NBA DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (3/14/24)

This great Thursday evening brings us a solid six-game slate. Four of these are going to be on FanDuel and they have the full six-game slate on DraftKings. That being said our builds are going to be slightly different on each app. A few injuries we have to keep an eye on or that are out include; Luka Doncic, Jerami Grant, Coby White, James Harden, Malik Beasley, Jaylen Brown, Kawhi Leonard, Kristaps Porzingis, and Marvin Bagley.

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 3/14/24. 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. EST on FanDuel and DraftKings. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Today's NBA DFS Core Picks

Let's first take a look at our matchup ratings to see who we want to target for our top spend-ups tonight.

Giannis is always a potential play on every slate, he has the highest projection by five points. The matchup between the Bucks and the 76ers should be a great one, too, with Tyrese Maxey back. The only thing that ever holds me back from playing Giannis is his price, it can make for a difficult build, with that being said Damian Lillard should be considered as well for someone who dropped nearly 50 FP against them back on the 26th of February.

After a couple of blowout-worth matchups, Jayson Tatum gets another crack at Phoenix where he recently finished with 50 FP on the night. Jaylen Brown is sitting as Questionable at the moment too and if he remains out this is going to put Tatum into a higher usage role which should lead to him scoring more than he did just nearly a week ago.

Mike Barner nailed the DeMar DeRozan call last night and he dropped a crazy 68 FP performance! The Clippers are obviously a much tougher matchup than the Pacers were last night but I'm going to ride the hot hand, especially with Coby White out. Demar will have to come up big if they want to pull this one out.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. PHI – PF ($11,400 DK; $11,800 FD)
2. Jayson Tatum, BOS at PHO – SF/PF ($9,800 DK; $10,200 FD)
3. DeMar DeRozan, CHI vs LAC – SF ($8,200 DK; $8,400 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Value Picks

Both Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson are popping on the value board but from what I've seen recently they just haven't done much, so I would be cautious in going that direction until we see some better production. I do like Jalen Green although he's more expensive and should pay off the price with the much better PPM and better usage rates.

Daniel Gafford will likely be heavy chalk especially if Luka Doncic is ruled out for today's game. But at that cheap price, he can't be ignored. He has scored 35, 36, and 36 in the last three games! At 4,900$ I will take that in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, this is only for the DraftKings folks.

With the likes of Richaun Holmes possibly out again and Marvin Bagley for sure out. This opens the door for Corey Kispert to once again step into a bigger role and so far he has done well in that role. His last three games have seen him finish with 30+ minutes and average about 28 FP in those games. With his price still fairly cheap we can continue to use him as a key value piece.

Top Value Plays:

1. Jalen Green, HOU vs. WAS – PG/SG ($7,700 DK; $7,400 FD)
2. Daniel Gafford, DAL at OKC – C ($4,900 DK)
3. Corey Kispert, WAS at HOU – SF ($5,400 DK; $5,300 FD)

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Today's NBA DFS Picks: Point Guard

Damian Lillard has been a bit inconsistent this season but has crushed the 76ers in his two matchups so far this season dropping 46 and 54 FP. I also believe Dame gets less ownership because of his inconsistencies this season which should lead to us getting some decent value on a veteran guard.

Ayo Dosunmu is in a great spot going into tonight's game as Coby White has been ruled out for this game after leaving last night's game late. This opens up more opportunities for both Ayo and Alex Caruso. Five of his last six games have resulted in 30+ FP performances and his minutes have been through the roof. And now on top of that Coby is out? This could end up being a huge game for Ayo!

Top PG Options:

1. 1. Damian Lillard vs. GS, ($8,600 DK; $8,700 FD)
   2. Jalen Green vs. WAS, ($7,700 DK; $7,400 FD)
   3. Ayo Dosunmu vs LAC, ($6,900 DK; $7,800 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Shooting Guard

There are a few injuries in LA that we need to be aware of, both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are questionable today. If even one of these guys is out Paul George's usage goes through the roof. He can be used at SG or SF for this slate which gives us a bit more flexibility. He has averaged 40 FP over the last four games and if Harden or Leonard are out then Paul George should have the green light.

Derrick White has been killing it the last few games and without Jaylen Brown, he did even better in his game against Utah dropping nearly 45 FP. White should be heavily considered going into this game especially if Jaylen Brown is out.

