The NBA is finally back! With the All-Star break firmly in our rearview mirror, we have six games to choose from for Thursday’s DFS slate. Let’s dive right in and discuss a couple of cheaper value plays at each position that could provide significant returns.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/11/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/11/18
Wednesday brings the last day of the NBA regular season and with many teams having nothing left to play for, some unusual rotations might be deployed. It’s key to find the right cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers to hopefully help 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 Luke Kennard and Sean Kilpatrick.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Frank Ntilikina, NY at CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Ntilikina has started to see more playing time, logging at least 30 minutes in three straight games. With Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) already ruled out for Wednesday, expect Ntilikina to see added playing time once again. He just scored 17 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block against these same Cavaliers on Monday and has upside again in their rematch.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at ORL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,700
Satoransky has returned to a role with the second unit now that John Wall is healthy, but Wall is unlikely to play Wednesday after logging 36 minutes against the Celtics on Tuesday. Satoransky has done a great job as a member of the starting five this year, averaging 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and one three-pointer in 29 games. The Magic allow the second-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, leaving Satoransky as a viable option for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Luke Kennard, DET at CHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,300
Kennard has moved into the starting lineup with Reggie Bullock (knee) out for the season, averaging 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and 3.5 three-pointers in his last two games. The Bulls are tanking hard down the stretch and have struggled to defend the three-point line all season, allowing the eighth-highest three-pointing shooting percentage to opponents (36.9%) in the league. He’s not overly cheap on FanDuel, but he has a great price on DraftKings that you should try to take advantage of.
Sean Kilpatrick, CHI vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
The Bulls are without many of their primary scorers, which has led Kilpatrick to score at least 16 points in four straight games. He’s getting plenty of looks, attempting at least 13 shots in all four of those contests. He doesn’t provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but his ability to score and hit shots from behind the arc still leaves him with value, especially on a night with so many uncertain rotations.
SMALL FORWARDS
Allen Crabbe, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
Crabbe destroyed the Bulls on Monday, hitting eight three-pointers on his way to 41 points. DeMarre Carroll (hip), Caris LeVert (foot) and Joe Harris (ankle) all missed that game, leaving Crabbe to play 34 minutes. LeVert will return Wednesday, but the Nets will again be without Carroll and Harris. The Celtics are certainly a much tougher opponent than the Bulls, but the added minutes that Crabbe will likely see again Wednesday make him someone to consider for your entry.
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at ORL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Not only will the Wizards likely be without Wall on Wednesday, but Otto Porter Jr. (calf) is also listed as doubtful after injuring himself Tuesday. Look for Oubre to move into the starting lineup and see an increased role in the offense as a result. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 28 times this season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 three-pointers per contest. Expect him to at least approach that minutes threshold Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Grizzlies won’t have many available players again Wednesday with frontcourt options including Marc Gasol (rest) and JaMychal Green (knee) already ruled out. Rabb has played at least 27 minutes in three of the last four games with the Grizzlies in full tank mode, averaging 14 points, 8.7 rebounds, and one block. His upside isn’t off the charts against a tough Thunder defense, but he could still finish with a double-double based on the amount of playing time he will likely receive.
Anthony Tolliver, DET at CHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,000
Tolliver has seen significant action as the season comes to a close with Blake Griffin (knee) out, logging at least 31 minutes in seven straight games. He hasn’t let the opportunity go to waste, averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 three-pointers per contest. He torched the Bulls for 25 points, six rebounds and six three-pointers in a blowout win a few weeks ago, so don’t be surprised if he excels again Wednesday.
CENTERS
Greg Monroe, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,600
The Celtics have already clinched the second seed in the East and will be playing the second night of a back-to-back, so don’t be surprised if they rest or limit the minutes of some of their starters Wednesday. Monroe’s 24.8% usage rate is the highest on the Celtics now that Kyrie Irving (knee) is out for the season, so increased playing time could give him a significant boost in value. The Nets also allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers.
