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Friday brings a loaded slate consisting of 10 games, nine of which will make up the main slates on DraftKings and FanDuel. In terms of injures, Jalen Williams (ankle) has been ruled out. Some noteworthy players listed as questionable include Nikola Jokic (back) and Zion Williamson (foot).
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 2/2/24. Remember to monitor NBA injury news and our awesome NBA injuries report tool, as the slate can completely change before lineups lock at 7:00 PM EST on FanDuel and DraftKings.
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Today's NBA DFS Core Plays
Let's first take a look at our premium projections to see who we want to target for our top spend-ups tonight.
With some of the worst teams in the league in action, we have the potential for several high-scoring games. Two that stand out feature the Hawks hosting the Suns, and the Pacers taking on the Kings. It will be the second game of a back-to-back set for the Pacers, so we’ll need to monitor for potential rest situations with them.
One of our top projected players is Devin Booker, who has averaged 36.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last eight games. The Hawks have played at the fourth-fastest pace and have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, so his matchup is about as good as it gets.
In terms of teams who are shorthanded, the matchup between the Hornets and Thunder stands out. The Thunder will be without Williams, who has been one of their leading scorers. That should lead to added shot attempts for Chet Holmgren. With Williams out Wednesday against the Nuggets, Holmgren posted 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and five blocks.
On the Hornets side of things, LaMelo Ball (ankle) is listed as doubtful. Combine his likely absence with Terry Rozier having already been traded and Miles Bridges is in line for a hefty workload. Over the last three games without Ball, Bridges has averaged 24.0 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks over 40 minutes per game. Brandon Miller should also be in line for a higher usage rate.
Top Core Plays:
- Devin Booker, PHX @ ATL – PG/SG ($9,900 DK; $9,800 FD)
- Miles Bridges, CHA @ OKC – SF/PF ($8,500 DK; $8,700 FD)
- Chet Holmgren, OKC vs. CHA - C ($7,600 DK; $8,200 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Value Plays
Using the same premium NBA projections, let's sort them by fantasy points per dollar to see what players are popping as the best values tonight.
Sticking with the Hornets, Bridges, and Miller aren’t the only players who should benefit from their limited depth chart. P.J. Washington has also taken on an expanded role, logging at least 35 minutes in each of the last three games. During that span, he averaged 28.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists.
The Pacers have played at the second-fastest pace in the league and have the fifth-worst defensive rating, so their matchup with the Kings is one to exploit. A potential value option on the Pacers is Aaron Nesmith, who has averaged 16.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists over the last eight games. On the Kings side of things, don’t sleep on Kevin Huerter, who projects as one of our best values. He has caught fire of late, putting up 17.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals over his last eight games.
When the Rockets take on the Raptors, they should continue to be without Tari Eason (leg), who has been out for a month. Cam Whitmore has played well off the bench in his absence, averaging 15.0 points and 5.4 rebounds across his last 10 games.
Top Value Plays:
- J. Washington, CHA @ OKC – PF/C ($5,900 DK; $6,400 FD)
- Aaron Nesmith, IND vs. SAC – SF ($5,700 DK; $6,600 FD)
- Kevin Huerter, SAC @ IND – SG ($5,100 DK; $6,100 FD)
- Cam Whitmore, HOU vs. TOR – SG/SF ($4,300 DK; $5,300 FD)
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Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Point Guard
As we continue to attack the matchup between the Kings and Pacers, De’Aaron Fox should have a high floor for cash games. The last time he faced them, he finished with 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal over 40 minutes.
On the value side of things, Scottie Pippen Jr. is a viable option in tournament play. This is the second game of a back-to-back set for the Grizzlies, who have been hammered by injuries.
Top PG Options:
- De’Aaron Fox @ IND, ($8,900 DK; $8,900 FD)
- Dejounte Murray vs. PHX, ($8,100 DK; $8,900 FD)
- Bradley Beal @ ATL, ($6,500 DK; $7,200 FD)
- Scottie Pippen Jr. vs. GS, ($4,900 DK; $5,500 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Shooting Guard
Booker is the top shooting guard to target with his stellar matchup against the Hawks. Those looking to spend down at the position should look to Huerter, who is in a similarly favorable spot against the Pacers.
