DraftKings NBA Projections

By Splash Play Staff ยท A guide to reading the tools

DraftKings NBA projections are forecasts of how many fantasy points each player scores under DraftKings's scoring rules. They are not interchangeable with FanDuel numbers: the two sites score rebounds, steals, blocks and turnovers differently. Use a projection built for the site and slate you are entering.

What changes on DraftKings

On DraftKingsRule
Roster8 players under a $50,000 salary cap
Rebounds1.25 points each
Steals and blocks2 points each
Turnovers0.5 points off each
Bonuses0.5 for a made three and 1.5 for a double-double

Sites revise their rules. The rules page of the contest you enter is the authority.

The bonuses reward players who fill several categories in one night, and a turnover costs half what it does on FanDuel, so high-usage creators hold their value.

The same player, two sites

Take a made-up line: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and 3 turnovers. On DraftKings that is 46 fantasy points before any made-three bonus (20 + 12.5 + 7.5 + 4 + 2 - 1.5, plus 1.5 for the double-double). On FanDuel it is 45.5 (20 + 12 + 7.5 + 6 + 3 - 3). The totals are close here. Add two steals and FanDuel moves ahead; add two turnovers and DraftKings does. The stat mix decides which site likes a player more.

How to read an NBA projection

Where Splash Play's DraftKings numbers come from

SPAGS is Splash Play's projection board. In the NBA tool you choose DraftKings or FanDuel and the slate, and the board shows projections in that site's scoring with that site's salaries. How the projections and simulations work explains the layers behind the numbers, and the update-time guide covers when they change.

Get DraftKings NBA projections

Open the NBA tool, set the site to DraftKings and pick your slate. SPAGS projections and exports are part of Squirt Squad VIP and Apex; compare memberships. Projections are forecasts and do not promise a result.

Questions

What are DraftKings NBA projections?

DraftKings NBA projections are forecasts of each player's fantasy points under DraftKings's scoring rules, for one slate. They are the starting point for comparing players at different salaries.

Can I use FanDuel projections on DraftKings?

No. The scoring differs: the two sites score rebounds, steals, blocks and turnovers differently. Salaries and roster rules differ too, so a player who is a value on one site may not be on the other.

How often do DraftKings NBA projections change?

Whenever the inputs change: injuries, roles, lineups and salaries. Note the time you took a number, and check again before lock.

Can I export the projections to an optimizer?

Yes. Exports are part of Squirt Squad VIP and Apex. Set the site and slate first, then follow the import guide, which walks through the file using the NFL tool.

Do projections predict what a player will score?

No. A projection is one expected score, and real results spread widely around it. Projections versus outcomes shows how to read the gap.

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