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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA starts off 2019 with just five games on the schedule Tuesday. That leaves fewer value play options to choose from than normal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a profitable evening. Let’s dig into the matchups to see where you might be able to gain an edge. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Fred VanVleet, TOR vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Raptors will once again be without the services of Kyle Lowry (back) when they take on the Jazz. He’s missed seven of the last eight games, which has allowed VanVleet to move into the starting five. VanVleet has thrived across 11 total starts this season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and one steal. The Jazz are a good defensive team, but VanVleet should still receive enough playing time to consider deploying in your lineup.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

With Markelle Fultz (shoulder) still out, the Sixers really need McConnell to be a productive member of their second unit. His 14 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s still provided some offensive value due to his 56.1 percent field goal percentage. He’s also averaged 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 13 games, leaving him with some appeal in this contest between two teams in the top-eight in the league in pace of play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

J.J. Redick, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,100

Redick has remained a vital part of the Sixers’ offense despite the addition of Jimmy Butler, averaging 17.8 points and posting a 22.8 percent usage rate across his last 13 games. He’s averaging 18 points per game for the season, overall, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s only shooting 36.9 percent from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring affair, making Redick a great option against his former squad.

Iman Shumpert, SAC vs. POR
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Shumpert has not only remained in the starting five for the Kings, but he’s actually attempted at least 11 shots in three straight games. He’s also having by far his best season from behind the arc, averaging two three-pointers per game. Throw in his 1.3 steals per contest and he’s remained DFS relevant despite his lack of rebounds and assists. At his reduced price on both sites, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Joe Ingles, UTA at TOR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

It’s hard to read too much into Ingles’ production lately since four of the Jazz’s last five games have been decided by at least 17 points. His minutes have been limited in a few of those contests, leading to some less-than-stellar stat lines. However, his overall numbers for the season are strong with averages of 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. If the Jazz can keep this game close, which could be easier with Lowry out, Ingles could have a bounce-back performance.

Wilson Chandler, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

The Sixers continue to have a huge void at power forward after they traded Dario Saric to the Timberwolves. Chandler has assumed the starting role in his absence and has averaged 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 20 games. It’s hard to get excited about those numbers, but this is still a favorable matchup for him. Both teams play at a fast pace and the Clippers use a lot of small lineups, so there is the potential here for Chandler to have one of his more productive outings of the year.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Aminu has had injury issues the last couple of years. Luckily for the Blazers, he’s started all 37 of their games this season. Although he may not grab a lot of headlines, he’s been a big part of their success with averages of 9.3 points, eight rebounds, and one steal. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game), which should afford Aminu with even more opportunities to pad the stat sheet Tuesday.

Luke Kornet, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,600

I can’t figure out Kornet’s price on FanDuel. Both Zach Randolph and Michael Porter Jr., two guys who haven’t played all season, are priced $300 higher than Kornet. Kornet started the last two games for the Knicks and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists. Enes Kanter (back) is also questionable for this game, so Kornet could be in line for even more playing time. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel and his price on DraftKings also leaves him with plenty of upside.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,000

The Nuggets finally received some good news on the injury front Saturday when Paul Millsap returned from his toe injury. He only played 14 minutes off the bench and might be limited once again Tuesday. His return is bad news for Plumlee, who was starting alongside Nikola Jokic during his absence. Even if Millsap returns to the starting five in this game, Plumlee might not be a bad option in DFS. This could be a blowout at home against the lowly Knicks, especially if Kanter doesn’t play. Millsap likely wouldn’t play much if that were to be the case, which would still leave a significant role for Plumlee. I’d probably avoid him on DraftKings since more players are eligible at center, but he’s at least in the discussion on FanDuel.

Brook Lopez, MIL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

The Bucks are going to need plenty of help from Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. Lopez has only averaged 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across their first two meetings this season, but he blocked a total of eight shots. I prefer deploying him over Plumlee if you want to save money at center on FanDuel and his higher minute’s floor might make him a more appealing option on DraftKings, as well, despite the slightly higher price tag.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Monday might not be the busiest day in the NBA with just seven games, but there are plenty of the top teams in action. It makes for some interesting choices in DFS, so let’s examine a couple of cheap players at each position who could provide value. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

The Mavericks and Thunder just played each other Sunday, a contest in which Barea scored six points to go along with 10 assists and one steal across 21 minutes. Despite receiving limited playing time off of the bench this year, Barea has still been able to average 11.4 points and 5.7 assists per game, overall. His 27.8 percent usage rate has been one of the main reasons for his offensive success and makes him a viable target once again Monday.