Another potential value at shooting guard is Cody Martin. With Ball out, he has taken on more play-making responsibilities. That has helped him average 10.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over the last three games.
Top SG Options:
- Devin Booker @ ATL, ($9,900 DK; $9,800 FD)
- Brandon Ingram @ SA, ($7,700 DK; $8,200 FD)
- Kevin Huerter @ IND, ($5,100 DK; $6,100 FD)
- Cody Martin @ OKC, ($4,700 DK; $5,400 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Small Forward
It’s going to be difficult to pass up on Bridges. His usage rate should be off the charts with Ball out, and he is also a good source for rebounds and assists. It’s worth noting that Williams is one of the Thunders’ better defenders, so his being out further helps Bridges.
Two of our favorite value plays for the evening are eligible at small forward. Nesmith probably has a higher floor than Whitmore, especially if the Pacers decide to rest anyone. However, Whitmore has a significantly cheaper salary on both sites.
Top SF Options:
- Miles Bridges @ OKC, ($8,500 DK; $8,700 FD)
- Jimmy Butler @ WAS, ($7,800 DK; $8,600 FD)
- Aaron Nesmith, vs. SAC, ($5,700 DK; $6,600 FD)
- Cam Whitmore vs. TOR, ($4,300 DK; $5,300 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Power Forward
There are a ton of appealing power forwards for this busy slate. Arguably the top option is Kevin Durant, who will also look to beat up on the defensively-challenged Hawks. He has continued to showcase his versatile all-around skillset, averaging 26.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.9 blocks over his last nine games.
Another top-tier power forward to consider is Pascal Siakam, who will take on the Kings. Since joining the Pacers, he has averaged 21.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Tyrese Haliburton will likely be on a minutes restriction, if he plays at all, which further elevates Siakam’s floor.
Top PF Options:
- Kevin Durant @ ATL, ($9,700 DK; $9,700 FD)
- Pascal Siakam @ IND, ($8,100 DK; $8,100 FD)
- Jonathan Kuminga @ MEM, ($6,200 DK; $7,300 FD)
- J. Washington @ OKC, ($5,900 DK; $6,400 FD)
Today's NBA DFS Lineup Picks: Center
Holmgren is so appealing because of not only Williams being out and his matchup, but because his salary won’t destroy your budget on either site. Another great stat in his favor is that the Hornets have allowed the sixth-most rebounds per game in the league.
The Hawks might struggle on defense, but they do have plenty of size up front in Clint Capela in Onyeka Okongwu. That should lead the Suns to rely on Jusuf Nurkic for big minutes. He’s coming off one of his best performances of the season, recording 28 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks Wednesday against the Nets.
Top C Options:
- Domantas Sabonis @ IND, ($10,400 DK; $10,200 FD)
- Chet Holmgren vs. CHA, ($7,600 DK; $8,200 FD)
- Jusuf Nurkic @ ATL, ($6,600 DK; $7,000 FD)
- Nick Richards @ OKC, ($5,800 DK; $6,100 FD)
Today's Top NBA DFS Game Stacks
- Suns @ Hawks (248.5 total)
- Kings @ Pacers (248.5 total)
- Clippers @ Pistons (238.5 total)
Today's Top NBA DFS Avoids
- Stay away from Haliburton. If he does play, he will likely remain on a minutes restriction.
- The matchup between the Magic and Timberwolves is not ideal for DFS. They both rank inside the top five in the league in defensive rating.
- Despite all of their injuries, the Grizzlies have worked themselves up to having the ninth-best defensive rating in the league. It could be a relatively quiet night for many of the players on the Warriors.
My Favorite NBA DFS Lineup Picks for Today
Here is where I leave you with some of my favorites.
- My favorite overall play on the slate: Chet Holmgren
- My favorite CASH play on the slate: Devin Booker
- My favorite GPP play on the slate: Jimmy Butler
- My favorite value play: Aaron Nesmith
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