NBA DFS Value and Advice: Expert Picks for March 1 Slate

Wednesday, March 1, features a slate of nine NBA games for DFS players to choose from. With no shortage of injuries and NBA DFS value plays, there are plenty of options to consider. Let’s take a closer look at each game and break down the top players to target in DFS, with the help of Stokastic’s NBA DFS projections.

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NBA DFS Value and Advice | March 1

Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons

DeMar DeRozan stands out as a great option for this game with a salary of $7,900. Hamidou Diallo is projected to be popular, but it is unclear why unless he is starting, which isn’t expected. Killian Hayes, Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman and Alec Burks are all strong plays.

Phoenix Suns vs. Charlotte Hornets

Kevin Durant’s return to the court makes Phoenix mostly unappealing despite the favorable matchup. Without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier is a top play, and Dennis Smith Jr. could see more minutes as well.

Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks

From the Brooklyn Nets, Nicolas Claxton is the top option. Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas are all viable contrarian plays. There are no top priorities from the Knicks, but Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson are the top options.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics

This game is mostly unappealing, but any of Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are fine in tournaments. However, no one stands out as a particularly strong play.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat

It is a tough matchup, but there is no denying the upside of Joel Embiid and James Harden. From the Miami Heat, there are no standout options.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets

Memphis is on a back-to-back, so there could be some value once the injury report is released. If everyone plays, Ja Morant is a priority and Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks are all viable contrarian plays. Tari Eason is a high-risk, high-reward value play, and with Eric Gordon gone, Jabari Smith could see more minutes, making him a more viable option.

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Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Nothing looks good from the Orlando Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo is always a strong play, but it is difficult to prioritize him at his salary. Unless players rest unexpectedly on the back-to-back, there is nothing else from Milwaukee that is appealing.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Anthony Davis is a top pay-up option without LeBron James. Dennis Schroder, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley all offer value and are popular plays. Mixing in cheap, low-owned dart throws like Austin Reaves, Lonnie Walker, Rui Hachimura or Troy Brown could pay off in large-field tournaments. The Thunder are always risky, but there is plenty of upside without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Going back to Josh Giddey and Luguentz Dort despite limited minutes last night could be a good idea. Isaiah Joe will project as a good value as long as he starts, but keep in mind that his playing time is extremely volatile.

Update: Anthony Davis has been ruled out.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Jonas Valanciunas and Josh Richardson are questionable for the game and there is no Larry Nance for the Trail Blazers. If Valanciunas sits, there is great frontcourt value in Jaxson Hayes and Willy Hernangomez. Valanciunas is a strong tournament play if he is active, and Hayes or Hernangomez offer tournament upside as the backups behind Valanciunas, but both are extremely risky because it is unclear which one will play. Damian Lillard is a top option again for the Blazers due to the absences of Simons and Nurkic.

Author

Adam Scherer

Adam "ShipMyMoney" Scherer has been playing and analyzing DFS full-time since quitting law school in 2016. He has qualified for the 2016 FanDuel MLB Playboy Championship, the 2016 DraftKings Fantasy Baseball World Championship (3x) and the 2019 DraftKings Fantasy Basketball World Championship. You can find him on Twitter at @ShipMyMoneyDFS or by emailing [email protected].