After a fairly quiet six-game slate Tuesday, the NBA picks back up Wednesday with nine games on the docket.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/14/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There isn’t much to get excited about in the NBA on Thursday with just three games on the schedule. That also makes for fewer cheap value plays than normal, so we’ll have to extend our price range a bit in an effort to come up with a winning entry. 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
Dennis Smith Jr., NY at ATL
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $6,500
Smith is shooting an unsightly 39.8 percent from the field across six games with the Knicks, but his 28.1 percent usage rate has still enabled him to average 16.7 points. With how gutted the Knicks roster is at this point, expect him to continue to receive all of the shots that he can handle. He hasn’t just been a scorer, either, with averages of 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals during that stretch. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Smith with another great opportunity to be productive.
Kadeem Allen, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Smith’s backup has been Allen since Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Frank Ntilikina (groin) have been sidelined with injuries. Allen has certainly made the most of his opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and two steals across his last three games. If both Mudiay and Ntilikina are unable to play in this game, Allen could provide excellent value considering the Hawks’ up-tempo pace and defensive struggles.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Ross threw up a dud of a performance Tuesday against the Pelicans, scoring just three points on 1-of-7 shooting. However, he only played 18 minutes due to the lopsided score, so it’s hard to be too worried about one bad performance. Before that, he had averaged 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds across his previous nine games. Even though he doesn’t provide many defensive stats, his scoring prowess leaves him with upside at this price.
Deonte Burton, OKC at NO
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,600
The Thunder are going to be shorthanded again Thursday with Dennis Schroder (personal) and Jerami Grant (ankle) listed as out. That’s not good news for a team that doesn’t have a ton of depth, to begin with. With both players sidelined Monday against the Blazers, Burton played 26 minutes and scored 18 points to go along with three blocks. At near the minimum price on both sites, he might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play since both of these teams are in the top-six in pace of play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,800
Isaac is rolling as we head into the break, averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks across his last 12 games. He’s a big part of the Magic’s future, so it’s no surprise that he averaged 29 minutes a game during that stretch. With his ability to contribute on the defensive end, he can provide a lot of value when he’s contributing as many points and rebounds as he has been lately, as well.
Kevin Knox, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,900
After playing at least 34 minutes in six straight games, Knox only spent 19 minutes on the floor Wednesday against the Sixers. The reason was not due to poor play, but due to foul trouble as he racked up five of them in his limited playing time. He’s one of the best offensive weapons the Knicks have left, so as long as he can stay on the floor Thursday, this is a great spot for him to provide a bounce-back performance against the Hawks.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $7,700
Collins is certainly not cheap, but I’m not overly excited about the majority of cheap options at power forward. Therefore, it might be worth paying up to get him into your entry. He’s thrived in the Hawks style of play, averaging 19.9 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last 15 games. This is a great matchup for him against a Knicks team that allows the second-most rebounds per game (48.1) in the league.
Marvin Williams, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Williams can be a bit of a volatile option. Case in point, he scored 27 points against the Hawks on Saturday, but that was sandwiched between two five-point performances. The good news is that he gets plenty of playing time and is averaging a career-high two three-pointers per game this season. He’s also a solid source for rebounds, making him one of the few cheaper players to consider at power forward.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Zeller was eased back into action after missing time with a hand injury, but he’s since returned to the starting five. Over four total games since his return from the sidelines, he’s been productive with averages of 10.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and two assists. Even though he has a tough defensive assignment trying to slow down Nikola Vucevic, Zeller still has plenty of appeal for this small slate.
Mitchell Robinson, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,100
With the Knicks being defeated handily by the Sixers on Wednesday, Robinson was able to log 28 minutes. He made his presence felt with 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks. That continued an excellent stretch for him that has seen him average 12.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks across his last five games. His role with the second unit is secure moving forward, making him a very intriguing option against the Hawks.
