X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Expert NBA DFS Picks for DraftKings and FanDuel (3/9/24)

Nikola Jokic - NBA DFS Lineup Picks, Betting Picks, Daily Fantasy Basketball

Free expert daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Kyle's NBA DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on March 9, 2024.

It's time for another glorious Saturday slate in the NBA. We have been gifted with a solid six-game slate tonight, highlighted by a great DFS matchup (Mavericks-Pistons) and what should be an exciting real-life matchup (Celtics-Suns). We also have Victor Wembanyama out again, which means Zach Collins and everyone else on the Spurs are in play. Jokic and the Nuggets have a prime matchup against the Jazz, while injury news from the Trail Blazers has the potential to flip this slate on its head.

We're watching out for questionable tags on Luka Doncic, Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Keyonte George, Scoot Henderson, Tre Mann, Walker Kessler, Jabari Walker, and Lonnie Walker IV.

The key to succeeding in NBA DFS is making adjustments during the day as injury information becomes available. But it's always important to have a game plan, with the best players and spots circled before making those adjustments. To keep up with all the latest developments and get access to updated projections, grab an NBA season pass and access our RotoBaller Premium Discord, where @chiefjustice6 is talking about the slate until lineups lock!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

This article will provide my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 3/9/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 PM EST on FanDuel and DraftKings.

I start my process with a "K-Grade" model shown below, which I've been fine-tuning for about three years. This model takes real metrics like the implied total, fantasy points per game allowed, defensive ratings, offensive ratings, and projected pace and applies them to a model with weights. It should be used as a directional guide for the slate, and I've had plenty of success with it, but stick to your process and DFS best practices. For example, a player on a team with a "D" K-Grade could easily be the top value on the slate due to a significant uptick in minutes and usage rate.

Today's NBA DFS K-Grades

Today's NBA DFS Core Plays

Let's first look at our premium projections to see who we want to target for our top spend-ups tonight.

Luka Doncic is questionable, but he's a core target if he suits up as he gets the exploitable Pistons' defense in what should be a competitive enough game in Detroit. Nikola Jokic reminded everyone of his incredible upside with his 72 DK point performance against the Celtics last time out, and tonight, he gets a reeling Jazz frontcourt that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game over their last 15 games. Jayson Tatum can be mixed in as he'll play in a solid game environment, but he's in rough form as he hasn't scored 50 DK points in four straight games.

Kyrie Irving, Anfernee Simons, and Immanuel Quickley are all players I'll be mixing in at their pricing, but I have my eyes on three different PGs as core pieces for tonight. Cade Cunningham is underpriced for his role, and he's coming off a 57.75 DK points performance against the Nets. The Mavericks have allowed the most fantasy points per game to PGs over their last seven games, and their game tonight projects as the best game environment on the slate. Jamal Murray is also interesting here as the Jazz allow the fourth-most fantasy points per game to PGs this season, and he has been starting to find a groove as the playoffs grow closer.

Lastly, I'll get to all the Devin Vassell I can handle. Victor Wembanyama will be out for the second straight game, and Vassell predictably led the charge in his absence with a 56.75 DK point output. This isn't a great matchup from a positional standpoint, but he holds a team-leading 25% usage rate and averages 1.21 FPTS/min with the Rookie of the Year favorite off the floor this season. Basically, everyone from the Spurs is in play, but Vassell is my spend-up target.

Top Core Plays:

  1. Luka Doncic, DAL vs. DET - PG ($12,200 DK; $12,700 FD)
  2. Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. UTA - C ($11,500 DK; $1200 FD)
  3. Cade Cunningham, DET vs. DAL - PG ($8,000 DK; $8,300 FD)
  4. Devin Vassell, SAS vs. GSW - PG/SG ($7,700 DK; $8,000 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Plays

Using the same premium NBA projections, let's sort them by fantasy points per dollar to see what players are popping as the best values tonight.

As far as value goes tonight, it's Zach Collins and then everyone else. As mentioned, Wemby's being out opens up heavy usage and production for the entire Spurs team. Vassell will likely take over as the team leader in usage rate, but Collins holds a solid 21% usage rate and averages 1.1 FPTS/min without his frontcourt partner on the floor this season. He played 30 minutes and scored 37.25 DK points against the Kings without the big man last game, and he could be in for an even bigger game against the Warriors tonight. Golden State allows the 10th-most fantasy points per game to Cs this season, so Collins is locked in as a priority.

Daniel Gafford is among the most frustrating players in the NBA to roster in DFS, because his minutes and production have been extremely volatile all season. He had been coming off the bench after getting traded to the Mavericks at the deadline, but his recent shift to the starting lineup has sparked games of 41 and 24.75 DK points. He's still only playing just over 20 minutes per game, though, so we don't need to go too crazy here despite the favorable matchup against Detroit.

