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

DraftKings NBA DFS Picks for Today (Friday, 11/29/24): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Friday, 11/29/24. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.

The NBA is back on the court after taking Thanksgiving Day off, and ten NBA Cup games are on the Black Friday schedule. After three afternoon matchups, the seven games tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET or later make up the main slate for DraftKings contests. No teams are playing for the second day in a row, but the Pistons do turn around and play again on Saturday.

With 14 teams in the player pool, some options stand out as great plays to build your fantasy lineup around this Friday night while other value plays are true Black Friday bargains. Let's look at the best of these matchups from a DFS perspective on DraftKings. If you're looking for FanDuel-specific advantage, check out Thunder Dan's FanDuel picks!

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/29/24. 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 DraftKings. 

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!

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks

De'Aaron Fox, SAC - PG ($9,200)

Fox and the Kings visit the Blazers in the last matchup of the night, but they'll be without DeMar DeRozan (back) for a second straight game. In his absence, Fox is in a great spot to continue his impressive November. In his 16 games this month, Fox has averaged 1.2 DraftKings points per minute and 46.0 DraftKings points per game. With DeRozan off the floor, his usage spikes to 37.6% and his production increases to 1.47 DraftKings points per minute.

With DeRozan out on Wednesday, here's what Fox did vs. the Timberwolves on his way to 51 DraftKings points:

The Trail Blazers have given up the fifth-most fantasy points per game to point guards this season, so it should be a smash spot for Fox on Friday night.

Scottie Barnes, TOR – PG/SF ($8,500)

The Raptors have looked much better since getting Barnes back from his orbital fracture, and he has quickly re-established himself as the focus of the team's offense. Barnes has scored at least 17 points and handed out at least six assists in each of his four games since returning and has posted back-to-back double-doubles which have helped him reach 44+ DraftKings points in three straight games including Wednesday's win over the Pelicans.

In his four games back, Barnes has averaged 1.55 DraftKings points per minute on 20.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.0 threes, and 1.3 steals per game. He and the Raptors will look to beat the Heat on Friday night in Miami.

Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC – C ($6,800)

Like Barnes, Hartenstein has missed significant time with an injury this season. The free-agent acquisition just made his Thunder debut last week and has played just three games due to a broken hand. Hartenstein has instantly become a huge part of the Thunder's regular rotation and a big-time fantasy contributor in his expanded role due to the absence of Chet Holmgren (hip).

Hartenstein has produced 1.33 DraftKings points per minute on those numbers with three double-doubles in three games and over 38 DraftKings points in each contest. On Friday, he'll have to deal with Anthony Davis ($10,400), so he'll continue to play as many minutes as he can handle in Los Angeles. Getting him under $7,000 is a top option at center on Friday.

Others Under Consideration: Jayson Tatum - SF/PF ($10,000), Anthony Davis - PF/C ($10,400), Domantas Sabonis - C ($9,700), Anthony Edwards - PG/SG ($9,300), RJ Barrett - SF/PF ($8,300)

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots

Franz Wagner, ORL - SF/PF ($9,600)

Wagner has carried the Magic this month with Paolo Banchero (oblique) sidelined and has helped them go 2-0 in Group Play so far. They visit the Nets on Friday night in a favorable matchup for him to continue his recent surge.

In his last nine games, Wagner is averaging 1.43 DraftKings points per minute and 52.6 DraftKings points per game. His shot was a little off on Wednesday, but he still posted 38.75 DraftKings points in a win over the Bulls. Before that, he posted 45+ DraftKings points in three straight and seven of his previous eight games, highlighted by his monster night with 71 DraftKings points against the Lakers last week.

James Harden, LAC – PG ($9,200)

Harden is coming off a huge game on Wednesday when he needed just 32 minutes to rack up 66 DraftKings points.

