We have a solid seven-game slate tonight, all locking within a half hour of each other, which means we’re in for a fast-paced evening of DFS action. Injury reports are loaded with question marks, so keep an eye on the news throughout the day. We also have some fantastic value options to start with, though Desmond Bane just barely missed the cut. So who made my top 5 DraftKings NBA DFS picks? Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections, we’re diving into it.
These DraftKings NBA DFS picks are based on the latest available data. For real-time updates, check out our NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page!
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DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, March 12
5 – Devin Vassell
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $6,100
Projections: 19.4 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
Vassell is currently listed as questionable, but if he plays, he’s in a fantastic spot. With Victor Wembanyama out, Vassell has been shouldering more offensive responsibility, getting increased touches and running the show for the Spurs. His minutes have been locked in the mid-30s, and his $6,100 price tag is solid for his upside.
Vassell is projected for around 34 fantasy points. The goal you need him to hit is 41, and he has about a 33% chance of doing so. The matchup against Dallas is excellent, as the Mavericks are not exactly a defensive powerhouse. If he plays, he should be a strong mid-range option on this slate.
4 – A.J. Lawson
Position: SG | Salary: $4,000
Projections: 14.5 Points, 4.3 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, 1.4 Stocks
Next up, we head to Toronto, where Lawson is stepping into a massive role due to the Raptors’ laundry list of injuries. Immanuel Quickley, Gradey Dick, R.J. and Ja’Kobe Walter are all out, leaving Lawson to take on extended minutes. Last time he was in this spot, he was lightly owned despite a strong performance, but today that won’t be the case — everyone will be on him.
At just $4,000 with shooting guard eligibility, Lawson is projected for 27 fantasy points. The goal for him is 30, and he hits that mark over 40% of the time. Facing a Philadelphia team that’s also severely depleted, Lawson’s salary does not match his increased role, making him one of the best value plays on the board.
3 – Brandon Williams
Position: PG | Salary: $4,500
Projections: 15.0 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 4.8 Assists, 1.1 Stocks
Williams is also questionable tonight, and while I personally lean toward him sitting, we have to prepare as if he plays. If he does, he’s in a great spot to produce.
The Mavericks are dealing with multiple injuries — Dante Exum and P.J. Washington are also questionable — so if Williams plays, he’s a strong value option. If he’s ruled out, expect another Dallas Maverick to jump into the top plays, possibly multiple if the other questionable tags break the wrong way for Dallas.
2 – Vince Williams Jr.
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $3,800
Projections: 11.8 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 2.8 Assists, 1.4 Stocks
Unlike the other picks so far, we’re not worried about Williams’ status. Over his last four games, Williams played 24 to 25 minutes every night, and with Jaren Jackson Jr. out and question marks around Brandon Clarke and Zach Edey, there’s even room for his minutes to increase. At this price, he’s one of the easiest value plays on the slate. Unless we get unexpected news, Williams is a lock for strong ownership tonight.
1 – Jamal Shead
Position: PG | Salary: $4,400
Projections: 14.5 Points, 2.6 Rebounds, 7.4 Assists, 1.2 Stocks
Toronto is missing nearly their entire backcourt, leaving Shead to handle the bulk of the point guard duties. With such a thin rotation, he is in line to play heavy minutes. He might even stay on the floor in garbage time if the game gets out of hand, but with Toronto facing a 76ers squad that’s also missing key players, this one should stay competitive. Shead is the best value play on the board and deserves to be your priority when building lineups today.