Tre Jones and Jaden Ivey are also value targets in the mid-range. Jones gets the "no Wemby" boost, and Ivey gets the amazing positional matchup and game environment. Jalen Duren is the player I'll highlight here, though, thanks to his upside in a matchup against a Mavericks team that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to Cs over their last 15 games. We haven't seen a truly dominant game from Duren in a while, but he put up 62 DK points against Portland in early February.

Note: We're waiting for a lot of news to break, but keep an eye on what Portland does. Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson, and Jabari Walker are all questionable. Depending on who sits, we could see another start out of underpriced players such as Delano Banton, Toumani Camara, and Duop Reath.

Top Value Plays:

  1. Zach Collins, SAS vs. GSW - C ($5,800 DK; $6,800 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  2. Jalen Duren, DET vs. DAL - C ($6,600 DK; $7,600 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Tre Jones, SAS vs. GSW -  ($5,300 DK; $5,500 FD)
  4. Dalano Banton, POR vs. TOR - SG ($4,600 DK; $5,200 FD)
  5. FanDuel Targets: Brice Sensabaugh, Luka Samanic, Duop Reath, Davis Bertans

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and exclusive content? Check out our premium daily content from proven winner Will Priester! Grab an NBA season pass and get access to our daily projections, optimizer, Will's personal picks, props, advice, and VIP chat rooms. Use promo code THUNDERDAN at checkout to save 10%

 

Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Point Guard

We have a group of players I'll be mixing in heavily at PG tonight, so we'll have to prioritize the best plays and go from there. Doncic, Cunningham, and Vassell are my favorite plays here; my reasoning can be found in the above sections. Murray is live for a huge game in an exploitable matchup against the Jazz, but he and Quickley are priced right in the same range as Cunningham and Vassell. Tre Jones, Derrick White, Jaden Ivey, and Anfernee Simons are all players I like here, but we can only get to four players from this crew on DraftKings (PG, SG, G, UTIL).

Top PG Options:

  1. Luka Doncic @ DET ($12,200 DK; $12,700 FD)
  2. Cade Cunningham vs. DAL ($8,000 DK; $8,300 FD)
  3. Devin Vassell @ GSW ($7,700 DK; $8,000 FD)
  4. Jamal Murray vs. UTA ($7,800 DK; $8,300 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Shooting Guard

We can get to Vassell, Ivey, and Simons at SG on DraftKings. Vassell is a top target of mine tonight, but there are other SG options to consider as well. Jaylen Brown is questionable to play, but I'm not fading him when he's coming off a 70 DK point night against the Nuggets in his last game. Derrick White also looks good at his price, as both Boston guards are in play against a Suns defense that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to SGs over their last seven games.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is an underpriced starter on a great team with a great matchup, so I don't have any problem getting to him tonight despite his unappealing ceiling. Brandon Miller is the final player I'm considering for the position. The rookie hasn't been putting up the monster games we saw flashes of this year, but a matchup against the floundering Nets might be just what the doctor ordered.

Top SG Options:

  1. Devin Vassell @ GSW ($7,700 DK; $8,000 FD)
  2. Jaden Ivey vs. DAL ($5,700 DK; $6,400 FD)
  3. Jaylen Brown @ PHX ($7,500 DK; $8,400 FD)
  4. Brandon Miller vs. BKN ($6,900 DK; $7,100 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Small Forward

This position is usually tough to analyze, but clear targets are available. Jeremy Sochan and Keldon Johnson are getting the usage and production bump with Wemby out tonight, and they're both underpriced for their roles without him. Jayson Tatum hasn't been in good form recently and is too expensive for my preferred lineup builds (Jokic/Doncic + Vassell), but he's always someone you can take shots on. Michael Porter Jr. is intriguing but not for the faint of heart. He's coming off a brutal 13.5 DK point game on Thursday, as he ran into foul trouble and never got it going against Boston. The Jazz are a different story - he's bouncing back in this spot.

Top SF Options:

  1. Jeremy Sochan vs. GSW ($5,400 DK; $6,100 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  2. Keldon Johnson vs. GSW ($5,500 DK; $6,000 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Michael Porter Jr. vs. UTA ($6,500 DK; $6,700 FD)
  4. Brandon Miller vs. BKN ($6,900 DK; $7,100 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Power Forward

We can also get to Sochan, Johnson, and MPJ at PF, but there's a group of intriguing options outside that trio. Aaron Gordon looks fine against a weak Utah frontcourt, but I don't love his ceiling, and I'll likely get lower than the field on him. Isaiah Stewart is a fun dart throw because he's playing 30+ minutes per night, and the Mavericks can't guard bigs. However, the production hasn't been there, and I'd rather pay up for Duren in the same spot. Kristaps Porzingis and Jonathan Kuminga are two more options in the mid-to-high range tonight. Porzingis is my priority due to his high ceiling and potential to explode if Jaylen Brown sits out.

