Saturday, November 19, has a four-game split slate starting at 7:00 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Let’s look at the player pool to discuss the top NBA DFS building blocks today for DraftKings and FanDuel lineups. Be sure to check out the Stokastic NBA DFS & Fantasy Basketball home page, where you can find fantasy basketball picks and analysis for each slate of games.
NBA DFS Building Blocks Today: Saturday, November 19
Core Play of the Day — Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers-Minnesota Timberwolves
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Point Projections: DraftKings: 62.31 | FanDuel: 60.49
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Rostered Projections: DraftKings: 44.9% | FanDuel: 41.6%
- DFS Salary: DraftKings: $11,200 | FanDuel: $11,500
Philadelphia took care of business, besting the Bucks 110-102 without James Harden (foot) and late-scratch Tobias Harris (hip). The 76ers were aided by Giannis Antetokounmpo missing 11 of 15 free throw attempts, but it was still an impressive win. Tonight, they are at home again hosting Minnesota, which is coming in as a 2.5 point road favorite. Tyrese Maxey hurt his foot and is likely to miss at least the next 10 days, so it is going to be up to Joel Embiid to carry the team.
Embiid has a median projection that is more than 15 fantasy points higher than anyone else in the player pool tonight and he is the core building block for good reason. Even with only four games on the docket, there are enough injuries providing value plays that we can roster the Cameroonian and still find ways to differentiate our lineups.
De’Anthony Melton is dealing with a sore back, but if he is in the starting lineup, he should see over 30 minutes tonight and Shake Milton will be the punt du jour with Maxey on the shelf. If Harris plays, he too is a strong option as the team will need his scoring to keep the second unit afloat whenever Embiid is off the court. If Harris is out again, then P.J. Tucker, Georges Naing and Danuel House Jr. all move from neutral options to above average in tournaments.
Tyrese Haliburton: Indiana Pacers-Orlando Magic
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Point Projections: DraftKings: 45.11 | FanDuel: 43.13
- Stokastic’s Preliminary Rostered Projections: DraftKings: 20.1% | FanDuel: 28.5%
- DFS Salary: DraftKings: $9,000 | FanDuel: $8,900
Last night Tyrese Haliburton tweaked his ankle late in the game after leading the Pacers on a furious second half comeback which resulted in a 99-91 victory over the Rockets in Houston. His status is up in the air, but if he starts, he is a strong option against the defensively challenged Magic. There is no need to rush Haliburton back, so if the team decides to play it safe, then T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard can be added to the value menu.
Additionally, forwards Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith are intriguing tournament options along with Buddy Hield who is never bashful about hoisting threes. Myles Turner looks like a decent option on FanDuel where he has power forward eligibility.
Additional NBA DFS Building Blocks Picks Today – Sports Wagering Opportunities
Tonight, Joel Embiid has a sky high 33.5 over/under line on his points prop for his matchup against against the visiting Timberwolves. The Stokastic NBA player projections have him for 38.3 points and a 67% likelihood that he surpasses this mark with Harden and Maxey sidelined and Harris ailing. The added field goal opportunities along with his inside-out game should enable him to perform well against Rudy Gobert.
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Orlando Magic Potential Value
Last night Orlando took care of business in Chicago knocking off the Bulls 108-107. Tonight, they are taking on the Pacers in Indiana and once again will be without Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony. There is a chance that Wendel Carter Jr. (plantar fasciitis) will sit on this back-to-back after missing Wednesday. Gary Harris could also be out for this game as well, which would open a ton of minutes and opportunities in the rotation.
Franz Wagner looks like a strong play in all eventualities, and he has done a nice job of taking on a large portion of the facilitation duties with Anthony and Markelle Fultz on the shelf. If Carter is out, then Bol Bol, Chuma Okeke and Mohamed Bamba would each see increased opportunities with Bamba likely to be tabbed as the starter.
Final Thoughts on NBA DFS Picks Today
There is a two and a half hour gap tonight between the first two games and the last two games, so be sure to keep abreast of late-breaking news by turning on notifications for the Stokastic NBA Twitter handle and let them do the heavy lifting. Plus, if you are a premium member, be sure to check out the Stokastic Discord for all up-to-the-minute analyses.
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