The Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg has scored at least 20 points in three of his past four games.
Wednesday’s seven-game NBA DFS main slate presents a mix of game environments, highlighted by two potential blowouts and five tightly projected matchups with spreads of 2.5 points or fewer.
The New York Knicks versus the Sacramento Kings carries an 11.5-point spread in favor of New York. The Washington Wizards versus the Los Angeles Clippers sits at 12.5 points in favor of L.A. Both games are candidates for starters to have reduced minutes in the fourth quarter. Outside of those two, all other contests project to stay competitive throughout.
From a scoring perspective, only one game features a total north of 240, with the Utah Jazz versus the Chicago Bulls leading the slate at 244.5. The remaining matchups fall into more modest scoring ranges, placing extra emphasis on efficiency and opportunity.
With teams continuing to manage injuries and rest situations, pinpointing the right game environments and identifying paths to differentiation will be critical. Below are some of the top plays and value options to target for Wednesday’s slate.
NBA DFS core plays
Lauri Markkanen (SF, PF – UTA)
- DraftKings: $8,800
- FanDuel: $8,800
Lauri Markkanen has been in excellent form over his last three games, leading the Utah Jazz with 30 points per contest while adding 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one block. He has been one of the league’s most consistent and efficient big men this season, regularly carrying Utah’s offense while maintaining a strong presence on the glass.
Markkanen draws a favorable spot against the Chicago Bulls, who rank 22nd in defensive rating over their last four games and are playing on zero days of rest. With Chicago potentially dealing with fatigue and limited interior resistance, Markkanen is well-positioned to control the paint. His scoring versatility and rebounding reliability provide a strong floor, while the matchup provides him with a tremendous ceiling.
Michael Porter Jr. (SF, PF – BKN)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $9,000
Michael Porter Jr. has continued to produce at a high level, averaging 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and two steals over his last four games. He has emerged as one of the most consistent fantasy options this season, fueled by a 29% usage rate and excellent efficiency, shooting 49.1% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc.
Porter draws a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, who will be playing on zero days of rest and rank 21st in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With New Orleans potentially dealing with fatigue, Porter is positioned to take advantage of his heavy offensive workload.
NBA DFS cash game targets
Cooper Flagg (PG, SG, SF – DAL)
- DraftKings: $8,300
- FanDuel: $9,200
Cooper Flagg was held in check in Saturday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls but responded with a strong bounce-back effort in Monday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, five assists, one block and three steals. He has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games, continuing to show growth as a primary offensive option.
Flagg’s ability to contribute across the box score gives him a strong fantasy floor. He now faces a Denver Nuggets team that is banged up and playing on the second leg of a back-to-back, a situation that could lead to defensive lapses and increased opportunities. With the game expected to stay competitive, Flagg is well-positioned to take advantage of this matchup and deliver another well-rounded performance.
Brandon Ingram (SF, PF – TOR)
- DraftKings: $7,600
- FanDuel: $7,800
Brandon Ingram missed a pair of games last week with a thumb injury but returned Monday without restriction, posting 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He is not listed on Wednesday’s injury report, a positive sign after the brief absence.
While Ingram draws an Indiana Pacers defense that has looked improved in January, he remains one of the most consistent fantasy producers this season. Plus, with RJ Barrett (ankle) sidelined, Ingram should continue to see an uptick in usage, giving him a reliable floor and steady upside.
Andrew Nembhard (PG, SF – IND)
- DraftKings: $7,200
- FanDuel: $7,300
Andrew Nembhard has been in strong form over his last six games, averaging 19.2 points, four rebounds, 8.8 assists and 1.3 steals. He has taken full advantage of the increased offensive responsibility with Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) sidelined, emerging as a focal point alongside Pascal Siakam.
Nembhard draws a favorable matchup against the Toronto Raptors, who have struggled defensively of late and rank 24th in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With his elevated role and ability to contribute across the stat sheet, Nembhard offers a reliable floor while maintaining excellent upside.
NBA DFS GPP targets
Karl Anthony-Towns (PF, C – NYK)
- DraftKings: $8,700
- FanDuel: $8,700
Karl-Anthony Towns has bounced back nicely after a rough outing on January 5 against the Detroit Pistons, when he posted just six points, one rebound and one assist. In the three games since, he has averaged 18.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, five assists and one block, re-establishing himself as a consistent contributor across the stat sheet and proving that it was just a fluke.
Towns carries tremendous upside on a nightly basis and draws an appealing matchup against the Sacramento Kings, who rank 26th in defensive efficiency over their last four games. With his ability to impact multiple categories, he offers a tremendous ceiling.
Peyton Watson (SF, PF – DEN)
- DraftKings: $7,700
- FanDuel: $7,700
The Denver Nuggets have been navigating a lineup in flux, but Peyton Watson has been one of the few consistent contributors of late. Over his last five games, he is averaging 25.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks, impressively producing across the board.
Watson could be asked to shoulder an even larger offensive load if the Nuggets choose to rest Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon, as the team plays on zero days of rest this evening. His all-around production gives him a strong floor, while the potential for increased usage provides significant upside.
Collin Murray-Boyles (PF, C – TOR)
- DraftKings: $5,300
- FanDuel: $5,800
Collin Murray-Boyles has been in strong form over his last two games, averaging 14.5 points, 11 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. With Jakob Poeltl (back) still sidelined, he has continued to see increased opportunity in the frontcourt. He could be in line for additional minutes if Sandro Mamukelashvili (illness) is unable to play on Wednesday, as he is listed as questionable.
Regardless of Mamukelashvili’s status, Murray-Boyles stands out as a great option at his price point. He has logged at least 30 minutes in four of his last five games, and his ability to generate steals and blocks gives him significant upside.
NBA DFS value plays
Ryan Nembhard (PG – DAL)
- DraftKings: $4,600
- FanDuel: $4,400
With Max Christie (illness) listed as doubtful and Brandon Williams (illness) questionable, Ryan Nembhard could see an expanded role for the Dallas Mavericks. He has played at least 21 minutes over his last three games, including two contests with Williams sidelined, and could approach 30 minutes if Christie is also ruled out.
Nembhard has been solid over his last three games, averaging 10.7 points, two rebounds and six assists. DFS players should monitor the Mavericks’ injury report closely. Additional value plays could emerge depending on final statuses.
Brook Lopez (C – LAC)
- DraftKings: $3,700
- FanDuel: $3,700
Brook Lopez could be in line to start on Wednesday if Ivica Zubac (ankle), listed as questionable, is unable to play. Lopez has started six games this season and has performed well, averaging 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 blocks in 25.3 minutes.
Lopez faces a favorable matchup against the Washington Wizards, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing centers over their last seven games. While the game carries blowout potential with a 12.5-point spread, Lopez’s price and opportunity for an expanded role make him one of the slate’s top value plays.
