Pascal Siakam faces a favorable matchup against the Nets, who rank in the top six of fantasy points allowed to opposing power forwards.
Wednesday’s massive 11-game NBA DFS slate tips off at 7:00 pm ET and brings a wide range of competitive matchups to evaluate. The Miami Heat-Denver Nuggets contest carries the highest total of the night at 242.5 points, while both the Golden State Warriors-Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans-Dallas Mavericks matchups share the lowest at 227.5.
There are also a couple of games with notable blowout potential, as the Washington Wizards-Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz-Detroit Pistons matchups each feature double-digit spreads. In addition, the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder are all on the second leg of a back-to-back, adding another strategic wrinkle when projecting rotations and workloads.
With so many variables in play — spreads, injuries and back-to-back situations — lineup differentiation and identifying the right spots become especially important on a slate of this size.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays and value options to consider when building lineups for Wednesday’s slate.
NBA DFS core plays
Nikola Jokić (C – DEN)
- DraftKings: $12,000
- FanDuel: $12,300
Nikola Jokić is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season. On Monday, he posted a season-high 34 points along with seven rebounds, 14 assists, two blocks and four steals against the Sacramento Kings. He continues to operate as the focal point of the Denver Nuggets’ offense, consistently producing across every category.
Tonight, Jokić gets a matchup against the Miami Heat. Miami ranks third in defensive efficiency, but also plays at the fastest pace in the league, creating more possession volume for Jokić to pile up counting stats. If salary is not a concern, Jokić remains one of the safest and highest-ceiling options on the slate.
Luka Dončić (PG – LAL)
- DraftKings: $11,400
- FanDuel: $12,400
Luka Dončić draws the lowest total game on the slate in a matchup with a San Antonio Spurs team that owns the second-best defensive rating in basketball. That combination may push some people away, but it shouldn’t. Dončić has repeatedly shown he’s one of the few true matchup-proof stars in the league, capable of dismantling even elite defenses with his scoring and playmaking.
Dončić enters Wednesday leading the league with 41.3 points per game while also carrying the highest usage rate at 39.3%. The offense runs through him in competitive games, and his ability to generate fantasy value through rebounds and assists keeps his floor among the highest on the slate.
NBA DFS cash game targets
Karl-Anthony Towns (PF, C – NYK)
- DraftKings: $8,900
- FanDuel: $8,700
Karl-Anthony Towns feels underpriced for the level of floor and upside he brings on a nightly basis. He’s fully in rhythm right now, averaging 25 points, 12.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and one block per game over his last stretch — production that’s hard to overlook at his current salary.
Towns now faces his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, adding the type of revenge narrative fantasy players love to target. That added motivation, paired with his recent form, makes Towns a strong play with a nice floor and high ceiling.
Nic Claxton (C – BKN)
- DraftKings: $5,600
- FanDuel: $6,100
Nic Claxton has been outstanding over his last three games, averaging 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 blocks per contest. He’s been highly efficient, connecting on 71% of his field-goal attempts, and has quickly established himself as one of the few consistent contributors for the Brooklyn Nets this season.
Claxton offers both a safe floor and a strong upside, making him an appealing option for lineups at his price point.
Brandin Podziemski (PG, SG – GSW)
- DraftKings: $5,500
- FanDuel: $5,400
With Stephen Curry ruled out due to illness and Jimmy Butler III very likely to sit after leaving Monday’s game with a back injury — especially with the Golden State Warriors playing on zero days of rest — Brandin Podziemski lands in a strong spot for increased minutes and usage. He’s already been highly productive, averaging 14.6 points, four rebounds, four assists and 1.4 steals over his last five games.
With more offensive responsibility coming his way, Podziemski profiles as one of the more appealing mid-range value options on Wednesday’s slate.
NBA DFS GPP targets
Pascal Siakam (PF, C – IND)
- DraftKings: $9,500
- FanDuel: $9,600
Pascal Siakam doesn’t come at a cheap price, but he’s difficult to ignore even on a large slate like tonight’s. Over the last two games, he’s led the Indiana Pacers in usage at 31.6% and has excelled with the increased responsibility, averaging 29.5 points, five rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.5 steals and one block per contest.
Siakam faces a favorable matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, who rank in the top six of fantasy points allowed to opposing power forwards and sit last in defensive efficiency. With his high usage, versatile stat profile and matchup edge, Siakam offers strong upside.
VJ Edgecombe (SG, SF – PHI)
- DraftKings: $7,500
- FanDuel: $6,600
As of today, VJ Edgecombe looks like the clear favorite to win Rookie of the Year. He’s stepped up admirably amid injuries for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 19.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season.
With the 76ers playing on zero days of rest, it’s likely the team leans heavily on Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey to carry the load, especially with Joel Embiid potentially resting tonight. His combination of opportunity, usage and production makes him an intriguing option.
Norman Powell (SG, SF – MIA)
- DraftKings: $6,900
- FanDuel: $6,400
Norman Powell returned to the floor on Monday after a three-game absence with a groin injury and looked sharp in a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. He shot 60% from the field and finished with 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block across 28 minutes.
Powell comes at a great price point for someone with a 25% usage rate — the second-highest on the Miami Heat. With the highest total on the slate, he offers plenty of upside.
NBA DFS value plays
Jock Landale (C – MEM)
- DraftKings: $4,900
- FanDuel: $4,400
Jock Landale has quietly stepped up over his last three games, ranking second on the Memphis Grizzlies in scoring during that stretch with 14.3 points per contest, while also adding 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and two steals per game. He’s been highly efficient in his role and continues to earn trust with his energy and physicality.
With the Houston Rockets bringing plenty of size and strength in the frontcourt, Landale should remain a key part of Memphis’ rotation. His recent production and expected workload make him an appealing value option for Wednesday’s slate.
Ben Sheppard (SG, SF – IND)
- DraftKings: $4,700
- FanDuel: $4,300
Ben Sheppard has struggled to find his rhythm this season, shooting just 32% from the field and 18.5% from deep. However, the Indiana Pacers’ backcourt depth has been crushed by injuries. Andrew Nembhard (shoulder), Quenton Jackson (hamstring) and Johnny Furphy (ankle) are all ruled out, while RayJ Dennis is listed as probable but is dealing with a back issue that limited him to only seven minutes on Monday.
With so few healthy guards available, Sheppard should see all the minutes he can handle. Volume alone puts him in play, especially in a matchup against a Brooklyn Nets defense ranked 30th in defensive efficiency. At his salary, taking a chance on an expanded role makes sense.
Adem Bona (C – PHI)
- DraftKings: $4,500
- FanDuel: $4,000
The Philadelphia 76ers are on the second night of a back-to-back, so it’s important to monitor their injury report leading up to lock. Joel Embiid logged a season-high 26 minutes last night, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the team opts for rest tonight. Dominick Barlow (elbow) also sat out yesterday and could remain sidelined.
If both are ruled out, Adem Bona becomes an intriguing value play. He’d be in line for 20+ minutes, and his strengths — rebounding and rim protection — translate exceptionally well to fantasy production. At his salary, the potential role boost gives him appealing upside on this slate.