Tyus Jones, MIN at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,000

Jeff Teague (ankle) and Derrick Rose (ankle) were both unable to play Sunday against the Heat, which opened up a starting role for Jones. He provided excellent all-around production, scoring 12 points to go along with four rebounds, five assists, and five steals across 36 minutes. If Teague and Rose can’t play again Monday, Jones could in line for another great game against a Pelicans squad that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (103.5 possessions per game) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Thunder still don’t have a great bench, but the addition of Schroder has been a big reason why they are off to a 22-13 start. His numbers are down compared to last year when he was with the Hawks, but that was to be expected considering he’s now playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George. However, he’s still averaging 16.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game, making him someone to consider at his reasonable price on both sites.

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,900

It’s will be slim pickings for the Rockets backcourt Monday with Chris Paul (hamstring) and Eric Gordon (knee) both sidelined. Rivers hasn’t been with the team long, but he’s expected to start in this contest. He’s averaged 10 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists across three games with the Rockets and could be an excellent value play in DFS, especially considering his price on FanDuel.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,200

The Suns initially brought Bridges off of the bench this year, but he’s started each of their last 20 games. The staring role has brought a significant increase in playing time for Bridges, who has averaged 33 minutes across his last 15 games. One of his key contributions has come on the defensive end with him averaging 1.6 steals across that 15-game stretch. Even though he’s not much of a scorer, his overall contributions still make him a viable option Monday against a Warriors team that plays at the 10th-fastest pace (101.7).

Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Oubre has put up a couple of offensive clunkers, scoring a combined eight points in his last two games. The good news is that he continued to chip in defensive stats despite his scoring troubles, totaling two steals and three blocks in those contests. He has scored at least 13 points in three of six games since joining the Suns, so don’t read too much into his recent poor play. His price is low enough on both sites that it might be worth taking a chance on him having a bounce-back performance.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Marcus Morris, BOS at SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

The Celtics have significant depth, which has limited the fantasy value of some of their players. However, Morris hasn’t seen a decline in production with everyone finally healthy. In fact, he’s having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. His 21.2 percent usage rate is actually fourth-highest on the team, which is encouraging for his value moving forward. The Spurs struggle to defend opposing power forwards, so don’t be surprised if Morris finishes with a juicy stat line Monday.

Jerami Grant, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200

Grant is finally getting his chance to shine this season, averaging 31 minutes a game. He doesn’t get a ton of scoring opportunities, but he’s still averaging 12.3 points per game based on his increased playing time and 52.5 percent shooting from the field. The Thunder play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.5) in the league, which also helps with regards to Grant’s production. Morris has the higher upside of the two, but Grant is also worth considering if you want to use even less of your budget at power forward.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Steven Adams, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $7,000

Adams had a quiet outing against the Mavericks on Sunday, scoring eight points to go along with nine rebounds and two steals. He only attempted five shots, which tied for his fewest in a game this season. He has one of the highest minute’s floors of anyone at the center position, so don’t worry too much about one off night. In fact, the first time these two teams played each other this season, Adams thrived with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Kevon Looney, GS at PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700

DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) is inching his way towards a return, and when he does, Looney is likely to lose some playing time. Looney has actually done a nice job stepping into the starting lineup and has even averaged 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds across his last five games. With all of the Suns’ defensive deficiencies, this could be a spot to deploy Looney if you want to go the extremely cheap route at center.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Friday brings plenty of action in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Injuries continue to be a common theme throughout the league, creating even more value plays to consider for your DFS entry. Let’s highlight a couple at each position who could thrive based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

The Mavericks could be extremely thin in their backcourt Friday with Wesley Matthews (foot) already ruled out and Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) listed as questionable. That should open up added minutes for Barea, who has the highest usage rate (28 percent) on the team. When these two teams squared off Wednesday, Barea shined with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.

Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $6,000

Goran Dragic (knee) will be out for at least two months, which has left the Heat with a significant void at point guard. They’ve decided to have Justise Winslow take over for him in the starting five but Johnson is also in line for an expanded role. He’s made the most of his added playing time heading into this contest, averaging 15.8 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last six games. His price has jumped up significantly on DraftKings, but he could be a real bargain on FanDuel.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at MIA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,000

Clarkson continues to be one of the offensive leaders for the Cavaliers, averaging a career-high 17.1 points per game and posting a 29.4 percent usage rate. He should receive even more scoring opportunities with Rodney Hood (Achilles) out Friday. In the last two games that Hood missed, Clarkson scored 17 and 24 points, respectively. His 24-point showing was especially impressive considering it came against the stout Grizzlies’ defense.

Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,200

The Lakers depth is currently being tested with LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (finger) on the shelf. Hart moved into the starting five with both players sidelined Thursday and scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block. The key was that he logged 33 minutes. With a similar role likely in the cards for Friday, Hart could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play since both the Lakers and the Clippers are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,800

The Nuggets have been one of the teams impacted the most by injuries this season. It appears that they might get a couple of players back soon, but they still won’t have much depth Friday. Hernangomez has excelled since being moved into the starting five, averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. These two teams just faced off Wednesday and the Spurs couldn’t slow him down in that contest, leaving Hernangomez to score 27 points to go along with 13 rebounds.

Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

Oubre had a hard time finding significant playing time with the Wizards, but he’s averaged 30 minutes a game since joining the Suns. The added playing time has paid off, helping Oubre average 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and one block. Even though he will likely continue to come off of the bench, that shouldn’t scare you away from deploying him in DFS at this cheap price.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

Jerami Grant, OKC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

The Thunder are clearly led by the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams. However, don’t underestimate the value that Grant brings to the team. They don’t have much depth, which has helped Grant average a career-high 31 minutes a game. He’s been productive, overall, but he’s been even better with averages of 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.6 blocks across his last seven games.

James Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400

Johnson might not be a flashy player, but he entered this year having averaged at least 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in back-to-back seasons. Injuries derailed the start of his current campaign, but he’s come on lately by averaging 10.8 points, five rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals across his last four games. He might continue to be asked to help facilitate the offense more with Dragic out, so don’t sleep on him at this price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500

Get ready to see a heavy dose of Dedmon on Friday with Alex Len (back) and Miles Plumlee (knee) set to sit this one out. Dedmon logged 37 minutes with both players out Wednesday against the Pacers, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. The added playing time is an even greater benefit to his upside when you consider that the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.3 possessions per game) in the league.

Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000

Cody Zeller continues to start for the Hornets, but he’s logged 22 minutes or fewer in four of their last five games. Hernangomez has seen an expanded role in all four of those contests, which led him to average 12 points and 8.3 rebounds. The Nets are one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so it’s not all that surprising that Hernangomez recorded seven points and 11 rebounds across just 14 minutes against them Wednesday. If you want to deploy a really cheap center in tournament play, Hernangomez is an intriguing option.

 

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are few days in the NBA season as exciting as the Christmas Day slate of games. The league uses this day to showcase some of their best teams, which also means a lot of the top players will be in action. That means plenty of elite options in DFS will be taking the floor. In order to fit some of those players into your entry, here are some cheaper value plays to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,900

The Knicks have changed up their rotations throughout the season, which left Mudiay with little playing time at the start the year. However, he was inserted into the starting lineup in the middle of November and has yet to relinquish the role. He’s been especially hot of late, averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 11 games in December. His price has increased significantly, but it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

With the return of Markelle Fultz (shoulder) nowhere in site, McConnell will continue to be one of the main guards off of the bench for the Sixers. Don’t count on him to score much, but he’s provided respectable all-around contributions by averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 10 games in December. At near the minimum price on both sites, his secure role off the bench gives him some appeal in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

Gordon is only averaging 15.3 points per game this season, which is his lowest mark since joining the Rockets. His usage rate of 22.5 percent is down over two percentage points from last season, but he has a great opportunity to be productive for at least the next couple of weeks with Chris Paul (hamstring) out. Across six games in which Paul has missed this season, Gordon has averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 three-pointers.

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Smart has been an important part of the Celtics success in recent years, but he’s averaging a career-low 26 minutes per game this season. With the talent that they have across the board, his playing time is likely to remain limited. His scoring numbers have really suffered, but he’s remained DFS relevant with 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. With the Sixers playing at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, Smart might even receive a few more opportunities to provide value Tuesday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Joe Ingles, UTA vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700

Ingles entered this season having made at least 44 percent of his three-point attempts in both of the last two seasons, but he’s only shooting 38.1 percent this year. Luckily, his usage rate has jumped to a career-high 17.9 percent, which has helped him to still average 12.1 points per game. He’s also chipped in 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, leaving him with valuable all-around contributions.

Evan Turner, POR at UTA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

Turner’s career hasn’t gone the way some had expected after he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2010 Draft. However, he’s become a critical member of the bench for a Blazers team that has had plenty of success during his tenure with the team. He doesn’t receive a ton of scoring opportunities, which has left him to average just eight points per game. However, he’s also averaging five rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, his highest marks in both categories since joining the Blazers. Even with his limited offensive upside, the savings he could provide your budget combined with his production in other categories leaves him with some appeal in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Kevin Knox, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600

Mudiay isn’t the only Knick who has come alive of late. Knox, their promising first-round pick, has been on a scoring binge of late, averaging 20.3 points and three three-pointers across his last seven games. He’s also chipped in 6.6 rebounds per contest during that stretch, leaving him with plenty of upside despite his lack of assists or defensive stats. There is some concern that the Knicks could get down big against a far superior Bucks team, but with them looking to develop Knox, his playing time is fairly secure. Case in point, he’s logged at least 35 minutes in each of the last four games in which they have lost by at least 11 points.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,900

