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Zach's top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today, Wednesday, 11/13/24. His favorite daily fantasy basketball lineup sleepers and value picks for DraftKings DFS.
Wednesday night is another jam-packed slate of fantasy basketball action with 11 games on the schedule after Tuesday's eight games tipped off the NBA Emirates Cup. The first eight of the games on the NBA schedule make up the main featured slate on DraftKings, while the three games at 10:00 p.m. ET are part of separate contests. With 16 teams in the main player pool, though, there are still plenty of great options to consider as you assemble your lineup for this Wednesday.
The Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Knicks, Magic, and 76ers are all playing for a second day in a row, and they may have to adjust their rotations as a result. There is some uncertainty about exactly who those teams will have available, especially the Sixers, who just got their stars back from injury. Be sure to check back and finalize your lineup with the latest news just before tipoff. Let's look at all 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 11/13/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7 p.m. EST on DraftKings.
DraftKings NBA DFS Core Picks
Franz Wagner, ORL - SF/PF ($8,500)
The Magic lost four straight after Paolo Banchero (oblique) went down with an injury, but they've now won three straight after knocking off the Hornets on Tuesday. Wagner has been leading the way and has posted over 40 DraftKings points in four straight contests, building up to last night's big game against Charlotte.
Franz Wagner masterclass pic.twitter.com/zdItgcaLzV
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 13, 2024
Wagner finished with 55.5 DraftKings points and is averaging an elite 1.43 DraftKings points per minute over his last four games.
He still comes at a relatively low salary on Wednesday given all his production lately. He has an elite ceiling in this matchup vs. the Pacers, against whom he posted 28 points, six assists, eight rebounds, and 46.5 DraftKings points last Wednesday. He and the Magic will have a chance to avenge their loss from a week ago at home in what should be a fantasy-friendly game environment.
Cade Cunningham, DET – SF ($9,000)
The Pistons also got a win in their NBA Emirates Cup opener on Tuesday and will go on the road for the second game of their back-to-back against the banged-up Bucks. Cunningham continues to lead the way for Detroit and posted 44.75 DraftKings points.
Tonight's 123-121 win vs. MIA was Detroit's first NBA Cup victory in franchise history.
Cade Cunningham led the team with 21 PTS and 9 AST with 7 REB and 2 BLK and has logged at least 20 PTS, 9 AST and 7 REB in four consecutive games, the longest such streak in Pistons history. pic.twitter.com/H7qwWhcPS9
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) November 13, 2024
Cunningham has over 40 DraftKings points in all but one of his 12 games this season and is averaging 1.30 DraftKings points per minute and 47.1 DraftKings points per game. He has fallen just one assist short of a double-double in each of his last two games after posting three straight triple-doubles with over 50 DraftKings points before that.
On Wednesday, he will face Damian Lillard ($9,300; concussion) in his first game back from a concussion or Lillard's replacement. Either way, the Bucks have been a good matchup for opposing point guards this season, so look for Cade to continue his early-season surge.
Myles Turner, IND – C ($6,400)
The Pacers come into Wednesday's game much more rested than many of these teams after getting two days off to start the week before their matchup with the Magic. Turner is extremely underpriced in this contest at barely over $6,000 and brings great upside as a mid-range option in the middle to build around. He had a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double and earned 39 DraftKings points last Wednesday in this same matchup with the Pacers, and he has posted over 32 DraftKings points in four straight games.
Myles Turner PUNCHES home the slam 👊 pic.twitter.com/adBQP7YeuW
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 10, 2024
He can be a volatile play at times, but even his floor is high enough to make him worth this salary while his ceiling can make him one of the best centers on the board.
He should be in a favorable spot in this rematch since the Magic will likely continue to be without Wendell Carter Jr. (foot), leaving Turner in a matchup with his former backup Goga Bitadze ($5,400).
Others Under Consideration: Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF/C ($11,500), Jalen Williams - C ($8,100), Karl-Anthony Towns - C ($8,700)
DraftKings NBA DFS Tournament Pivots
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC - PG ($10,600)
The Thunder won their first game without Chet Holmgren (hip) thanks to a monster effort from SGA that earned him a season-high 77.75 DraftKings points.
SGA was a two-way MONSTER in the win:
⚡️ 45 PTS
⚡️ 9 AST
⚡️ 4-8 3PM
⚡️ 5 STL pic.twitter.com/lLEu5Q51tz— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 12, 2024
His salary over $10,000 makes him tricky to build around, but his upside is huge as he carries the team into Wednesday night's home matchup with the Pelicans, whose backcourt has been drained by injuries all season. On Wednesday, they'll be without Jose Alvarado (hamstring) for the first time along with Dejounte Murray (wrist), CJ McCollum (adductor), and Jordan Hawkins (back). There is some risk of a rout and reduced minutes, but the Pelicans won't have anyone to slow down Gilgeous-Alexander while he's on the floor.
James Harden, LAC – PG ($9,600)
Harden is back in Houston, which is always a compelling storyline. He also may catch the Rockets without starting point guard Fred VanVleet ($6,800; hamstring), who is questionable. Harden has been carrying the load for the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard (knee) this season, averaging 49.7 DraftKings points per game.
