On Saturday night, the NBA has a solid five-game slate ready to roll with two Eastern Conference games getting the action started at 7:00 p.m. ET, two interconference matchups in the middle, and a late-night, Western Conference matchup from Portland to close out the night. Of the 10 teams in action, the Celtics and Timberwolves are playing for the second straight day while the Sixers, Blazers, and Wizards all have another game on Sunday to complete their weekend back-to-back. Paying special attention to those five teams, be sure to monitor the latest news and availability changes. Our NBA models will adjust throughout the day, so be sure to update the projections and modify your roster if needed.

Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs tools and projections.

Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 300 lineups or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.

You can also use our SimLabs Lineup Generator, a tool that creates the most user-friendly lineup generation process.

Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. 

Consult the NBA Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.

NBA DFS Point Guard Picks

Stud

Stephen Curry has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at point guard even though he only has the third-highest salary. He gets a great matchup against the Wizards and also has the fourth-highest Projected Plus/Minus at point guard.

Curry is coming off back-to-back strong performances on the Warriors’ current road trip and has exceeded salary-based expectations in four of his last six games. He had 31 points, eight assists, and 49.25 DraftKings points on Wednesday in his most recent game and has at least 47 DraftKings points in four of his first six games in 2025, dating back to when he started the new year with a monster game against the Sixers that earned him 59 DraftKings points. In those six games, he has averaged 47.2 DraftKings points with a 29.4% usage rate and 1.41 DraftKings points per minute.

On Saturday night, he’ll face the Wizards and his former teammate Jordan Poole. Washington has been the best matchup in the NBA for opposing point guards in terms of DraftKings points per game, and the Wizards’ opponents are averaging a league-high 122.8 points per game.

Value

One of the exciting new features this season on FantasyLabs is our partnership with ShotQuality. The ShotQuality projections give Shaedon Sharpe the highest Projected Plus/Minus on the entire slate this Saturday, as his Blazers host the Rockets in the late game.

Sharpe has led the Blazers in both usage and minutes of the last six games, averaging 1.01 DraftKings points per minute and 34.25 DraftKings points per game, a very solid return from his salary of just over $6,000. He had 20 points in five straight games until Thursday when he had just 12 points and 24 DraftKings points in a home loss to the Clippers.

With this matchup against the Rockets, Sharpe should be in a good bounce-back spot. He had 34.25 DraftKings points in his most recent matchup with the Rockets, and the ShotQuality projections are particularly high on the third-year guard to have a nice return on investment this Saturday.

Fast Break

Tyrese Maxey has the second-highest ceiling and median projections at the position in the FantasyLabs projections behind only Curry, and he will have to continue to carry the scoring load for the Sixers with Joel Embiic (knee) out at least 7 to 10 more days. Paul George (groin) and Guerschon Yabusele (knee) are also questionable, so Maxey could have to take on even more work. So far this season, he has been up to the task, averaging 44.8 DraftKings points per game. He has scored at least 29 points in five straight with over 45 DraftKings points in each of those contests.

The Warriors acquired Dennis Schroder from the Nets, and he is still adjusting to his new role on his new squad. He has been better for fantasy lately, with double-digit points and over 21 DraftKings points in four straight. He has the third-highest Projected Plus/Minus at point guard in the ShotQuality projections since this is a great matchup against the Wizards, and he could take on more work if Curry tries to take it easy in a lopsided game.

Mike Conley got a spot start on Friday with Donte DiVincenzo missing the Timberwolves’ win over the Knicks. Conley had 13 points and 19 DraftKings points in his return to the lineup, which is enough to make him a good bargain play under $4,000 if he gets another start Saturday. Since it is a back-to-back, though, be sure to check the injury report to see both guards’ status. If both sit, Nickeil Alexander-Walker could step into a good role as a bargain play.

Don’t forget to check out our NBA SimLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineups using the power of simulation:

NBA DFS Shooting Guard Picks

Stud

On Saturday’s slate, Anthony Edwards has the top median and floor projections of all shooting guards in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections. On Friday night, he led the Timberwolves to a big win in New York, dropping 36 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and 65.25 DraftKings points in 38 minutes.

Edwards has exceeded his high salary-based expectations in five of his last eight games, averaging 53.2 DraftKings points per game and 1.37 DraftKings points per minute. Before torching the Knicks on Friday, he started the week with 41 points against the Wizards and also has scored at least 28 points in six of his last eight contests.

The Timberwolves will need another big game from him as they host the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Value

The FantasyLabs projections give Jrue Holiday the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all shooting guards, while he comes in second in the ShotQuality projections behind only Sharpe. The Celtics will be playing for the second day in a row, so be sure to keep a close eye on the injury report to confirm Holiday’s usage, but if he is set to play, he’ll be a solid option under $5,000.

