As you build your fantasy basketball lineups for tonight’s DraftKings contests, check out Zach Thompson’s top NBA DFS stacks to target.
The NBA has a smaller, three-game slate this Saturday, but there are still plenty of options available as you assemble your DFS fantasy basketball roster. The action starts a little later with contests locking at 8:00 p.m. ET, and as you get your squad together, check out these top two options for NBA DFS stacks this Saturday. “Stacking” is the strategy of including multiple players from the same NBA team on the roster of your fantasy team to take maximum advantage of a favorable matchup or game environment.
At this point in the season, it’s critical to watch the daily injury report throughout the day, since key players could be unavailable. The Clippers are the only team on this slate playing for a second day in a row, while the Kings are the only team that has to turn around and play again on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the three matchups on Saturday’s slate and spotlight some smash spots to stack this Saturday.
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Orlando Magic at Miami Heat
The Heat play at the fastest Pace in the NBA, for both the season and over the last 10 games. As a result, they give up more possessions for their opponents, which often boosts whoever is playing them to exceed their season averages. The Magic are typically on the slower side of the spectrum, which makes this a good place for them to be “paced up” and boosted to more production. Over their last 10 games, the Heat have given up 116.5 points per game, while the Magic have averaged 115.6 points per contest.
Orlando is coming off a nice run of results, having won six straight games. It has scored 115+ points in each of those six games and had 130 against the Bucks, 128 against the Cavs, and then 136 against the Wizards in its last three games. The Magic have been without Anthony Black and Franz Wagner, opening up more playing time on the wing.
Core Plays: While Paolo Banchero ($9,300) always has a high ceiling, it’s been Desmond Bane ($7,800) who has been stepping up lately for the Magic, averaging 44.4 FPTS over his last four games. He had a monster game of 54.5 FPTS against the Cavs on Wednesday and played 42 minutes in the team’s close win against the Wizards the following night. Jalen Suggs ($6,800) is even cheaper and had 49 FPTS in that game, showing he still brings great upside. He has scored at least a dozen points in five straight games with an average of 34.8 FPTS per game over that span. In a pace-up spot, all three are good plays with nice upside.
Value Options: From under $5,000, Tristan da Silva ($4,800) has been an excellent play this week. He had 23 points and 36 FPTS against the Cavs and followed it up with 50.2 FPTS in 41 minutes against the Wizards. The increased production does line up with his return to the lineup in place of Black, but he has been very strong since the All-Star break, helping to fill in for multiple absences in Orlando. Jevon Carter ($3,800) and Jett Howard ($3,600) are also bargain plays worth a look since they have been getting more run lately. Howard has played 20+ minutes in four straight games and has over 15 FPTS in each contest.
LA Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings
The Clippers’ injury report will be key to monitor since they are playing for the second night in a row and could look to get veterans some rest in a soft home matchup against the Kings. Sacramento has allowed the third-most points per game in the NBA this season and the fifth-most over its last 10 games, giving up 121.3 points per contest.
Like the Magic, the Clippers have looked good lately. They have won four straight and seven of their last eight games, with the only loss coming in a tough road game against the Spurs. Even after trading James Harden and Ivica Zubac, the team has stayed very competitive and has averaged 126.8 points per game over its last eight contests.
Core Plays: The big name to watch is Kawhi Leonard ($9,900), obviously. He played and had 28 points in 33 minutes on his way to 39.5 FPTS on Friday night against the Bulls. He had 65.2 FPTS in his previous game and went over 50 FPTS in three of his previous four. If he plays and gets his typical usage, he should crush the Kings. He will get some help, most likely, from the return of Darius Garland ($6,900), who sat out the front end of the back-to-back but had at least 35 FPTS in each of his last three matchups.
Value Options: Without John Collins, Derrick Jones Jr. ($4,900) has been more involved lately, scoring 10+ points in six straight games with at least 28 FPTS in each of his last three, which is excellent value at this salary. If he gets a bigger role, he could have even more upside. Kris Dunn ($4,200) has handed out six assists in each of his last two games and posted over 24 FPTS in three straight. Isaiah Jackson ($3,300) and Kobe Sanders ($3,100) are bargain plays that could also excel in expanded roles on Saturday.