NBA DFS and lineup setting is a major part of the basketball landscape, so pairing the matchups with gambling odds can boost overall output for minimal input. I want to use this as a test as we get into the season to benefit the readers with a two-pronged approach. Follow wisely, do not start out with massive amounts of money. Although I trust my instincts and data, the overall benefit may not be immediate.
NBA DFS Matchups and Betting Preview
There are a few notable matchups that I think are going to provide some dividends in fantasy. The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls features two balanced teams with athletic players. There is also the Dallas Mavericks vs. the San Antonio Spurs, with an interesting position-by-position issue. There will also be Hawks players, Pacers and Wizards picks, and one Memphis shoutout.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Chicago Bulls (OKC to win +110 as of 1 PM EST)
Josh Giddey
Giddey has an interesting matchup today with the Chicago Bulls. Not really the focus of the Bulls’ defense, he and Lou Dort will be mostly left to their own devices against Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is an average defender, but Giddey will find himself with space and open passes. I expect him to be a focal point of the Thunder offense today, and get to 15 points (-190) and 8 assists (+220). With those together, look at +350. Two games is a small sample, but in that time he averaged 17 PPG/11.5 RPG/7.5 APG against the Bulls out of Chicago.
Chet Holmgren
Holmgren is a bit of a wild card, but he is fortunate to be playing with a surging OKC team. With as much gravity as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brings, his shot-making ability will come in handy during this game. I would expect Chet to grab some boards on both the offensive and defensive end. He should also score with efficiency in his first real game, ranging from 10-15 points. A Holmgren double-double is worth +230 in this game.
Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs (Spurs +4.5 @ -108)
Jeremy Sochan
Sochan was named Point Guard after the preseason, and it looks like the Spurs are going to try the Point-Forward approach to start the season. Surrounding him with five shooters, Sochan is going to have a great opportunity to distribute the rock and get the offense going. I like him to garner a good amount of assists, which is very valuable from a fantasy standpoint. Neither of Dallas’ starting frontcourt are particularly good defenders, so make sure to pay attention to Devin Vassell’s line too! Sochan at 6+ assists is +390.
Zach Collins
I really like Collins as an overall fantasy contributor this season. He has what it takes to be a quality frontcourt partner with Victor Wembanyama, giving them an advanced version of the early Cavaliers days of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Thankfully for the San Antonio Spurs, both are shooters. Collins is going to be left to his own devices today, with Lively potentially making his first start. Take him if he is healthy! (Rebounds 8+ -110, and a double-double at +270)
Indiana Pacers vs. Washington Wizards (Pacers -5 @ -110)
Tyus Jones
As much as I love Tyrese Haliburton, there is one thing he has not been thus far in his career, and that’s an above-average defender. Jones is an efficient, composed, floor general that will punish you on open shots, especially from beyond the arc. He’ll have an opportunity to give Poole the room and passes to score while working off of other players. This is a guaranteed start for those looking at him on the bench. With Poole taking up so much time, get Jones on an efficient 15 Points and 8 Assists for +280.
Myles Turner
Turner is going to eat Daniel Gafford up, and there is not much the Wizards can do about it. He’ll be relatively low-cost in most daily fantasy leagues and is going to run the game alongside Tyrese Haliburton. He should get north of 20 points (+240) and 10 rebounds (+220), and packaging those together gives out +723. Although I like Gafford overall, Myles Turner has turn(er)ed a corner.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets
Nic Claxton
Thankfully for Nic Claxton, Jarrett Allen is out. This gives him an opportunity to operate with only one paint defender, and with his athleticism will show Mobley a bad time. Although Mobley is going to return the favor, Claxton will still get his numbers. Start him if you can. I like him over his 11.5 points, and over 9.5 rebounds with a guaranteed double-double. Pair these with 2 blocks and get an even +327. The Nets big is going to flourish this season with Mikal Bridges and co. The Nets overall are a team to watch from a daily perspective and betting perspective, as they are highly undervalued.
Others to Watch
Marcus Smart: With Ja out, and CJ McCollum as the defensive matchup, Smart should put on a show in his first game in Memphis. Points, Steals, Assists, anything you can take at a positive rate will be a good bet, and starting him on your roster is even better.
Dejounte Murray: the Hornets are not a good defensive team, and neither is Terry Rozier as a matchup. They will most likely put Ball on this matchup given his size and Roziers’, but it is a good shot at great value.