Top PF Options:

  1. Jeremy Sochan vs. GSW ($5,400 DK; $6,100 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  2. Keldon Johnson vs. GSW ($5,500 DK; $6,000 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Michael Porter Jr. vs. UTA ($6,500 DK; $6,700 FD)
  4. Kristaps Porzingis @ PHX ($7,600 DK) DraftKings Only

Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Center

It's Jokic and Collins all day and night here. Jokic is in a prime matchup against a Jazz frontcourt that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to Cs over their last 30 games, and the two-time MVP just put up a 72-burger against the stingy Celtics defense. Don't overthink this. Collins has been covered as the top value play on the slate with Wemby out, so we'll pivot to some more options at the position.

Daniel Gafford can be utilized as a cheap value option, but I don't love making him a core piece, as his minutes and production are as volatile as it gets. Duop Reath has been a steady contributor when given minutes, so he's firmly in play and will look even better if Jerami Grant is ruled out. Lastly, I like taking shots on the upside found in Jalen Duren in a matchup he can exploit against the Mavericks.

  1. Nikola Jokic vs. UTA ($11,500 DK; $12,000 FD)
  2. Zach Collins @ GSW ($5,800 DK; $6,800 FD) Prefer on DraftKings
  3. Duop Reath vs. TOR ($5,500 DK; $5,900 FD)
  4. Jalen Duren  ($6,600 DK) DraftKings Only

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

  1. Dallas @ Detroit (234.5 total)
  2. Spurs
  3. Blazers (depending on the number of players sitting)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

  1. Tatum profiles as a great play tonight, but I'm in a "wait and see" mode with him until further notice. He hasn't cracked 50 DK points in four consecutive games, and it's not like this matchup is incredible against the Suns. Phoenix is allowing the sixth-least fantasy points per game to SFs this season.
  2. I'll be shying away from Daniel Gafford if his ownership gets out of control, which I suspect it will. The big man is starting for the Mavericks now, but he's still only playing 21 minutes per game, which will cap his upside. There are 5-6 centers I would rather get to tonight, depending on how the news breaks.
  3. The Suns, if Devin Booker is back in the lineup. Booker is tracking to make his return tonight, which means he, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal all look worse at inflated salaries. One of them may pop off for a big game, but there's no way to tell who that's going to be, and that's not a gamble I'm willing to take on a slate with Jokic and Doncic.

 

My Favorite NBA DFS Lineup Picks for Today

Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.

  • My favorite overall play: Nikola Jokic
  • My favorite CASH play: Zach Collins
  • My favorite GPP play(s): Devin Vassell, Jamal Murray, Jalen Duren
  • My favorite value play(s): Zach Collins, Dalano Banton, Duop Reath


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

José Berríos

Jose Berrios Tosses Seven Scoreless in Fourth Win
Nick Martinez

Flirts With No-Hitter, Settles for Win
Gary Sánchez

Gary Sanchez Homers, Reaches Five Times in Onslaught
Trea Turner

Blasts Two Homers, Steals Base
MLB

Ron Washington to Remain on Medical Leave for Rest of the Season
Jeremy Peña

Imaging Negative on Jeremy Pena's Ribs on Friday
Spencer Steer

Slugs Three Home Runs in Win
Ace Bailey

to Report to Utah on Saturday
Sonny Gray

Tosses Complete-Game Shutout
Justin Edwards

Sixers Agree on a New Contract
Naz Reid

Agrees to a New Contract with Minnesota
Hunter Goodman

Dealing With Hamstring Soreness
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Returns Against Marlins
Wyatt Langford

Rangers to Place Wyatt Langford on Injured List
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Now in Friday's Lineup
Wyatt Langford

Out With Strained Oblique
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Friday
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Not in Friday's Lineup
Xander Bogaerts

Back in Lineup on Friday
Griffin Canning

Done for the Year With Ruptured Achilles
Jae'Sean Tate

Rockets Want to Bring Back Jae'Sean Tate
Andre Drummond

Accepts Player Option
Cal Raleigh

Added to Home Run Derby Field
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Won't Start on Friday
Jihaad Campbell

to Begin at Inside Linebacker
Josh Conerly Jr.

to Play Right Tackle for Now
Tyleik Williams

Expected to Fill Big Role Right Away
Malaki Starks

Should Make an Immediate Impact
James Pearce Jr.

