https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/ Best Daily Fantasy Lineup Optimizer for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo. Generate winning DFS lineups for NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:16:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.2 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-flask-150x150.png https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/ 32 32 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-11-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-11-2020/#respond Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:16:55 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10743 Wednesday brings a limited six-game slate in the NBA. There will still be some big names in action with the Pelicans, Nuggets and Hawks among the teams set to take the floor.]]>

Wednesday brings a limited six-game slate in the NBA. There will still be some big names in action with the Pelicans, Nuggets and Hawks among the teams set to take the floor. Let’s dive into the matchups and discuss some of the better options to target across the price scale. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Trae Young, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $10,400

Young had a big night during the Hawks double-overtime win over the Hornets on Monday, posting 31 points, four rebounds and 16 assists. The two extra periods certainly helped him, but so did the fact that the Hornets have the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league. Now he’ll face a Knicks team that has the eighth-worst mark in that department. In two previous meetings with them this season, Young averaged 45 points and 10.5 assists. If there was ever a night to pay up for him, this might be it.

Goran Dragic, MIA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,500

The Heat have plenty of injury concerns heading into this game since Jimmy Butler (toe), Kendrick Nunn (illness) and Tyler Herro (foot) are all questionable. If any of them are unable to take the floor, that could mean a significant increase in scoring opportunities for Dragic. Given the Hornets’ struggles on the defensive end that I already detailed, Dragic is someone to strongly consider, especially if multiple players are ruled out.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Huerter has been dealing with a sore groin, but that didn’t stop him from logging 46 minutes in that game against the Hornets. The Hawks have leaned on him heavily down the stretch, playing him an average of 38 minutes across their last 17 games. He cashed in the added opportunities to average 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.7 three-pointers during that stretch.

Duncan Robinson, MIA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $6,000

Regardless of the status of the three questionable players on the Heat, Robinson is someone you’re going to want to at least consider for your entry. He’s been locked in from behind the arc, averaging 5.3 three-pointers across his last nine games. Although his price on DraftKings is a bit too high for my liking, it’s difficult to argue against deploying him at his price on FanDuel.

SMALL FORWARDS

Cam Reddish, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900

Reddish looks to be in line for extended run down the stretch. He’s averaged 30 minutes across his last nine games, which included a game against the Grizzlies in which he only logged 12 minutes after leaving with a leg cramp. While he’s not a great passer, the added minutes did enable him to average 17 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals during that nine-game stretch. There’s no reason to believe that he will see a decline in minutes here, making him a great cheaper target.

De’Andre Hunter, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,300

Yes, you’re going to see a lot of Hawks on my list for this slate. The Knicks’ defensive deficiencies combined with the Hawks playing at an up-tempo pace makes a lot of the players on their team appealing. Hunter is another promising young player who they have given more playing time to down the stretch. He’s rewarded them by averaging 13.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 three-points across 35 minutes a night over his last 12 games.

POWER FORWARDS

John Collins, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $9,100

Building your lineup around Young and Collins could be a sound strategy. Collins has been an absolute monster as Young’s main running mate, putting him on pace to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds for the first time in his career. He’s also stepped up in the blocks department, averaging 1.6 of them a game. When these two teams met just over a month ago, Collins dominated with 32 points and 16 rebounds. Expect him to thrive in their rematch, as well.

Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Mavericks just played Tuesday, which is going to make them a team to monitor leading up to lineup lock. Don’t be surprised to see Luka Doncic and/or Kristaps Porzingis sit out. If Porzingis is out, Kleber is almost a must play at this price. Across 21 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes this season, he’s averaged 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 2.2 three-pointers.

CENTERS

Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $9,000

Not much of an argument needs to be made for deploying Adebayo in DFS whenever the Heat are on the slate. He’s become one of the focal points of the team, leaving him with a ton of playing time and opportunities to contribute in multiple categories. This is a great matchup for him to keep rolling since the Hornets have allowed the fourth-most FanDuel points per game and the ninth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings since he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

Dwayne Dedmon, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,700

This is the last player on the Hawks that I’ll mention. I promise. If you’re looking to fade Adebayo, don’t sleep on Dedmon. The Hawks will need his size against the Knicks deep front court, who he logged 33 minutes against when they last met. While his numbers weren’t off the charts, he did record 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in that contest.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-11-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-10-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-10-2020/#respond Tue, 10 Mar 2020 14:44:48 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10731 We will have plenty of action in the NBA on Tuesday with nine games on the schedule.]]>

We will have plenty of action in the NBA on Tuesday with nine games on the schedule. With so many options to choose from, let’s get right down to business and highlight a couple of appealing players at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Russell Westbrook, HOU vs. MIN
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $10,100

This should be a high-scoring affair with both the Rockets and the Timberwolves ranked inside the top-four in the league in pace of play. That could mean a big night is coming from Westbrook, who is averaging 32.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals across his last 21 games. His rebounding and assists numbers have declined compared to last season with the Thunder, but he’s helped somewhat offset that by posting a 35.9 percent usage rate that ranks fifth-highest in the NBA.

