NBA DFS Picks, Projections, Lineups, Injuries & More Today: Wednesday Playbook Wednesday, March 18th, features an eight-game NBA DFS main slate on DraftKings and nine games on FanDuel. The slate includes four teams playing the second legs of back-to-back games, raising questions about potential player rests. Star players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Johnson, and Josh Giddey are available for action. For newcomers to NBA DFS, the article serves as an introduction, offering tips on identifying key factors to consider each night. The focus shifts to player-specific analysis, including injury updates, matchups, and projected performance metrics. Key players to watch include Josh Giddey, who has consistently posted 60+ DKP in four straight games and 50+ in six of his last seven, with four triple-doubles in his last five contests. His efficiency of 1.37 FP/min makes him a strong contender. D'Angelo Russell’s matchup against the Pelicans, with a 32.1% USG and 1.3 FP/min average, is highlighted as a favorable opportunity. Other notable mentions include Donovan Mitchell, who has a 24.4% USG or higher in three of four games since returning from injury and has posted 25+ DKP in three of four contests. Brandon Ingram’s 27.9% USG and 1.07 FP/min average are emphasized, particularly in an elite matchup against the Bulls. The article also details matchups for players like Tyrese Maxey, who leads his team in USG (29.4%) and FP/min (1.36 FP/min), and Jalen Brunson, whose performance in a high-scoring environment against the Mavs is noted. Players such as Scottie Barnes and Klay Thompson are analyzed for their potential impact, with Barnes’ 30.7% USG and 1.3 FP/min average and Thompson’s 31.2% USG and 1.3 FP/min standing out.#shai_gilgeous_alexander #nikola_jokic #jalen_johnson #josh_giddey #nba_dfs
Luka Doncic MVP Odds: ‘Baffling’ Stats Emerge Favoring Lakers Star Over SGA Luka Doncic is delivering arguably the best performance of his short tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, yet his chances of winning the MVP award remain far behind other top contenders. Despite leading the team on a six-game winning streak and posting increasingly dominant numbers, Doncic is still a distant favorite in the race. With less than a month left in the regular season, his statistical output outpaces that of the current odds-on favorite, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but the latter remains ahead in betting markets. A post on ClutchPoints highlighted the “baffling” nature of the MVP race, particularly between Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander. While the Oklahoma City Thunder star has been the leading contender for most of the season, Doncic’s numbers surpass him in key categories. For example, Doncic averages 32.8 points per game (PPG) compared to Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31.6, while also leading in rebounds (8.0 vs. 4.5) and assists (8.5 vs. 6.7). Defensive stats also favor Doncic, with 1.5 steals per game versus Gilgeous-Alexander’s 1.4. Additionally, Doncic’s 3-point shooting (3.9 makes per game) significantly outperforms Gilgeous-Alexander’s 1.7. Despite these stats, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the top odds favorite, partly due to the Thunder’s dominant record. The team holds a ten-game lead over the Lakers in the Western Conference, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent achievements, such as breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record for consecutive games with at least 20 points, further bolster his case. However, the Lakers’ recent success, including a near 50-point triple-double performance from Doncic against the Chicago Bulls, has sparked renewed debate about his MVP eligibility. Coaches and analysts have also weighed in.#luka_doncic #los_angeles_lakers #jj_redick #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeous_alexander
Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report: Key Players Out for Thursday Showdown The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to clash in an interconference matchup on Thursday night, with both teams facing challenges due to injuries. The Celtics, who entered the game with a 43-22 record, aim to rebound from a recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, while the Thunder, boasting a 51-15 record, look to extend their six-game winning streak. In Tuesday’s game against the Spurs, Celtics guard Derrick White led the team with 34 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, while forward Jayson Tatum contributed 24 points and five rebounds. The Thunder’s victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday was spearheaded by guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 35 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, along with nine rebounds and 15 assists. Forward Jaylin Williams added 29 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists for Oklahoma City. However, both teams may be missing key players due to injuries. For the Celtics, forward Jayson Tatum is ruled out for the game after undergoing right Achilles repair reconditioning. This marks his first absence since his season debut on March 6. Tatum’s absence could lead to increased playing time for forwards Baylor Scheierman, Sam Hauser, and Hugo Gonzalez. Guard Derrick White is listed as questionable due to a right knee contusion, putting him at risk of missing his first game since January 23. Point guard Payton Pritchard is expected to return after missing Tuesday’s game due to neck spasms, while center Nikola Vucevic remains sidelined following surgery to repair a fracture in his right ring finger.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeous_alexander #derrick_white
Nuggets vs. Thunder Game Preview and Betting Insights The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Denver Nuggets in a crucial Western Conference matchup on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and is expected to draw significant attention due to the teams’ contrasting records and recent performances. The Thunder, ranked first in the Western Conference with a 50-15 record, aim to extend their winning streak to six games, while the Nuggets, sitting sixth in the conference with a 39-25 record, seek to bounce back from a heavy 142-103 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday. The Thunder’s home advantage is evident, as they have posted a 26-6 record at their arena this season, compared to the Nuggets’ 22-12 road record. However, the Nuggets’ recent struggles on the road could pose challenges, especially with key players facing potential health issues. Jamal Murray of the Nuggets is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, while Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren is also questionable after a flu-related absence. Both teams will need to manage their rosters carefully to maximize their chances of victory. Betting odds for the game reflect the Thunder’s confidence as favorites, with Oklahoma City listed at -6.5 points against Denver’s +6.5. The over/under total for points scored is set at 232.5, a line that has historically leaned toward the Over in recent matchups between these teams. The Over has hit in seven of the past 10 head-to-head games and in six of the last nine Denver contests. The Thunder’s home court advantage may further tilt the balance, as the Over has also struck in four of the last eight Oklahoma City games.#denver_nuggets #oklahoma_city_thunder #paycom_center #shai_gilgeous_alexander #nikola_jokic