After sitting out two games due to a knee injury, Morris returned to log 20 minutes Sunday against the Hornets. The Celtics didn’t need to play him much in a lopsided win, but he still scored 12 points to go along with eight rebounds. Despite the Celtics’ loaded depth chart, Morris is having one of the best seasons of his career by averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers. The Sixers are extremely thin at power forward after trading Dario Saric to the Timberwolves, leaving Morris with the potential to thrive in this contest.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Steven Adams, OKC at HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,700

Russell Westbrook and Paul George are clearly the offensive leaders for the Thunder, but Adams is no slouch himself, averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game. He’s been a terror on the glass, as well, averaging 10 boards a night. The Thunder added Nerlens Noel to provide some depth behind him, but Adams is still logging 34 minutes a game. While he’s not an overly cheap option, Adams has a high floor considering his price tag.

Brook Lopez, MIL at NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bucks are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, just one-and-a-half games behind the Raptors. It might not have been a flashy pickup, but the addition of Lopez over the summer is one of the key reasons for their hot start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a monster, but he thrives in the paint. Having Lopez on the floor alongside him provides valuable spacing since opposing big men have to guard him on the perimeter. There aren’t a lot of great cheap center options Tuesday, but Lopez’s ability to hit three’s and block shots at least makes him someone to consider.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve got a bevy of value play options to choose from Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. Let’s dive right in and highlight a couple at each position that could hopefully help you win some cash. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Terry Rozier, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Rozier shined filling in last season when the Celtics were dealing with several key injuries, but he’s been limited to just 23 minutes a game this year with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back in the fold. However, there are a couple of factors that could work in his favor Wednesday. First, Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable, so if he doesn’t take the floor, that could open up some added minutes for Rozier. Second, this game could get out of hand early with how poorly the Suns have played and this game being played in Boston. Rozier would also gain some added garbage time minutes in that scenario, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.

Tyus Jones, MIN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

The Timberwolves will be without Jeff Teague (ankle), which will move Derrick Rose into the starting five. Rose is a great DFS option, as a result, but his price doesn’t exactly make him a cheap value play. Jones, on the other hand, isn’t too far off from the minimum price on both sites. He ended up playing 24 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Monday, scoring 10 points to go along with three rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This game figures to be closer, but that doesn’t mean Jones won’t play enough to be worth considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Like Rozier, Smart has seen a significant reduction in his playing time this season. However, if Brown doesn’t play, Smart will likely move into the starting five. Across nine previous starts, Smart has averaged 8.8 points. 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. His scoring upside won’t be high whether he starts or comes off the bench, but his contributions in other areas would still make him a viable target with the added playing time.

Jamal Crawford, PHO at BOS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

In a bit of an odd move, the Suns have waived Austin Rivers after acquiring him from the Wizards. They don’t have much depth at point guard, so Rivers could have been a valuable addition. Maybe they really like the production that they have received from Crawford, who is averaging nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across his last three games. Crawford will continue to be relied on to help play point guard Wednesday, so he could provide value despite this matchup against a tough Celtics defense.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800

Monday’s game was pretty much worst-case scenario for the starters on the Kings. They were pulled early after digging a deep deficit and never returned to the game. Bjelica only played five minutes, but don’t get scared away from him because of one oddball game. Marvin Bagley III (knee) will be out again Wednesday, setting Bjleica up for the opportunity for heavy playing time if the Kings can keep this game close.

E’Twaun Moore, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, things are looking ugly for the Pelicans for this game. Elfrid Payton (finger), Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will all be out, leaving a ton of available minutes. Randle and Mirotic are also two of their best offensive options, so expect Moore to be one of the players that they look to for adding offense. That could leave him as a great option in DFS since both the Pelicans and Bucks are in the top-five in the league in pace of play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600

Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined with an injury to start the season and then he was stuck behind Jared Dudley when he was able to return. He’s finally reclaimed his starting spot, which is key because he’s averaged eight minutes more per game as a starter than when he comes off of the bench. The added playing time has helped him average 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across his 13 starts and he’ll get a great opportunity to build on those numbers against the struggling Bulls.

