NBA DFS Starting Five: March 12

Justin Fensterman pores over the data and analysis to bring you his top five plays for today's NBA DFS main slate on DraftKings and FanDuel.

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    Khetag Pliev, the fighter who had his finger almost completely severed earlier this month, now officially has one less loss on his record.

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  • Vadim Nemkov wants to finish Phil Davis in Bellator 257 main event

    Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov is set to make his first title defense against former light heavyweight champion Phil Davis in the quarterfinals of the promotion’s light heavyweight grand prix at Bellator 257. Nemkov’s last victory was a masterclass performance, where he finished the former champion, current no. 1 contender, and another competitor in the light heavyweight grand prix Ryan Bader to win the belt at Bellator 244 in August. Speaking at virtual media day for Bellator 257, Nemkov discussed what it has been like to be a “front man” of sorts for the promotion as a champion in what is perhaps Bellator’s most stacked division. “I’m very proud that I’m on this level,” Nemkov said. “Bellator made posters of me and my picture is on the arena, on the cage.” Despite already reaching one of the highest achievements in the sport, the 28-year old Nemkov is more focused on paying it forward. But of course, Nemkov is enjoying the fruits of his labor as well. “I enjoy it. I’m happy. I’m really happy that Bellator trusts me, this moment that I’m on the posters,” Nemkov said. “I’m working really hard with my team to give [Bellator] the same, to show them that they’re also really happy to be in Bellator.” As far as his approach to the grand prix however, Nemkov is trying his best to maintain the perception of a fighter who has yet to achieve the championship that the Russian prodigy possesses in the light heavyweight title. Jorge Masvidal thinks Jake Paul ‘beats Ben Askren fairly easy’ “Yes, I’m in the grand prix as a champion. But I try to move these things out of my head, so I enter this tournament like a regular fighter and I just want to win,” Nemkov said. “For me it’s [very] important to win this tournament. Not the belt." Nemkov’s opponent in the quarterfinals of the light heavyweight grand prix is a familiar foe in Phil Davis. The two fought in 2018, where Nemkov squeaked out a split decision win in 2018. As a result of Nemkov’s familiarity with “Mr. Wonderful”, Nemkov feels more prepared and more evolved as a fighter since their last outing. Nemkov is also keen on finishing Davis, something that has never been done in Davis’ professional career. “I’m ready to fight with Phil Davis for five rounds. I’ve prepared for it, but I want to finish it,” Nemkov said. “I don’t want to spend five rounds with Phil Davis.”

  • Bellator 257 live and official results (5:30 p.m. ET)

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  • Jamal Murray's torn ACL doesn't signal the end for the Nuggets' future

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  • Jayson Tatum with an assist vs the Los Angeles Lakers

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  • Jackson's jumper gives Clippers 100-98 win over Pistons

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  • Gaunt Brothers Racing taps Harrison Burton for Cup Series debut at Talladega

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  • Peter King ‘mind boggled’ by Carson Wentz behavior in Eagles exit

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  • Julian Edelman wishes Bill Belichick happy birthday with heartfelt message

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  • With Nikolas Motta out, Yancy Medeiros steps in to face Damir Hadzovic at UFC Fight Night 188

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  • Tom Brady makes fitting joke on 21st anniversary of Patriots drafting him

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  • Kendrick Perkins gives powerful message to Celtics' bench after awful showing

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  • Whatever happened to Kelly Bryant, who started ahead of Trevor Lawrence?

    What became of Kelly Bryant, who once started ahead of Trevor Lawrence at Clemson?

  • Eagles looking to trade up in NFL Draft and get ahead of NFC East rivals?

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  • Nadal beaten by Rublev in Monte Carlo quarter-finals

    The Spaniard was in danger of being thrashed when Rublev led by a break in the second set, having dominated the opener, but showed his trademark grit to battle back. Rublev was unrelenting, however, and bludgeoned his way into a 5-1 lead in the second set after break the Nadal serve three times. Nadal held serve but the 23-year-old world number eight then finished it off with a crushing forehand winner.