NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (3/12/24)

Welcome back, RotoBallers! Tonight we've got an eight-game slate headlined by a TNT doubleheader of 76ers at Knicks and Timberwolves at Clippers. These articles focus on the overall best plays, which are typically more suited for cash games. However, some exceptions may apply, depending on the size of the slate.

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

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 3/12/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:30 p.m. EDT on FanDuel and DraftKings. As always, feel free to follow my X/Twitter (@Maxadelphia) to keep up to date with NBA news and for my nightly NBA bets if you're into that sort of thing. Let's go!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

Tonight's slate is great for cash and tournament players alike; there are clear spots to target in nearly every game, but that also means there are plenty of opportunities to be contrarian with lineup construction. At the top end of pricing, the biggest decision facing players is what to do with the six PGs that are $8,700-$9,300. At the bottom, the question is what injuries are opening doors for backups to see more minutes?

The Pacers are once again in a game environment that sticks out like a sore thumb. The Pacers at Thunder total is at 240.5, while the next highest game is almost 10 full points lower on the implied total (Celtics at Jazz - 231). Once again, expect this game to get the lean in algorithms when evaluating 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3 combinations.

1. Victor Wembanyama, SAS vs. HOU – C ($10,600 DK; $11,400 FD)
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC vs. IND – PG ($10,500 DK; $11,300 FD)
3. Kyle Kuzma, WAS at MEM – PF/C ($8,000 DK; $8,700 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Value is to be found in frontcourts across the Association tonight. With Alperin Sengun, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Lauri Markkanen already ruled out, and multiple players on both the Timberwolves and Clippers up in the air, there looks to be no shortage of options at forward tonight.

The Wizards at Grizzlies game looks like it could be a one-stop-shop for all your salary-saving needs. The Grizzlies are decimated by injury -- recently having to make hardship signings. They will only have one active player priced over $6,000 and have three players who would typically see minutes listed as questionable currently, meaning they could have multiple starters priced under $5,000. Meanwhile, the Wizards are dealing with injuries of their own, most notably at center.

Top Value Plays:

1. Memphis Grizzlies, MEM vs. WAS – All positions
2. Jock Landale, HOU at SAS – C ($4,800 DK; $5,100 FD)
3. Brice Sensabaugh, CHA vs. ORL – SF ($4,700 DK; $4,800 FD)

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 BARNER at checkout to save 10%

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

I mentioned the logjam of top-tier PGs priced from $8.7-9.3K, but paying up for SGA is never a bad move, especially when matching up against the Pacers. If the Clippers rule out any of their stars, James Harden would make an excellent option and can be late-swapped if you set up your lineup the right way.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on track to achieve a rare feat in NBA history, aiming to score 30+ points against all 29 opponents in a season, something previously accomplished only by James Harden in 2018-2019.

⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/ZJcs6t49Sr

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) March 11, 2024

Top PG Options:

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC vs. IND – ($10,500 DK; $11,300 FD)
2. Damian Lillard, MIL at SAC – ($8,900 DK; $8,800 FD)
3. DeJon Jarreau, MEM vs. WAS – ($5,200 DK; $4,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

SG looks like the most versatile position to fill tonight. I'm approaching SG after I get my "must-haves" in my lineup to see what my remaining budget looks like.

Top SG Options:

1. Luke Kennard, MEM vs. WAS – ($5,000 DK; $4,700 FD)
2. Tyrese Maxey, PHI at NYK – ($8,800 DK; $9,400 FD)
3. Amen Thompson, HOU at SAS – ($4,900 DK; $7,500 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

SF will be the most impacted by undetermined injuries. The availability (or lack thereof) of Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George can flip this slate on its head, so keep an eye on that game.

Top SF Options:

1. Brice Sensabaugh, CHA vs. ORL – $4,700 DK; $4,800 FD)
2. Corey Kispert, WAS at MEM ($5,000 DK; $4,900 FD)
3. Jake LaRavia, MEM vs. WAS ($5,200 DK; $5,600 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

PF is loaded with great plays tonight. I would include whoever I roster in a game stack.

Top PF Options:

1. Kyle Kuzma, WAS at MEM – PF/C ($8,000 DK; $8,700 FD)
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIA vs. DET ($11,500 DK; $11,900 FD)
3. Paul Reed, PHI at NYK ($5,700 DK; $6,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Wemby and Jock Landale are going to be two of the most popular plays on the slate. Playing anyone else in cash isn't exactly a mistake, but it will certainly be a leverage play.

Top C Options:

1. Victor Wembanyama, SAS vs. HOU – C ($10,600 DK; $11,400 FD)
2. Jock Landale, HOU at SAS – C ($4,800 DK; $5,100 FD)
3. Wizards Starter, WAS at MEM

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

1. Pacers at Thuder (240.5 total)
2. Bucks at Kings (235.5 total)
3. Wizards at Grizzlies (220 total)

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

1. If all the Celtics play, I'll look to avoid them due to the potential risk of a blowout. If Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis miss the game, I would consider their other starters.
2. Timberwolves at Clippers has the second-lowest implied total of the slate (216). If all stars on both teams are healthy, I think this is a game to avoid.
3. Memphis is a hot spot for value, but don't let GG Jackson II's massive last game reel you in -- he posted less than 20 fantasy points in six of seven prior games.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

• My favorite overall play on the slate: Victor Wembanyama
• My favorite CASH play on the slate: Jock Landale
• My favorite GPP play on the slate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Damian Lillard
• My favorite value play: Memphis Grizzlies starters

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis