FanDuel Single-Game NBA DFS Picks and Helper: Magic at Cavaliers (5/5/24)

Since NBA DFS is easier to predict than baseball or football, it would likely get plenty of votes as the best sport to play on FanDuel. Basketball players usually stick to the same minutes and produce at roughly the same rate. Sounds easy, right? Trust me -- it's not!

As a result, NBA daily fantasy is highly reliant on a player's opportunity, so you'll need to ensure that you're up to date with key injuries. Our projections -- which are powered by numberFire -- update throughout the day to reflect current news. You can also turn to numberFire for player news updates as well as a matchup heat map and lineup optimizer to help give you an edge.

On top of all that, here at FanDuel Research, we'll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the day's top plays at each position.

Let's dive into today's single-game slate on FanDuel.

NBA Single-Game DFS Picks for Orlando Magic at Cleveland Cavaliers

Game 7 Preview

All NBA odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Date and Time: Sunday, May 5th, 1 p.m. ET

Spread: Cavaliers -3.0 (-112)

Total: 195.5 (-110/-110)

Moneyline:

• Magic: +134
• Cavaliers: -158

Studs to Target

Donovan Mitchell ($15,500): After a monster performance in Game 6, it's not a surprise Mitchell is today's top overall option with a 40.6 fantasy projection. Cleveland's leading scorer is averaging 1.12 FanDuel points per minute and 35.9% usage rate this postseason while his splits would increase to 1.25 FanDuel points per minute if Jarrett Allen were to sit.

Paolo Banchero ($15,000): Despite some inconsistency, Orlando's emerging star has been a beast in his last two appearances, producing 46.1 FanDuel points per game and 1.16 FanDuel points per minute. In a matchup versus a Cleveland Cavaliers' defense giving up 46.4 FanDuel points per game to his position, Banchero is second overall with a 37.0 fantasy projection.

Franz Wagner ($13,500): The 22-year old has been sneaky good in his first playoff run, accounting for 1.07 FanDuel points per minute and a 22.8% usage rate. In ten total appearances against Cleveland this season, Wagner has averaged 36.1 FanDuel points and 19 real-life points per game

Mid-Range Options

Evan Mobley ($14,000): Cleveland's big is third among his team's starting unit in fantasy production (1.06 FanDuel points per minute) despite recording a 18.5% usage rate this series. With Jarrett Allen's status currently in limbo, Mobley could see a boost in his production to 1.21 FanDuel points per minute if Allen can't go.

Jarrett Allen ($13,000): Among the Cavaliers' starting five, Allen ranks first in fantasy production (1.29 FanDuel points per minute) and third in usage (19.1%) in the playoffs.

Darius Garland ($12,000): Despite recording a disappointing 0.81 FanDuel points per minute this series, Garland is sixth overall with a 29.0 fantasy projection in a favorable spot against an Orlando Magic unit allowing 48.8 to his position.

Jalen Suggs ($11,000): In his last four appearances, Suggs has turned on his production, recording 0.88 FanDuel points per minute and 28.6 FanDuel points per contest.

Wendell Carter Jr. ($10,500): Since Carter Jr. was given a starting role on April 25th, the 25-year old has averaged 0.78 FanDuel points per minute and 22.8 per contest. Orlando's center is second in value with a 2.71 rating and a 28.4 fantasy projection at a salary standing eighth among today's slate.

Max Strus ($10,000): The Cavaliers' three point specialist has accounted for 0.62 FanDuel points per minute and a 12.5% usage rate in 201 playoff minutes.

Value Plays

Jonathan Isaac ($9,500): Even if Isaac were to come off Orlando's bench if Gary Harris is able to suit up, Orlando's defensive stud has been extremely efficient in the playoffs, recording 0.95 FanDuel points per minute.

Caris LeVert ($9,000): Cleveland's sixth man has produced 0.69 FanDuel points per minute this series while logging 21.0 minutes per contest.

Marcus Morris Sr. ($7,500): The veteran would be a viable value option if Jarrett Allen is out, averaging 0.58 FanDuel points per minute in this split since April 30th.

Moritz Wagner ($7,000): Orlando's center has been effective in a second unit role in the playoffs, accounting for 1.0 FanDuel point per minute and a 22.1% usage rate.

New to FanDuel Sportsbook? You’ll receive $150 in Bonus Bets if you win your first bet of at least $5! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Interested in playing NBA daily fantasy? FanDuel has plenty of contest options to make every moment more. Be sure to check out the NBA betting options, as well.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.