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
Sam Hauser (ankle) is out for Game 4 against the Knicks on Monday.
While Hauser was listed as questionable for Game 4 with an ankle injury, he hasn’t seen any game action since leaving early in Game 1 of the series. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla turned to Payton Pritchard for a series-high 35 minutes off the bench in Game 3 as the Celtics got back in the series with a 22-point victory. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see that recipe for success replicated in Game 4.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Donovan Mitchell has been diagnosed with a re-aggravation of a left ankle injury and will be a game-time decision for Game 5.
Mitchell didn’t return after halftime of Sunday’s blowout loss, and Ty Jerome started in his place for the second half. The Cavs were getting stomped 80-39, but apparently the injury is more serious than initially thought, and his absence in the second half was more than precautionary. If he’s unable to go, Jerome would likely get the starting nod as Cleveland faces elimination at home down 3-1 in the series.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Donovan Mitchell has been diagnosed with a re-aggravation of a left ankle injury and will be a game-time decision for Game 5.
Mitchell didn’t return after halftime of Sunday’s blowout loss, and Ty Jerome started in his place for the second half. The Cavs were getting stomped 80-39, but apparently the injury is more serious than initially thought, and his absence in the second half was more than precautionary. If he’s unable to go, Jerome would likely get the starting nod as Cleveland faces elimination at home down 3-1 in the series.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo “has not made any firm decisions, but for the first time in his career, he is open-minded about whether his best fit is remaining in Milwaukee – or playing elsewhere.”
No surprises here, as rumors of Antetokounmpo’s future with another team swirled as the season came to a close. Milwaukee finished the regular season 48-34 as the fifth seed in the East, and the Bucks were knocked out of the first round in a gentlemen’s sweep to the rival Pacers. With Damian Lillard out for most if not all of next season, the Bucks may choose to trade Antetokounmpo in the offseason and get a jumpstart on the impending rebuild. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on an Antetokounmpo trade this offseason, as his future plans will be one of the biggest headlines heading into the 2025-26 season and could drastically shift fantasy values for a few other players.
Obi Toppin provided a boost off the bench with 20 points (9-of-14 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer in Game 4 against the Cavaliers on Sunday.
Toppin has been a solid reserve for Indiana all season, but he hadn’t been as productive in the postseason until Game 4. This was the second-highest scoring playoff game of Toppin’s career, narrowly finishing behind his 21-point game against the Bucks last season. Toppin will continue to play a large role off the bench, but the odds of him reaching 20 points again are slim.
Myles Turner lit up the Cavaliers with 20 points (7-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, three assists and four three-pointers in Game 4 on Sunday.
For the fourth time in Indiana’s last six games, Turner scored 20 points. This time, it only took him 22 minutes. Turner has been a big part of the offense recently, and the strategy is working; they are 4-0 when he scores at least 20 points during this postseason, and they’re 17-2 over the course of the entire season when he reaches 20 points. Turner will continue to feature heavily in the offense in Game 5 as the Pacers look to close out this series.