Maximize your DraftKings NBA DFS lineup for Wednesday's 12-game slate with our expert picks and strategy guide. We analyze the best plays across all salary tiers, from elite anchors like Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,100) dominating the Wizards to value gems like Jock Landale ($4,000) stepping into a starting role for Memphis.
Our comprehensive breakdown covers critical injuries affecting lineups, head-to-head season series history, and matchup-based advantages to exploit. Whether you're building GPP tournament stacks or cash game lineups, our player projections and salary analysis help you identify the optimal combination of studs, mid-range producers, and value plays to crush your DraftKings contests tonight.
Try our DraftKings NBA Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
Slate Overview
For up-to-the-minute updates on injuries, lineups, roster changes and more, head to RotoWire's NBA News or follow @RotoWireNBA on X.
CLE at NYK: Cavs won 2024-25 season series 4-0
MIA at ORL: 2024-25 season series tied 2-2
BKN at CHA: Nets won 2024-25 season series 3-1
TOR at ATL: Raptors won 2024-25 season series 2-1
PHI at BOS: Celtics won 2024-25 season series 3-1
DET at CHI: Pistons won 2024-25 season series 3-1
WAS at MIL: Bucks won 2024-25 season series 3-0
NOP at MEM: Grizzlies won 2024-25 season series 4-0
LAC at UTA: Clippers won 2024-25 season series 4-0
SAS at DAL: Mavs won 2024-25 season series 3-1
SAC at PHX: Kings won 2024-25 season series 3-1
MIN at POR: 2024-25 season series tied 2-2
For the latest spreads and over/unders, visit RotoWire's NBA Odds page. There you can also find player props, futures, picks, articles and sportsbook bonus codes.
Injuries to Monitor
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report.
CLE - De'Andre Hunter (knee): Questionable; Darius Garland (toe), Max Strus (foot): OUT
NYK - Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps): Questionable; Josh Hart (back), Mitchell Robinson (rest): OUT
MIA - Kel'el Ware (ankle): Questionable; Tyler Herro (ankle): OUT
ORL - Moritz Wagner (knee): OUT
CHA - Josh Green (shoulder), Grant Williams (knee): OUT
PHI - Paul George (knee), Jared McCain (thumb): OUT
BOS - Jaylen Brown (hamstring): Questionable
DET - Jaden Ivey (knee): OUT
CHI - Zach Collins (wrist), Coby White (calf): OUT
WAS - Bilal Coulibaly (thumb): OUT
NOP - Kevon Looney (knee): OUT
MEM - Brandon Clarke (knee), Zach Edey (ankle), Ty Jerome (calf), Scotty Pippen (toe), Vince Williams (heel): OUT
UTA - Isaiah Collier (hamstring), Georges Niang (foot): OUT
SAS - De'Aaron Fox (hamstring), Jeremy Sochan (wrist), Kelly Olynyk (heel): OUT
DAL - Daniel Gafford (ankle): Doubtful; Dante Exum (knee): OUT
SAC - Keegan Murray (thumb), Domantas Sabonis (hamstring): OUT
PHX - Jalen Green (hamstring): OUT
MIN - Anthony Edwards (back): Questionable
POR - Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Robert Williams (knee): OUT
Elite Players
Guards
Cade Cunningham, Pistons 
($9,900) at Bulls
Cunningham was one of the league's top producers last season, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. His size at point guard virtually guarantees him an advantage over any opponent at the position, and his willingness to get involved on the glass is the cherry on top of his elite scoring and distributing ability. He also has the added advantage of facing a Bulls squad that is shorthanded in the backcourt.
Jordan Poole, Pelicans 
($7,800) at Grizzlies
Poole is set to debut for his new club but the one thing that will stay the same is his ability to get things going as a one-man offensive show. He averaged 20.5 points, while shooting 37.8 percent from deep last season and will surely have the opportunity to let it fly in his new surroundings, as one of the leading offensive threats for the Pelicans. However, he is also surrounded by very capable talent, which should contribute to him finding cleaner looks than compared to last season, while also racking up the assists by feeding his teammates.
Forwards/Centers
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers 
($8,100) at Jazz
Leoanrd is all set to kick off the season with fresh legs, which means the expectation for him to shine at his full potential is valid. He averaged 21.5 points on 49.8 percent shooting last season and has a great opportunity to get his game rolling against a Jazz squad that does not boast much to be anticipated in terms of their defensive ability at the wing.
Julius Randle, Timberwolves 
($7,900) at Trail Blazers
Randle's scoring average took a slight dip last season in what marked his first year with the Timberwolves, but he still came through when it counted to help the squad to a deep playoff run. He remains one of the most offensively versatile players at his position, which combined with his aggressiveness on the glass and passing ability, makes him a top candidate to stuff the stat sheet while lined up across from the Trail Blazers' young frontcourt.
Joel Embiid, 76ers 
($8,700) at Celtics
Embiid has been unable to enjoy much consistency over the last couple of seasons but opening night is a great opportunity to hope for the best out of the former MVP. At his best, he can lead the slate in production on any night, and he has a fantastic chance to impose his will against a thin and unproven Celtics frontcourt.
Expected Chalk
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks 
($11,100) vs. Wizards
Antetokounmpo is listed as probable for action on opening night. Nonetheless, he remains one of the best players to rely on as an anchor for any lineup. His ability to dominate the entire statsheet is unparalleled and with a matchup against the Wizards, who gave up the league's second-most points per game last season, he is as likely as ever to come up with one of his patented major performances.
Mid-Range Money
Dennis Schroder, Kings 
($6,000) at Suns
Schroder is set for his debut with the Kings and should fit right into a fast-paced style of play that suits their wealth of offensive talent. Without Domantas Sabonis in the lineup, there will be added opportunity for Schroder to step up as a scorer. However, with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine at his side, he will also have plenty of opportunity to rack up the assists. Additionally, he has a favorable matchup against a Suns squad that is shorthanded in the backcourt and will surely need some time to adjust to offseason roster changes.
Kelly Oubre, 76ers ($6,000) at Celtics
Oubre brings great all-around effort and a versatile skillset to the Sixers' starting lineup and will continue to enjoy a boost in his role in the offensive hierarchy while Paul George remains sidelined. He also faces a favorable matchup against the Celtics, who are likely going to need some time to adjust to their new look in the absence of Jayson Tatum.
John Collins, Clippers ($5,500) at Jazz
Despite being limited by injury trouble last season, Collins showed that he is still a very capable scorer and defender in the frontcourt. He faces his debut for the Clippers against his former squad and should find himself in an excellent environment to flourish while surrounded by top-tier talent that will allow him to fulfill his role with focus and intent.
Value Picks
Taylor Hendricks, Jazz 
($4,000) vs. Clippers
Hendricks showed impressive flashes during his rookie season, before being sidelined by injury through most of his sophomore campaign. He is up for a chance to pick up again and continue to build a solid trajectory for his young career. He faces a tough opponent in the Clippers, but he should be able to deliver solid value out of a starting role.
Jock Landale, Grizzlies 
($4,000) vs. Pelicans
Landale is slated to start for his new squad due to a couple of injuries in the Grizzlies' frontcourt. He has not had a large amount of opportunity to handle a major role through his first four seasons but this marks a great chance for him to rise to the occasion and make a good impression with his new club.
