DraftKings NBA DFS Picks: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey (March 2)

Welcome to our DraftKings NBA DFS article where we bring you the latest insights and expert analysis from Josh Engleman. With his comprehensive research, he has handpicked the best DraftKings lineup options to help you win big in your upcoming games. Plus, do not forget to check out Stokastic+ for exclusive NBA DFS tools and a limited-time discount offer of 50% off your first week or first month!

Top 5 DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today

5. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Maxey is a strong pick due to his low price and high upside. Despite a pace-down matchup, Maxey has shown the ability to score and has a usage rate of 23%, making him scoring dependent but a valuable option at his low price of $4,900. While his fantasy points per minute are not exceptional at 0.9, the potential absence of Joel Embiid could boost Maxey’s production even further. In addition, his inclusion in the optimal lineup 24% of the time indicates his value as a strong play on this four-game slate. Though Maxey is not without risk, he is a strong value pick with potential for big returns.

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4. Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards

Kuzma is projected to score 40 fantasy points at a cost of $7,700 on DraftKings NBA DFS, making him an attractive pick at small forward or power forward. He has been in the optimal lineup in 24% of simulations and is averaging 1.1 fantasy points per minute, which bodes well for his 36 minutes of playing time. Despite not being in the best pace spot, Kuzma has a competitive matchup against the Toronto Raptors, as Washington is only a 1-point underdog. He has an impressive usage rate of 29% and is averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, almost four assists and a steal per game. Kuzma’s price is a few hundred dollars underpriced, and with the minutes that he is getting, he presents a good combination of raw points and price.

~~3. Keldon Johnson, San Antonio Spurs~~

Johnson is listed as questionable, but if he is able to take the court, he looks great in a paced-up matchup against the Pacers. Johnson is projected for 38.5 DraftKings points, and he has a 25% chance of making it into the optimal lineup. Johnson is priced at $6,900 and is a small forward, a position that can be difficult to fill. He is projected to play 33 minutes and averages 1.1 fantasy points per minute, with a 28% usage rate. In games where Tre Jones and Devin Vassell have also played, Johnson has averaged 23.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a steal. The matchup is fantastic, and if he is able to play, Johnson could be a sneaky, high-upside pick on a four-game slate.

Update: Keldon Johnson (foot) out Thursday.

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2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid is a center with a projected score of 57 and a goal of 58, priced at $10,800. He is in the optimal lineup 30% of the time, and he plays for 36 minutes each night. With 1.6 fantasy points per minute, Embiid’s stats make him an ideal player for DFS. Although the pace is down against Dallas, there are no defensive players that can keep Embiid under control, so he has an excellent chance to score big points. Embiid is expected to have a higher-assist game, but he is still expected to dominate with a 38% usage rate, 34.5 real points, 11 rebounds, three assists and 2.5 stocks. Among the pay-up options, Embiid is the easiest one to get.

1. Buddy Hield, Indiana Pacers

Hield is a small forward priced at $5,600 and is projected for 32 fantasy points, with a 32-point goal. He is in the optimal lineup 30% of the time and plays an average of 31 minutes per night. Hield averages a fantasy point per minute, and he is facing a weak San Antonio Spurs team in a pace-up spot. Hield’s price is $1,000 cheaper than it was two weeks ago, and he has a good chance of exceeding 32 fantasy points. In his last game, he scored 17 points on 21% usage, had six boards, three assists and a steal. If Tyrese Halliburton is out, Hield looks even better, but even with him in the lineup, Hield is a top contender.

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Author

Josh Engleman

Josh is Contributor for Stokastic.com where he hosts video and writes content regularly across the primary sports of MLB, NBA, and NFL as well as contributing to the development of models and projections for soccer. He originally started producing projections & articles for Reddit's r/DFSports in 2014 where he built a loyal following that brought him to where he is today. Josh is most known for his elaborate Excel spreadsheets, which he shares in all of his video content. You can find him on Twitter or hanging out in Stokastic's Premium Chalkboard. You can contact Josh by emailing [email protected].