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.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a bevy of value play options to choose from Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. Let’s dive right in and highlight a couple at each position that could hopefully help you win some cash. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Rozier shined filling in last season when the Celtics were dealing with several key injuries, but he’s been limited to just 23 minutes a game this year with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back in the fold. However, there are a couple of factors that could work in his favor Wednesday. First, Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable, so if he doesn’t take the floor, that could open up some added minutes for Rozier. Second, this game could get out of hand early with how poorly the Suns have played and this game being played in Boston. Rozier would also gain some added garbage time minutes in that scenario, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Tyus Jones, MIN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves will be without Jeff Teague (ankle), which will move Derrick Rose into the starting five. Rose is a great DFS option, as a result, but his price doesn’t exactly make him a cheap value play. Jones, on the other hand, isn’t too far off from the minimum price on both sites. He ended up playing 24 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Monday, scoring 10 points to go along with three rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This game figures to be closer, but that doesn’t mean Jones won’t play enough to be worth considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Like Rozier, Smart has seen a significant reduction in his playing time this season. However, if Brown doesn’t play, Smart will likely move into the starting five. Across nine previous starts, Smart has averaged 8.8 points. 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. His scoring upside won’t be high whether he starts or comes off the bench, but his contributions in other areas would still make him a viable target with the added playing time.
Jamal Crawford, PHO at BOS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600
In a bit of an odd move, the Suns have waived Austin Rivers after acquiring him from the Wizards. They don’t have much depth at point guard, so Rivers could have been a valuable addition. Maybe they really like the production that they have received from Crawford, who is averaging nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across his last three games. Crawford will continue to be relied on to help play point guard Wednesday, so he could provide value despite this matchup against a tough Celtics defense.
SMALL FORWARDS
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Monday’s game was pretty much worst-case scenario for the starters on the Kings. They were pulled early after digging a deep deficit and never returned to the game. Bjelica only played five minutes, but don’t get scared away from him because of one oddball game. Marvin Bagley III (knee) will be out again Wednesday, setting Bjleica up for the opportunity for heavy playing time if the Kings can keep this game close.
E’Twaun Moore, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, things are looking ugly for the Pelicans for this game. Elfrid Payton (finger), Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will all be out, leaving a ton of available minutes. Randle and Mirotic are also two of their best offensive options, so expect Moore to be one of the players that they look to for adding offense. That could leave him as a great option in DFS since both the Pelicans and Bucks are in the top-five in the league in pace of play.
POWER FORWARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600
Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined with an injury to start the season and then he was stuck behind Jared Dudley when he was able to return. He’s finally reclaimed his starting spot, which is key because he’s averaged eight minutes more per game as a starter than when he comes off of the bench. The added playing time has helped him average 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across his 13 starts and he’ll get a great opportunity to build on those numbers against the struggling Bulls.
Cheick Diallo, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,500
With Randle and Mirotic out, Anthony Davis is going to have to carry even more of the load up front for the Pelicans. However, someone is going to have to help fill Randle’s and Mirotic’s minutes. Diallo is likely one of the prime candidates to spend more time on the floor. While opportunities have been few and far between for him this year, he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the lone game in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. That’s obviously not a great sample size to be working with, but he might still be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Allen is averaging seven more minutes a game this year compared to his rookie season with the Nets viewing him as a key part of their future. His production has increased along with his playing time, boosting him to averages of 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bulls allow the second-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, leaving Allen with a prime opportunity to shine.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Zeller has battled injuries throughout his career, but he’s been able to play 28 games already this season. He’s not logging heavy minutes despite his starting role, but he’s still put up respectable numbers with 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. The Cavaliers are thin at center with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out, so don’t sleep on Zeller.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/12/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got another packed night of NBA action Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. With the Warriors, Raptors, Pelicans, and Sixers among the teams in action, there is a ton of top-tier talent to choose from. However, in order to fit them into your entry, you also need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Let’s highlight a couple of players at each position who could help lead you to a winning entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800
The chance that the Timberwolves took by reuniting Rose with his former coach Tom Thibodeau has provided significant returns this season. Despite spending the majority of his time as a member of the second unit, Rose is averaging 18.4 points, three rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Sixers has helped open up even more scoring opportunities for Rose, which has helped boost his usage rate to 25.2 percent. Considering the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105 possessions per game) in the league, Rose could have plenty of chances to fill up the scoring column again Wednesday.
Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,800
Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) is set to miss his fourth straight game for the Mavericks. Brunson has done a nice job filling in during his absence, averaging 14 points, 4.7 assists, and two steals across three games. The key is that he logged at least 25 minutes in each contest. With the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107), this could be a great opportunity to deploy Brunson in your lineup at a very cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS at WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,400
The Celtics are expected to get Kyrie Irving (shoulder) back Wednesday, but Gordon Hayward (illness) is listed as doubtful. That should open up some added playing time for Brown, who is averaging 21 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last three games. Add in the fact that the Wizards play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.2) and Brown has an excellent opportunity to extend his recent run of success.
Luke Kennard, DET at CHA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,500
Injuries continue to be a common theme Wednesday with the Pistons being no exception. Ish Smith (groin), Glenn Robinson III (ankle) and Reggie Bullock (ankle) will all likely be out while Stanley Johnson (knee) might also not be able to play. That doesn’t leave them with a ton of healthy options. Kennard logged a season-high 37 minutes with the Pistons battling injuries Monday, scoring 28 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. At this dirt cheap price, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Cedi Osman, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Already down Kevin Love (toe), the Cavaliers lost another key member of their frontcourt with Tristan Thompson (foot) out for at least the next two weeks. Larry Nance Jr. will likely have to spend more time at center, which could open up increased playing time for Osman. He has shown an ability to produce when given extended run, averaging 13.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, three assists, and 0.8 steals across 18 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,900
Finney-Smith might not play the same position that Smith does, but he’s also benefited from his time on the sidelines by averaging 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds across his last three games. With all of the injuries that the Hawks are also dealing with, there is a chance that the Mavericks race out to a big lead at home. If that’s the case, Finney-Smith could see some added minutes during garbage time. At this cheap price, he’s someone to at least consider in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000
The Heat will be missing one of their key players up front again Wednesday with Hassan Whiteside (personal) already ruled out. Bam Adebayo has stepped into the starting lineup with Whiteside out the last three games and has played extremely well. However, he’s not the only Heat player who has received a boost in production. During that same stretch, Olynyk has averaged 14.3 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists, and one steal.
Dwight Powell, DAL vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600
Planning for a blowout can be tricky, but if you agree with me that the Mavericks could win this one going away, Powell is another cheap option with upside in tournament play. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game this season, he’s recorded 9.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per night. The Hawks do at least have a lot of size up front, which could also help lead to added playing time for Powell.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at DAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,400
Alex Len appears to have fallen out of favor right now, resulting in him logging a total of 31 minutes across the last three games. That’s provided a significant boost in playing time for Dedmon, who averaged 7.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and one block during that stretch. With the fast pace at which the Hawks play, Dedmon should have another favorable opportunity to be productive in this contest.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400
Zeller might not be a flashy option, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value. The Hornets are going to need him to battle with Andre Drummond, which could lead to some added minutes. The last time these two teams met, Zeller logged 32 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with six rebounds and three blocks. He did eventually foul out, but it’s reasonable to expect similar playing time for him during their rematch.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a massive slate with 11 games Friday, leaving plenty of viable value play options. Here are a couple who stand out at each position that could provide significant returns. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Tim Frazier, NO at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,200
The loss of Elfrid Payton (finger) has created a significant void for the Pelicans. To make matters worse, Frank Jackson (ankle) was unable to play Wednesday. Frazier moved into the starting lineup and thrived, scoring 12 points to go along with six rebounds, 12 assists an two steals across 37 minutes against the Wizards. Jackson is listed as doubtful for Friday, which could leave Frazier with another start. If that were to be the case, Fraizer could be a steal at this price.
Elie Okobo, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,000
With the Suns going nowhere fast, they finally decided to jettison veteran Isaiah Canaan from their roster. Even though they are extremely thin at point guard, the move made sense considering the Suns needed to give more playing time to their younger players. One of those players is Okobo, who logged 32 minutes Wednesday in the first game since Canaan’s release. He certainly stated his case for more playing time, scoring 19 points to go along with four assists and three steals. His price on FanDuel is great, but he’s an especially appealing tournament play option on DraftKings at the minimum price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at BOS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
After attempting just five shots against the Timberwolves on Monday, Clarkson scored 25 points on 22 shot attempts Wednesday versus the Thunder. Considering his 28.9 percent usage rate, it’s not that surprising that he quickly returned to jacking up a ton of shots. Facing the Celtics defense is no easy task, but with so few offensive weapons around him, Clarkson has a relatively high floor at this price.
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Jaylen Brown (foot) was unable to play Monday against the Pelicans, opening up a chance for Smart to make his first start of the season. He logged a whopping 40 minutes in that game, recording eight points, two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Brown has been ruled out for Friday, likely leaving Smart with plenty of playing time once again. His offensive upside isn’t great, but he’s still someone to consider based on his minute’s floor.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600
The Wizards are going to have to get used to playing small now with Dwight Howard (lower body) likely to miss a significant amount of time. Oubre has shifted into the starting lineup due to his absence, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. With the Sixers playing small themselves with Wilson Chandler at power forward, expect Oubre to start once again. The added playing time could provide him with a significant boost in production since both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
Speaking of teams with limited depth up front, the Hornets are in a similar position as the Wizards. It’s not due to injuries, just a lack of talent at the position. They like to use Kidd-Gilchrist a lot when they deploy small lineups, which has helped him average 8.5 points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. This won’t be easy facing Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, but Kidd-Gilchrist still warrants consideration in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $3,600
When Holmes was a member of the Sixers, he showed flashes of promise filling in whenever Joel Embiid was out. Now that Tyson Chandler is no longer on the Suns, Holmes has the backup center job all to himself. He’s proven to be productive once again, averaging 10.6 points, five rebounds, and two blocks across his last six games. His price is starting to climb, but he could still provide excellent value, especially on DraftKings.
JaMychal Green, MEM at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Green has played well off the bench since returning from injury, averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last six games. Marc Gasol (foot) is said to be a game-time decision for Friday, which could have a significant impact for Green. If Gasol is out, Green could see extended run in his absence. Even if Gasol does play, Green has a large enough role off the bench to make him a viable option in tournament play.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Zeller is coming off of arguably his best game of the season Wednesday against the Hawks, scoring 19 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Facing Rudy Gobert is a completely different animal, but the Hornets might have to throw a few extra minutes Zeller’s way due to the depth the Jazz have in their frontcourt.
Aron Baynes, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
The Celtics will be resting Al Horford for this game, which makes a lot of sense with them playing an inferior opponent in the Cavaliers and having a quick turnaround Saturday on the road against the Timberwolves. When Horford sat out last week against the Hawks, Baynes started in his place and finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block. At this dirt cheap price on both sites, it’s hard to pass up on Baynes if he starts again.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA brings a loaded slate Wednesday with 10 games. The Pelicans, Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of the top talent as options for your DFS lineup. In order to fit those in, you’ll also need the right mix of cheap value plays. Below are two players at each position that stand out as having matchups to possibility capitalize on. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Barea is only averaging 20 minutes a game, but that hasn’t stopped him from being extremely productive. His 27.1 percent usage rate is actually the highest on the team, helping him average 10.9 points per contest. He also does a great job of facilitating the offense for their second unit with 5.8 assists per night. Both Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) and Luka Doncic (illness) are listed as questionable, so Barea could be in line for a significant increase in playing time if either or both of them were unable to play. Even if they do take the floor, Barea is an appealing option at this price.
