ACB titles. Ndiaye’s production was limited to begin his Real Madrid career, but he was the starting power forward for the team this season. While most of his time may be spent in the G League, Ndiaye’s upside makes him a player worth the risk for the Hawks.