Matthew Dellavedova, CLE at CHI
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,000

Injuries have really hit the Cavaliers hard at the guard spot. Darius Garland (groin), Kevin Porter Jr. (concussion) and Dante Exum (ankle) were all out both of the last two games and will once again be sidelined for this contest. Dellavedova was given the start in both of those contests and came away with averages of 10.5 points, four rebounds and 12.5 assists. With a heavy dose of playing time likely coming his way once again, he makes for a great tournament option.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Devin Booker, PHO at POR
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $8,800

These two teams just faced off Friday and Booker had a big line with 23 points, five rebounds and 12 assists. It could have been even better had he not shot just 8-for-20 from the field. If Deandre Ayton (ankle) is out again, Booker will have the bulk of the Suns’ scoring responsibilities squarely on his shoulders. Even if Ayton does take the floor, Booker could still provide a great stat line with the Blazers sporting the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league.

Terrence Ross, ORL at MEM
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,800

The loss of Evan Fournier (elbow) means the Magic need Ross to score now more than ever. He has been dialed in lately, averaging 22 points and shooting 49.6 percent from the field across the last nine games. He averaged 30 minutes a game during that stretch, which is a significant increase from his season average of 27 minutes a night. The Grizzlies have played at the sixth-fastest pace in the league, which should afford Ross with even more scoring opportunities.

SMALL FORWARDS

Otto Porter Jr., CHI vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

The Bulls are understandably bringing Porter along slowly after he missed most of the season because of injury. The good news is that he jumped up to 25 minutes against the Nets on Sunday after logging 19 minutes or fewer in each of his previous three games. He cashed in the added playing time to produce 23 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals. The Cavaliers have the second-worst defensive rating, so if Porter continues to have an expanded role, he could provide significant value.

Cedi Osman, CLE at CHI
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,400

Osman has pretty contrasting prices on FanDuel and DraftKings. I like him much more on FanDuel, although he could still be worth considering on DraftKings. Playing time has not been hard for him to come by considering he’s logged at least 37 minutes in four straight games. He converted those extra minutes into averages of 16.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals.

POWER FORWARDS

Aaron Gordon, ORL at MEM
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $7,900

With all of their injuries, the Magic have no choice but to give Gordon a ton of playing time. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes across his last 10 games and has helped them stay in the playoff hunt by averaging 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.3 blocks during that stretch. With the up-tempo pace at which the Grizzlies have played and their injury issues up front, this is another great opportunity for Gordon to stuff the stat sheet.

Dario Saric, PHO at POR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,500

It’s been a mostly disappointing season for Saric, but injuries might be giving him a second chance to contribute down the stretch. He’s started each of the last six games, averaging 13 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. His best performance during that stretch came against these same Blazers on Friday when he recorded 24 points, eight rebounds and three steals. If Ayton is out again, he could be a steal at this price.

CENTERS

Nikola Vucevic, ORL at MEM
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $9,100

The combination of a limited depth chart and an opponent that plays at a fast pace makes several players on the Magic appealing, including Vucevic, who is the anchor of their offense. His 26 percent usage rate ranks inside the top-40 in the league and has him close to averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds for the second straight season. The Grizzlies had no answer for him the last time these two teams met, leaving Vucevic to finish with 23 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block.

Aron Baynes, PHO at POR
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,900

The key for Baynes will be the status of Ayton. If Ayton is out, Baynes is going to be a very popular option. When these two teams met last week, Baynes dominated with 37 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks. He followed that up with 24 points, seven rebounds and one block versus the Bucks on Sunday.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-10-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-9-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-9-2020/#respond Mon, 09 Mar 2020 14:56:38 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10719 Monday brings a quiet night in the NBA with only three games on the schedule.]]>

Monday brings a quiet night in the NBA with only three games on the schedule. With that in mind, let’s discuss a couple of players at each position to consider targeting. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Trae Young, ATL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $9,600
DraftKings = $10,300

After sitting out a game because of an illness, Young made his return Saturday against the Grizzlies. However, he wasn’t at his best, scoring 16 points on 4-for-16 shooting from the field. Now with some additional time to rest, Young has an excellent opportunity to get back to his productive ways against a Hornets team that has the seventh-worst defensive rating in the league.

Eric Bledsoe, MIL at DEN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,700

Giannis Antentokounmpo (knee) has been ruled out for this game, which will send ripple effects up and down the Bucks’ roster. He didn’t play Sunday against the Suns, which helped Bledsoe finish with 28 points. It’s no coincidence that Giannis didn’t play in each of the last three games in which Bledsoe has scored at least 28 points. He could prove to be one of the better bargains for this slate.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Khris Middleton, MIL at DEN
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $7,600

As promising as the night looks for Bledsoe, Middleton is even more appealing. He’s having the best offensive season of his career, partially because of his 26.2 percent usage rate. However, when Giannis is off the floor, Middleton’s usage rate jumps up to a whopping 33.9 percent. He’s almost a must for this slate, especially in cash contests. Of note, he is only eligible at shooting guard on FanDuel since he is listed at small forward on DraftKings.

Donte DiVincenzo, MIL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,800

DiVincenzo might not be a flashy option, but he’s not one that should be overlooked, either. Across the last four games, he’s averaged 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 26 minutes a night. Even though there is so much talent around him, it helps his cause that the Bucks have played at the fastest pace in the league. At this cheap price, he’s worth considering in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

Will Barton, DEN vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,000

After missing four straight games with an injury, it took Barton a few games to get back on track. He seems to back to his usual self now, averaging 17 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 three-pointers across the last five games. Even though the Nuggets have a ton of depth, Barton is locked into heavy playing time. He’s averaged 33 minutes a game this season, which is up from 28 minutes a night last season. The Bucks are a very good defensive team, but Barton should still provide a relatively high floor compared to his price.