It is kind of a gross option but at near minimum price, he is worth a look. Pat Connaughton has burned me once before here but if Malik Beasley is out that doesn't leave much option at the other guard slot along Lillard. When he can get the three-point shot to fall continuously, he can be a problem. This is one of those plays if all the chips fall into the right spot then it's a good option to look into. I would only recommend playing him if Malik is out.

Top SG Options:

1. 1. 1. Paul George at CHI, ($8,300 DK; $8,200 FD)
      2. Derrick White at PHO, ($7,000 DK; $7,900 FD)
      3. Pat Connaughton vs. PHI, ($3,400 DK; $4,000 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Small Forward

Josh Hart returns to Portland after an incredible game against Philly just two nights ago where he dropped his fourth triple-double on the season. His rebounding prowess and ability to make threes and get great passes off make him a threat anywhere on the court.  His price is beginning to get up there in price but with how many minutes he gets it is hard not to roster him.

DeMar DeRozan put on a CLINIC in Indy.

46 pts | 15-24 FG | 9 reb | 3 ast | 2 stl pic.twitter.com/fHA40thJ6g

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 14, 2024

Top SF Options:

1. 1. 1. DeMar DeRozan vs. LAC, ($8,400 DK; $8,600 FD)
      2. Josh Hart at POR, ($7,300 DK)
      3. Corey Kispert at HOU, ($5,400 DK; $5,300 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Power Forward

Kyle Kuzma is more than likely without their center again for tonight's matchup and that means he's going to be the primary big man in the frontcourt for the Wizards.  With that being said, Houston is without their center as well and Houston is already a liability at the PF position that gives us the second most fantasy points to opposing PFs. Kuzma has finished with 40+ in eight of his last nine games and I won't be surprised to see another one.

Jabari Smith Jr. is in a big spot to fill with Alperen Sengun down this is only going to increase his usage and he is in a prime spot for a monster game. The Wizards are short on big men as well and on top of that are giving up the most fantasy points to opposing PFs over the last 15 games.

Top PF Options:

1. 1. 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, vs. PHI, ($11,400 DK; $11,800 FD)
      2. Kyle Kuzma, at HOU, ($8,200 DK; $8,600 FD)
      3. Jabari Smith Jr. vs. WAS, ($6,600 DK; $7,100 FD)

Today's NBA DFS Picks: Center

Deandre Ayton has an extremely tough matchup going against the top-rated Knicks defense but Ayton has been unstoppable lately. He has turned a new page and has become a big-time scorer and his rebounding numbers have been through the roof recently. He has finished with 55+ FP in three of his last five matchups. I'm not expecting that high but he should be considered on DK as a possible option at Center.

Deandre Ayton’s last 3 games:

33 PTS - 19 REB - 75% FG
22 PTS - 15 REB - 58% FG
30 PTS - 19 REB - 56% FG pic.twitter.com/tFsY1408Zl

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 14, 2024

With Sengun going down, Jock Landale has stepped into the ring. He was their sixth man in their win over San Antonio where in 25 minutes he finished with 31 FP. Not too bad for a cheaper center. I expect that production to go up as he gets more and more used to being in a bigger role. Jock does a little bit of everything out on the floor and with a matchup this good against a poor Washington defense, this could be the value we need.

Top C Options:

1. 1. 1. Daniel Gafford at OKC, ($4,900 DK)
      2. Deandre Ayton vs. NYK ($7,700 DK)
      3. Jock Landale vs. WAS, ($4,600 DK; $5,600 FD)

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

1. 1. 1. Suns at Celtics (227.5 total)
      2. Wizards at Rockets (225.5 total)
      3. Mavericks at Thunder (237 total) (DK)

Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids

1. 1. 1. There is a bit of value in the Blazers vs. Knicks game but with the total being as low as it is it can be safely avoided outside of a few guys.
      2. With Tyrese back, this hurts a lot of other player's value on the 76ers. At this time, I don't feel the need to roster any of them.

My Favorite NBA DFS Picks for Today

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

1. 1. • My favorite overall plays on the slate: Jabari Smith Jr., Paul George
      • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Ayo Dosunmu, DeMar DeRozan
      • My favorite GPP play on the slate: DeAndre Ayton
      • My favorite value play: Daniel Gafford

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