Cheick Diallo, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Randle and Mirotic out, Anthony Davis is going to have to carry even more of the load up front for the Pelicans. However, someone is going to have to help fill Randle’s and Mirotic’s minutes. Diallo is likely one of the prime candidates to spend more time on the floor. While opportunities have been few and far between for him this year, he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the lone game in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. That’s obviously not a great sample size to be working with, but he might still be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500

Allen is averaging seven more minutes a game this year compared to his rookie season with the Nets viewing him as a key part of their future. His production has increased along with his playing time, boosting him to averages of 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bulls allow the second-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, leaving Allen with a prime opportunity to shine.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Zeller has battled injuries throughout his career, but he’s been able to play 28 games already this season. He’s not logging heavy minutes despite his starting role, but he’s still put up respectable numbers with 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. The Cavaliers are thin at center with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out, so don’t sleep on Zeller.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA will be plenty busy Monday night with eight games on the schedule. The Warriors, Rockets, Thunder, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of elite talent to choose from in DFS. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays at all of the positions to try and help you squeeze a star or two into your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Derrick Rose, MIN vs. SAC
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,300

The Timberwolves didn’t have much of a choice but to trade Jimmy Butler since he no longer wanted to play for the team, but his departure left a huge hole in their offense. Karl-Anthony Towns has seen a significant increase in his usage rate since the trade, but the Timberwolves have also relied on Rose to provide a scoring punch off the bench. He hasn’t let them down and is now averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists per game for the season, overall. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should help Rose to continue to be productive in this contest.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at SA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

McConnell has seen his playing time decrease to 19 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 21 minutes in nine straight games with Markelle Fultz (neck/shoulder) on the sidelines. His numbers don’t stand out, but McConnell is averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals across 13 games in which he has played at least 20 minutes. Jimmy Butler has dealt with a groin injury of late, but he returned to play 25 minutes on Sunday. With such a quick turnaround Monday, Butler might again receive limited playing time, which could open up even more opportunities for McConnell.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Bogdanovic started in place of Iman Shumpert (hip) on Sunday, which allowed him to log a season-high 37 minutes. He didn’t let the rare starting opportunity go to waste, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. If Shumpert can’t play again Monday, expect Bogdanovic to receive another start. Even if Shumpert does play, Bogdanovic is still a viable target since he has logged at least 30 minutes in five straight games.

Langston Galloway, DET vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,400

The Pistons recently received a boost with Stanley Johnson and Reggie Bullock returning from injury, but they are still shorthanded with Ish Smith (groin) and Glenn Robinson III (ankle) on the shelf. Galloway is able to play multiple positions, which has resulted in him averaging 30 minutes across his last five games. With 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game during that stretch, Galloway should at least be on your radar in tournament play, especially with the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,400

The Kings drafted who they hope will be the power forward of their future in Marvin Bagley III, but he’s currently sidelined with a knee injury. Bjelica has a clear path to significant playing time during his absence, evident by the fact that he played 35 minutes Sunday. He’s averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and two blocks across six games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes, making him very hard to pass up at this price.

Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400

Crowder has mostly come off of the bench this season, but he has started more of late when the Jazz play smaller teams. He actually started when these two teams met less than two weeks ago, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. His upside isn’t all that high, but he is still an intriguing option based on his potential playing time and cheap price on both sites.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

Mitchell Robinson (ankle) did not play Sunday against the Pacers and might not take the floor Monday, either, which could leave Vonleh with a more reliable role. The Knicks constantly changing up their rotations can make things challenging, but Vonleh has averaged 11.5 points, 10 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks across 13 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. It should also help his cause that the Suns have allowed the seventh-most points per game (112.7) in the league.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,000

Being the backup to the top overall pick might not always be ideal, but Holmes has made it work for his fantasy value. Across his last 15 games, he’s averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. His role is solidified with Tyson Chandler now on the Lakers, so he’s worth a look Monday even though his ceiling isn’t that high.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Enes Kanter, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,700

Kanter steamrolled a strong defensive team in the Pacers on Sunday for 20 points and 15 rebounds. That marked his fifth double-double over his last seven games, which is especially impressive when you factor in that he logged 26 minutes or fewer in three of those five contests. The Suns allow the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down Kanter.

Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100

It might not have been the sexiest of moves, but the Bucks bringing in Lopez during the offseason has been one of the key reasons for their success. His 2.6 three-pointers per game have provided them with a much-needed ability to stretch the floor, but he’s also helped defensively with 1.8 blocks per contest. They’ll need his size to battle with Andre Drummond in this contest, leaving him with a secure enough minutes floor to warrant considering in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve got another packed night of NBA action Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. With the Warriors, Raptors, Pelicans, and Sixers among the teams in action, there is a ton of top-tier talent to choose from. However, in order to fit them into your entry, you also need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Let’s highlight a couple of players at each position who could help lead you to a winning entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800

The chance that the Timberwolves took by reuniting Rose with his former coach Tom Thibodeau has provided significant returns this season. Despite spending the majority of his time as a member of the second unit, Rose is averaging 18.4 points, three rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Sixers has helped open up even more scoring opportunities for Rose, which has helped boost his usage rate to 25.2 percent. Considering the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105 possessions per game) in the league, Rose could have plenty of chances to fill up the scoring column again Wednesday.

Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,800

Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) is set to miss his fourth straight game for the Mavericks. Brunson has done a nice job filling in during his absence, averaging 14 points, 4.7 assists, and two steals across three games. The key is that he logged at least 25 minutes in each contest. With the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107), this could be a great opportunity to deploy Brunson in your lineup at a very cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Jaylen Brown, BOS at WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,400

The Celtics are expected to get Kyrie Irving (shoulder) back Wednesday, but Gordon Hayward (illness) is listed as doubtful. That should open up some added playing time for Brown, who is averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last three games. Add in the fact that the Wizards play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.2) and Brown has an excellent opportunity to extend his recent run of success.

Luke Kennard, DET at CHA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,500

Injuries continue to be a common theme Wednesday with the Pistons being no exception. Ish Smith (groin), Glenn Robinson III (ankle) and Reggie Bullock (ankle) will all likely be out while Stanley Johnson (knee) might also not be able to play. That doesn’t leave them with a ton of healthy options. Kennard logged a season-high 37 minutes with the Pistons battling injuries Monday, scoring 28 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. At this dirt cheap price, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Cedi Osman, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Already down Kevin Love (toe), the Cavaliers lost another key member of their frontcourt with Tristan Thompson (foot) out for at least the next two weeks. Larry Nance Jr. will likely have to spend more time at center, which could open up increased playing time for Osman. He has shown an ability to produce when given extended run, averaging 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, three assists, and 0.8 steals across 18 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes.

Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,900

Finney-Smith might not play the same position that Smith does, but he’s also benefited from his time on the sidelines by averaging 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across his last three games. With all of the injuries that the Hawks are also dealing with, there is a chance that the Mavericks race out to a big lead at home. If that’s the case, Finney-Smith could see some added minutes during garbage time. At this cheap price, he’s someone to at least consider in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

The Heat will be missing one of their key players up front again Wednesday with Hassan Whiteside (personal) already ruled out. Bam Adebayo has stepped into the starting lineup with Whiteside out the last three games and has played extremely well. However, he’s not the only Heat player who has received a boost in production. During that same stretch, Olynyk has averaged 14.3 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists, and one steal.

Dwight Powell, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

Planning for a blowout can be tricky, but if you agree with me that the Mavericks could win this one going away, Powell is another cheap option with upside in tournament play. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game this season, he’s recorded 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per night. The Hawks do at least have a lot of size up front, which could also help lead to added playing time for Powell.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at DAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Alex Len appears to have fallen out of favor right now, resulting in him logging a total of 31 minutes across the last three games. That’s provided a significant boost in playing time for Dedmon, who averaged 7.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and one block during that stretch. With the fast pace at which the Hawks play, Dedmon should have another favorable opportunity to be productive in this contest.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Zeller might not be a flashy option, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value. The Hornets are going to need him to battle with Andre Drummond, which could lead to some added minutes. The last time these two teams met, Zeller logged 32 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with six rebounds and three blocks. He did eventually foul out, but it’s reasonable to expect similar playing time for him during their rematch.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Monday brings a bevy of options in DFS with 11 games on the NBA schedule. With so many choices to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some of the better value plays at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

Gilgeous-Alexander has remained in the starting five, but he’s logged 24 minutes or fewer in three of the last four games. He scored eight points or fewer in each of those contests and may continue to see limited playing time with the Clippers backcourt completely healthy. However, the Suns are a mess right now and are stuck with Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton at point guard. Gilgeous-Alexander could receive some extra garbage time minutes in the likely event that this game becomes a blowout, making him someone to consider in tournament play.

Tomas Satoransky, WAS at IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Satoransky has started each of the last four games for the Wizards, but his value Monday will largely be determined by the status of John Wall (heel). Wall is listed as doubtful, which could open up a significant role for Satoransky if he does ultimately sit. With Wall out Wednesday against the Hawks, Satoransky logged 38 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with four rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Alec Burks, CLE at MIL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700

The Cavaliers traded away George Hill last week, Rodney Hood (foot) and David Nwaba (knee) are battling injuries, and J.R. Smith is still away from the team as they work on trading him. With so few options left to take the floor, Burks has been able to average 29 minutes a game since being acquired from the Jazz. He’s done nothing to lose any playing time moving forward, averaging 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and one steal per game. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burks with even more opportunities to provide value for your entry.