Over his last six games, he has averaged 48.0 DraftKings points per game and 1.44 DraftKings points per minute. He had a team-high 31.1% usage rate during that span, and the star point guard has also passed out at least seven assists in six of his last seven games including a pair of double-doubles that each resulted in over 50 DraftKings points.

Ivica Zubac, LAC – C ($6,800)

Zubac continues to be a very steady contributor alongside Harden and has helped the Clippers' ship stay afloat even without Kawhi Leonard (back) so far this season. Zubac has posted between 35 and 45 DraftKings points in seven straight games with six double-doubles during that span and an average of 16.3 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.

Even with that consistent production, his salary has dipped below $7,000 for this Friday night matchup with the Timberwolves. While he will have to deal with Rudy Gobert ($6,500), he still brings a very high ceiling as he continues to get plenty of minutes and usage. Both he and Harden had their monster games on Wednesday while resting the whole fourth quarter, so they should be rested and ready for Friday's game in Minnesota.

Bennedict Mathurin, IND – SG/SF ($6,300)

Mathurin has been excellent this season, averaging 1.01 DraftKings points per minute and 32.4 DraftKings points per game overall in his 19 games with a 23.7% usage rate that leads the Pacers' players who have played more than five games.

The third-year wing posted his fifth double-double of the season on Wednesday, finishing with 24 points, 10 boards, and 46 DraftKings points in a win over the Blazers.

Mathurin brings a very high ceiling for a player around $6,000, and he's in a good matchup at home against the Pistons on Friday night

Others Under Consideration: Jaylen Brown - SG/SF ($8,000), LeBron James - PF/C ($9,900), Jalen Williams - PF ($9,200), Nikola Vucevic - C ($8,200), Derrick White - PG/SG ($6,800), Deandre Ayton - C ($6,600)

 

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 ZTSPORTS at checkout to save 10%

 

DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks

Malik Monk, SAC – PG/SG ($5,400)

Without DeRozon, Monk was able to step up on Wednesday alongside Fox and finish with a season-high 27 points to go with nine assists and eight rebounds on his way to 53 DraftKings points.

That was just his second game back after missing two weeks with an ankle injury, but he's ready to make an immediate impact when given the chance. He should be set for more big numbers Friday in Portland.

Deni Avdija, POR – SF ($5,300)

On the other side of that matchup in the City of Roses, Avdija is another great veteran value since he has stepped into a larger role for the Blazers lately as well. He had been very successful coming off the bench, but he returned to the starting five on Wednesday and played a season-high 41 minutes against the Pacers.

Avdija has scored double-digit points in six straight games, averaging 33.0 DraftKings points per game and 1.11 DraftKings points per minute.

Ja'Kobe Walter, TOR – SG ($3,000)

Walter had spent most of November in the G League for the Raptors, but he exploded with a double-double and 40.25 DraftKings points on Wednesday in New Orleans.

It was the first start of the season for the No. 19 pick in last year's NBA Draft who just turned 20 earlier this season. If the Raptors are ready to give him a nightly role, he will be a strong value going forward, and on Friday at the minimum salary on DraftKings, he's a must-play if he gets another start on Friday.

Dalton Knecht, LAL – SG/SF ($4,500)

Knecht is another rookie putting up great value in a starting role for his team.

Knecht is probable with a right quad contusion but has started five of the Lakers' last eight games, averaging 29.4 DraftKings points per game and 0.84 DraftKings points per minute. He had 37 DraftKings points against the Spurs on Wednesday and showed an even higher ceiling with a pair of games over 45 DraftKings points in the last two weeks against the Jazz and Pelicans.

Others Under Consideration: Quenton Jackson - SG/SF ($4,000), Terance Mann - SG/SF ($3,400), Trendon Watford - PF/C ($3,900), Jonathan Isaac - PF/C ($4,200)

 

Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks

Celtics at Bulls (238.5 total)

Due to their pace and lack of defensive efficiency, the Bulls are regularly in high-scoring matchups that often land in this slot. The Celtics get to face them on Friday and have the highest implied team total on the slate as a result. Tatum, Brown, and White were other considerations above and can be the core of a strong Celtics' stack. Kristaps Porzingis ($7,500) looked strong in his limited minutes in his return on Monday, and his return could shake up the usage a bit for Boston as he ramps up to full speed. Payton Pritchard ($4,800) and Neemias Queta ($3,900) are good values to consider if you think the C's second unit gets more run in this game.

