The season is heating up, and today’s DFS slate brings some incredible value plays that you won’t want to miss. With key injuries creating new opportunities and a high-paced matchup between the Hawks and Grizzlies setting the stage for fantasy fireworks, this is a slate where getting the right pieces in your lineup is crucial. I’ve broken down my top 5 DraftKings NBA DFS picks, with help from Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections.
These picks are based on the current information we have. For the latest lineup updates, make sure to visit our NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page!
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DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, March 3
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5 – Carlton Carrington
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $5,000
Projections: 13.1 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 4.3 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
With Jordan Poole sidelined again, Carrington steps into an expanded role for Washington. He should start and log around 30 to 33 minutes in a competitive game against Miami. While the matchup isn’t ideal, the opportunity is undeniable. Carrington’s target score is 35, which he hits about 35% of the time, making him an optimal play 39% of the time. With value plays scarce today, Carrington stands out as a key piece in DFS lineups.
4 – Desmond Bane
Position: SG | Salary: $7,600
Projections: 21.5 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, 6.0 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
This game is a DFS goldmine. The Grizzlies and Hawks are playing in the fastest-paced game on the slate, with a total north of 250 points. Bane already looks strong at 42 fantasy points with a target of 48. If Ja Morant is ruled out, Bane’s usage will spike even further, making him an even stronger play. As it stands, he’s in the optimal lineup 35% of the time — and that number could rise if Morant sits.
3 – Dyson Daniels
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $6,800
Projections: 15.7 Points, 6.2 Rebounds, 5.1 Assists, 4.0 Stocks
Staying in the same game, Daniels benefits from this track meet environment while maintaining his typical 35-minute role. His defensive upside makes him a unique play. Daniels is in the optimal lineup 40% of the time, making him one of the best mid-tier plays today. Whether he’s defending Morant or Bane, Daniels will be heavily involved, and that’s exactly what you want in DFS.
2 – Jonas Valanciunas
Position: C | Salary: $5,400
Projections: 13.5 Points, 10.7 Rebounds, 3.1 Assists, 1.5Stocks
With Domantas Sabonis out, Jonas Valanciunas steps into a major role for Sacramento. He played 30 minutes last game after Sabonis went down, and even though I’ve projected him for 27 minutes, he still grades out as an elite play. At $5,400, Valanciunas is in the optimal lineup 54% of the time. Against a Dallas Mavericks team that struggles against centers, Valanciunas is a must-play. Even in just 24 minutes, he remains a top-10 play, making him one of the safest value options on the slate.
1 – Onyeka Okongwu
Position: C | Salary: $6,100
Projections: 17.0 Points, 10.4 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists, 2.3 Stocks
Okongwu’s minutes have climbed consistently, and with Clint Capela taking a backseat, Okongwu has seized control of the center position in Atlanta. He’s playing 31 minutes a night and thrives in this fast-paced, high-total matchup against Memphis. That makes him an easy lock at his price. Okongwu should be closer to $7,000 in this spot, making him the best play of the day. If you’re building cash game lineups, start with Okongwu and don’t look back.
