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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18

by Austyn Varney 0 Comments

*Austyn Varney*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18. Put the picks into our lineup optimizer and generate lineups. Also, try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter most and find the value players that are low-owned on Draftkings & Fanduel like Denzel Valentine and George Hill.



Use the code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package (including playoffs)

Point Guard

George Hill
FD $4,600 DK $4,600

The point guard position is an intriguing one tonight. On the high-end, you’re looking at Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker. Both are in well above average match-ups and can be played if you have the funds. You also have some solid options in the mid-range like Dinwiddie, Murray, and Dragic. They can all be played and none of them will be overly-owned. We then get to the cheapies, who we’ll touch on. We kick it off with George Hill, who’s already made himself a huge part of this Cavs offense. He got up to just 25 minutes against the Spurs, but sat at 34 and 31 before that. You can expect another 30+ minutes out of Hill if you think this game stays close. The match-up against the Nets is obviously tremendous as a team that plays the 3rd fastest and has no defense to speak of. Hill is super cheap on both sites and you can play him in all formats.

Milos Teodosic
FD $3,600 DK $4,200

Hill is a guy that will likely fit your build, but there is a way to go even cheaper. Teodosic is always a little inconsistent with his minutes, but he should get well over 24 minutes in this one. His price is diminished on both sites and you’re only looking for 15-20 fantasy points in cash games. The match-up with Denver is certainly good, as they rank 22nd in the league against the position. When it comes down to it, we just need minutes. I’m pretty confident that we do see 25+ here, but there is a real possibility he sees just 15-17 and disappoints. For that reason, George Hill is m clear play for value at PG. I’ll have some Teodosic, but I’d rather go there in tournaments. Hill is a guy I’ll have a ton of in all formats, while Teodosic will just be sprinkled in.

Shooting Guard

Tyrone Wallace
FD $4,500 DK $4,000

We’ll stay right in Los Angeles here and take a look at Tyrone Wallace. He got up to 36 minutes against the Suns and came through with 33 fantasy points. With Avery Bradley expected to remain out, you can bank at least 30 minutes for Wallace here. If you’ve watched him play at all, he’s a very good player and is extremely active on the floor. He picks up the ball a ton and grabs a lot of minutes at PG. You then have to consider this match-up against the Nuggets, who are typically good against SG’s. Fortunately, the better defender of the bunch will be on Lou Williams. Wallace will see the Nugs’ worst defender on the team and he shouldn’t have much of an issue getting to value at just $4.5k. Let’s touch on an even cheaper option who’s in play.

Wayne Ellington
FD $3,900 DK $4,000

Wayne Ellington is a guy I find myself on a lot when looking for value at SG. When Dion Waiters went down for the year, he showed a clear initiative to create shots and make a difference. He’s still there, but the addition of Dwyane Wade has definitely hurt. The ball is going to Wade in spots where Ellington would be allowed to create with the 2nd team. He’s getting 26+ minutes every game and is extremely cheap on both sites. He needs you just 20 and gets there with ease against a Philly squad that struggles against the 3 ball. Depending on what game you like more, these 2 guys at SG are somewhat even for me. Wallace is a bit safer in cash games.

Small Forward

Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after he scored against the Washington Wizards, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017.

Denzel Valentine
FD $4,000 DK $4,200

This Bulls team is a bit weird right now. They are trying to get the younger guys some minutes, but have done it in a very weird and unorganized way. What we have seen is Denzel Valentine getting a healthy increase of minutes. He’s gotten up 25, 28, and 29 over the last 3 and it’s no surprise. He’s one of the guys they think is a future role player and they want him to get some experience under his belt. He’s always productive when on the court (1.09 FP per min) and is shooting the ball quite nicely right now. The match-up with Charlotte is average, sitting 17th against SF’s and 19th against SG’s. If you need value at SF, Valentine is the only guy I’m all that comfortable with. We’ll have to increase our salary range for this next one.

Josh Richardson
FD $6,000 DK $5,200

I guess Josh Richardson is more in the mid-range, but he’s still a value at the price. Especially on DK at $5.2k. Richardson is the 2nd best playmaker on this team behind Dragic and is not afraid in the slightest to shoot the ball. He’s been at 47 and 35 fantasy points in each of the last 2 games, despite the inconsistent minutes. He now sees a match-up against a Sixers squad that doesn’t play much defense. They play a lot faster than the Heat and it’ll definitely be an up-pace game for them. A 2016 total isn’t crazy, but a 1 point spread is nice. I suspect we see 30+ minutes tonight out of Richardson and another 30+ fantasy points. It’s going to be very hard to get off of Lebron and Giannis is those nice match-ups, but I will have a bit of ownership to Richardson in both cash games and tournaments. He does have the upside to put up 50 fantasy points and turn the entire slate on it’s head.

Power Forward

Frank Kaminsky
FD $4,400 DK $3,900

Nobody gets excited about Frank Kaminsky, but we’re well aware of how cheap he is here. This was a $7k player last year that was putting up 35+ fantasy points on most nights. He’s been at 35 and 30 fantasy points in the last 2 games and is still seeing an increase of minutes in each game. He’s at 1.17 FP per minute over the last 2 years, so he’s going to produce when on the floor. he faces off with a Bulls squad that ranks 23rd against the position. Markkanen and Portis are lethal on offense, but have a long way to go on the defensive side. Kaminsky only needs you about 20-23 in cash games, which should be pretty easy if the game stays close. He’ll be in most of my cash games.

Lauri Markkanen
FD $6,100 DK $5,700

We once again saw Markkanen pick up 30 minutes and Portis just 20. Markkanen should be the more expensive option, but he’s a whole $1k cheaper right now at just $6k. Markkanen can put up 40 FP with ease if he is feeling his shot and a match-up against Charlotte is nothing to be worried about. Kaminsky and Williams are poor defenders and don’t mind giving up some open 3’s (27th against 3). Markkanen is continuing to see 30+ minutes and he is the 2nd option on the offense. He’s going to put up 30+ fantasy points on most night and I’ll have a whole lot of exposure tonight in all formats.

Center

John Henson
FD $5,500 DK $4,700

If we’re being honest, I want to pay up at center tonight. I’m not here to lie to you. The top 5 priced options are all in excellent spots and at least 3 of them are going to demolish value. Personally, I’ll have most of my eggs in Jokic and Whiteside baskets, with the rest on some value. John Henson is still listed as a PF for some reason on FD, though DK has the obvious C tag that he deserves. Since coming back from injury, he’s seen 34 and 27 minutes, putting up 20 and 26 fantasy points. He’s fully healthy and can be expected to play at least 30 minutes if the game stays close. Gortat is a good defender, but the Wizards play pretty fast and give up plenty of peripherals to guys like Henson that can run the floor and get above the rim. Either pay up or drop down to Henson and hope for a close game.

 

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*


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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 5 Games Each
Sacramento Kings

Teams With 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

The Kings get a scheduling oddity this week as they are the only team to play more than four games during any week this season. That will provide some interesting opportunities for some of their players, but that doesn’t mean there are enough viable Kings available on waivers in your league to fill any holes in your lineup. Consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

Tomas Satoransky, Washington Wizards

Satoransky makes this list for the second straight week. John Wall (knee) is still sidelined for the Wizards, leaving the starting point guard job in Satoransky’s capable hands. Satoransky has started all 10 games in February, averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 three-pointers per contest. Not only are his counting stats great, but he also shot 59.5% from the field and was perfect from the charity stripe during that stretch. He’s still available in 63% of Yahoo! leagues, so pick him up if you still can.

Andrew Harrison, Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies didn’t trade Tyreke Evans at the deadline, but now he’s down with a rib injury. Evans didn’t play Saturday and has already been ruled out for Monday as well. Harrison will be in line for an expanded role for however long Evans is out, but he can still provide value even when Evans returns due to a four-game week. Harrison has had his best month of the season in February, averaging 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 three-pointers per contest. He won’t provide much defensively, but he has shot 49.5% from the field this month. Two of Harrison’s four games this week are against the Suns and the Magic, both among the worst defensive teams in the league. Still available in 81% of Yahoo! leagues, Harrison could be a wise pickup for Week 20.

Skal Labissiere, Sacramento Kings

Labissiere should really benefit from playing five games this week. He missed some time earlier this month with a shoulder injury but has logged at least 25 minutes in both games since he returned. He’s played at least 20 minutes in a game 19 times this season, averaging 11.3 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 48.8% from the field. Those numbers don’t jump off the page but can provide value in a five-game week. He’s still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues and is someone to consider adding if you need help up front.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are the only team with just two games in Week 20, possibly putting you in a tough spot if you have any Spurs on your roster. While they might normally be in your starting lineup, consider benching the below players as a result of their limited schedule.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs

Gasol isn’t nearly the player that he was in his prime, but is still averaging a valuable 10.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one block per game this season. One of the main reasons for his decline in production is that he is averaging only 25 minutes per game. Gasol reportedly had this left knee wrapped after Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers and while he said it’s nothing serious, the Spurs are one of the more cautious franchises in the league. This is the week to place Gasol firmly on your bench.

Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs

Murray is playing well right now, averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in his last six games. He’s clearly established himself as the team’s starting point guard and while he doesn’t provide hardly any three-pointers, his defensive contributions have made him a valuable commodity. However, with just two games this week, he won’t be able to produce enough points, rebounds, and assists to warrant starting.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

Friday brings a packed night in the NBA with 11 games on the schedule. There are a ton of options to sift through as a result, so it’s key to find the right cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers that could help you create a winning entry. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the value players that are low-owned on FanDuel and DraftKings like Andrew Harrison and Alex Len.

 

Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400

Barea continues to have a significant role with the Mavericks as his 24.7% usage rate is second-highest on the team. He played well in his last game against the Lakers, scoring 10 points to go along with nine assists and one steal in just 24 minutes. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league, which leaves Barea with an added ability to be productive even in limited playing time.  He also has a high ceiling if he can approach 30 minutes, making him someone to consider for your entry.

Andrew Harrison, MEM vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Harrison played well while the Grizzlies were resting Tyreke Evans as they attempted to trade him, possibly earning himself a bigger role even though Evans has now returned. Harrison played 33 minutes in the Grizzlies’ last game against the Thunder, scoring 28 points and hitting five three-pointers. Evans was excellent in that game as well, which is a good sign for Harrison moving forward. Wayne Seldon Jr. (knee) has already been ruled out Friday and Mario Chalmers (ankle) is listed as questionable, so Harrison should get enough playing time to provide value at this cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

Nicolas Batum, CHA at WAS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,700

Batum is clearly one of the secondary offensive options on the Hornets behind Kemba Walker and Dwight Howard. He doesn’t need to score a ton to provide value though because of his ability to contribute across the board. Thursday’s game against the Nets was a prime example as he only scored 10 points, but chipped in five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block and two three-pointers. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on him again Friday.

