We have a massive 10-game slate tonight, and with so many teams on back-to-backs and injury question marks everywhere, it’s going to be crucial to stay updated on player availability. This is a volatile slate with a ton of moving parts, so make sure you’re locked in @JoshEngleman. Now let’s dive into the best DraftKings NBA DFS picks using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections.
These picks are based on the latest data, but the NBA DFS landscape shifts quickly. Stay ahead of the curve by visiting our NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page for real-time updates on breaking news and lineup changes.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, March 17
5 – Kyle Filipowski
Position: PF/C | Salary: $6,300
Projections: 16.7 Points, 10.2 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 1.4 Stocks
We have no idea who’s playing for Utah tonight. The Jazz are in full tank mode and just got fined $100,000 for it, so we should expect more players sitting out. I’m assuming Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen won’t play, which opens the door for Filipowski to be a fantastic value. He’s projected for 42 fantasy points we’re looking for, and he’s optimal 38% of the time. If he starts at center in a short-handed rotation, he’s an elite play.
4 – Nikola Vucevic
Position: C | Salary: $7,300
Projections: 20.6 Points, 10.8 Rebounds, 3.7 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
Vucevic’s price is simply too low. He’s $7,300, and his minutes are creeping back up — he played 29 minutes last game, and I have him projected for 30 tonight. Without Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey and Lonzo Ball, he’s a focal point of the offense against a weak Utah defense. Even if his minutes get cut to 28, Vucevic is still one of the best mid-range plays on the board. Expect his price to jump back near $8,000 soon, so we take the discount while we can.
3 – Obi Toppin
Position: PF/C | Salary: $3,600
Projections: 13.4 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 1.8 Assists, 1.3 Stocks
With Pascal Siakam out for the first time this season, Toppin should slide into the starting lineup and become one of the best value plays of the night. I have him projected for 26 minutes and 26 fantasy points, with a goal of 28. If any other Pacers sit, Toppin’s role becomes even stronger. Even at 22 minutes off the bench, he’s still viable, but if he starts, he’s a near-lock for value.
2 – Svi Mykhailiuk
Position: SF | Salary: $3,300
Projections: 15.0 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 2.2 Assists, 1.0 Stocks
We’re back to Utah. With multiple players likely out, Mykhailiuk could see 25-plus minutes in the rotation, and he’s one of the best pure punt plays available. He’s small forward eligible, which helps a lot with lineup flexibility. The Jazz value will be crucial tonight, and if Mykhailiuk ends up starting, he’ll be a must-play. Keep an eye on news leading up to lock because his status could shift based on the final injury report.
1 – Luka Doncic
Position: PG | Salary: $12,000
Projections: 35.8 Points, 9.8 Rebounds, 8.3 Assists, 2.4 Stocks
If Doncic plays, he’s the best pay-up option on the slate — and we have plenty of salary to afford him. He faces the Spurs in an elite matchup, and with no LeBron James, he’s the clear top superstar available. Since this game starts late, we might not have news before lock, but there are four late games, meaning we can pivot if needed. If Doncic is in, he’s a smash; if not, we can shift to Nikola Jokic and still have a strong lineup.
