NBA Fantasy: Top DFS lineup picks & expert advice for March 5th

Get prepared for an offensive showcase on Wednesday's NBA DFS slate. With eight games scheduled and all totals surpassing 219 points, anticipate a night filled with high-scoring displays and the opportunity to accumulate significant fantasy points. The highly anticipated Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup, boasting a staggering 243-point total, is definitely the main event of the evening.

This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on tonight’s slate.

NBA DFS Core Plays

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)

DraftKings: $10,800FanDuel: $11,600

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the hottest player in the NBA right now, coming off an explosive 51-point performance against the Houston Rockets. He’s been a scoring machine all season, and his recent form has been particularly impressive. Over his last five games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 35.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists, showcasing his ability to fill the stat sheet and carry the Thunder offense.

Tonight, he faces the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that loves to play at a fast pace. The Grizzlies have been playing with the fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This up-tempo environment should benefit Gilgeous-Alexander, who thrives in transition and can score in bunches.

Nikola Jokić (C – DEN)

DraftKings: $12,200FanDuel: $12,700

Nikola Jokić is currently questionable with an ankle injury. If he’s able to suit up tonight, he’s an excellent option to build your lineups around. Jokić has been as dominant as ever over his last three games, averaging 25 points, 15 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game over his recent stretch. He’s a walking triple-double threat with the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor.

However, if he’s ruled out,

Jamal Murray’s

usage will likely go up, making him a popular player to build around tonight. Keep a close eye on the injury report. Either way, the Denver Nuggets have a player capable of putting up a huge performance.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF, C – MIL)

DraftKings: $11,000FanDuel: $11,700

Giannis Antetokounmpo has a prime opportunity to dominate tonight against the Dallas Mavericks, a team currently riddled with injuries. The Mavericks will be without several key players, leaving them vulnerable to Antetokounmpo’s unique blend of size, athleticism and skill. He’s been playing at an MVP level recently, averaging 26.6 points, 13.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game over his last three outings.

With the Mavericks shorthanded, Antetokounmpo should have his way with their defense, attacking the basket relentlessly and cleaning up on the boards. He’s a matchup nightmare for any opponent, and with a favorable matchup, Antetokounmpo is a top-tier option with the potential to deliver a massive performance.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Chet Holmgren (C – OKC)

DraftKings: $7,300FanDuel: $8,000

Chet Holmgren is coming off a solid performance against a tough Houston Rockets team, where he recorded 11 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks.

Tonight, Holmgren faces the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that has struggled defensively. The Grizzlies rank dead last in defensive rating over their last five games, providing Holmgren with a favorable matchup.

With his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor and a vulnerable opponent, Holmgren is an intriguing option with the potential to outperform his value.

Christian Braun (SG, SF – DEN)

DraftKings: $5,900FanDuel: $6,500

Christian Braun has been a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets, providing consistent scoring and all-around production. Over his last three games, he’s averaging 20 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple categories. Braun is a versatile player who can score from the perimeter, attack the basket and defend at a high level.

Tonight, Braun and the Nuggets face the Sacramento Kings in a game with the second-highest total on the slate. This suggests a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, which should create plenty of opportunities for Braun to contribute.

Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, SG – DAL)

DraftKings: $5,100FanDuel: $5,600

With

Kyrie Irving

officially ruled out for the remainder of the season and Danté

 Exum

sidelined with a right foot contusion, Spencer Dinwiddie is poised to take on a leading role on offense for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks are suddenly thin in the backcourt, and Dinwiddie’s ability to score, facilitate and handle the ball will be crucial to their success.

In their last game, Dinwiddie finished with a 30% usage rate, showcasing his ability to contribute when given the opportunity. Expect a similar, if not higher, usage rate tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, as the Mavericks will likely rely heavily on Dinwiddie’s offensive firepower.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Keyonte George (PG – UTA)

DraftKings: $6,400FanDuel: $6,500

With

Collin Sexton

and

Jordan Clarkson

ruled out, Keyonte George is likely to slide into the starting lineup for the Utah Jazz and be a primary scoring option. He’s been on a tear recently, showcasing his offensive firepower with at least 20 points in seven games since February 5th. George is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and fill it up from anywhere on the court.

Tonight, he faces the Washington Wizards, a team ranked seventh in pace of play over their last three games, suggesting a potentially up-tempo matchup that could benefit George’s scoring ability.

Brook Lopez (C – MIL)

DraftKings: $5,900FanDuel: $6,200

Brook Lopez has been a steady presence for the Milwaukee Bucks, providing consistent scoring, rebounding and rim protection. In his last five games, he’s averaging 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple categories.

Tonight, Lopez faces the Dallas Mavericks, a team that has struggled against opposing centers, allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. This vulnerability, coupled with Lopez’s well-rounded skillset and consistent production, makes him a great option.

Max Christie (SG, SF – DAL)

DraftKings: $5,200FanDuel: $5,800

The Dallas Mavericks are dealing with several injuries, which means they will need to rely on Max Christie to shoulder a larger load if they want to keep this game against the Milwaukee Bucks close.

While he’s cooled off a bit since his hot start with the Mavericks, Christie has shown he can contribute in all categories, providing scoring, rebounding and playmaking. He’s poised for a high-volume workload tonight. With the Bucks ranking second in pace of play over their last five games, there should be plenty of opportunities for Christie to make an impact.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Kyle Filipowski (C – UTA)

DraftKings: $5,500FanDuel: $5,900

With the Utah Jazz frontcourt decimated by injuries, Kyle Filipowski finds himself in a prime position to contribute significant minutes and fantasy production.

Lauri Markkanen

,

John Collins

and

Walker Kessler

are all ruled out, leaving a gaping hole in the Jazz’s frontcourt. This should translate to a heavy workload for Filipowski, who has shown flashes of his potential when given the opportunity.

In the Jazz’s last game, Filipowski led the team with a 32.8% usage rate, showcasing his ability to handle a larger role in the offense. He finished with 25 points and eight rebounds, demonstrating his scoring touch and rebounding prowess.

Cason Wallace (PG, SG – OKC)

DraftKings: $4,500FanDuel: $4,900

Cason Wallace has been a key contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder during their recent surge. Over his last five games, Wallace is averaging 13.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

Tonight, Wallace and the Thunder face the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup that should provide him with ample opportunities to continue his strong play. The Grizzlies play at a fast pace and have shown some defensive vulnerabilities this season, especially against opposing guards.

With his ability to contribute in multiple categories and the potential for a high-scoring game, Wallace is an excellent option with the potential to exceed his value.

Svi Mykhailiuk (SG, SF – UTA)

DraftKings: $3,600FanDuel: $3,800

With the Utah Jazz’s backcourt dealing with multiple injuries, Svi Mykhailiuk is poised to see a significant increase in playing time. He’s a sharpshooter who can stretch the floor and knock down threes with consistency, providing valuable spacing for his teammates.

Mykhailiuk is also a capable scorer off the dribble, able to attack closeouts and finish at the rim. This offensive versatility makes him a crucial component of the Jazz’s attack as they navigate a difficult stretch. He’s shown the ability to take over games when called upon, scoring in double figures numerous times this season, including six games with at least 12 points in his last 14 outings.

Against the Washington Wizards, who have struggled defensively this season, Mykhailiuk has a prime opportunity to showcase his offensive skills and potentially put up big numbers.