🏀 Fontaine’s 5 NBA DFS Slate Breakdown

Tonight’s NBA slate is a monster.

We’re looking at a 14-game slate with a deep player pool and plenty of paths to build winning DFS lineups — but nights like this aren’t about box-score watching or locking too early.

This is a slate that rewards:

• Patience

• Monitoring injury news

• Paying attention to confirmed starting lineups

The edge comes late, not at noon.

📅 NBA GAMES TODAY (DEC 23)

Here’s what the board looks like heading into the night (lines via FanDuel as of early afternoon):

• Brooklyn Nets @ Philadelphia 76ers (-9.5) | O/U: 218.5

• Washington Wizards @ Charlotte Hornets (-5.5) | O/U: 232.5

• Milwaukee Bucks (-1.5) @ Indiana Pacers | O/U: 218.5

• Chicago Bulls @ Atlanta Hawks (-4) | O/U: 253.5

• New Orleans Pelicans @ Cleveland Cavaliers (-9.5) | O/U: 244.5

• Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat (-5.5) | O/U: 228.5

• Denver Nuggets (-7) @ Dallas Mavericks | O/U: 235.5

• New York Knicks @ Minnesota Timberwolves (-8) | O/U: 228.5

• Oklahoma City Thunder (-5.5) @ San Antonio Spurs | O/U: 232.5

• Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns (-6) | O/U: 226.5

• Memphis Grizzlies (-3.5) @ Utah Jazz | O/U: 243.5

Overall, this is a competitive slate, with multiple games carrying totals north of 230 — and even a rare total over 250 in the Bulls–Hawks rematch after their 152–150 shootout.

That kind of environment matters in DFS.

🚑 NBA INJURY REPORT — WHY TIMING MATTERS

This slate is loaded with injury situations that directly affect usage.

Here are the key ones to monitor:

• Luka Dončić (LAL) — OUTLeBron James steps into massive usage. Austin Reaves (if active) also benefits, while additional ball-handling minutes open up behind them.

• Victor Wembanyama (SAN) — QUESTIONABLEIf he sits, frontcourt roles shift and usage bumps ripple through the lineup.

• Jalen Brunson (NYK) — OUTWith Brunson and OG Anunoby sidelined, there’s extra usage to go around for New York’s main scorers.

• Austin Reaves (LAL) — QUESTIONABLEIf active, he’s in line for a major role. If not, usage condenses even further.

• Ja Morant (MEM) — QUESTIONABLEIf he remains out, Memphis rotations tighten again.

Other notable absences:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo — OUT

• Kristaps Porziņģis — OUT

• Tyler Herro — OUT

• Dyson Daniels — OUT

• OG Anunoby — OUT

• RJ Barrett — OUT

And several key names still being monitored.

👉 This is exactly why DFS lineups drop late.

👑 ELITE DFS SPEND-UPS

On big slates, picking the right star matters more than jamming all of them.

Top-tier options tonight include:

• Nikola Jokić

• Victor Wembanyama (status-dependent)

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

• Jalen Johnson

• Tyrese Maxey

• Anthony Davis

Each of these players carries slate-breaking upside depending on game environment, minutes, and injury context. The key isn’t forcing multiple studs — it’s identifying which one fits the slate best.

🎯 EXPECTED CHALK PLAYS

Some players will be popular for good reason tonight:

• Donovan Mitchell — big ceiling, competitive matchup

• Josh Giddey — involved in the highest-total game

• Anthony Edwards — returning to full form

• LaMelo Ball — premium matchup

• LeBron James — massive usage with Luka out

Chalk isn’t bad — bad chalk is bad. The goal is being selective.

💎 KEY DFS VALUE PLAYS

This slate also offers strong mid-range and value options that make lineup construction work:

• Deandre Ayton — elevated role with injuries in play and a strong matchup profile

• Jaime Jaquez — consistent minutes and production with Miami shorthanded

• Bub Carrington — locked-in role, heavy minutes, and a favorable matchup

These are the types of plays that allow you to afford upside without sacrificing floor.

🧠 FINAL THOUGHTS (FROM ME)

This is a late-news slate.

If you’re playing DFS:

• Reserve your contests early

• Be ready close to lock

• Don’t panic-build at noon

As always, Fontaine’s 5 DFS lineups will drop 45–20 minutes before the first game tips off, when the picture is clearest and the edge is real.

This is DFS done with intention — not guesses.

— Reeky FontaineFounder, Fontaine’s 5You can’t win if you don’t lock it in, twin. 🔒💰