Cam Reddish, ATL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Reddish was forced to leave Saturday’s game with lower-leg cramping, but he’s expected to play Monday. He’s been excellent for the Hawks down the stretch, averaging 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals across his last nine games. While you shouldn’t count on him to provide much in the way of assists, his scoring upside is appealing based on how poorly the Hornets have played on the defensive end.

POWER FORWARDS

John Collins, ATL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $8,600
DraftKings = $9,000

Collins sometimes doesn’t get the credit that he deserves playing in the shadow of Young. He’s been extremely productive with his averages of 23.9 points and 10.2 rebounds across his last 25 games. He surprisingly struggled to record blocks last season, but that hasn’t been a problem this season with him averaging 1.6 rejections a night. The Hornets front line leaves a lot to be desired, putting Collins in a position to shine.

P.J. Washington, CHA at ATL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,600

Washington has put together back-to-back games with at least 20 points, continuing what has been an encouraging rookie campaign. With so little talent up front to push him for playing time, Washington has averaged 33 minutes across the last 11 games. The Hawks have played at the sixth-fastest pace in the league, so his high minutes floor could go a long way towards helping him have a productive evening.

CENTERS

Brook Lopez, MIL at DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

With players like Young, Middleton and Collins so appealing, this might be a good night to save some money at center. If you want to go that route, Lopez might be your man. He should also benefit from Giannis being out for this game. He scored 18 points without Giannis on Sunday and although his rebounding numbers often leave a lot to be desired, he can help offset that with his shot-blocking abilities.

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,100

Dedmon and Lopez are so close in price on FanDuel that I’d roll with Lopez if you are trying to decide between the two. However, their difference is significant enough on DraftKings to make Dedmon worth discussing. Even though he’s not logging a ton of minutes, the Hawks’ up-tempo pace has still enabled him to average 7.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks across his last eight games. It should also help his cause here that the Hornets have allowed the fourth-most FanDuel points per game and the eighth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-9-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-5-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-5-2020/#respond Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:13:38 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10707 Thursday only brings us four games in the NBA, but at least it will be highlighted by a great matchup between the Clippers and Rockets. We also have a chance to win some money in DFS, so let's discuss a couple of players at each position to target.]]>

Thursday only brings us four games in the NBA, but at least it will be highlighted by a great matchup between the Clippers and Rockets. We also have a chance to win some money in DFS, so let’s discuss a couple of players at each position to target. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Kyle Lowry, TOR at GS
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $8,600

This is a favorable matchup for the Raptors since the Warriors have the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league. This game could also remain more competitive since Stephen Curry (hand) will be making his return. Lowry has averaged 19.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.4 steals across his last 10 games, so expect him to provide another well-rounded stat line in this contest.

Shake Milton, PHI at SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,500

With the Sixers dealing with so many injuries, Milton has become a key part of their starting lineup. Although he wasn’t great against the Lakers on Tuesday, he’s averaged 19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, five assists and 1.2 steals across five games since moving into the starting five. With plenty of minutes likely coming his way again, he’s worth a look despite his rising price tag.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Norman Powell, TOR at GS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,600

The key bit of news to monitor with regards to Powell is the status of Fred VanVleet (shoulder), who is listed as questionable after missing three straight games. Powell has been starting in his place and scored at least 22 points in each of those contests. It certainly helped his cause that he logged at least 36 minutes each time. If VanVleet is out again, Powell is an excellent option.

Furkan Korkmaz, PHI at SAC
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,500

If you’re looking for an option further down the price scale on the Sixers, Korkmaz might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play. He’s averaged 12.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists over the last six games and should continue to receive an expanded role off he bench. He can get hot from behind the arc in a hurry, which leaves him with some intriguing upside.

SMALL FORWARDS

Tobias Harris, PHI at SAC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $7,900

While the Sixers have asked several of their reserves to take on expanded roles, they need Harris to lead their offense. He didn’t exactly play his best against the Lakers, but he still scored 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting from the field. Before that, he had scored 34 and 25 points, respectively, with Ben Simmons (back) and Joel Embiid (shoulder) out. With all of the shots that he can handle likely coming his way, look for him to have another strong offensive showing.

Glenn Robinson III, PHI at SAC
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,000

Robinson might have earned himself more playing time considering how well he played against the Lakers. He logged 31 minutes off the bench, scoring 25 points to go along with four rebounds and a steal. When he was a member of the Warriors earlier this season, he showed that he can be productive when given an opportunity. At such a cheap price on both sites, rolling with him in tournament play could prove to be profitable.

POWER FORWARDS

Kawhi Leonard, LAC at HOU
FanDuel = $9,200
DraftKings = $9,300

This is a matchup that we could see again in the playoffs. What’s even more exciting is that both teams enter this contest healthy. Not much of an argument needs to me made for rolling with Leonard is DFS, especially with the Rockets playing at the fourth-fastest pace in the league. Of note, he is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at small forward on DraftKings.

Robert Covington, HOU vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,700

Covington is one of the key reasons why the Rockets have been able to go with such small lineups. He has the ability to defend multiple positions and is a good rebounder, which has helped him average 32 minutes a night since joining the team. His ability to contribute on the defensive end further increases his floor, making him an excellent option if you can’t afford to squeeze Leonard into your entry at his hefty price.

CENTERS

Nikola Jokic, DEN at CHA
FanDuel = $9,900
DraftKings = $9,500

Talk about a disappointing performance. The Nuggets should have soundly defeated the Warriors at home Tuesday, but they ended up losing by 16 points. They have a chance to rebound here against another bad team, which could mean big things from Jokic. The Hornets have been awful at slowing down opposing centers, allowing the third-most FanDuel points per game and the sixth-most DraftKings points per game to the position.

Harry Giles III, SAC vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,400

Give Giles credit. He’s been buried on the bench for most of the season, but now that he’s finally been given an opportunity to play more, he’s run with it. He’s averaged 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists across the last six games and should earn another start here with Richaun Holmes (shoulder) remaining in the sidelines. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings since he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-5-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-4-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-4-2020/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2020 13:38:15 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10698 There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games on the schedule.]]>

There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games on the schedule. With so many options to consider, let’s get right to it and discuss a couple of players to target at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Luka Doncic, DAL vs. NO
FanDuel = $10,400
DraftKings = $10,900

Doncic couldn’t get much going from behind the arc in a disappointing loss to the Bulls on Monday, converting only one of his eight attempts. Even with his off night, he produced 23 points, five rebounds, nine assists and one steal. With his ability to contribute in so many different areas and the Pelicans playing at the third-fastest pace in the league, Doncic should have plenty of opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.

Shabazz Napier, WAS at POR
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,000

Napier hasn’t exactly taken off since being moved into the starting five, averaging 9.3 points, two rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals over four games. The problem is that despite starting, he only averaged 26 minutes a game during that stretch. The Wizards just played Tuesday and could be defeated soundly on the road Wednesday by a Blazers team that expects to get Damian Lillard (groin) back, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Napier play a little more here. Given that the Blazers have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, Napier might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

D’Angelo Russell, MIN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $9,100

Despite him being healthy, the Timberwolves decided to rest Russel for one game of a back-to-back set that they had less than two weeks ago. They ended up being fined by the league, so the expectation is that Russell will take the floor this time around. If he does, this is an excellent spot for him to be productive with the Bulls missing their best perimeter defender in Kris Dunn (knee).

Jordan Clarkson, UTA at NY
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,900

This might seem like a significant mismatch, but the Knicks can be a tough out at home and the Jazz aren’t exactly soaring right now. One player who should receive significant playing time regardless of the score is Clarkson. He’s emerged as an important member of the second unit, averaging 18.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists across the last nine games.

SMALL FORWARDS

Kevin Porter Jr., CLE vs. BOS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,300

The Cavaliers will once again be shorthanded Wednesday with Darius Garland (groin) already ruled out. He didn’t play Monday against the Jazz, which enabled Porter to start and log 41 minutes. The added playing time provided him with a boost in production since he finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. The Celtics will be missing several of their starters for this game, so don’t be scared away from Porter just because he’s facing a good defensive team.

Denzel Valentine, CHI at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800

The Bulls will once again be without Zach LaVine (quad), so expect to see Coby White included in a lot of entries. He should be based on his recent production, but he’s not all that cheap anymore based on his recent hot streak. Another player who is cheap and should also benefit from LaVine being out is Valentine. He started in place of LaVine against the Mavericks, scoring 17 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists.

POWER FORWARDS

Kristaps Porzingis, DAL vs. NO
FanDuel = $9,400
DraftKings = $9,000

Porzingis received the night off Monday for rest, so he should be a full go for this matchup. He’s been extremely productive as the Mavericks make their push towards the playoffs, averaging 26 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.8 blocks over his last six games. With the up-tempo pace at which the Pelicans play, Porzingis certainly has a high floor. Of note, he is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

James Johnson, MIN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

The Timberwolves pulled off an impressive upset of the Pelicans on the road Tuesday. Johnson proved to be vital off the bench, posting 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. With Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) on the shelf, Johnson should continue to receive added playing time in this contest. Although his scoring numbers might fluctuate, his ability to contribute in multiple areas should put him on your radar.

CENTERS

Jonas Valanciunas, MEM at BKN
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $7,800

Valanciunas has put up some juicy double-doubles of late, including a performance against the Lakers on Friday in which he recorded 22 points and 19 rebounds. He followed that up with 15 points and 15 rebounds versus the Hawks on Monday. The Nets have continued to struggle to slow down opposing centers this season, so don’t be surprised if Valanciunas thrives in this game, as well.

