Welcome back, everyone! Josh Engleman here, ready to break down the top DraftKings NBA DFS picks for today’s six-game slate. As always, we’re using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections to help you build the best lineups. Be sure to tune into Deeper Dive at 5 p.m. ET to help you navigate this slate. With plenty of late swap opportunities, staying locked in will be key. And don’t forget to check Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page for real-time injury and rotation updates.
DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, March 26
5 – Colby Jones
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $3,400
Projections: 8.5 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, 2.2 Stocks
Jones is stepping into a bigger role for the Wizards, playing 24 to 26 minutes over his last few games. I have him projected for 25 minutes today against the 76ers in what’s essentially a tank-off. No Khris Middleton, no Marcus Smart and no Keyonte George means Jones should see solid usage. He’s projected for 23 fantasy points, and his target score is 27. He’s not a must-play, but at this price point and on a slate where value is scarce, he’s a strong option that allows you to pay up for Giannis Antetokounmpo if he plays.
4 – Jared Butler
Position: PG/SG | Salary: $6,200
Projections: 17.2 Points, 3.5 Rebounds, 7.6 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
Revenge narrative alert! Butler faces off against his former Wizards team, and he’s in a great spot. With Quentin Grimes back for Philadelphia, it takes a little shine off Butler, but he remains a solid option, especially if Jeff Dowtin is ruled inactive. Butler is projected for 36 fantasy points with a target score of 41. He’s in the optimal lineup 49% of the time. Keep an eye on the 76ers rotation news, as Butler’s role could solidify even more if Dowtin sits.
3 – D’Angelo Russell
Position: PG | Salary: $5,800
Projections: 17.3 Points, 3.2 Rebounds, 6.3 Assists, 1.8 Stocks
Russell benefits from a shorthanded Brooklyn lineup with no Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson and no Day’Ron Sharpe. He’s expected to play 28 minutes in a favorable matchup against the tanking Raptors. Projected for 35 fantasy points with a target score of 39, he’s in the optimal lineup 45% of the time. He’s going to take whatever shots he wants with no Thomas or Johnson in the mix. Russell is a strong value at this price and should be a key mid-tier play in lineups today.
2 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position: PF/C | Salary: $11,500
Projections: 32.0 Points, 12.0 Rebounds, 6.6 Assists, 2.0 Stocks
The biggest question mark on the slate: Giannis is questionable, and I’m not confident he will play. But if he does, he’s the best pay-up option by a mile, especially with Damian Lillard already ruled out. I have him projected for 34 minutes, 61 fantasy points and a target score of 68. He’s in the optimal lineup 64% of the time. With Nikola Jokic doubtful, Giannis becomes even more valuable. If he’s out, expect the Bucks value plays — Kyle Kuzma, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Brook Lopez — to become the focus.
1 – Trendon Watford
Position: PF/C | Salary: $4,600
Projections: 16.0 Points, 5.7 Rebounds, 4.2 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
This is easily the best play on the slate. With Sharpe and Johnson out, Watford should see 28 minutes in a solid matchup against Toronto. He’s projected for 32 fantasy points with a target score of 33. He’s power forward and center eligible, making him even more versatile. Watford played 27 to 28 minutes in four of his last five games, and the only exception was when the Nets were at full strength. That’s not the case today. He’s the safest value on the board, and unless something drastic changes, he’ll remain the top ConTENder all day.