J.R. Smith, CLE at MEM
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600

The Cavaliers drastically changed their roster at the trade deadline, but Smith has played at least 29 minutes in all three games since the new players arrived. He’s made a case to continue to have a significant role on the team, averaging 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 3.0 three-pointers during that stretch. Although his minutes may eventually decline as the new players get acclimated to the team, Smith’s value in the short term should still hold. At this price, he might be worth the risk if you want to save money at shooting guard.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

Bogdanovic is having his best month of the season, averaging 18.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 steal and 2.8 three-pointers in six games. He also has a 20.1% usage rate in February, higher than any other month this season. Friday brings a great matchup against the Hawks, who allow the most points per game on FanDuel and the second-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing small forwards. His upside isn’t extremely high since he doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, but he can still provide value Friday.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,500

Oubre is not a consistent offensive player, scoring seven points or less in three of his last eight games. He is still one of the Wizards primary weapons off the bench though and has grabbed at least five rebounds in four of his last six games. He has upside when his shot is falling, evident by his performance Thursday against the Cavaliers when he scored 17 points and hit three three-pointers. If Oubre was consistent offensively, he wouldn’t be priced this low. Based on the significant amount of playing time he receives off the bench and his potential ceiling, he is a viable option to consider.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

Marcus Morris, BOS at DET
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Celtics were quiet at the trade deadline with the only move they made being the signing of Greg Monroe after he was bought out by the Suns. They still don’t have a lot of great offensive weapons outside of Kyrie Irving, leaving Morris as one of their better scorers. His usage rate of 22.6% isn’t overly impressive, but it is second highest on the team. Morris is averaging 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in five February games and could provide value again Friday.

Jae Crowder, UTA vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Crowder’s brief tenure with the Cavaliers was a disaster, so things could only go up from there. He’s showed early signs that the change of scenery has been beneficial, averaging 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 2.0 three-pointers in three games with the Jazz. He averaged 29 minutes during that stretch as well, which is almost four minutes more than he was averaging in Cleveland. Expect him to have an increased role moving forward, which makes him someone to consider at this cheap price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/23/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at IND
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700

Dedmon is expected to stay in the starting lineup for the time being, which is a big boost for his value. In 24 starts this season, he is averaging 11.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He is also averaging 25 minutes per game as a starter compared to only 21 minutes per game off the bench. Friday brings a favorable matchup against the Pacers, who allow the third most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers. As long as he sticks in the starting lineup, he’s a viable option for your entry.

Alex Len, PHO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,800

Len hasn’t always received consistent playing time this season but could be in line for an expanded role Friday with Tyson Chandler (neck) doubtful to play. Chandler didn’t play in the team’s last game before the break against the Jazz either, which resulted in Len logging 38 minutes. Len took full advantage of the opportunity, scoring 14 points to go along with seven rebounds, five blocks, and three steals. The Suns are going to need his size to battle with DeAndre Jordan in this game, giving Len the potential to provide significant value.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

The NBA returns Thursday with six games on the schedule. Even on a night with limited games, there are still some cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers that could help you create a winning entry. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the value players that are low-owned on FanDuel and DraftKings like Allen Crabbe and Quincy Acy.

 

Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

Tomas Satoransky, WAS at CLE
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500

Satoransky took over as the starting point guard when John Wall (knee) was injured, but Tim Frazier was still pushing him for playing time. Satoransky has separated himself from Frazier though, averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks in seven games in February. He also has a 16.4% usage rate this month, which is significantly higher than in any previous month this season. His price is starting to climb, but it’s still low enough to provide value Thursday.

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY at ORL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Mudiay is averaging 23 minutes in his first three games with the Knicks this season, five more than he was averaging with the Nuggets. While his numbers don’t jump off the page, he is averaging a respectable 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and one steal with his new squad. The good news is the Knicks said they are going to give Mudiay more minutes down the stretch, which could provide a significant boost to his value. The Magic allow the most points on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Mudiay someone to consider at this cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600

Bogdanovic was playing well heading into the All-Star break, averaging 15.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.6 three-pointers in his last five games. The Kings are already giving their young players more playing time, resulting in Bogdanovic averaging at least 30 minutes per game in both January and February. The Thunder are tough defensively, but Bogdanovic’s ability to contribute in multiple categories still makes him a viable option Thursday.

Rodney Hood, CLE vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,900

Hood hasn’t played more than 24 minutes in either of his first two games with the Cavaliers, but he shot a combined 7-for-14 from behind the arc in those contests. He won’t have as significant of a role as he did on the Jazz, but he can still provide an offensive spark off the bench with his ability to hit three’s. There aren’t a lot of great cheap options at shooting guard Thursday, especially on FanDuel. Hood’s ability to get hot even in limited playing time makes with worth considering at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

Allen Crabbe, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

A lot of teams got healthy during the break, but the Nets weren’t one of them. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) and Caris LeVert (knee) will both be out Thursday, marking the fifth straight game that both of them will miss. Crabbe thrived in the first four contests, averaging 25.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.3 three-pointers. The Nets play at the sixth-fastest pace (101 possessions per game) in the league, which should leave him with plenty of opportunities to produce again Thursday.