The Bulls are reportedly shopping Nikola Vucevic ($8,200) and Zach LaVine ($7,800) in trades but both have had solid production this season. Coby White ($6,900; wrist) is questionable for this contest, and his absence would leave even more usage for Vucevic and LaVine along with Ayo Dosunmu ($5,400), who has a high ceiling as a value play. With Patrick Williams (foot) out, Matas Buzelis ($3,800) is also a bargain to consider.

Pistons at Pacers (229.5 total)

The Pistons come into this Eastern Conference Group B game undefeated in NBA Cup play, but Cade Cunningham ($9,800; hip) and Tobias Harris ($6,400; hip) are both questionable. If Cunningham misses a fourth straight game, Jaden Ivey ($7,000) and Malik Beasley ($5,600) will continue to get more usage and be strong plays to consider. Marcus Sasser ($3,300) has also been very strong in the last three games, producing 20.5, 13 and 37.25 DraftKings points while helping pick up the slack.

On the Indy side, Mathurin is my favorite Pacers' play (as highlighted above). You can stack him with Pascal Siakam ($7,200) or Tyrese Haliburton ($8,500) at the top of the salary structure. To save some salary, Quenton Jackson ($4,000) has also had solid numbers recently as a starter.

 

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: De'Aaron Fox
  • My favorite CASH play on the slate: Isaiah Hartenstein
  • My favorite GPP play on the slate: Scottie Barnes
  • My favorite VALUE play: Ja'Kobe Walter


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

Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Laken Tomlinson

Confident in Texans Offensive Line
J.K. Dobbins

the Starter in Denver?
JT Woods

Seahawks Release JT Woods
Darren Waller

Trade to Miami Becomes Official
Asante Samuel Jr.

Dolphins Interested in Asante Samuel Jr.
Nyheim Hines

Seeking Return to NFL
Dak Prescott

Expects to be Full-Go for Training Camp
Ajay Mitchell

Posts 16 Points in Summer League Win on Monday
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Waived by Bucks
Brice Sensabaugh

Logs 37 points in Summer League Win on Monday
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
GG Jackson II

Collects 27 Points in Summer League Loss
Ace Bailey

Scores 18 Points in Summer League Victory
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Kobe Bufkin

Cleared for Summer League Action
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Agrees to Contract Buyout with Bucks
PGA

Sungjae Im Still a Liability at Scottish Open
James Wiseman

Pacers Bring Back James Wiseman
Ludvig Aberg

is a Solid Option at Scottish Open
Tyrese Haliburton

to Miss Entire 2025-26 Campaign
Paolo Banchero

Signs Historic Five-Year Extension with Magic
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Alex Bregman

Could Return Later This Week
Ketel Marte

Day-to-Day with Groin Tightness
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Hunter Greene

Suffers Setback on Monday
Kyle Lowry

Staying With 76ers
Kyle Anderson

Lands in Utah
Kevin Love

Traded to Jazz in 3-Team Swap
Norman Powell

Traded to Miami
John Collins

Dealt to Clippers
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied For 14 at Travelers Championship
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 61 at Travelers Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Tied For 17 at Travelers Championship
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 11 at John Deere Classic
Viktor Hovland

Withdraws From Travelers Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Finishes Tied For Second at Travelers Championship
Brian Campbell

Wins John Deere Classic
Bronny James Jr.

Scores 10 Points
Harrison Ingram

Limited on Sunday
Golden State Warriors

Isaiah Mobley Drops 16 Points
Ryan Rollins

Staying with Bucks
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF