With Super Bowl LIX underway tonight, all the attention will go to the NFL when it kicks off. However, the NBA still has a three-game main slate this afternoon, starting at 1 pm EST with the 13-36 Charlotte Hornets going to Detroit against the 26-26 Pistons. Then at 2 pm EST, the 20-31 Philadelphia 76ers will face off against the 27-23 Bucks in Milwaukee. At the same time, the 16-36 Toronto Raptors go to Houston against the 32-20 Rockets. To cover this mini slate, here are a few starts at each position for Draft Kings for NBA DFS with these three games.
DFS Guards
Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors ($9.2k DraftKings)
With position flexibility at point guard and small forward, Raptors’ Scottie Barnes could be used in their spot. He averages 44.2 fantasy points a game and even though he’s going against the toughest defense against both positions, Barnes offers an upside to cash for Toronto. I faded him against OKC but got back on the 20-point mark two days ago so look for him to continue that point total.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers ($9.7k DraftKings)
Tyrese Maxey has been one of the better ones this season at point guard, averaging 46.8 fantasy points per game. Even though the 76ers’ star has a high price tag, it’s hard to ignore the matchup against the Bucks, who are the 25th worst vs. point guards. Maxey should score at least 30 in today’s game, as he had a relatively down game only scoring 27 points two days ago against the Pistons.
DFS Forwards
Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets ($8.5k DraftKings)
Thompson also has position flexibility and is one of the better picks at small forward and point guard for the surging Rockets. Amen has a decent matchup against Toronto, who are 20th against SF/ PF and he averages 33.7 fantasy points a game. His balanced skillset helps his fantasy value, as Thompson put up 20 yesterday against the Mavericks but has a few single-digit scores. Despite the risk, the young star can continue his overall involvement as a breakout fantasy asset.
Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets ($8.9k DraftKings)
The power forward for Charlotte could be more involved if Ball is out or limited due to his injury, as Miles Bridges averages 37.9 fantasy points a game. With Giannis and Ingram both out, he might be the best pick at the position. The Pistons rank 24th against forwards, as he is coming off a 25-point performance against the Spurs two days ago. Bridges could rebound after two relatively down games.
DFS Center
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets ($8.6k DraftKings)
With Giannis out and Embiid questionable, Alperen Sengun might be the best out of the bunch for the Rockets at center. He averages 44.1 fantasy points and has an advantageous matchup against the Raptors (27th). Sengun is coming off a 30-pointer yesterday for Houston against the Mavericks.
Final Thoughts
Injuries to stars are the key here for NBA DFS when playing this Super Bowl slate across the six teams playing today. Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Milwaukee Bucks, RJ Barrett for the Toronto Raptors, and new acquisition Brandon Ingram for the Raptors are out for today’s slate. Cade Cunningham for the Detroit Pistons is questionable but likely to play. LaMelo Ball for the Charlotte Hornets and Joel Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers are both questionable but seem more doubtful to play.
