NBA DFS Picks Today: October 22, 2026: Best Picks

After the NBA season opener, we have a smaller two-game slate on Wednesday, October 22! With a full night of basketball ahead, plenty of opportunities exist to find value in NBA DFS contests and player props. The two games feature the Cavaliers on the road against the 76ers, and a star-studded game as the Denver Nuggets face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Our picks feature. We’re using season statistics, recent production, and player roles to identify three props worth considering on Splash Sports, Betr, and Underdog.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the NBA’s most consistent scoring threats, making his 30.5-point projection an intriguing option against Denver. He averaged 31.1 points per game across 68 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, clearing this line by 0.6 points per game on average. He also shot 55.3% from the field, demonstrating how efficiently he can generate offense.

SGA’s scoring production comes from more than just perimeter shooting. His ability to attack the basket, create midrange space, and draw fouls gives him multiple paths to 31 points. He averaged 9.0 free-throw attempts per game last season, providing another important component of his scoring profile.

LeBron James averaged 7.2 assists per game over 60 appearances in the 2025-26 regular season, just below this projection. He also averaged 20.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, showing that he remains a multi-dimensional contributor. James has a new role with this Philadelphia team, and it is not him being that dominant scorer.

The biggest factor in this pick is LeBron’s playmaking role with Philadelphia. After joining the 76ers for the 2026-27 season, he has the opportunity to create shots for teammates while sharing the floor with other offensive weapons. His court vision and ability to draw defensive attention can generate open looks for shooters and opportunities around the basket.

Nikola Jokic is an appealing target in a combined-stat market because he contributes across all three categories. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game across 65 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. Those figures add up to 51.3 points, rebounds, and assists per game, putting his average 1.8 above the 49.5 projection.

Jokic’s rebounding and playmaking are especially valuable for this prop. His 12.9 rebounds per game provide a substantial foundation, while his 10.7 assists demonstrate his ability to create scoring opportunities for Denver’s teammates. That means he doesn’t need an exceptional scoring performance to reach the required total if he produces across the other categories.

Pick: More 49.5 points, rebounds + assists

Here’s my DraftKings DFS lineup ahead of tonight’s 2-game slate!