NBA DFS Cheat Sheet Today: Picks & Projections for NBA Thursday
We’ve got four games on the NBA Thursday slate today, with plenty of options across the NBA DFS board for your Lineups. The Magic and Lakers — both on back-to-backs — headline the NBA slate as the only game between teams with winning records.
Below, find NBA games to target, NBA DFS projections, and PrizePicks NBA DFS picks for today, Thursday, November 21.
Don’t forget to head to the PrizePicks NBA board, lock in your picks on player stat projections, and submit your Lineup to get in on the real money NBA action, plus view today’s full NBA DFS projections.
NBA Picks and Predictions for NBA DFS Today
Find game previews, NBA DFS projections, and PrizePicks NBA DFS picks below for today, Thursday, November 21.
Games to Target for NBA DFS
- Timberwolves vs. Raptors
- Jazz vs. Spurs
NBA PrizePicks Today
- Pistons PG Cade Cunningham vs Horners 6.5 Rebounds — More
- Spurs PG Chris Paul vs. Jazz: 11.5 Points -– More
- Magic SF Tristan De Silva vs. Lakers: 6.5 Points -– More
NBA DFS Games to Target Today
Here are two games to target for NBA DFS fantasy production today, Thursday, November 21.
Timberwolves vs. Raptors
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
The matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors is an appealing one, featuring the highest projected points on the board today.
The Raptors' defense allows nearly 120 points per game, ranking 27th in the NBA. While the Timberwolves' defense appears solid on paper, they actually rank 22nd in opponent field goal percentage and allow the 24th most points in the paint. This suggests that despite their top-10 defensive ranking, they have significant vulnerabilities.
Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has thrived in past matchups against the Raptors. While he averages 10 points per game this season, he's posted nearly 14 points per game against Toronto, surpassing his projection of 11.5 points in every game since 2022. Given that the Raptors rank 22nd in the NBA in points allowed to centers, Gobert is in a strong position to exceed expectations once again.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett finds himself in an intriguing spot today with teammate Immanuel Quickley listed out due to an elbow injury. This absence elevates Barrett's usage rate significantly. Without Quickley on the floor this season, Barrett's points per game increases by nearly five points.
The Timberwolves allow the 24th most points in the NBA to shooting guards. More importantly, they concede one of the highest numbers of points in the paint to the position, highlighting a defensive weakness that Barrett can exploit. With his increased role and a favorable matchup, Barrett is poised for a standout performance.
PrizePicks to Consider: RJ Barrett More than 34 Pts+Rebs+Asts / Rudy Gobert More than 11.5 Points
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Jazz vs. Spurs
Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Utah Jazz have struggled defensively this season, ranking 26th in points allowed per game and 28th in opponent field goal percentage. However, they have a favorable matchup tonight against the Spurs, who will be missing key defensive players.
Potential Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama and versatile power forward Jeremy Sochan are both out for the game. Their absence leaves the young Spurs defense vulnerable, presenting an opportunity for the Jazz to capitalize.
Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen stands to benefit significantly from this situation. Without Wembanyama guarding him, Markkanen is set for a soft matchup. Historically, he has averaged nearly 25 points per game against the Spurs and has surpassed his projection of 22.5 points in six of their last seven meetings.
Even with Wembanyama on the floor this season, the Spurs have struggled to contain opposing power forwards, allowing them to shoot nearly 40% from three-point range — bottom five worst in the league
With Markkanen's high-volume shooting — he averages over 20 shot attempts per game — he is well-positioned to exceed his scoring projections tonight. The Spurs' weakened interior defense and susceptibility to perimeter scoring make this an ideal matchup for Markkanen to showcase his offensive prowess.
Expect him to take full advantage of the Spurs' defensive gaps and potentially lead the Jazz to a much-needed victory.
PrizePicks to Consider: Lauri Markkanen More than 22.5 points
NBA DFS Picks Today for PrizePicks
Below are the top picks for NBA DFS today, Thursday, November 21, including NBA DFS projections from PrizePicks.
Pistons Cade Cunningham vs. Hornets: 6.5 Rebounds — More
Cade Cunningham is emerging as a leading candidate in the Most Improved Player race, nearly averaging a triple-double this season. He is posting 7.3 rebounds per game and has surpassed his projection of 6.5 rebounds in 70% of his last 10 games.
This matchup is particularly favorable for the Pistons' point guard, as the Hornets rank 28th in rebounds allowed per game and 28th in defensive rebounds allowed per game to point guards. This makes Cunningham a prime candidate to easily surpass his 6.5 rebounds projection. Additionally, he has averaged 13.3 rebound chances per game this season, further highlighting his potential to dominate the boards against this Hornets defense.
Cade Cunningham Projections Today
Here are more Cade Cunningham Projections for NBA DFS on PrizePicks today, Thursday, November 21.
Spurs PG Chris Paul vs. Jazz: 12 Points — More
With Wembanyama and Sochan sidelined, veteran point guard Chris Paul is set to take on a larger offensive role for the Spurs. In games without Wembanyama and Sochan this season, Paul has averaged 10 shots per game, showcasing his ability to step up when needed.
This matchup against the Jazz presents an excellent opportunity for Paul to surpass his projection of 11.5 points. The Jazz defense ranks near the bottom of the NBA in points allowed per game, making them a prime target for Paul's scoring abilities.
With an increased usage rate and a favorable defensive matchup, Paul is a strong candidate to deliver offensively and lead the Spurs' attack tonight.
Chris Paul Projections Today
Here are more Chris Paul Projections for NBA DFS on PrizePicks today, Thursday, November 21.
Magic SF Tristan da Silva vs. Lakers: 6.5 Points — More
Since Paolo Banchero’s injury, rookie Tristan da Silva has stepped up for the Orlando Magic, averaging nearly 26 minutes per game with a solid 14% usage rate. da Silva, projected for 6.5 points tonight, has surpassed that mark in six of his 11 games this season.
Today’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers presents an excellent opportunity for da Silva to continue his strong performances. The Lakers’ defense ranks 24th in points allowed per game and 28th in points allowed in the paint — areas where da Silva, as a small forward, can capitalize.
The Lakers allow 24 points per game to opposing small forwards, while ranking 30th in points allowed in the paint and 25th in three-point percentage allowed to the position.
Given these defensive vulnerabilities and da Silva’s increased role, he is well-positioned to exceed his scoring projection.
Tristan da Silva Projections Today
Here are more Tristan da Silva Projections for NBA DFS on PrizePicks today, Thursday, November 21.
Set your NBA Lineups on PrizePicks
There’s no better way to get into the NBA action than on PrizePicks, where you can win real money every night during the NBA season.
There’s no salary caps or position limits to hold you back like on other NBA DFS platforms. Just pick more or less on at least two player stat projections you have a read on — like the ones above — and build your Lineup the way you like.
Other resources from PrizePicks:
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