Naz Reid, MIN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,100

Reid made the most of his 27 minutes Tuesday, posting 13 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks against the Pelicans. That marked his first double-double since moving into the starting five, although he just missed one Sunday with nine points and 12 rebounds against the Mavericks. If you’re looking to save some money at center, Reid is a viable target. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings since he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-4-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-3-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-3-2020/#respond Tue, 03 Mar 2020 17:17:43 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10685 Tuesday brings eight games in the NBA with injuries likely to play a key role in several contests. That leaves us with not only some excellent top-tier options, but also some cheap value plays worth considering.]]>

Tuesday brings eight games in the NBA with injuries likely to play a key role in several contests. That leaves us with not only some excellent top-tier options, but also some cheap value plays worth considering. Let’s break down a couple of the top players to target at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Kyle Lowry, TOR at PHO
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $8,100

Lowry’s gone into a bit of a shooting funk, hitting just 27.5 percent of his field goal attempts over the last three games. However, he did play a couple of good defensive teams in the Bucks and Nuggets. The same can’t be said for the Suns, who Lowry posted 13 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and one steal against less than two weeks ago. His price on DraftKings isn’t much of a bargain, but he’s very appealing on FanDuel.

Shake Milton, PHI at LAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $6,300

The Sixers are reeling because of injuries right now. They were a top-heavy team, to begin with, so losing Joel Embiid (shoulder), Ben Simmons (back) and Josh Richardson (concussion) is no small feat to overcome. Enter Milton, who has averaged 26 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 5.3 three-pointers over the last three games. With plenty of playing time likely coming his way here, he’s still a viable option despite his rising price tag.

SHOOTING GUARDS

D’Angelo Russell, MIN at NO
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $9,000

Russell hasn’t seen his production tail off one bit since joining the Timberwolves, averaging 23.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.4 steals across seven games. He averaged 18.4 shot attempts per game during that stretch and should remain very busy with Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) out. With both the Timberwolves and Pelicans ranked inside the top-four in the league in pace of play, Russell is certainly an appealing option.

Norman Powell, TOR at PHO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,700

Some news to monitor for heading into this game is the status of Fred VanVleet (shoulder), who is listed as questionable. He’s missed both of the Raptors’ last two games, which resulted in Powell starting and logging at least 36 minutes in both of those contests. He scored 22 points against the Hornets in the first game, then followed that up with 24 points and six rebounds against the Nuggets on Sunday. If VanVleet remains out, Powell should once again play an expanded role.

SMALL FORWARDS

LeBron James, LAL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $11,400

Anthony Davis (knee) was unable to play Sunday against the Pelicans and is listed as questionable for this matchup against the Sixers. It’s important to note that the game against the Pelicans came on the heels of playing Saturday, so it might have just been a case of the Lakers giving him some extra rest. Even if he does return for this game, James is still a great option given his ability to contribute in so many areas and the Sixers’ injury woes.

Juancho Hernangomez, MIN at NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,500

Hernangomez is finally getting a chance to play now that he’s on the Timberwolves after being buried on the bench with the Nuggets. Outside of a couple of bad games, he’s largely been productive with averages of 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists since joining the team. With secure playing time in hand, he could provide value based on his reasonable price on both sites.

POWER FORWARDS

Zion Williamson, NO vs. MIN
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $7,700

Williamson has quickly shown why everyone was so high on him heading into the draft. He’s been electric since returning from injury and has averaged 26.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists across his last 11 games. While he hasn’t provided much in terms of defensive stats and he’s shooting just 64.8 percent from the charity stripe, he’s been efficient from the field at 59.3 percent. The Timberwolves don’t have much size up front right now, so look for Williamson to feast.

Trey Lyles, SA at CHA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200

The Spurs will be forced to play this game without LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) and Jakob Poeltl (knee), so expect Lyles to be busy. He’s logged at least 37 minutes in back-to-back games because of their absences, which enabled him to record at least 20 points and six rebounds in both contests. Add in the Hornets having the seventh-worst defensive rating and Lyles becomes a great target.

CENTERS

Marquese Chriss, GS at DEN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

The Warriors don’t have much depth, to begin with, but could really be in trouble here with Draymond Green (knee) and Kevon Looney (hip) both listed as questionable. If they are both out, Chriss could play a ton. Even if they do take the floor, Chriss is locked into significant playing time now as the team’s starting center, which has resulted in him averaging 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks since taking on that role.

Harry Giles III, SAC vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600

It remains slim pickings at center for the Kings with Richaun Holmes (shoulder) and Marvin Bagley III (foot) out. Giles and Alex Len are left to carry the load at the position with Giles gaining the starting role. He’s starting to settle into his new job nicely, averaging 14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists over the last five games. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings since he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-3-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-2-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-2-2020/#respond Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:38:26 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10669 The NBA kicks off the week with seven games on the schedule Monday. Let's try to start things off on the right foot in DFS by highlighting a couple of players to consider at each position.]]>

The NBA kicks off the week with seven games on the schedule Monday. Let’s try to start things off on the right foot in DFS by highlighting a couple of players to consider at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Trae Young, ATL vs. MEM
FanDuel = $9,900
DraftKings = $10,400

Scoring shouldn’t be hard to come by in this game with both the Hawks and the Grizzlies ranked inside the top-seven in the league in pace of play. That should play right into the hands of Young, who has a 34.8 percent usage rate that is the fourth-highest mark in the league. If there was ever a time to pay up for him, this might be it.