Holiday’s salary has been under $6,000 most of the season since he doesn’t take a very active scoring role, but he has been turning in strong non-scoring stats and regularly exceeding salary-based expectations since around Christmas. He exceeded salary-based expectations in eight of his last nine games, including Friday when he had 26 DraftKings points on nine points, six boards, four assists, and a steal in 29 minutes against the Magic.

On Saturday, Holiday will have to try and slow down Trae Young (ribs), who is probable. He averaged 23.3 DraftKings points in the first two games between the Celtics and the Hawks, and he could be in for even more work depending on who is and isn’t available for the Celtics. With 24+ DraftKings points in four of his last five, though, Holiday can be a strong play under $5,000 even if everyone is ready to play on the second half of Boston’s back-to-back.

Fast Break

If Paul George plays through his groin injury, the FantasyLabs projections give him the highest ceiling projection of all shooting guards on Saturday. He could get an extra boost from returning to Indiana, where he started his NBA journey, and he has exceeded salary-based expectations in four straight contests and five of his last six. He even had two games with over 50 DraftKings points before dealing with ankle and groin issues.

Schroder and Sharpe are strong mid-range targets at shooting guard, and you can also consider Warriors’ guard Buddy Hield against the Wizards. Hield has stepped up for the Warriors while they’ve been without some key parts of their rotation, averaging 30 DraftKings points per game over his last five contests. The Wizards have been a great matchup for shooting guards as well as point guards, allowing more DraftKings points per game to both positions than any other team in the NBA.

Cavaliers wing Max Strus is still priced under $4,000 and has shown good upside coming off the Cleveland bench. He’s played just 12 games for the Cavs this season but has posted at least 20 DraftKings points in six of his last eight. The three-point specialist brings a good ceiling at his salary in Cleveland’s second unit.

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NBA DFS Small Forward Picks

Stud

After helping the Celtics bounce back from Wednesday’s loss in Toronto with a win over the Magic on Friday, Jayson Tatum has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections of all players on Saturday’s slate in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.

Tatum had 30 points, six rebounds, four assists, and 51 DraftKings points in 35 minutes in Friday’s win, and he’ll need to step up once again, as the Celtics host the Hawks to finish the back-to-back. The Hawks play fast, so the Celtics have the highest Pace Differential on the slate. Tatum averaged 49.8 DraftKings points against them in two meetings earlier this season, and he has the potential to reach that level again in this rematch.

In four of his last six games, Tatum has scored at least 25 points and finished with at least 45 DraftKings points. He’s an expensive option to build around on Saturday, but in this pace-up spot, he makes a lot of sense if you have the salary available.

Value

In both sets of projections, Timberwolves small forward Jaden McDaniels stands out once again as an excellent value at just over $4,000. McDaniels has the highest Projected Plus/Minus of all small forwards in the ShotQuality projections and the second-highest in the FantasyLabs projections.

While he always gets big minutes for Minnesota, McDaniels’ production on the offensive end can fluctuate from game to game. He has been a regular in my picks lately, though, since he has over 20 DraftKings points in four of his last five contests, highlighted by a game with 21 points, six rebounds, and an excellent total of 41 fantasy points last Saturday at home against Memphis.

McDaniels has exceeded salary-based expectations in seven of his last nine games and is a great way to save some significant salary at small forward.

Fast Break

Amen Thompson has been outstanding for the Rockets lately, but his salary has spiked to match his production. He has over 45 DraftKings points in four of his last six games and had 20 points and 10 boards in his most recent game against the Kings on Thursday.

Andrew Wiggins is the only player with a higher Projected Plus/Minus than McDaniels in the FantasyLabs projections. Wiggins scored 20 and 24 points in his two games since returning from dealing with a personal matter, and he looked especially sharp against Minnesota on Wednesday when he scored 24 points to go with strong non-scoring numbers on his way to 36.75 DraftKings points.

Depending on whom the Sixers have available, Justin Edwards should have a chance to continue to contribute. With Caleb Martin (groin) already out, there should be some time for Edwards, but he’d have an even higher ceiling if George and Yabusele are out as well. Edwards has helped fill in for Philly and produced 25 points and 41 DraftKings points against the Thunder on Tuesday and 10 points and 20 DraftKings points on Wednesday while playing 35 minutes in each contest. He’ll be a great bargain at only $3,300 if he is lined up for similar minutes on Saturday.

NBA DFS Power Forward Picks

Stud

The Pacers have been getting productive play from Pascal Siakam over the past five games, and he should be in a favorable matchup against the short-handed Sixers. Siakam has exceeded salary-based expectations in five straight games and comes into Saturday’s matchup ranked in the top five at power forward in ceiling, floor, and median projections in both the FantasyLabs and ShotQuality projections.

Siakam was especially impressive on Thursday against the Pistons, posting 53.25 DraftKings points on 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. He has averaged 1.28 DraftKings points per minute and 41.6 DraftKings points per game over his last five contests, and he has shown the willingness and ability to take on more of the scoring load.

