NBA DFS Expert Survey: Monday, November 2nd

by Justin Bailey (Jbails26)

Created Nov 2, 2026

Last Updated 2026-11-02 19:31:04 Premium Content Part of the product NBA DFS

Our panel of experts is here to give you their insights on NBA DFS today for the 11/2 main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. They’re ready to answer key questions that will assist you in making those crucial lineup-building decisions. Curious to know who our experts have as their favorite tournament play? Or perhaps you’re wondering about their favorite salary saver? Read their thoughts below!

NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings & FanDuel Expert Survey for Monday, November 2

Who is your favorite player to spend up for in cash games?

tcsmith031: Darius Acuff
headChopper: Franz Wagner
Dean78904: Cooper Flagg

How do you plan to beat the field of opponents in the tournaments you will be playing? What tactic or strategy will set you apart?

tcsmith031: The Magic are in a great spot against the Wizards, so I understand why they’re popping in projections. I’ll get to them, but I don’t want to overload my lineups with exposure to a single team on a massive slate. So, I’ll likely set a max-2 rule in our NBA DFS optimizer, LineupHQ, for the quintet of Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jase Richardson, Jevon Carter, and Tristan da Silva in tournament builds.

headChopper: This slate is all about the NBA injury report. Indiana is down six rotation players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Andrew Nembhard, who are all out, which turns guys like Jarace Walker, Kelly Oubre, and Jay Huff into must-consider values. Orlando is also without Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black, funneling more usage to Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. The field is going to pile into those situations as the news spreads, and I’m fine being right there with them on the best plays. Where I want to separate is Philadelphia against Chicago. The Bulls play at the fastest pace in the league and rank 4th-worst in defensive rating, yet Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are projected for minimal ownership. I’ll also be keeping a close eye on Jalen Johnson, Joel Embiid, Kyrie Irving, and Zach LaVine, who are all questionable. A late scratch on a slate this big can open up significant value, and I want to be ready to take advantage before the field fully adjusts.

Dean78904: The Pacers look to be unavoidable, as they will be without arguably their five best players. This could change, but as I’m writing this, Indiana looks to be dressing eight dudes (including Obi Toppin, who is currently Q). As things are projecting now, literally all eight Pacers can be in your pool. That said, this is very clearly setting up to be a stars-and-scrubs (Pacers) slate where I’ll likely end up with 3-4 Pacers and 2-4 studs (depending on how you define a stud). Jalen Johnson is currently questionable. Maybe Indiana punting this game away will lead to Atlanta sitting Johnson, but if he goes, he is an awesome bring-back for tournaments. If Toppin goes for the Pacers, he is my favorite Pacer tournament play.

Who is your favorite play (when considering price, matchup, roster construction, etc.) on the board and why?

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