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

*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.

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POINT GUARDS

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

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

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

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

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.