The NBA Cup quarterfinals roll on into their final night, and we have two fun games to watch as we try to pad our wallets with some FanDuel DFS victories. With the help of our world-class NBA projections and our customizable NBA DFS optimizer, I'll present my favorite plays for all of your Wednesday FanDuel contests.
TODAY'S NBA GAMES
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.
NBA INJURY REPORT
For all the latest updates, visit RotoWire's NBA Injury News page and our comprehensive NBA Injury Report. Below are some of the most recent and relevant injuries for Wednesday. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list. Use your best judgment when evaluating ongoing injury scenarios elsewhere on the slate.
PHO Devin Booker (groin) - QUESTIONABLE
We shouldn't count Booker out since his tag was upgraded. Collin Gillespie ($6,900) will be the first man up if Booker is sidelined.
ELITE NBA DFS OPTIONS
The two players at the top of the list for the quarterfinal slate should come as no surprise. Luka Doncic ($12,400) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($10,500) are great options, and both are in play tonight. Can we play both of them? Certainly, but I think taking just one of them is the best way to achieve balance. When I lock both elites in, we get projected roster totals that are around 5% lower than what we can get if we play more conservatively. The best route is SGA at a lower cost.
Where do we go in the $8k-$10k range? Booker would definitely be the option if he suited up, but I would be most inclined to take De'Aaron Fox ($8,300), who is the offensive engine with Victor Wembanyama out. I think Stephon Castle's ($7,400) return will improve Fox's bottom line, as he won't be forced to carry the team on his back.
EXPECTED CHALK AND DFS VALUE PLAYS
LeBron James, LAL ($7,900) vs. SAS
The end of James' 19-year double-digit scoring streak won't make me blink. James always comes to life in single-elimination scenarios like this. Although the Lakers got here thanks to an effortless draw, they should be able to handle business, with James, Doncic and Austin Reaves all healthy.
Chet Holmgren, OKC ($7,700) vs. PHX
Holmgren is doing serviceable work under the basket with Isaiah Hartenstein sidelined, and although he'll face a potent big man in Mark Williams, Holmgren has a good mid-range shot that will see him roam under the perimeter more frequently. He could pick up some zone mismatches if Williams can't keep up. The salary is a little high, but his dual eligibility makes him an easy fit for most lineups.
Deandre Ayton, LAL ($6,100) vs. SAS
Ayton has the skills to win in the paint over Luke Kornet. Kornet's rebound numbers aren't where they should be, but Ayton has hit the double-double mark consistently. It'll be all hands on deck for the Lakers, and Ayton should be able to collect his share under the basket.
Dylan Harper, SAS ($5,100) @ LAL
If you're looking for a sleeper with upside, Harper is a decent bet. Devin Vassell will probably see the most significant dip in production with Castle back, and Harper is hitting a groove at the right time. The team is placing a lot of confidence in its 2025 first-round pick, and the NBA Cup will be his first encounter with a high-pressure situation in his pro career. He might also find himself guarded by the guy he watched in grade school. That's a pretty convincing combo of intangibles.
Royce O'Neale, PHO ($5,300) @ OKC
O'Neale is an angle I'm happy to take if Booker is out, but he should have value independent of his teammate's status. Although the NBA Cup isn't as big a pressure cooker as the playoffs, O'Neale is a veteran who knows how to turn up the gas when it counts. His totals are all over the place, so he carries some risk, but if you're looking for someone in the 5k range to fill out your board, you could do a lot worse.
Cason Wallace, OKC ($4,500) vs. OKC
Wallace is possibly the best bargain dart throw you can make on the slate. Although his scoring fluctuates, he's consistent in the ancillary categories. He bumped up his FP total with a career-high five steals earlier in the week, and if he can add some assists and rebounds to a decent theft total, he should be able to beat 5x value at this salary point.
