NBA Fantasy: Daily Fantasy Sports lineup picks & tips for March 12

Tonight’s nine-game NBA DFS slate offers a mix of tightly contested games and high-scoring potential. With seven matchups featuring spreads of six points or less, we can anticipate competitive games and increased minutes for top players, reducing the risk of blowout scenarios.

Adding to the excitement, the game totals span a wide range, from a more measured 210 in the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat matchup to a potential fireworks display at 247 in the Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies showdown. This diverse landscape offers DFS players a wealth of strategic options, whether you’re chasing high-volume scoring or seeking value in tightly contested games.

This primer breaks down the key matchups, highlights the top plays at each position and uncovers value plays that can help you afford the stars. Let’s dive in and analyze the players that will give you an edge on tonight’s slate.

NBA DFS Core Plays

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG – OKC)

DraftKings: $11,400FanDuel: $11,500

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP candidacy is undeniable, and his recent play has solidified his status as a top-tier fantasy asset. His March numbers are staggering: Leading the league with 39.3 points per game, complemented by 4.5 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. This level of production across multiple categories makes him a DFS force to be reckoned with.

Tonight, Gilgeous-Alexander faces the Boston Celtics in what’s projected to be a tightly contested matchup. This is crucial for DFS purposes, as it minimizes the risk of a blowout and ensures Gilgeous-Alexander will see his full allotment of minutes. With his consistent scoring and all-around contributions, he’s a premium option with a high floor and an even higher ceiling.

Nikola Jokić (C – DEN)

DraftKings: $12,900FanDuel: $13,000

Nikola Jokić’s hefty salary often presents a challenge for roster construction, but tonight’s slate offers an abundance of value plays, making him easily accessible. This is a golden opportunity to capitalize on his recent otherworldly performance.

Over his last three games, Jokić has been utterly dominant, averaging 30 points, 17.3 rebounds, 13 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. He’s playing like he’s in rookie mode in NBA 2K25, consistently delivering triple-doubles and stuffing the stat sheet.

NBA DFS Cash Game Targets

Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, C – HOU)

DraftKings: $5,200FanDuel: $5,400

With

Amen Thompson

sidelined, Jabari Smith Jr. seized the opportunity to shine in the Houston Rockets’ recent victory over the Orlando Magic. Logging 32 minutes, he delivered a solid performance with 20 points and seven rebounds, demonstrating his ability to contribute when given extended playing time.

Tonight, Smith Jr. has another chance to capitalize on Thompson’s absence against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have struggled defensively lately, ranking 25th in defensive rating over their last five games. This presents a favorable matchup for Smith Jr., who should be able to exploit the Suns’ vulnerabilities.

Al Horford (C – BOS)

DraftKings: $5,100FanDuel: $5,400

Al Horford is poised for a significant role tonight against the Phoenix Suns, with

Kristaps Porziņģis

doubtful due to illness. This should translate to 30+ minutes for Horford, providing ample opportunity for fantasy production. In the last four games Porziņģis has missed, Horford has stepped up, averaging 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple categories.

Adding to his appeal, the Suns have been generous to opposing centers, allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to the position over their last seven games. This favorable matchup, combined with his increased playing time and consistent production, makes Horford a strong cash game option.

A.J. Lawson (SG – TOR)

DraftKings: $4,000FanDuel: $5,600

A.J. Lawson is set to have a busy night against the Philadelphia 76ers, with the Toronto Raptors’ roster depleted. With

RJ Barrett

,

Ochai Agbaji

,

Immanuel Quickley

and

Ja’Kobe Walter

all expected to miss the game, Lawson’s role will be greatly amplified. In his last outing, he rose to the occasion, delivering an impressive 32 points and 12 rebounds while commanding a 29.9% usage rate. The Raptors will be heavily reliant on his offensive production tonight.

Given the Raptors’ limited options, Lawson will be a focal point of their offensive strategy. He’s proven he can deliver when given the opportunity. With the 76ers potentially dealing with injuries of their own, Lawson could find himself with favorable matchups.