David Nwaba, CHI vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,500

The Bulls are not good by any stretch of the imagination, but it is surprising that they have already won 20 games this year. They didn’t deal away many veterans at the trade deadline but have made the decision to play their young players more starting Thursday. As a result, Nwaba will move into the starting lineup. Nwaba has played at least 30 minutes in a game six times this season, averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in those contests. He doesn’t have great upside, but when you combine added minutes with the fact that the Sixers play at the fifth-fastest pace (101.6) in the league, you get a viable option at a very cheap price.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,800

Nance played 25 minutes in the last game before the break, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, one steal and two blocks. Expect his playing time to increase closer to 30 minutes per game down the stretch, especially until Kevin Love (hand) returns. He’s already a threat to record a double-double on a nightly basis, which is significant value for someone in this price range. Don’t hesitate to add him to your lineup Thursday.

Quincy Acy, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,100

With Hollis-Jefferson and LeVert sidelined, Acy has played at least 31 minutes in three of the last four games. His numbers aren’t flashy, but he did average 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 three-pointers in those three contests. The Nets don’t have a lot of depth left up front, so expect Acy to see significant playing time again Thursday. If you want to go really cheap at power forward in tournament play, he might be worth the risk.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900

Allen started off February strong, averaging 15.8 points and 7.0 rebounds in his first four games. He’s taken a bit of a step back offensively since, averaging just 8.7 points in his last three games. These are the kind of inconsistencies you tend to see from a lot of rookies, so Allen is certainly not a reliable option. If he was though, he won’t be priced this low. The key is he has shown he can provide upside, making him someone worth considering for your entry.

Cristiano Felicio, CHI vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,000

Like Nwaba, Felicio is going to shift into the starting lineup Thursday. He signed a four-year contract over the summer after showing promising signs last year but was a disaster to start this season. He quickly fell out of the rotation, but the Bulls have nothing to play for at this point other than a high pick in the draft. Cheap centers are not easy to find, especially on a day with only six games. If you are playing in a tournament and want to go very cheap at the position, Felicio’s starting role at least brings him into the conversation. A final line somewhere around six points and eight rebounds with one block seems like a reasonable expectation.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*


Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19

It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 3 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards

The NBA has a short week due to the All-Star break, but players on the four teams that play three games each can give you a significant edge. Consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19

Larry Nance Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers

Nance has only averaged 23 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers but has had an immediate impact, averaging 9.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, one steal and one block. He was one rebound shy of posting a double-double in his second game and should continue to get more playing time as he gets acclimated to his new teammates. The Cavaliers have very little depth up front with Kevin Love (hand) out, furthering their need for Nance to become a significant contributor quickly. He’s still available in 51% of Yahoo! leagues and could be a valuable addition to your lineup this week.

Tomas Satoransky, Washington Wizards

The Wizards were dealt a significant blow when John Wall (knee) was injured, but Satoransky has stepped up in his absence to be a valuable fantasy contributor. In seven games in February, Satoransky is averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 three-pointers. This week he faces a Sixers team that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (101.6 possessions per game) in the league, a Cavaliers team that allows the fourth-most points per game (110) in the league and a bad Hornets squad. He’s still available in 70% of Yahoo! leagues and is an excellent option if you need a point guard.

T.J. McConnell, Philadelphia 76ers

McConnell’s production is very much hit or miss. In two of his last four games, he had at least 10 points, eight assists and two steals in each contest. In the other two games, he had four points, five assists and one steal combined. The good news is the Sixers have a great schedule this week, playing the Bulls, Magic, and Wizards. The Bulls and Magic are two of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing point guards and the Wizards are without their best player at the position. McConnell is a bit risky, but he has upside with the added games. He’s still available in 87% of Yahoo! leagues and is someone to consider adding.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 1 Game Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors

With just four teams playing one game each this week, you could be at a significant disadvantage if you have any of those players on your team. Consider benching the players below who you might otherwise have in your starting lineup as a result.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Turner has been a disappoint this season, averaging only 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He’s still providing a lot of blocks, but he doesn’t record many steals and is shooting a career-low 48.8% from the field. With just six double-doubles this season, it will be tough to get enough production from him during a one-game week. Put him on your bench until the schedule swings back in his favor with four games in Week 20.

Dennis Schroder, Atlanta Hawks

Schroder is the best player on the rebuilding Hawks, resulting in a 30.4% usage rate that ranks inside the top-10 in the league. He hasn’t been outstanding outside of scoring though, averaging 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.1 steals this season. Based on his inability to contribute across the board, it’s hard to justify starting him on your squad with only one game this week.

Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets

Fantasy owners aren’t going to complain about the production they have received from Dinwiddie this season. He’s averaging career-highs across the board with 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.9 three-pointers per game. He continues to hold onto a starting role even with D’Angelo Russell finally healthy. His overall numbers carry value, but not enough in a week with just one game. Put him on your bench for now, but take solace in the fact that the Nets play four games in Week 20.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Thursday brings just two games in the NBA, but there are still great players taking the floor and money to be won in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the players to hopefully help you win some money like Eric Bledsoe and Kyle Kuzma.

