Fantasy NBA Picks 3/29
With the NBA regular season racing toward its thrilling finale, fantasy managers are entering the make-or-break stretch. Whether you’re clawing for a playoff berth, solidifying your dynasty, or playing spoiler (you salty legend), the value of each lineup decision has never been higher. The March 29 slate brings a blend of star power, sneaky upside, and matchup golda fantasy buffet if you know where to look. Let’s dive into three must-start fantasy basketball players for your Saturday night lineup.
1. Tyrese MaxeyPG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers
With Joel Embiid still working his way back into form and the Sixers clinging to postseason dreams, Tyrese Maxey has taken center stageand basketball’s version of Hamilton is singing loud. Over his last five games, he’s averaged 26.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.2 triples while flirting with 40+ fantasy points per contest.
Philadelphia welcomes a surging Milwaukee team, but that only raises Maxey’s ceiling. The Bucks have struggled defending agile guards all season, and with Damian Lillard’s defensive reputation built more on vibes than stats, it’s open season for a darting scorer like Maxey. Usage remains elite, pace looks appetizing, and the Sixers need him more than a cheesesteak needs whiz.
“Maxey’s motor is relentlesshe’s not a star in Philly, he’s becoming their system.” – Anonymous scout, probably.
Start with confidence, especially in DFS lineups where high-usage guards rule the night.
2. Jalen GreenSG, Houston Rockets
If fantasy success had a soundtrack, Jalen Green would be on repeat right now. The third-year scorer has exploded in March, averaging more than 28 points per game over his last eight contests while tormenting defenders with an athleticism that borders on cartoonish. He’s dropped back-to-back 30+ point performances and is firing threes with manic confidence.
Saturday’s opponent? A tragically thinned-out Utah Jazz defense that’s giving up big nights to just about everyone these days. Utah ranks bottom-five in the league in defensive rating over the past two weeks, and with Houston needing to win out to sniff the play-in, Green’s green light is as bright as a downtown billboard.
While his shooting can be streaky, the recent volume and effectiveness spell ceiling night. Volume shooters on hot streaks? Fantasy gold, baby.
DFS Bonus: Green’s salary hasn’t quite caught up with his production, making him a savvy GPP play.
3. Jalen DurenC, Detroit Pistons
Don’t let the Pistons’ record fool youJalen Duren is producing like a man who hates losing. The physically imposing big man has averaged 14.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over his last six games, carving out a fantasy role that transcends Detroit’s early-win lottery goals. He’s a walking double-double with excellent touch around the rim and has benefited greatly from Cade Cunningham’s recent playmaking surge.
Saturday’s matchup is juicyDetroit takes on a Brooklyn team that ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint over the last month. Duren should feast inside, collecting offensive boards and high-percentage looks like they’re Pokémon at a bus stop.
Low risk, high floor, and a matchup that screams 15 & 15 with some bonus blocks? Go ahead and lock him in.
“There may not be a scarier rebounder under the age of 21 in the NBA right now.”Actual front office exec who may or may not roster him in their keeper league.
In season-long leagues, he’s a playoff cheat code. In DFS, he’s value personified.
Closing Thoughts
The March 29 slate promises competitive matchups, late-season urgency, and juicy fantasy upside. With stars like Maxey, Green and Duren locked into expanded roles and dream matchups, now’s the time to strike before salary algorithms and rival managers catch up.
Set your rosters with confidence, grab the popcorn, and enjoy the ride. And rememberfantasy championships aren’t won in November. They’re won right here, on a random Saturday night in March, when the bold dare to start a Piston.
Good luck, hoop heads. May your lineups hit harder than a prime Ben Wallace screen.