NBA DFS GPP Targets

Miles Bridges (PF – CHA)

DraftKings: $8,600FanDuel: $8,900

Miles Bridges is currently on an offensive tear, delivering exceptional fantasy production for the Charlotte Hornets. Over his last five games, he’s averaging a scorching 33 points, 8.6 rebounds and four assists, demonstrating his ability to dominate on the offensive end. With

LaMelo Ball

struggling, Bridges has stepped up as the Charlotte Hornets’ primary offensive weapon, proving his value as a reliable fantasy asset.

Tonight, Bridges faces the Atlanta Hawks, a team ranked 23rd in defensive rating and that has been playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league over their last five games. This combination of a weak defense and a high-tempo game environment creates a perfect storm for Bridges to continue his hot streak.

Quentin Grimes (PG, SG – PHI)

DraftKings: $7,600FanDuel: $7,400

With the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster decimated by injuries to key players like

Paul George

,

Joel Embiid

and

Tyrese Maxey

, Quentin Grimes has seized the opportunity to shine. Over the last three games, he’s stepped up in a major way, leading the team with a 26.3% usage rate and delivering impressive all-around production. He’s averaging 22 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and two steals per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple categories.

Tonight, Grimes faces a Toronto Raptors team also dealing with a significant injury list. This creates a favorable environment for Grimes to continue his strong play. With increased usage and a depleted opponent, he has the potential to deliver another big fantasy performance.

Lonnie Walker IV (SG – PHI)

DraftKings: $4,300FanDuel: $4,900

Lonnie Walker IV has a golden opportunity to explode for a big night against the Toronto Raptors, given the Philadelphia 76ers’ extensive injury list. With numerous key players sidelined, Walker IV is expected to see a significant increase in playing time, likely exceeding 30 minutes. He’s a volume scorer who isn’t shy about taking shots, having attempted at least 13 field goals in each of his last three games. Expect that number to climb even higher tonight, as the 76ers will rely heavily on his offensive output.

Over his last three games, Walker IV has been producing at a high level, averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists. This all-around production, combined with his potential for increased scoring volume, makes him a great option. If his shots are falling, Walker has the potential to deliver a monster performance and exceed his value.

NBA DFS Value Plays

Terance Mann (PG, SF – ATL)

DraftKings: $3,800FanDuel: $4,500

Terance Mann seized the opportunity presented by

Caris LeVert

and

Trae Young’s

absence in the last game, delivering a solid performance with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes of action. With both LeVert and Young questionable for tonight’s contest, Mann could be in line for another significant role.

Ideally, both LeVert and Young would be ruled out, making Mann a more secure play. However, even if just one misses the game, Mann is an intriguing GPP option. His versatility and ability to contribute in various ways make him a valuable asset, and the potential for increased minutes provides a higher ceiling.

Adem Bona (C – PHI)

DraftKings: $3,500FanDuel: $3,900

If Andre Drummond is ruled out, Adem Bona becomes an intriguing option tonight against the Toronto Raptors. With Drummond questionable due to an illness, Bona is poised to see an increase in playing time, likely 20+ minutes. He’s been impressive in his last two games, averaging 13 points, 8.5 rebounds and three blocks, showcasing his potential for strong fantasy production when given the opportunity.

Keep an eye on the injury report, as I’d only consider rostering Bona if Drummond is ruled out for tonight’s contest.

Jared Rhoden (SG – TOR)

DraftKings: $3,500FanDuel: $4,000

Jared Rhoden is poised to see a significant increase in playing time tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers, as the Toronto Raptors’ backcourt is dealing with a wave of injuries. With multiple key players potentially sidelined, Rhoden is expected to log 30+ minutes, providing ample opportunity for fantasy production. He’s been solid over his last four games, averaging 10.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, even while sharing the floor with RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and

Scottie Barnes

.

The fact Rhoden maintained those numbers while playing alongside those key contributors suggests his potential for a breakout performance tonight. With the Raptors’ offense likely relying heavily on him, his usage and production should see a noticeable uptick.