Cristiano Felicio, CHI vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
How bad are the Bulls trying to lose games? Not only is Felicio getting extended playing time, but Omer Asik has even played in three straight games. Felicio is clearly the better option between the two in DFS, averaging 8.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and one block in his last six games. The Pistons likely won’t have Andre Drummond (Achilles) on Wednesday either, making things a little easier for Felicio in the middle. His offensive ability is limited, but he could at least approach a double-double in what could be an ugly game to watch.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/22/18
*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
POINT GUARDS
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
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
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
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
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 Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays
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POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100
Barea is playing well right now, averaging 13.0 points, 8.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.8 three-pointers over his last five games. Although he hasn’t played more than 29 minutes in any of those games, he’s still provided value because his 25.6% usage rate is inside the top-4o in the league. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, so look for Barea to have an opportunity to provide value again at this reasonable price.
Jarrett Jack, NY at WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Jack is not a flashy option, but we’re not looking for flashy at this price. One of the keys to look for in a cheap option is reliable playing time. Jack gets just that as he continues to start for the Knicks, averaging 26 minutes per game this season. He’s playing well right now, scoring at least 20 points on both FanDuel and DraftKings in each of his last four games. Though Frank Ntilikina is making strides in his rookie season, Jack is still getting enough minutes to be a viable option Wednesday.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allen Crabbe, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400
The Nets have been bitten by the injury bug and things could be even worse Wednesday with Caris LeVert (groin) listed as doubtful and DeMarre Carroll (rib) listed as questionable. Crabbe is already averaging 29 minutes per game this season but could be counted on for heavy minutes if both LeVert and Carroll sit out this game. Even if one of them is able to play, Crabbe still has value, averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 three-pointers over his last nine games. Of note, Crabbe is only shooting guard eligible on DraftKings. He is listed at small forward on FanDuel.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The Bucks and coach Jason Kidd can throw out some strange rotations at times, but Brogdon has still managed to play at least 30 minutes in seven of his last nine games. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 three-pointers over those nine games, which is valuable at this price. The Pacers will be depleted at guard with Victor Oladipo (knee) out again, so Brogdon could thrive against a thin second unit. The price is right to take a chance on him in this game.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kyle Anderson, SA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,300
Anderson was solid filling in for the injured Kawhi Leonard to start the season but has seen his playing time and scoring opportunities decrease since his return. That might not be an issue Wednesday as not only is Leonard likely to rest on the second night of a back-to-back, but Danny Green (groin) might not play either. Anderson has played at least 30 minutes in a game eight times this season, averaging 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals in those games. An added bonus is that he gets to face the Sixers, who play at the second-fastest pace (103.3) in the league. The stars may be aligning for Anderson in this contest.
Joe Harris, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Harris has been a valuable member of the Nets bench this season, averaging career-highs in points (9.8), rebounds (2.9), assists (1.4) and three-pointers (1.9) per game. The problem is he only gets limited playing time, averaging 24 minutes per contest. If LeVert and/or Carroll are unable to play Wednesday, Harris would likely be one of the main beneficiaries of their minutes. Keep an eye on their status throughout the day and get Harris into your lineup if they can’t go.
POWER FORWARDS
Michael Beasley, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,800
Beasley can explode offensively any given night and has done so of late, scoring at least 18 points in five of his last nine games. He’s only averaging 18 minutes per game this season but has averaged 25 minutes over those nine games. He’s going to be productive more often than not when given extended playing time because his 29.2% usage rate is second-best on the team. The Knicks score the tenth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league, so they need Beasley’s offense. Don’t be surprised if he gets another opportunity to provide value Wednesday.
Marquese Chriss, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns have been one of the most frustrating teams in the league this season when it comes to their frontcourt rotations, especially at center. They appear to have finally started to settle things down, holding out Greg Monroe for each of the last five games. Chriss has thrived at power forward over those five games, averaging 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 27 minutes per game. He gets a nice matchup Wednesday as the Nuggets allow the eighth-most points per game on FanDuel and the ninth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing power forwards. As long as the minutes are there again, he could be one of the better value plays of the night.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Valanciunas is a tricky option in DFS because he just doesn’t get consistent playing time. He needs everything to fall right in a matchup to provide value, which is the case Wednesday. Valanciunas has dominated the Bulls this season, averaging 22.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in their first two games. The key was he played at least 24 minutes in both contests. He should get added minutes matching up against Robin Lopez, making him an excellent option for your entry.
Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,800
Sixers center Joel Embiid (hand) is listed as doubtful Wednesday, leaving Holmes with an opportunity for added playing time. The Sixers are always cautious with Embiid, which is not good for his chances of playing in this game. In the last seven games Embiid has missed, Holmes has averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. The Spurs have a lot of size up front, so expect the Sixers to lean heavily on Holmes if Embiid doesn’t suit up. While I prefer to go with Valanciunas, Holmes is also a viable cheap option at center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/29/17 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/29/17 – Value Plays
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
Friday’s schedule in the NBA is packed with nine games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. Let’s take a deep dive and look at only the cheaper value plays that could help make you a winner.
POINT GUARDS
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,000
The Heat have been one of the most injured teams in the league of late, leaving Johnson to average 36 minutes over his last five games. He hasn’t let that opportunity go to waste, averaging 16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 three-pointer per game. While Goran Dragic is back healthy, now the Heat have lost Dion Waiters (ankle). The Nets play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.8) in the league, leaving Johnson with the potential to provide excellent value Friday.
J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Although Barea is only averaging 23 minutes per game off the bench for the Mavericks this season, he is still averaging a career-high 12 points per game. The main reason for that has been his 25.8% usage rate, which is second highest on the team. Barea should have added chances to score Friday as not only do the Pelicans play at the seventh-fastest pace (101.9) in the league, but they also allow the second-most points per game (110.9). The price is right to take a chance on him in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,700
Ellington is another player benefiting from the rash of injuries on the Heat, playing at least 32 minutes in five straight games. He’s been lethal from behind the arc, shooting 20-for-44 (45.5%) during that stretch. Scoring hasn’t been his only contribution to the Heat either, grabbing at least six rebounds in three of those five games. Considering the small lineups the Nets deploy and the fast pace at which they play, Ellington is a viable option for your entry.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600
The Lakers have dealt with depth issues at guard lately, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being unable to play outside of the state of California because of legal issues and Lonzo Ball (shoulder) injured. Hart has seen an unexpected bump in playing time, as a result, logging at least 30 minutes in three straight games. While he hasn’t put up any monster performances, he’s provided value by averaging 10.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 three-pointers over that stretch. While Caldwell-Pope will be able to play Friday, Ball will still be out of action. Considering his cheap price, he is an option to consider at shooting guard.
SMALL FORWARDS
Lance Stephenson, IND at CHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
Stephenson will likely start again Friday with Victor Oladipo (knee) ruled out for the second straight game. Stephenson was fantastic in his first start filling in for Oladipo on Wednesday, scoring 16 points to go along with 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two three-pointers. Even with limited minutes outside of Wednesday’s game, Stephenson has now scored at least 10 points in four of his last five games. Look for him to be productive again in this game versus the Bulls.
Allen Crabbe, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300
Like most starters on the Nets, Crabbe struggled in limited minutes Wednesday against the Pelicans. He had averaged 12.6 points in five games entering that contest, so chalk it up to just a bad performance by the team in general. He’s not just an offensive weapon for the Nets either, grabbing at least five rebounds in five straight games. This should be a game filled with small lineups Friday, so Crabbe might be worth the risk at this price.
POWER FORWARDS
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Morris is finally starting to get consistent playing time, resulting in at least 27 minutes in five of his last six games. In those five games, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. The Rockets play a lot of small lineups, to begin with, but will likely really go small with Clint Capela (face) out Friday. Considering they play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.4) in the league, Morris is worth consideration for your entry.
Ryan Anderson, HOU at WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $5,100
Speaking of the Rockets going small with Capela out, Anderson played a whopping 40 minutes without Capela on Thursday against the Celtics. He didn’t have an explosive performance but managed to finish with nine points, eight rebounds, one steal, one block and two-three-pointers against a tough Celtics defense. His volume alone makes him a possible option for your lineup, but he could really be worth it if he gets hot from behind the arc.
CENTERS
Julius Randle, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100
Randle played only 11 minutes while struggling against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, but had averaged 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in three games prior. His struggles Wednesday shouldn’t be surprising as the Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Expect him to play more minutes and fair better Friday, especially if Kyle Kuzma (quad) does not play.
Jakob Poeltl, TOR vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Poeltl is establishing a significant role off the bench for the Raptors, averaging 22 minutes over his last seven games. He doesn’t put up gaudy numbers but did average 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks over that stretch. The Hawks don’t have much size up front, resulting in allowing the seventh-most points per game on FanDuel and the sixth most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. His ceiling isn’t very high, but Poeltl is a viable option if you want to go really cheap at center.