Seth Curry, DAL at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $6,100

The move into the starting five has paid off for Curry. He’s become one of the key supporting players around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, averaging 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.7 three-pointers across the last six games. The Bulls have been a dumpster fire and are plagued by injuries, so they should be ill-equipped to slow down Curry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

C.J. McCollum, POR at ORL
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,300

It’s been tough sledding for the Blazers without Damian Lillard (groin). He’s expected to be out again Monday, leaving McCollum to once again lead their offense. He’s been up to the task so far, averaging 31.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, nine assists and four three-pointers across the last five games. Even though the Magic are a very good defensive team, McCollum’s high usage rate still makes him a viable option.

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,400

When Ross gets hot, he can put up points in bunches. He’s currently on a heater, averaging 19 points across the last seven games. He’s even chipped in 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals during that stretch. Given that the Blazers have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league, look for Ross to continue his recent run of success.

SMALL FORWARDS

Kevin Porter, CLE vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900

The Cavaliers are going to be shorthanded for this game with Darius Garland (groin) and Dante Exum (ankle) out. That should leave added playing time for Porter, who has generally taken advantage when he has been given an expanded role. He’s already logged at least 27 minutes in four straight games, averaging 16.3 points, five rebounds and 4.3 assists during that stretch.

De’Andre Hunter, ATL vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,000

Small forward is a good spot to save money for this slate, especially on FanDuel. Hunter doesn’t grab a lot of headlines playing alongside Young and John Collins, but the rookie has shown plenty of promise. He’s even stepped up his production lately, averaging 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals over his last 13 games. If you’re looking for some cheap exposure to this potentially high scoring game, look no further.

POWER FORWARDS

Aaron Gordon, ORL vs. POR
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $8,300

Outside of a bad game against the Spurs on Saturday, Gordon has been great for a Magic team that is trying to hang onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. His performance during the month of February was strong, in general, with him averaging 18.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals across 12 games. Factoring in the Blazers’ terrible defense, Gordon could start off the month of March strong, as well.

Trey Lyles, SA vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,800

The Spurs don’t really have a choice but to give Lyles extended minutes in this game. LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder) is doubtful and Jakob Poeltl (knee) has been ruled out. Aldridge was also out Saturday against the Magic, which was also the same game that Poeltl suffered his injury, limiting him to four minutes. That left Lyles to log 40 minutes and finish with 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block.

CENTERS

Nikola Vucevic, ORL vs. POR
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings = $8,400

Not much of argument needs to be made for deploying Vucevic. Even though his shooting percentage has declined compared to last season, it’s difficult to complain about a guy averaging 19.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. The Blazers have very little size outside of Hassan Whiteside, so look for Vucevic to take advantage.

Wendell Carter Jr., CHI vs. DAL
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $5,500

The Bulls finally received some reinforcements when Carter returned Saturday against the Knicks. He missed nearly two months with an ankle injury, so it’s no surprise that he only played 18 minutes. Still, he finished with six points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block. I wouldn’t target him at his price on DraftKings, but since he’s just over the minimum price on FanDuel, he could still provide value despite likely being on a minutes restriction for this contest.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-march-2-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-27-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-27-2020/#respond Thu, 27 Feb 2020 16:31:01 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10658 Thursday brings only four games in the NBA, which doesn't leave us with the busiest of DFS slates. Still, injuries have created several value plays to consider.]]>

Thursday brings only four games in the NBA, which doesn’t leave us with the busiest of DFS slates. Still, injuries have created several value plays to consider. Let’s examine the entire price scale and highlight a couple of players worth targeting at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Shake Milton, PHI vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,700

The Sixers are the walking wounded right now. They have already been playing without Ben Simmons (back), then Joel Embiid went down with a shoulder injury Wednesday. The Simmons injury has a big impact on Milton, who has started both of the last two games. He logged a whopping 37 minutes Wednesday, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. With playing time likely secure for him in this matchup, he is a great option at such a cheap price.

Rajon Rondo, LAL at GS
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,500

With the cheap point guard options available for this slate, you might as well save some money at the position and spend up elsewhere. As appealing as Milton is, Rondo is even more enticing. The Lakers will be without LeBron James (groin) for this contest, which means Rondo will likely move into the starting five and run their offense. The last time we saw James on the shelf, Rondo started and played 33 minutes against the Thunder, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and one steal.

SHOOTING GUARDS

C.J. McCollum, POR at IND
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $9,000

Among the expensive players worth paying up for, McCollum is right up there at the top of the list. He’s been a monster with Damian Lillard (groin) out the last three games, averaging 32 points, 6.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists and one block. He logged at least 37 minutes in each of those contests and took a whopping 76 total shots from the field. No need to overthink this one, get him in your lineup.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at OKC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,200

Despite starting, Bogdanovic doesn’t exactly instill a lot of confidence. In fact, he’s been on a roller coaster ride of late. Across the last eight games, he’s scored at least 16 points five times. However, he totaled 20 points over the other three contests. You can probably save more at other positions while still getting excellent production, but if you are determined to save some money at shooting guard, Bogdanovic at least carries the upside to provide value.

SMALL FORWARDS

Tobias Harris, PHI vs. NY
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $7,500

With Simmons and Embiid out, there are a lot of shots up for grabs on the Sixers. Al Horford should assume the bulk of Embiid’s minutes at center, but he’s nowhere near the same type of offensive player that Embiid is. Harris should lead this offense moving forward and could really thrive against the Knicks, who rank inside the bottom-10 in the league in defensive rating.