Josh Hart, LAL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100

Brandon Ingram (knee) is set to miss his third straight game Monday. In the previous two games that he was sidelined, Hart logged at least 36 minutes in both contests. He couldn’t get much going in Friday’s loss to the Spurs, but he scored 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks Saturday against the Grizzlies. Considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104), the added playing time provides Hart with a significant increase in upside.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700

There are not many healthy players left on the Nuggets. Not only has Hernangomez started each of their last 14 games as a result, but he’s logged at least 37 minutes in each of their last three contests. He came away with two double-doubles to go along with two steals and three blocks in those three games. His 13.6 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but his high minute’s floor still makes him a great option, especially at his price on DraftKings.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,700

Bogdanovic has been one of the main offensive weapons for the Pacers with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 19.1 points and 1.9 three-pointers across his last 10 games. His usage rate is up to 20 percent, which ranks him third-highest on the team among players who have played in at least 20 games. The Wizards allow the second-most points per game (116.7) in the league, leaving Bogdanovic with the potential for another strong offensive performance.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $3,700

Among the aforementioned injuries on the Nuggets is Paul Millsap (toe), who missed his first game of the season Saturday. There is no timetable for his return, which should leave Lyles in line for significant playing time moving forward. Despite shooting 2-for-13 from the field Saturday against the Hawks, Lyles still finished with nine points to go along with 10 rebounds, one steal, and one block across 38 minutes. His price on FanDuel is climbing, but he can still be had at a significant discount on DraftKings.

Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000

Holmes has established himself as a reliable backup to Deandre Ayton, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across his last 11 games. Ayton missed Sunday’s practice with an illness, so his status is something to monitor leading up to tip-off. If he doesn’t play, Holmes will likely play significant minutes. Even if Ayton does play, this is still a good spot to deploy Holmes since the Clippers allow third-most DraftKings points per game and the seventh-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Bam Adebayo, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Adebayo has started both of the last two games with Hassan Whiteside (out), averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal. His success is not all that surprising since he has averaged 10.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.2 blocks across 10 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Whiteside has already been ruled out Monday, so don’t hesitate to deploy Adebayo despite his increased price tag. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings as he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $3,900

Lyles is the main beneficiary of Millsap’s absence, but Plumlee could also see some added minutes for the Nuggets. Across eight games in which Plumlee has logged at least 20 minutes, he has averaged 11 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks. The Grizzlies have a lot of size up front, which should also benefit Plumlee’s workload Monday. His FanDuel price isn’t terrible, but his dirt cheap price on DraftKings makes him an appealing tournament option.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Wednesday is shaping up to be an awesome night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Not only is their a ton of top-tier talent to choose from, but there are also a lot of excellent cheap value plays. Here are a couple to consider at each position to help round out your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Hawks will be without Taurean Prince (ankle) for the at least the next three weeks, which is a huge loss since he has the fourth-highest usage rate (22.6 percent) on the team. There are several players who could see an increase in scoring with Prince out, including Lin. Lin actually already has a higher usage rate (23.2 percent) than Prince does, which has enabled him to maintain value despite coming off of the bench. His price is climbing, but Lin is still a viable option based on his role with the team.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

Frazier didn’t exactly shine with seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal Monday against the Clippers, but he did log 29 minutes. That marked the third time in the last four games that he has spent at least 29 minutes on the floor. The Pelicans won’t count on him to score much, but he should continue to have the ability to rack up assists with so many talented players around him. It also helps that the Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,700

Huerter had a hard time finding consistent playing time earlier in this season, but he’s started five straight games and logged at least 25 minutes in each of his last three contests. His role should be even more secure now with Prince out. His scoring numbers haven’t been stellar, but he has averaged nine points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists, and one steal across those three games. Both the Hawks and the Wizards are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, further strengthening a case to take a chance on Huerter in tournament play.

Alec Burks, CLE vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers don’t have a ton of talent, which has enabled Burks to immediately take on a significant role off the bench after being acquired from the Jazz. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and one steal across three games. His usage rate is also 24.4 percent, so he could jack up plenty of shots Wednesday as the Cavaliers attempt to keep pace with the high-scoring Warriors.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Not only is Will Barton (groin) still on the sidelines, but the Nuggets will also be without Gary Harris (hip) for this contest. Hernangomez likely won’t see significantly more scoring opportunities even with Harris out, but he’s still a great option in DFS. Across 11 games as a starter, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per contest.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

The Wizards are thin up front with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but it might be better if they just leave Oubre as a member of their second unit. He’s averaging 12.9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game coming off the bench compared to 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds when he starts. Consistency is a concern with him, but considering how poorly the Hawks play, this might be the time to take a chance on Oubre in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800

This matchup between the Raptors and Sixers should be one of the best games of the night. They enter as the top two teams in the Eastern Conference and are separated by just three games. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler was huge for the Sixers, but it also left them with Wilson Chandler as their starting power forward. They don’t have great options behind him, either, potentially setting up Ibaka for a big performance.

