We’ve got about fifteen-ish games left in the regular season. I’d like to spend it talking about how I’ve predicted the Wizards would make the playoffs, but I’ll spare you. Instead, we’ll just take a look at tonight’s six-game NBA DFS slate. However, I can’t promise I’ll spare you tomorrow…
Playing NBA DFS can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also make your head spin. It’s our job to make sure you’re winning as much as possible! There are countless variables that can lead to a player’s individual performance, but I’ve found it’s best to focus on just a few that can lead to better predictability.
My favorite factors to track for NBA DFS targets: Matchups (Offensive/Defensive Ratings), Opportunity (expected player minutes, game pace), and Recent Form.
This is the AM VERSION of a living article that will be updated throughout the day, as news comes through the wire.
LET’S GET INTO THE SLATE!!!!
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NBA DFS Targets and Preview for April 27
Trail Blazers vs. Pacers
Two teams that are currently in the scrum of 7-1o seeds in their respective conferences. Every game counts, but you most certainly feel it as the season nears its close. The Pacers and Blazers are 17th and 18th, respectively, in terms of their net rating. They are very similar teams, but at the end of the day, only one of these teams has Dame. Sometimes you have to look deeper into the human side of the game, as opposed to stats. It’s crunch time for both of these teams, and there’s no player I’d rather have in crunch time, than Dame. Roll with Portland.
DFS Targets: POR targets: Dame, CJ, Powell, and Nurkic. IND targets: Brogdon, Sumner, Levert, and Bitadze (if he plays).
Bucks vs. Hornets
The Bucks are 14 games above .500, while the Hornets are 30-30 and LaMelo hasn’t made his return quite yet. I don’t anticipate the Bucks are going to be resting players either. The Bucks are 3rd in net rating, while the Hornets are in the bottom third in the league in net rating. One could make the argument that the Hornets have been overachieving all year. I like the Bucks in this one, and while I don’t expect a blowout, I don’t expect it to be close. Bucks.
DFS Targets: MIL targets: Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday. CHA targets: Rozier, Graham, and Bridges.
Thunder vs. Celtics
The Thunder are rebuilding. It’s not the kind of rebuild where they lose to everyone by 20. It’s the kind of rebuild where they are in every game, but still find a way to lose. I don’t anticipate that changing against the Celtics. Boston is finally finding their stride, despite their lack of a frontcourt. I expect Boston to extend the Thunder’s losing streak to 14.
DFS Targets: OKC targets: Entire starting five, as usage/minutes is distributed very well. BOS targets: Tatum, Brown, Walker, and Smart.
Nets vs. Raptors
Nets. Don’t overthink this one. There’s a reason the Raptors are currently the 12th seed in the East. I don’t know the reason, and neither do the Raptors, or else they would’ve fixed it by now. But, there’s a reason. Toronto isn’t a play-in caliber team right now, so they definitely can’t hang with the Nets.
DFS Targets: BKN targets: Kyrie and KD. TOR targets: Lowry, OG, VanVleet, and Siakam.
Timberwolves vs. Rockets
The only two teams in the league that have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Usually, when I see either of these two teams are playing, it’s safe money to go ahead and pencil in a loss. Since they’re playing each other, I suppose somebody has to win. I’ll go with the Timberwolves. Don’t make me do any real analysis, please. Time is the most valuable commodity.
DFS Targets: MIN targets: Edwards, KAT, Russell, and Rubio. HOU targets: Wall, Brooks, Tate, and Olynyk.
Mavericks vs. Warriors
This should be a good one. Dallas has managed to hold the 6th seed in the West, despite reports that Luka and Kristaps don’t really get along. Curry is having an incredible season and single-handedly keeping the Warriors in the playoff race. The Warriors have a top-10 defense. The Mavs have a top-10 offense. They are both top-15 in net rating. This one is a toss-up. If you’re choosing, I’d pick the Warriors. They are more likely to bottle up Luka, than the Mavs are likely to bottle up Steph.
DFS Targets: DAL targets: Luka and Kristaps. GSW targets: Curry, Oubre, Wiggins, and Green.
Don’t forget to check back later in the day as Bradlee will be updating his NBA DFS preview with all the info you need to turn tonight’s slate into a resounding success!
If you are reading this on Fantrax.com make sure to head on over to FantraxHQ to check out Brad’s afternoon updates.
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