Kent Bazemore, SAC at OKC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

Has Bazemore played his way into an expanded role with the Kings? It certainly looks that way with him averaging 28 minutes across the last four games. He’s done nothing to make the coaching staff take those minutes away from him, averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and two steals during that stretch. It probably also helps his cause that the Kings won three of those contests.

POWER FORWARDS

Anthony Davis, LAL at GS
FanDuel = $10,800
DraftKings = $10,300

Along with McCollum, Davis is the other no-brainer that you need to have in your lineup. This is already a great matchup for him with the Warriors sporting the sixth-worth defensive rating in the league. Add in James being out and there is no limit to Davis’ upside.

Kyle Kuzma, LAL at GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,900

As we continue to try and capitalize on James being out, going with Kuzma also makes sense based on his cheap price. His usage rate for the season is only 23 percent, but that number jumps up to 26.3 percent when James is off the court. Rolling with both him and Rondo should give you the savings that you need to squeeze both Davis and McCollum into your entry.

CENTERS

Steven Adams, OKC vs. SAC
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,800

The Kings are hurting at center right now, which has left them to deploy Harry Giles and Alex Len at the position. That’s not exactly an inspiring duo. Adams has already been playing extremely well, averaging 15.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.8 blocks across the last five games. Look for him to keep things rolling here.

Marquese Chriss, GS vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,900

There is nothing standing in the way of Chriss being a major contributor for the Warriors down the stretch. They have very little depth at center and will likely shut down Draymond Green at some point, freeing up even more minutes in their front court. Chriss has averaged 18.4 points, nine rebounds and 1.4 blocks over his last five games, so if you can’t squeeze Adams into your entry, Chriss is also a great option at a slightly reduced price.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-27-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-26-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-26-2020/#respond Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:01:30 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10643 Wednesday brings plenty of action in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. Injuries will once again have a significant impact on the slate.]]>

Wednesday brings plenty of action in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. Injuries will once again have a significant impact on the slate. Let’s break things down by discussing a couple of players to target at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN at WAS
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $8,000

Make no mistake about it, the Nets are going to need Dinwiddie to help carry the team into the playoffs now that Kyrie Irving (knee) has been lost for the season. Taking on a leading role is nothing new for him given how often Irving has been sidelined, so it’s not surprise that he’s playing well right now with averages of 19.2 points, five rebounds and 9.3 assists across the last six games. The Wizards have allowed the most points per game in the league, leaving Dinwiddie with another excellent opportunity to thrive.

Kendrick Nunn, MIA vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $6,100

The key bit of news to watch for here is the status of Jimmy Butler (personal), who is listed as questionable. With him out the last two games, Nunn averaged 22.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals. Even if Butler does return, Nunn should be on your radar with the Timberwolves allowing the fourth-most points per game. It might be best to avoid him on DraftKings based on his price, but he could be well worth the risk on FanDuel. If Butler is out, I like him on both sites.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Bradley Beal, WAS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $9,400
DraftKings = $9,700

Can Beal get some help please? He’s scored at least 53 points in back-to-back games, both which turned out to be losses for the Wizards. While that might be rough for him, that type of production is beautiful for DFS. His usage rate should continue to be off the charts for this matchup, making him an extremely appealing choice despite his hefty price tag.

Caris LeVert, BKN at WAS
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $7,500

Dinwiddie isn’t the only player who has received a boost in production since Irving went down. LeVert has been nearly as potent, averaging 22.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.1 steals across eight games since moving into the starting five. With heavy playing time and plenty of shot attempts likely coming his way again, he is one of the more appealing mid-tier options at any position. Of note, he is only eligible at shooting guard on FanDuel since he is listed at point guard and small forward on DraftKings.

SMALL FORWARDS

Tobias Harris, PHI at CLE
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $7,500

The absence of Ben Simmons (back) could have a significant impact on Harris, who produced 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block without him Monday against the Hawks. The previous game that Simmons missed, he also thrived with 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two steals versus the Nets. The Cavaliers have the second-worst defensive rating in the league, so look for Harris to take advantage.

Josh Jackson, MEM at HOU
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,500

The Grizzlies front court is looking bleak right now. Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) and Brandon Clarke (quadriceps) have both gone down, which means Josh Jackson should received added playing time. He could be in line for even more minutes here considering all of the small lineups that the Rockets deploy. That doesn’t make this an ideal matchup for Jonas Valanciunas and Gorgui Dieng. At such a cheap price, Jackson is almost too good to pass up.

POWER FORWARDS

Aaron Gordon, ORL at ATL
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,800

Gordon is rolling right now with averages of 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.3 steals across his last nine games. The Magic’s depth chart up front is ugly because of injuries, so it’s no surprise that Gordon averaged 36 minutes a night during that stretch. With the Hawks allowing the second-most points per game, Gordon’s heavy workload could leave him with yet another excellent stat line here.