 

Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100

Bledsoe is in the midst of one of his best stretches since being traded to the Bucks, averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in his last five games. He has the second-highest usage rate (27.1%) on the team and should continue to be one of the focal points of their offense moving forward. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Bledsoe an excellent option at a reasonable price Thursday.

Jeff Teague, MIN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200

Teague’s scoring average is down at just 12.9 points per game this season, but that was to be expected playing for a team that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, and Andrew Wiggins. He’s still managed to provide value though by averaging 7.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He gets a favorable matchup Friday as the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103 possessions per game) in the league. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but he can still provide value for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Will Barton, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,800

Barton is getting a ton of playing time for the Nuggets, logging at least 34 minutes in 10 of his last 11 games. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds. 4.6 assists and 2.1 three-pointers in those 10 contests. The Nuggets have moved Barton into the starting lineup as they push towards the playoffs, giving him a significant boost in value. On a night with limited options, Barton stands out as a great choice at shooting guard.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100

The Lakers are still thin at guard with Lonzo Ball (knee) injured, leaving Caldwell-Pope to play at least 31 minutes in three straight games. Even though his usage rate is only 17.2% this season, the pace at which the Lakers play and the added playing time helps give Caldwell-Pope value. The Timberwolves have struggled on defense at times this season, making Caldwell-Pope someone to consider at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $11,700
DraftKings = $10,700

On a night with so few games, you want to make sure you get at least one elite player into your lineup. Giannis might be that player Thursday, with his 31.8% usage rate that ranks fifth-highest in the league. He’s much more than just a scorer though, averaging 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He will eat up a significant portion of your budget, but he should be worth it Thursday.

Brandon Ingram, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,300

Ingram continues to provide an offensive spark for the Lakers, averaging 20 points in his last six games. He’s been asked to help facilitate the offense with Ball out as well, averaging 5.7 assists over that same stretch. Even with Isaiah Thomas now on the Lakers, Ingram should still see an increase in assists until Ball returns. Ball is expected back after the All-Star break, so take advantage of Ingram’s added value Thursday while you can.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Kyle Kuzma, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,000

Kuzma has shown he can provide tremendous value when given the opportunity but has seen limited minutes when the Lakers are healthy up front. However, the trade that sent Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers has now freed up playing time for Kuzma. He’s been excellent in the three games since Nance was traded, averaging 17.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers. Power forward is especially shallow on FanDuel with only two games, leaving Kuzma as one of the better options Thursday.

Trey Lyles, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Lyles has been a valuable member of the Nuggets’ bench, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and a block in six games in February. His playing time is down a bit from the previous two months, but his usage in February is a season-high at 23.8%. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Lyles significant role and cheap price make him worth considering for your entry.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18

Nikola Jokic, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $9,800

Jokic’s ability to contribute across the board leaves him tremendous upside, evident by the fact that he has two triple-doubles in his last six games. Things couldn’t shape up much better for him Thursday as the Bucks allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He and Karl-Anthony Towns stand out at the position Thursday, but Jokic could finish with the best numbers, especially if the Timberwolves get a big lead on the lowly Lakers.

Tyler Zeller, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900

The Bucks will be without starting center John Henson (hamstring) on Thursday, marking the third straight game that he has missed. Zeller played at least 22 minutes in each of the previous two games without Henson, averaging 9.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With Jokic and Towns being by far the best options at center Thursday, it might be wise to pay up to get one of them into your lineup. However, if you need to save money at the position, Zeller is a cheap option to consider.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Wednesday brings a packed night in the NBA with 12 games on the schedule. With so many options to choose from, selecting the correct cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers could make the difference in bringing home some money. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the value players that are low-owned on FanDuel and DraftKings like Emmanuel Mudiay and Marcus Morris.

 

Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Fred VanVleet, TOR at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,500

VanVleet has been one of the most productive players off the bench for the Raptors, averaging 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 three-pointers in his last eight games. He is shooting career-highs from the field (43.5%), from the charity stripe (86.7%) and from behind the arc (41.4%), which has allowed him to be productive even in limited minutes. The Bulls allow the seventh-most points per game (109) in the league, leaving VanVleet as someone to consider for Wednesday.

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,500

Mudiay has had mixed results in his first two games with the Knicks, but the good news is that he played at least 19 minutes in both contests. He played more minutes than Jarrett Jack in both games and should be in line for added playing time moving forward. He showed his potential by scoring 14 points and dishing out 10 assists Sunday, which is excellent production at this price. The Wizards could be very thin at point guard Wednesday with Tim Frazier (nose) out and Tomas Satoransky (head) questionable, giving Mudiay the potential to provide value.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Nicolas Batum, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,200

Batum might not be highly owned Wednesday because he averaged just 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in his last two games. He was very productive before those struggles though, averaging 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his previous six contests. The Magic have struggled to defend opposing shooting guards, allowing the fourth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to the position. The Magic also play at the seventh-fastest pace (100.8 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Batum with upside in this game.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at HOU
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,400

The Kings have shifted towards giving their young players more playing time, leading Bogdanovic to log at least 31 minutes in four straight games. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 three-pointers per game. The Rockets score the second-most points per game (114.4) in the league, so the Kings are going to need all the offense they can get from Bogdanovic to keep this game close. He is worth considering for your entry as a result.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at BKN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,600

Bogdanovic has stepped up his offensive game lately, averaging 20.0 points and 3.0 three-pointers in his last six games. He’s been extremely efficient, shooting 54.3% from the field during that stretch. He gets an excellent matchup Wednesday against the Nets, who play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.2) and allow the fifth-most points per game (109.7) in the league. He doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, but he doesn’t need to in order to have value at this price.

