NBA Player Props Pick'em: A guide for the 2026-27 season

NBA player props pick'em is a fantasy contest where you predict whether a player will finish MORE or LESS than a projected stat line, such as points or rebounds, and combine 2 to 10 of those picks into one entry. The NBA regular season tips off October 20, and with games almost every night, it is the busiest sport on the pick'em calendar.

How NBA pick'em works on Payday

Each pick is a single player and a single stat line. You choose MORE if you think he finishes above the line, or LESS if you think he finishes below it. Then you add more picks and choose how the entry pays.

• 2 to 10 picks per entry, each a MORE or LESS on one stat line.
• A MAX entry pays only if every pick hits, with the highest multiplier.
• A FLEX entry still pays a reduced amount if one or more picks miss, depending on its size.
• Payouts can reach up to 100x your entry, subject to your account's max-win limit.

You are playing against the line, which is what makes pick'em a skill contest.

The NBA stat lines to know

The lines in the app change by game, but most NBA pick'em boards are built around a few core stats:

• Points: the most popular line, and the one most affected by minutes and shot volume.
• Rebounds: driven by size, minutes and how often the opponent misses.
• Assists: tied to who has the ball in his hands and how well his teammates shoot.
• Made threes: low numbers with high variance, so one hot or cold quarter can decide the pick.
• Combination lines such as points + rebounds + assists, which reward an all-round night.

If you want a different number than the one listed, alt lines let you choose a higher or lower line on the same player, with the multiplier adjusted to match.

What happens if a player sits

If a player on your entry does not play, the pick is voided rather than counted as a loss, and the entry is resettled with the remaining picks. The full rules are in what happens if a player gets injured or doesn't play. That matters in the NBA more than anywhere, because late scratches are common.

Building your first NBA entry

Opening week is a good time to start small. A 2- or 3-pick MAX entry keeps things simple while you learn how the lines move, and FLEX gives you room for one miss on bigger entries. You can also browse the Payday Marketplace to copy, fade or remix entries other players have built.

Check the Promos tab during opening week for current offers for eligible players, such as Protected Play and Payout Boosts. Terms apply.

NBA pick'em FAQ

When does the NBA season start?

The 2026-27 NBA regular season tips off on October 20, 2026. NBA player props appear in the app as games are scheduled.

Is NBA pick'em legal where I live?

Payday Fantasy is available in eligible states to players who meet the age requirement and are physically located in one of those states. See the full list on our locations page.

What is the difference between MAX and FLEX?

MAX pays the highest multiplier but needs every pick to hit. FLEX pays less at the top but still pays when a pick misses. More in MAX vs FLEX.

More on how entries work: how Picks works and the Payday glossary. Play responsibly.