On Saturday, he faces the Sixers for the third time this season after averaging a solid 38.1 DraftKings points in their first two meetings. All season, Spicy P has been solid for the Pacers, and now he looks ready to step it up to the next level.

Value

In the ShotQuality Projections, Draymond Green edges out his teammate Andrew Wiggins for the best Projected Plus/Minus at power forward. Both should be strong plays against the Wizards, but Green could be especially motivated by facing Jordan Poole. If he plays through his probable tag, this week be Green’s first game back after a three-game absence due to illness.

Before he missed time, Draymond had been very solid, with at least 24 DraftKings points in eight of his last nine games. He doesn’t usually score a lot of points but still has the ability to chip in strong non-scoring numbers and post big totals.

He had over 35 DraftKings points in three of his last seven before getting sick, so he still does bring plenty of upside and good double-double potential this Saturday against the Wizards. Wiggins may be a little safer since Green could be eased back into work, but both are good plays because of the matchup.

Fast Break

Julius Randle has the second-highest ceiling projection of all power forwards in the ShotQuality projections. Randle had eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, and only 23.75 DraftKings points in his return to New York, but his team got the win and will finish their back-to-back by hosting the Cavs. Randle is coming off back-to-back down games but is still averaging over 35 DraftKings points a game this season.

No. 2 overall pick Alexandre Sarr brings lots of upside on the other side of the Warriors-Wizards matchup tonight in D.C. Sarr is still only 19 years old but has flashed a lot of upside in his rookie season. He has scored double-digit points in four straight games since returning from a one-game absence due to illness. In those four games, he averaged 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 30.1 DraftKings points per game. He had 36.75 DraftKings points against the Suns on Thursday in his most recent contest and fell just one rebound short of a double-double. He ranks in the top six in Projected Plus/Minus at the position in both sets of projections.

Obi Toppin has the best Projected Plus/Minus of power forwards under $4,500 on this slate. He has put up double-digit points in six of his last eight games and is usually right around 20 DraftKings points per game. If the Sixers are shorthanded, though, he could get extra work if the game gets lopsided. Toppin brings a high ceiling and also is regularly involved enough to have a good floor for a bargain play.

NBA DFS Center Picks

Stud

The Rockets have been getting great production from several of their young core pieces lately, including center Alperen Sengun who has the highest median, ceiling, and floor projections at center in both sets of projections.

Sengun has exceeded salary-based expectations in four of his last five games with at least 20 points in each of those contests and over 45 DraftKings points. Against the Kings on Thursday, he had exactly 50 DraftKings points on 21 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a blocked shot. That was also Sengun’s third double-double in his last five contests, while he fell just one or two rebounds short in his other two games.

The Blazers have actually been a fairly tough matchup for centers this season, but Sengun’s upside still makes him the top stud at the position, especially with Embiid out and Evan Mobley (calf) and Kristaps Porzingis (back-to-back) uncertain.

Value

The Hawks have been short-handed without Jalen Johnson (shoulder) for their last five games, and Johnson is questionable for Saturday’s game in Boston. While he has been out, Onyeka Okongwu has been excellent, exceeding salary-based expectations in seven of his eight games since returning from left knee inflammation.

In those eight games, Okongwu has averaged 31.9 DraftKings points per game and 1.34 DraftKings points per minute. He comes into this matchup with the Celtics after posting back-to-back double-doubles on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, finishing with 52.75 DraftKings points against the Suns and 45.75 DraftKings points against the Bulls.

The 24-year-old from USC could have a slightly reduced role if Johnson returns, but he has definitely been strong enough to be a good play under $5,000 if you opt to go cheap at center to spend up elsewhere.

Fast Break

If Mobley sits, Jarrett Allen will be a strong mid-range play. In the two games without Mobley this season, Allen has averaged 47.1 DraftKings points, 11 DraftKings points over his regular average. He has been solid lately, exceeding salary-based expectations in four of his last six, even though he did have a down game in his most recent contest against the Thunder.

On the other side of that matchup, Naz Reid continues to produce good numbers off the bench for Minnesota. He has exceeded salary-based expectations in 10 of his last 11 games including seven in a row. He had 39 DraftKings points on 23 points and eight rebounds on Friday, and he has over 27 DraftKings points in seven straight coming into this matchup with the Cavs. Check the Wolves injury report for the back-to-back, but if Reid is in his normal role, he’s a solid play under $5,000. He also brings added eligibility at power forward, unlike Okongwu and Allen.

Since Reid and Okongwu are such good values, I wouldn’t go much cheaper, but if you have to punt the position, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta are options to consider as the Celtics finish their back-to-back. If Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, or both are ruled out or play fewer minutes, the Celtics’ backup bigs could step into a much more significant role against the Hawks.