Reggie Bullock, DET vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Bullock continues to get extended playing time with Avery Bradley out of the picture, logging at least 34 minutes in six of his last seven games. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 20 times this season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 three-pointers in those contests. He just scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against these same Hawks on Sunday, which is not surprising considering their struggles. Bullock could be in line for a productive evening in their rematch.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Bam Adebayo, MIA at PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

With Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) out and the Heat benching Hassan Whiteside during the fourth quarter of games, Adebayo has gained added opportunities to produce. He has shown that he has upside, posting a double-double in three of his last six games. The Heat just played the Sixers earlier this month and Adebayo finished that game with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on him again Wednesday.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,200

The Celtics are a great team, but they have scored the sixth-fewest points per game (102.9) in the league this season. Outside of Kyrie Irving, Morris might be one of the best scoring options on their roster. His usage rate of 23.1% certainly indicates that as it is the second-highest on the team. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (100.6) in the league, so Morris could have added opportunities to provide value in this game.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18

Myles Turner, IND at BKN
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,800

Turner isn’t very cheap, but he certainly won’t kill your budget. He’s struggling right now, scoring 13 points or less and grabbing six rebounds or less in three of his last four games. Wednesday could be an entirely different story though because the Nets allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers. Turner has already faced them three times this season, averaging 20.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in those contests. He has tremendous upside Wednesday.

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,500

Dedmon has started the last two games for the Hawks, averaging 16.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block. While it doesn’t make a lot of sense to move him back into the starting lineup instead of giving John Collins a chance to shine, it’s good news for everyone who plays DFS. If Dedmon is going to continue to play around 30 minutes per game, he’s going to be a double-double threat on a nightly basis. He just scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against the Pistons on Sunday and could provide valuable numbers again in their rematch.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/13/18

by Austyn Varney 0 Comments

*Austyn Varney*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/13/18

Tuesday’s 6-game slate leaves slim opportunities. You know who the studs are, but do you know who the cheaper daily fantasy basketball sleepers are that could make your lineup stand out amongst the rest in a GPP? Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter most and find the value players that are low-owned on Draftkings & Fanduel like Davis Bertans and Raymond Felton.



Use the code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package (including playoffs)

Point Guard

Raymond Felton
FD $5,000 DK $4,900

We open up tonight’s 6-game slate with a play that’s fully dependent on injury news. Russell Westbrook is currently questionable to play and has missed the last 2 games. Felton picked up 33 and 31 minutes and put up 22 and 32 fantasy points. The Cavs are ranked 29th against PG’s on the season, but let’s not be nieve. George Hill is a lot better of a defender than anyone the Cavs have had and they will slowly improve. With that being said, he’s not amazing and will not shut down anyone. If Russell Westbrook is once again ruled out, Felton can be locked in for 30 minutes and 25 fantasy points. This match-up between the Thunder and Cavaliers is an extremely fun one tonight and we’ll be looking to get as much exposure as possible with a high total and low spread. Felton will be in 100% of my cash games and tournaments if Westbrook is ruled out.

George Hill
FD $4,800 DK $4,900

Speaking of George Hill, he’s certainly in play. He looked like a completely different player in a Cavs uniform than he has in Sacramento and it’s not at all surprising. He’s always been a huge competitor and seems to thrive off of relevancy. He’s a great defender and will be on the court a ton if Westbrook is ruled in. Even if he’s not, it’s safe to expect at least 20-25 minutes. The road to 30+ minutes should be slow, but it might not be. There is still a ton of upside at this insanely low price, so you can absolutely play him in all formats. I’ll have a lot more of Hill if Westbrook is ruled in, as he’ll pull all interest away from Felton. Point guard is always important and you’ll need to get it right on this slate with some solid expensive options.

Shooting Guard

Andrew Wiggins
FD $6,200 DK $6,200

I try to focus on some of the cheaper options at each position, but we know SG is usually pretty tough to pay down at. You’ll often find your main value guys around $4k or $5k, opposed to the typical minimum-priced guy at each other position. Tonight, we’ll look at 2 mid-priced options here. The first is Andrew Wiggins, who figures to match-up with James Harden. That’s all that really needs to be said. Wiggins is back to his normal self and is a lot more comfortable in the offense than he was earlier in the season. He’s putting up 20+ every night and typically sitting around 35 in solid match-ups. He’s always a bit reliant on his scoring, but that should be fine in a game with a 222 total and 2.5 point spread. If you’re wanting exposure to this game, Wiggins is an extremely easy choice at a lackluster SG position.

Rodney Hood
FD $5,000 DK $4,800

We’re on to another new Cavalier in Rodney Hood, who’ll inevitably be in the $6 or $7k’s very soon. He only saw 18 minutes in a blowout against the Celtics, but still put up 20+ fantasy points. He would have easily seen close to 25 minutes and should easily get there tonight, assuming the game stays close. Hood is going to be a huge part of this team before long and he’s always been a dynamic DFS player when on the floor. As of now, Hood is just $5k. He needs you 25 fantasy points and it shouldn’t be a problem at all if the game stays close. I do prefer Wiggins and will try to pay up, but there is still a lot of safety and tournament upside here with Rodney Hood. Don’t be afraid of the 18 minutes in that blowout.