Frank Kaminsky, CHA at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

Marvin Williams (shoulder) hasn’t been overly productive for the Hornets, but he has been starting and averaging 25 minutes a game. With him out for at least a week, a few players could be in line for added playing time. Miles Bridges might see the most significant jump, but don’t forget about Kaminsky, either. He’s only played at least 20 minutes in a game twice all season, but he averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 assists in those contests. At near the minimum price, Kaminsky could be a gamble worth taking Wednesday.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks don’t have a ton of talent, but they do have both Dedmon and Alex Len at center. They’ve eaten into each other’s fantasy value, but Len is starting to see his playing time dwindle lately. Dedmon tied his season high by playing 31 minutes Monday against the Warriors and finished with six points to go along with 10 rebounds, four steals, and one block. With Howard out of the picture for the Wizards, Dedmon could provide plenty of value if he’s given extended playing time again.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

The Raptors have been playing small lately, leaving Valanciunas to come off of the bench in each of their last four games. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the starting five for this matchup against Embiid. Valanciunas has been much more productive as a starter, averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds across nine games. When these two teams met earlier this season, he scored 23 points and grabbed four rebounds over just 17 minutes.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA starts off the week with seven games Monday, including a great matchup between the Nuggets and Raptors. Let’s dive right in and highlight some cheap value plays that could be difference makers for your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500

This is a game to target tonight with both the Clippers and the Pelicans in the top-eight in the league in pace of play. Gilgeous-Alexander might not have the highest offensive upside, but his usage rate has increased from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench to 18.9 percent since entering the starting five. He’s also been an asset defensively by averaging 1.1 steals and one block across his 13 starts.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,700

The Pelicans don’t have much of a choice but to play Frazier. The injury to Elfrid Payton (finger) has opened up an opportunity for him to take the floor and an injury to E’Twaun Moore (calf) has only made things worse for the Pelicans. Frazier isn’t much of a scoring threat, but he has averaged 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10 assists over his last three games. His price is climbing, but he’s still a great cheap tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Damyean Dotson, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500

It’s hard to get a grasp on what the Knicks will do on a nightly basis. They have constantly changed up their rotations, making them a nightmare in DFS. Things could be a little less murky Monday with Trey Burke (knee) already ruled out. Dotson was already starting to find his way back into the rotation and even scored 21 points to go along with five rebounds and a steal across 33 minutes on Saturday against the Bucks. He’s certainly risky, but the absence of Burke leaves Dotson with some appeal.

Alec Burks, CLE at BKN
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800

Burks was only averaging 16 minutes a game with the Jazz earlier this season, but he’s been able to average 25 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers. They are short on offensive options, so it’s not out of the question that he could continue to see this type of run. Not only did he score at least 13 points in both of his games with the Cavaliers, but he also grabbed 12 total rebounds. Dotson probably has the higher upside, but Burks is also someone to at least consider.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Will Barton (groin) is making positive steps towards a return, but he won’t be back for this contest. Hernangomez has helped stabilize the small forward position with Barton out, averaging 11.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a game as a starter. This might not be a high-scoring contest between two of the better defenses in the league, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on Hernangomez if you want to save money at small forward.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at NY
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

Oubre has been extremely frustrating. He’s scored at least 18 points in a game six times, but also has 12 contests with nine points or fewer. He was starting recently with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but the Wizards moved him back to the bench Saturday against the Nets. Rolling with Oubre is risky since the Wizards are still trying to figure out what works best without Howard, but his upside makes him an intriguing option.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Vonleh had never averaged more than 17 minutes a game during his career, but he’s averaging 25 minutes per contest in his first year with the Knicks. His usage rate is a minuscule 13.4 percent, but he’s a nightly threat for a double-double with averages of 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. With the Wizards dealing with depth issues up front, this could be a situation for Vonleh to thrive.

Jonas Jerebko, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200

The Warriors are running out of bodies up front. Draymond Green (toe) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will remain out Monday and will now be joined on the sidelines by Damian Jones, who recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle.  Jerebko isn’t going to get many shot attempts sharing the floor with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, but he is averaging 7.6 rebounds across his last eight games. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.9 possessions per game) in the league, which could afford Jerebko with even more opportunities to provide value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,900

Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league, but that doesn’t really help him garner much playing time considering the Nuggets also have Nikola Jokic. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game, Plumlee has still managed to salvage some value by averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s really stepped up his defensive contributions of late, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks across his last seven games.

Kevon Looney, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

Another player who should benefit from all of the injuries to the Warriors is Looney. He, Jerebko and Jordan Bell are pretty much all they have left up front, although they can also play Kevin Durant there when they want to go small. The Hawks are an awful team, but they do have some size with Dewayne Dedmon, Alex Len, and John Collins. This game could also turn into a route early that leaves the Durant and the rest of the Warriors stars on the bench in the fourth quarter, which could lead to even more minutes for Looney.