Welcome back, everyone! Josh Engleman here breaking down the top DraftKings NBA DFS picks on this five-game Thursday slate. As always, we’re using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Sims, NBA DFS projections and NBA DFS ownership projections to help you make the best plays today. NBA DFS moves fast, and breaking news can make or break your lineup. Be sure to check out Stokastic’s NBA DFS Starting Lineups Page for real-time injury and rotation updates.
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DraftKings NBA DFS Picks Today, March 20
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5 – Jake LaRavia
Position: SF/PF | Salary: $3,500
Projections: 7.4 Points, 4.8 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, 1.5 Stocks
I didn’t expect to be talking about LaRavia today, but here we are. Sacramento is on a back-to-back, and we have no idea who’s playing for them. LaRavia sat out yesterday alongside Zach LaVine, but if he’s active, he’s worth a look. I have him in for 24 minutes, and at $3,500, he’s a rare source of value on this five-game slate. The main reason to consider him is you need a salary saver to fit in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and LaRavia could be the guy to make that work.
4 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Position: PF/C | Salary: $11,700
Projections: 30.7 Points, 12.4 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists, 1.9 Stocks
No surprises here. You want to play Giannis on a five-game slate, especially against the Lakers. The Lakers are without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, so who’s stopping Giannis? The answer is no one. I expect him to dominate this matchup, and he’s a priority pay-up option. The only real question is whether Doncic is the better spend-up today.
3 – Ziaire Williams
Position: SG/SF | Salary: $4,700
Projections: 12.8 Points, 5.6 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.6 Stocks
The Brooklyn Nets are in a weird spot tonight: No Cameron Johnson, no Cam Thomas. That leaves Williams playing 30 minutes, and on this small slate, that’s valuable. The matchup against the Pacers is solid, and we don’t know if Tyrese Haliburton will play, which could further boost the Nets players in general. His price, playing time security and positional flexibility make him a strong mid-tier play.
2 – Luka Doncic
Position: PG | Salary: $12,700
Projections: 32.4 Points, 10.3 Rebounds, 8.5 Assists, 2.6 Stocks
If he plays, Doncic is the No. 1 pay-up option on the slate. The Lakers are on their third straight back-to-back in two weeks, and with no LeBron, Doncic is the go-to. He’s nearly projecting for a triple-double, with a 64.5-fantasy point projection and a goal of 70. Doncic is 35% optimal and edges out Giannis if you have to pick between the two. Ideally, you’re trying to fit them both into lineups, but if Doncic is ruled out, Giannis might end up with absurd ownership numbers.
Update: Luka Doncic has been ruled out.
1 – D’Angelo Russell
Position: PG | Salary: $5,800
Projections: 17.3 Points, 2.9 Rebounds, 6.2 Assists, 1.7 Stocks
Here’s your best play of the day. No Johnson, no Thomas. The minutes are steady at 28 to 30 per game, and the matchup against Indiana is favorable. Russell is one of the only Nets players who can create his own shot, which makes him stand out at this price. I don’t love trusting Russell, but in this situation, it makes too much sense. He’s underpriced, in a great role and has strong rates across the board. He’s my No. 1 ConTENder today, and it’s not particularly close.