Small Forward

Taurean Prince
FD $4,000 DK $4,700

If you’re looking to pay down at small forward, it’ll be kind of tough. PG and PF are the real spots to pay down tonight and everywhere else is just a tad bit reaching. With that being said, Taurean Prince is a guy I will have decent exposure to. He’s simply too cheap and always a solid option. While he saw 22 minutes last game, he’s been between 26 and 32 minutes on most nights since January. His price is now far below $5k on both sites and you’re only looking for 20 fantasy points. The Milwaukee Bucks rank 21st against small forwards and it’s safe to assume Khris Middleton will be on him, opposed to Giannis. I don’t love the upside prince has, but he’s cheap and pretty safe in cash games.

LeBron James
FD $11,500 DK $11,500

I know, quite the value play. I just didn’t want to pass up LeBron here as my favorite play on the entire slate. We know the hype behind this new Cavs squad and nobody is feeling it more than LeBron. He’s now the only catalyst for this offense and is going to see a usage rate well over 35%. His price is obviously up there, but he’s going to have the ball in his hands for 40 minutes against a fast-paced Thunder team. Paul George is obviously a good defender, but do yourself a favor and watch some LBJ highlights against the Pacers. He doesn’t have much trouble. This is a game I’m all over tonight and I will have 100% LeBron James. Small forward is one of the weaker position on the slate and LeBron can erase all of that. Don’t try to get cute with another value play.

Power Forward

Davis Bertans
FD $5,000 DK $4,800

With LaMarcus Aldridge remaining out, you can count on Davis Bertans for an encore of last night. Against the Jazz, he played 28 minutes and put up 29 fantasy points. He’s always extremely reliable when on the floor with a 1.02 FP per minute and it just depends on the opportunity he has. Tonight, the match-up with Denver is far better. He now has a solid match-up as well, so we could be looking at a bit of upside. His price is still under $5k on both sites and you’re only needing about 20-25 fantasy points. He’s a very safe option with plenty of upside in tournaments.

Patrick Patterson
FD $3,900 DK $3,800

If Carmelo Anthony is ruled out, you can certainly punt with Patrick Patterson. Over the last 3 games, he’s seen 35, 29, and 25 minutes. At close to minimum-price, even the 25 minutes doesn’t kill you. If he sees 29 or 35, you’re way in the money against a Cavs team that gives it up to bigs. Jerami Grant will also be locked into 30ish minutes, but he’s just not cheap enough for me to lock him into my cash games. If Melo is ruled out, I have no problem getting more exposure to this game with a punt PF that can shoot the 3 and rebound against Cleveland. If Melo is in, completely ignore Patterson.

Center

Pau Gasol
FD $6,000 DK $5,600

Pau put up 50 fantasy points with LMA out last game and while it’s ambitious to expect, it’s not crazy. He is this good of a player and he’s only not over 30 FP every night because of Popovich and his brain. If Gasol was on the T-Wolves with the moron that is Tom Thibodeau, he put be putting 40 FP a night and be dead by April. The only problem people may have with Gasol is the 33 minutes last night. With the ASB coming up, I don’t think it’s a worry AT ALL. If this game stays close, expect another 28-33 minutes out of Gasol and 30-40 FP against a weak Denver interior.

Tristan Thompson
FD $4,500 DK $4,500

Nobody loves rostering Tristan Thompson, but we all know he’s the motor of this team. LeBron is obviously the man, but you know when the Cavs are playing well. it’s when Thompson is all over the place and somehow making a difference on every ball in the paint. We saw it last game, even without a big FP performance. He’s going to continue seeing minutes with this new style of team and his price is very low at just $4.5k. You’re looking for 15-20 in cash games, which is 3 quarters of meh basketball against the Thunder for Thompson. He’s a guy I’ll have a lot of in tournaments, but Gasol is in too good of a spot for me to overlook.

 

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*


Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 2 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

The NBA All-Star break comes this week, meaning no team will play more than two games. However, with 22 teams each playing two games, you might not need a lot of help this week filling out your roster. If you do, consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

Dewayne Dedmon, Atlanta Hawks

Since returning from injury, Dedmon has mostly come off the bench for the Hawks. However, they decided to change things up Sunday and started Dedmon against the Pistons. He played 31 minutes as a result, finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and one block. The Hawks won the game and coach Mike Budenholzer said afterward that they would probably stick with the same starting lineup moving forward. That’s good news for Dedmon, especially since one of his two games this week comes against a Bucks team that struggles to defend centers and the other comes against the Pistons again. He’s still available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues and could give you a boost at center this week.

D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic

The Magic traded Elfrid Payton to the Suns, opening up the starting point guard role for Augustin. He played 35 minutes in the Magic’s first game without Payton, scoring 18 points to go along with nine assists, two steals, and two three-pointers. However, he played just 23 minutes Saturday against the Bucks as Shelvin Mack had the hot hand, logging 28 minutes and posting a double-double. Augustin should continue to start going forward and will likely play closer to 30 minutes on a nightly basis. He gets to face two bad teams in the Bulls and Hornets this week, leaving him with upside. If you need help at point guard, he is still available in 69% of Yahoo! leagues.