Jarrett Allen, BKN at WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

Make no mistake about it, rolling with Allen or DeAndre Jordan on any given night is risky. They are both capable of going off at any time, which sometimes leads to inconsistent playing time for whoever isn’t the hot hand. Allen recently rebounded from a clunker against the Sixers to post a double-double in back-to-back games. Considering he produced 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and two blocks the last time these to teams met, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take advantage of the Wizards’ porous defense during their rematch. Of note, he is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

Joel Embiid, PHI at CLE
FanDuel = $10,200
DraftKings = $10,500

If there is only one player that I’m paying up for Wednesday, it’s Embiid. After torching the Hawks on Monday, he’s once again in a great spot to be productive against the Cavaliers. He’s destroyed Andre Drummond throughout his career and should receive a ton of scoring opportunities with Simmons out. This game might be close with the Sixers having struggled on the road this season, which would likely also work in Embiid’s favor.

Jakob Poeltl, SA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,200

The Spurs will have an uphill battle ahead of them trying to defeat the Mavericks without LaMarcus Aldridge (shoulder). They already don’t have a lot of quality depth up front, so expect Poeltl to step into added playing time. While his scoring upside still isn’t that great, he can provide enough production in terms of rebounds and blocks to be a viable candidate in tournament play.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

]]> https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-26-2020/feed/ 0 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-25-2020/ https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/nba-daily-fantasy-basketball-recommendations-for-february-25-2020/#respond Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:59:12 +0000 https://www.lineuplab.com/articles/?p=10633 Tuesday's seven-game slate in the NBA is loaded with star power since the Bucks, Lakers, Nuggets and Celtics will be among the teams in action. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight a couple of players at each position who could thrive.]]>

Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA is loaded with star power since the Bucks, Lakers, Nuggets and Celtics will be among the teams in action. Let’s dive into the matchups and highlight a couple of players at each position who could thrive. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

De’Aaron Fox, SAC at GS
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $7,600

After a brief shooting slump, Fox has rebounded to score at least 20 points in back-to-back games. He was 16-for-32 from the field across those two contests and has mostly been an efficient shooter this season with his 47 percent mark from the field. Facing a Warriors team that has the sixth-worst defensive rating in the league leaves Fox with the potential to provide another valuable scoring outburst.

Aaron Holiday, IND vs. CHA
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,600

Injuries could play a huge role in this game for the Pacers. They suffered a tough blow when Jeremy Lamb (knee) was lost for the season over the weekend and Victor Oladipo (back) is also hurting. He sat out Sunday against the Raptors and is listed as questionable for this contest. If he can’t play again, Holiday could start and play a ton. That would make him a very appealing option since the Hornets have the fifth-worst defensive rating.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Marcus Smart, BOS at POR
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,100

Injuries will also have a significant impact on this game with Kemba Walker (knee) out for the Celtics. Smart has started the last three games because of injuries, averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and two steals. The key is that he logged at least 35 minutes in each of those contests. With plenty of playing time likely coming here and the Blazers sporting the fourth-worst defensive rating, Smart could provide significant value, especially on FanDuel.

Jordan Poole, GS vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The return of Stephen Curry (hand) is on the horizon. However, he won’t play in this game, which leaves Poole with the starting point guard job. He’s stepped up with added playing time lately, averaging 16.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, one steal and 1.7 three-pointers across the last six games. Take advantage while you still can.

SMALL FORWARDS

Gordon Hayward, BOS at POR
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $7,400

Hayward’s ability to contribute in so many different areas makes him an extremely appealing option at this reasonable price. Across his last 12 games, he’s averaged 20.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.9 three-pointers. He will also assume added responsibilities with Walker out, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.

Juan Toscano-Anderson
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100

The Warriors’ lack of depth continues to churn out cheap DFS options with upside. The most recent player to fit that mold is Toscano-Anderson, who has logged at least 25 minutes in back-to-back games. The result was averages of 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks. He’s likely earned himself a steady role, at least for the short term, so he’s at least worth considering.

POWER FORWARDS

Jayson Tatum, BOS at POR
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,800

Tatum put forth a monstrous performance against the Lakers on Sunday, scoring 41 points on 12-for-20 shooting from the field and 13-for-15 shooting from the charity stripe. He also drilled four three-pointers in that contest, leaving him with an average of 4.3 three-pointers over his last eight games. His usage rate should once again be off the charts with Walker out, making him someone who will likely be worth paying up for.

Daniel Theis, BOS at POR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900

There was plenty of speculation leading up to the trade deadline that the Celtics would add a center. However, they failed to make a move, leaving Theis with the starting role. The fact that they didn’t make a trade may have invigorated Theis, who has averaged 15.4 points, 10 rebounds and 1.2 assists across five games since the deadline passed. At this cheap price, he could provide significant value if he approaches those averages once again. Of note, he is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

Hassan Whiteside, POR vs. BOS
FanDuel = $9,600
DraftKings = $9,200

Whiteside is as consistent as it gets. He’s produced a double-double in 12 of his last 13 games, averaging 16.8 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks during that stretch. He shot a whopping 67.1 percent from the field, too, which isn’t all that crazy when you consider he’s at 61 percent for the season. The Celtics lack of size could once again leave him with a stellar stat line.

Steven Adams, OKC at CHI
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,700

Is Adams finally healthy and ready for a productive stretch run? He’s been at the top of his game lately, averaging 15.3 points, 13 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3.5 blocks across the last four games. Nerlens Noel has started to see his playing time decline and will likely continue to have a limited role as long as Adams is healthy. With the Bulls decimated by injuries up front, Adams makes a lot of sense at this price.

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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.

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