On Monday, he fell just one assist short of a triple-double in the first stop of his reunion tour, posting 44.75 DraftKings points in that loss to SGA and the Thunder. If you can't quite afford to pay up for SGA or want to chase the narrative, Harden is a solid alternative pay-up PG.
Evan Mobley, CLE – PF/C ($7,800)
The undefeated Cavs are in Philadelphia and will take on the Sixers as they look to move to 13-0. Mobley has been a key part of their early-season success, averaging 18.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.0 steals for 38.1 DraftKings points in 30.0 minutes per game. He had a monster double-double against the Nets that resulted in 54.5 DraftKings points last Saturday and followed that up with another double-double and 31.75 DraftKings points Monday in Chicago.
MOVE OUT THE WAY FOR MOBLEY. @evanmobley | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/hSizNMMpSf
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 12, 2024
His matchup is a little uncertain with Joel Embiid ($10,200) and Paul George ($8,300) both playing in Tuesday's loss, but either way, he brings a great ceiling at under $8,000 and has been so much fun to watch so far this season.
Alperen Sengun, HOU – C ($8,100)
Sengun has put up back-to-back 27-point double-doubles, with 45.5 DraftKings points against the Pistons and 59.75 DraftKings points against the Wizards on Monday. He has taken at least 15 shots in four of his last five games and is being more aggressive on offense. Sengun will have a highly entertaining matchup to watch against Ivaca Zubac ($8,100) as he looks to continue his momentum on Wednesday.
Others Under Consideration: Jayson Tatum - SF/PF ($10,300), Donovan Mitchell - PG/SG ($8,300), Jalen Suggs - PG ($7,300), Josh Hart - SF/PF ($6,600), OG Anunoby - SF/PF ($5,700)
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DraftKings NBA DFS Value Picks
Ryan Rollins, MIL – PG ($3,000)
The Ryan Rollins breakout was awesome last night--right up until it wasn't. The rookie made his first career start in place of Lillard, who remains in the NBA concussion protocol but still has a chance to return Wednesday. Rollins was very impressive with 33.75 DraftKings points in 22 minutes but was forced to leave with a shoulder injury. He brought great energy and production on both ends of the floor before getting hurt.
5(!!) steals from Ryan Rollins tonight. I thought he was active both on and off ball and was in good position for most of the night defensively. pic.twitter.com/wqGm6UQejE
— Bucks Breakdown (@Bucks_Breakdown) November 13, 2024
Rollins hit four three-pointers for his 12 points and added five rebounds to his five steals and three assists. After the game, he said his shoulder injury was not serious and that he would play in the team's next game. If that's the case and Lillard remains out, Rollins will be an obvious but awesome "free space" play at the minimum salary.
Jaylen Nowell, NOP – PG/SG ($3,400)
With so many injuries in their backcourt as already discussed, Nowell will likely have to carry a heavy workload in just his fifth game with the team. He has scored double-digit points in three straight games and dished out six assists for a season-high 21.75 DraftKings points in 22 minutes on Monday.
Nowell has been a bit of a journeyman, but he should get a real chance to contribute in the coming games for the Pelicans since so many of their guard injuries are potentially long-term issues.
Moritz Wagner, ORL – C ($4,600)
Wagner has stepped up with Banchero and Carter out, and he remains a very solid value under $5,000. He has scored at least 14 points in four straight games, averaging 25.4 DraftKings points per game and 1.28 DraftKings points per minute during that span. He had 18.25 DraftKings points last week against the Pacers in just 15 minutes, but his playing time and production have both trended up in the three games since then.
Malik Beasley, DET – SG/SF ($4,200)
Beasley has scored at least 15 points in three straight games after dropping 21 points, five rebounds, and 31.25 DraftKings points in a season-high 35 minutes on Tuesday.
MALIK BEASLEY YOU BEAUTIFUL SON OF A MOTHER! #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/phIBRXfnNE
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) November 13, 2024
He takes on his former team, the Bucks, on Wednesday to finish the back-to-back and offers tons of upside at this very affordable salary on the wing.
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
Pacers at Magic (227.5 total)
The Magic are finishing a back-to-back at home, and I've already highlighted both Wagners as strong options. You could also add in Suggs as a strong option to complete the stack, but I actually prefer going with either Tristan Da Silva ($4,200), Anthony Black ($4,000), or even Bitadze as good value options to allow spending in other spots.
On the other side of this matchup, the Pacers are well-rested so you can go with the surging Bennedict Mathurin ($6,000) or Tyrese Haliburton ($8,100) alongside Turner with T.J. McConnell ($4,400) a solid bargain in the backcourt.
Wizards at Spurs (222.5 total)
The Spurs will still be without Jeremy Sochan (thumb) for a while, so rookie Stephon Castle ($4,700) should continue to get good playing time. Victor Wembanyama ($10,900) always brings a high ceiling and should be in a great matchup against the Wizards frontcourt. Devin Vassell ($5,800) is still ramping up after his late start to the year but is a solid mid-range play with upside.
Washington has good young options as well on the other side of this matchup, although the recent return of Kyle Kuzma ($7,200) does take some of their usage away. I still love the ceiling of Bilal Coulibaly ($6,200), Bub Carrington ($5,800), and Alexandre Sarr ($5,600) both short-term and long-term.
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: Ryan Rollins (if starting)
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Cade Cunningham
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- My favorite VALUE play: Ryan Rollins
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