Emmanuel Mudiay, New York Knicks

Mudiay thrived in his debut with the Knicks on Sunday, scoring 14 points to go along with 10 assists in 29 minutes. The Knicks are going nowhere with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out for the season and have stated they want to give their young players an extended look moving forward. Starting point guard Jarrett Jack played only eight minutes Sunday and might not play much down the stretch. Mudiay is still available in 81% of Yahoo! leagues and is worth considering if you need help this week.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 1 Game Each
Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards

Eight teams play only one game each this week, leaving their players with limited upside. As a result, consider benching the players below who you might otherwise have in your starting lineup.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic left Sunday’s game against the Jazz and did not return due to lower back soreness and pain in his right hip. With only one game this week, it’s possible the Trail Blazers sit him so he gets extended rest over the break. Even if he does play, it’s not a good matchup against a Warriors team that likes to use a lot of small lineups. It’s not worth the risk starting him this week based on his limited potential.

Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks

Barnes has been one of the best offensive players on the Mavericks this season, averaging 18.3 points and 1.4 three-pointers per game. The problem is, he provides very little production in terms of assists, steals and blocks and his 6.6 rebounds per game isn’t a difference maker either. Since he usually doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, it might not be a bad idea to sit him this week if you need help in other categories.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Tatum has been excellent for the Celtics this year, but his game doesn’t always translate to great fantasy production. He hasn’t excelled in any one area, averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds. 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers per game. Those types of numbers can be valuable on a week where he has extra games, but with only one game this week, the best decision might be to place him on your bench.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18

Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Jeff Teague, MIN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,900

Teague has limited upside because of his lack of scoring opportunities playing alongside Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins. There is still the potential for value though under the right circumstances because he is averaging 33 minutes per game this season. He scored 14 points and dished out 15 assists Wednesday in a favorable matchup against a Cavaliers team that struggles to defend point guards. He gets a similar opponent Friday as the Bulls allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the third-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. At this reasonable price, Teague has upside.

Joe Young, IND at BOS
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,000

The Pacers are without starting point guard Darren Collison (knee), which could open up some extra minutes for Young. In the first game that Collison missed Monday against the Wizards, Young played 28 minutes and scored 17 points to go along with five three-pointers. It’s important to note that Victor Oladipo also did not play in that game, but he should be fine for Friday. Young may not see the same amount of minutes, but his shooting performance could still lead to a somewhat expanded role. Considering he is dirt cheap on both sites, it might be worth taking a chance on him in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Nicolas Batum, CHA at UTA
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,500

While the Hornets may have been looking to deal Batum leading up to the NBA trade deadline Thursday, he ultimately was not traded and should continue to have a significant role with the team. Not only is Batum averaging 18.5 points in his last six games, but he also dished out at least five assists in four of those contests. His ability to provide numbers across the board gives him value, making him someone to consider for your entry again Friday.

J.R. Smith, CLE at ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,800

The Cavaliers were very active at the deadline Thursday, making several key moves as they push towards a long playoff run. While they created more quality depth, their new players are not expected to be available to play Friday. This leaves a lot of extra minutes for the players who are still available, including Smith. Smith can score in a hurry and gets to face a bad Hawks defense, making him a viable option at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Stanley Johnson, DET vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,100

Johnson has seen an expanded role since the Clippers traded away Avery Bradley, logging at least 34 minutes in four straight games. His production hasn’t been off the charts, but he’s averaged a respectable 13.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals during that stretch. The Pistons did add a couple of players to their bench at the deadline, but no one who should significantly impact Johnson’s playing time Friday. His upside isn’t that high, but he is still someone to consider based on his price.

Taurean Prince, ATL vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900

Prince has flashed his potential but has been very inconsistent this season overall. In his last six games, he has scored at least 19 points twice but scored five points or less three times. That’s a wild swing. The good news for Friday is that he plays a Cavaliers team that will not only be lacking depth, but the players left are not exactly world class defenders. If you want to take a chance on a cheap small forward in tournament play, Prince could help you cash in if his shot is falling.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

John Collins, ATL vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,800

The Hawks didn’t make any significant trades to free up minutes for Collins on Thursday, which could hinder his long-term value. There is still the possibility that they buy out one of their veterans, but it appears Collins minutes will continue to be limited for now. However, despite playing just 26 minutes in both of his last two games, he still averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds. With the Cavaliers depth issues Friday, Collins could still provide value for your entry.

Jeff Green, CLE at ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,500

Green is another player on the Cavaliers who should benefit from their short rotations Friday. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game only twice this season, but averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in those two contests. He could be in line for similar playing time in this game, so don’t be afraid to take a chance on him in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Jusuf Nurkic, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,000

The Trail Blazers did not make any significant additions to their frontcourt Thursday, leaving Nurkic to anchor them in the middle for the foreseeable future. He’s not always the most consistent option, but he has scored at least 12 points and grabbed at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games. The Kings allow the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fifth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers, leaving Nurkic as someone to consider for your lineup.

Greg Monroe, BOS vs. IND
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Monroe made his debut with the Celtics on Thursday, scoring five points to go along with six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 20 minutes. He only took five shots in the game, but expect his role in the offense to expand as he becomes more familiar with his teammates. Friday brings a favorable matchup as the Pacers allow the third-most points per game on FanDuel and the second-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He won’t cost much, leaving him as a viable option.