NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/22/19

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Who’s ready for a busy nine-game Friday in the NBA? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the options in DFS, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper value plays 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

Reggie Jackson, DET at ATL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600

Jackson is heating up at the right time for the Pistons, averaging 18.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists across his last 10 games. He’s by far their best guard and should continue to get plenty of scoring opportunities behind Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.6 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (118.2) in the league, leaving Jackson with significant upside in this contest.

Landry Shamet, LAC at MEM
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000

The Clippers are wasting no time seeing what they have in Shamet, playing him at least 24 minutes in all three games with the team. His numbers aren’t off the charts, but he’s averaged 13.3 points, two rebounds, three assists and 1.3 steals during that stretch. While listed at point guard in DFS, Shamet has actually been named the Clippers’ starting small forward. At this cheap price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play despite a tough matchup against the Grizzlies.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Avery Bradley, MEM vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,800

This will be Bradley’s first time facing the Clippers after they traded him at the deadline. He’s started all three games with the Grizzlies, averaging 18.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and one steal. The key is he logged at least 29 minutes in both of their last two games. If he can receive similar minutes Friday, he could provide value since the Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.2). His price on FanDuel isn’t bad, but it’s especially appealing on DraftKings.

Wayne Ellington, DET at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,800

The Pistons need three-point shooting. Luke Kennard has received an increased role since they traded away Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson while Ellington was also brought in to provide added depth. He’s ticketed for substantial playing time, evident by the fact that he attempted 10 three-pointers across 33 minutes in his last game. The Hawks allow the eighth-highest three-point shooting percentage (36.3 percent), leaving Ellington with a potential to have a field day from behind the arc.

SMALL FORWARDS

Kenrich Williams, NO at IND
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500

With the Pelicans set to limit the playing time of Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday down the stretch, there are going to be added opportunities for other players to produce, including Williams. It also helps Williams’ cause Friday that Darius Miller (ankle) is listed as doubtful. He’s already averaged 10.4 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block over his last five games. I’d feel better if he wasn’t facing the Pacers, but his high minute’s floor makes him someone to at least consider.

Jabari Parker, WAS at CHA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,500

Parker might no longer be playing for his home town team, but the trade to the Wizards was great for him. Now out of the Bulls’ doghouse, Parker has logged at least 23 minutes in all four games since the trade. He’s been a bit inconsistent with his scoring output, which does make him somewhat of a risky play. However, with his offensive skill set and the Wizards playing at the eighth-fastest pace (102.5), Parker is intriguing.

POWER FORWARDS

Dario Saric, MIN at NY
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,800

The Timberwolves could be short-handed for this game with Karl-Anthony Towns listed as questionable after getting into a car accident. If he doesn’t play, that’s going to require several other players to make up for his 27.4 percent usage rate. Even if he does take the floor, Saric is still a great option now that he’s starting over Taj Gibson. The Knicks also present a favorable matchup since they allow the most FanDuel points per game (43.4) to opposing power forwards.

Ivan Rabb, MEM vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $5,600

Rabb looked set to play an expanded role after the Grizzlies traded Marc Gasol to the Raptors. However, receiving Jonas Valanciunas back in the deal complicated matters. With Valanciunas playing well, Rabb logged a total of 20 minutes over their last two games. The silver lining for Friday is that Valanciunas has already been ruled out for personal reasons, so Rabb should see more action. That’s big since the Clippers allow second-most DraftKings points per game and fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. His price is scary on DraftKings, but he’s almost too good to pass up on FanDuel.

CENTERS

Jahlil Okafor, NO at IND
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,500

Okafor’s days as a relevant fantasy option aren’t over yet. With Davis playing limited minutes, Okafor has managed to average 10 points, 7.5 rebounds and one steal over his last two games. The Pelicans are tanking down the stretch, so Okafor should continue to at least hover around 20 to 25 minutes a game. I’d pass on him on DraftKings, but his price has come down enough on FanDuel to warrant considering him for your entry.

Ivica Zubac, LAC at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,200

Normally you wouldn’t want to target centers against the Grizzlies. However, with Gasol no longer in town and Valanciunas out, they aren’t nearly as imposing of a matchup. Zubac has started all three games since joining the Clippers, posting at least 12 points, seven rebounds and a block in two of those contests. Montrezl Harrell has the highest upside of any center on the Clippers, but Zubac isn’t someone who should be ignored.

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.