Impressing the Falcons
Jaxson Dart

has "Excellent" Spring
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Should Play Vs. BoSox
Donovan Jackson

has Inside Track on Starting Job
Spencer Jones

Promoted to Triple-A
Matthew Golden

Appears Set for Significant Role
Derrick Harmon

in Line to Start
Jahdae Barron

Primarily Working at Cornerback
Cleveland Cavaliers

Tyrese Proctor Selected by Cavaliers With the No. 49 Pick
Portland Trail Blazers

Caleb Love Lands with Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks

Ryan Nembhard Signs a Two-Way Deal with Mavericks
Orlando Magic

Noah Penda Drafted and Traded to the Magic
Phoenix Suns

Rasheer Fleming Taken With the First Pick of the Second Round
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Josh Giddey

Receives Qualifying Offer from Chicago
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Andre Szmyt

Browns Sign Andre Szmyt to One-Year Deal
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Wilfried Pene

Patriots Waive Wilfried Pene
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Aaron Rodgers

Lauds DK Metcalf as "Big Reason" Behind Move to Pittsburgh
Emeka Egbuka

to Have Big Role in the Offense
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Grey Zabel

in Line to Start at Left Guard
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Shemar Stewart

Bengals Still High on Shemar Stewart
SJ

Sharks Buying Out Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Jamie Benn

Stays in Dallas on One-Year Deal
Reilly Smith

Signs New One-Year Deal with Vegas
Michael Kesselring

Traded to Sabres
Josh Doan

Moves to Buffalo
JJ Peterka

Mammoth Acquire JJ Peterka
Evander Kane

Traded to Canucks
Miami Heat

Miami Selects Guard Kasparas Jakucionis
Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Takes Nolan Traore in the First Round
Utah Jazz

Walter Clayton Jr. Heading to Utah
Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Drafts Joan Beringer
Portland Trail Blazers

Yang Hansen Drafted by Portland
Oklahoma City Thunder

Thomas Sorber Selected by Thunder
San Antonio Spurs

Carter Bryant Lands in San Antonio
New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Acquires No. 13 Overall Pick Derik Queen From Atlanta
Chicago Bulls

Noa Essengue Drafted by Chicago
Memphis Grizzlies

Cedric Coward Drafted by Portland, Traded to Memphis
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
Eric Cole

Hoping for Better Times at Rocket Classic
Beau Hossler

Searching for Form at Rocket Classic
PGA

Byeong Hun An in Good Form Heading into Rocket Classic
Cameron Young

Looking For Redemption and Possible First Career Victory in Detroit
Collin Morikawa

is The Headliner This Week in Detroit For Good Reason
Si Woo Kim

Back in Competition After Last Week's Withdrawal
PGA

Alex Noren Finishes Tied For 30th at Travelers Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
Ryan Poehling

Becomes a Duck
Trevor Zegras

Moves to Philadelphia
Andre Burakovsky

Traded to Blackhawks
Fabian Zetterlund

Remains in Ottawa on Three-Year Deal
Matt Duchene

Signs Four-Year Extension
Jonathan Toews

to Sign with Jets
Ryan Blaney

Drives Through the Field Twice Despite Failing Cool Suit to Finish Third
William Byron

Poor Strategy Ruins William Byron's Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Decent Pocono Run Allows Him to Make Up Some of his Points Deficit
John Hunter Nemechek

Earns Another Sixth-Place Finish in One of His Best Career Races
Jamahal Hill

Gets Dominated At UFC Azerbaijan
Khalil Rountree Jr.

Dominates At UFC Azerbaijan
Rafael Fiziev

Gets Back In The Win Column
Ignacio Bahamondes

Drops Decision At UFC Azerbaijan
Curtis Blaydes

Gets Split-Decision Win at UFC Azerbaijan
Curtis Blaydes

Rizvan Kuniev Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Victory At Pocono
Chase Elliott

Continues his 2025 Consistency with A Top-Five Run at Pocono
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace's Difficult Weekend Ends with A Tire Failure at Pocono
Chris Buescher

Finishes Well at Pocono with A Solid Top-Five Finish
Tofiq Musayev

Submitted In His UFC Debut
Myktybek Orolbai

Scores First-Round Submission
Nikolas Motta

Gets Finished After Back-And-Forth Fight
Nazim Sadykhov

Scores Second-Round TKO
Bogdan Grad

Drops Decision
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Notch Yet Another Pocono Win
Ryan Blaney

Qualifies 20th but Should Contend at Pocono
William Byron

the Chalk DFS Play at Pocono After Wrecking in Qualifying
Joey Logano

Is Better Than Recent Pocono Record Suggests
Chris Buescher

Looking for Legitimate Pocono Win This Time
Brad Keselowski

Should Be Strong at Pocono This Weekend
Josh Berry

a Safe DFS Option at Pocono After Diffuser Issue
Erik Jones

Is Good at Pocono
Noah Gragson

is a DFS Pivot Option at Pocono
Austin Dillon

is Respectable at Pocono
John Hunter Nemechek

Should Be Avoided in DFS
Christopher Bell

Probably Not Dominant Enough Recently for DFS Play
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace's Lack of Pocono Qualifying Time Makes Him a DFS Must-Have
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF