FanDuel Single-Game NBA DFS Picks and Helper: Thunder at Mavericks (5/18/24)

Since NBA DFS is easier to predict than baseball or football, it would likely get plenty of votes as the best sport to play on FanDuel. Basketball players usually stick to the same minutes and produce at roughly the same rate. Sounds easy, right? Trust me -- it's not!

As a result, NBA daily fantasy is highly reliant on a player's opportunity, so you'll need to ensure that you're up to date with key injuries. Our projections -- which are powered by numberFire -- update throughout the day to reflect current news. You can also turn to numberFire for player news updates as well as a matchup heat map and lineup optimizer to help give you an edge.

On top of all that, here at FanDuel Research, we'll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the day's top plays at each position.

Let's dive into today's New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers single-game slate for Game 6 on FanDuel.

NBA Single-Game DFS Picks for Thunder-Mavericks

Game 6 Preview

Date and Time: Saturday, May 18th at 8:00 p.m. ET

Spread: Mavericks -4.0 (-108)

Total: 210.5 (-110/-110)

All NBA odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change.

Studs to Target

Luka Doncic ($16,500): After displaying his vintage form in Game 5's victory with a 59.5 FanDuel point performance, Doncic is today's top option with a 57.9 fantasy projection. The Mavericks' superstar has accounted for 1.28 FanDuel points per minute and a 28.6% usage rate this series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($16,000): SAG has been a consistent performer throughout Round 2 even with his teammates' offensive struggles, producing an elite 1.52 FanDuel points per minute and 62.0 FanDuel points per game in this split.

Mid-Range Options

Kyrie Irving ($14,000): While Irving's 17.2% usage rate has been puzzling to many, the 32-year old always has the potential to break out for a big performance with his versatile offensive game, ranking third among today's slate in value with a 3.03 rating and a 42.4 fantasy projection. In 199 Round 2 minutes, Irving surprisingly stands fifth among his team's first unit in fantasy production (0.78 FanDuel points per minute).

Chet Holmgren ($13,500): The Thunder rookie has displayed some ceiling in his second playoff series even with a middling 17.9% usage rate, recording 0.98 FanDuel points per minute.

Jalen Williams ($13,000): Despite shooting 40.7% from the floor, "J-Dub" has still been effective, accounting for 0.94 FanDuel points per minute and 36.2 FanDuel points per game.

PJ Washington ($11,000): After producing 0.95 FanDuel points per minute in Round 2, Washington is fourth in value with a 2.91 rating and a 32.0 fantasy projection.

Daniel Gafford ($10.000): The Mavericks' big man has been super efficient this series, ranking second among his team in fantasy production (1.18 FanDuel points per minute) while seeing 24.1 minutes per game.

Value Plays

Luguentz Dort ($9,500): In a consistent role around 35 minutes per game versus Dallas, "The Dorture Chamber" is sixth in value with a 2.69 rating and a 25.5 fantasy projection. Dort has accounted for 0.68 FanDuel points per minute and a 15.9% usage rate in Round 2.

Dereck Lively ($9,000): Even in a second unit role, the 20-year old has logged 21.8 minutes per game off the bench and 0.87 FanDuel points per minute against Oklahoma City.

Derrick Jones Jr. ($8,500): In his last two appearances, the Mavericks' forward has played well, producing 1.09 FanDuel points per minute and 30.4 FanDuel points per game.

Isaiah Joe ($6,500): At a salary standing 16th among today's slate, Oklahoma City's long-range specialist offers some value with a 2.20 rating and a 14.3 fantasy projection. In his first start this series on Wednesday, Joe recorded 0.45 FanDuel points per minute and a series high 21 minutes.

Interested in playing NBA daily fantasy? FanDuel has plenty of contest options to make every moment more. Be sure to check out the NBA betting options, as well.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.