D.J. Augustin, ORL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Augustin’s 15.4 percent usage rate isn’t great, but he’s still been able to average 10.3 points per game in large part because he is logging 27 minutes a night. The Magic don’t have any other viable options to start at point guard, which has also resulted in Augustin averaging 5.4 assists per contest. His upside isn’t great, but Augustin has a secure enough role to be worth considering in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800
The key to this game is the status of Chris Paul (hamstring). If he is forced to miss his third straight game, Gordon will once again be a part of the starting five. He’s thrived in that role this season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across seven games. His usage rate is 25.2 percent as a starter, which is up from 22.3 percent as a member of the second unit. Gordon’s price has jumped up after a couple of great performances, but he’s still worth adding to your lineup if Paul sits.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
Clarkson had a strange performance against the Timberwolves on Monday where he scored just four points on five shot attempts. Clarkson has a 28.6 percent usage rate and hadn’t attempted fewer than 10 shots in any previous game this year, so chalk it up as just one off night. The Cavaliers are going to need him to score in bunches to keep this game close against Russell Westbrook and company, so don’t be surprised if Clarkson has a bounce-back scoring effort.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000
Moore was already an important part of the Pelicans success, but he became even more vital after they lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger). Jrue Holiday has been assuming the point guard duties with Payton out, shifting Moore over to shooting guard. Although he might not get a lot of headlines, Moore is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The last time these two teams met Saturday, Moore scored 19 points. Since both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, expect Moore to have plenty of opportunities to score again during their rematch.
Jeff Green, WAS at NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
The Wizards are going to be shorthanded up front again with Dwight Howard (lower body) already ruled out. While Green doesn’t play the same position, he is still in line for added playing time. Green is also one of their better rebounders, averaging 5.2 rebounds in just 25 minutes a game. His scoring upside isn’t great, but this game should be played at a fast enough pace to make him someone to at least consider if you want to go really cheap at small forward.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Williams is only averaging 25 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 31 minutes in each of his last three games. That’s especially encouraging since the Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury Monday. Across five games in which Williams has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 14 points. 8.2 rebounds, and one block. He’s also had plenty of success in two previous matchups against the Hawks, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Richaun Holmes, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,400
Holmes makes this list for the second straight night after scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks Tuesday against the Pacers. Over the last five games, Holmes is now averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two blocks. His role is secure as the primary backup to Deandre Ayton and the Clippers have some size up front with Montrezl Harrell, Marcin Gortat, and Boban Marjanovic, so expect Holmes to get enough playing time to provide value at this price.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300
Thompson isn’t overly cheap, but center is usually one of the tougher positions to fill in terms of value plays, especially on FanDuel. Thompson continues to dominate the minutes in the middle for the Cavaliers and should be set there for a while with the news that Kevin Love (toe) isn’t eyeing a return until January. Facing Steven Adams isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Thompson should at least be a threat to post a double-double Wednesday.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
If you want a cheap play with significant upside, Zeller is not your man. However, he does have a relatively high floor with averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. The Hawks are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but they do have size up front with Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len. When these two teams met Sunday, Zeller finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Now that we’ve had the time to sleep off all that turkey and stuffing, it’s time to get back at it with 14 games in the NBA on Friday, 12 of which will make up the main slate in DFS. There will be a ton of stars taking the floor, so here are some cheap value plays that could be worth pairing with them. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Collin Sexton, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
Sexton has been battling a hip injury, but it hasn’t forced him to miss any time. In fact, he played 36 minutes against the Lakers on Wednesday as the Cavaliers continue to wait for George Hill (shoulder) to return. Across the first six games that Hill has missed, Sexton is averaging 17.5 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. His lack of defensive contributions limit his upside, but his minute’s floor still makes him a viable option.
Trey Burke, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
It’s hard to figure out what the Knicks are doing on a nightly basis. They continue to change up their rotations, moving players in and out of the starting five to try and find what combinations work best. Burke is back to seeing increased minutes, which has resulted in him averaging 25.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last four games. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burke with even more scoring opportunities in this contest.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,300
Clarkson only played 27 minutes in a matchup against the Lakers on Wednesday, but he scored 20 points to go along with two rebounds and five assists. He attempted 18 shots in that game, which is no surprise considering his 28.9 percent usage rate. The Sixers play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.6), potentially setting up Clarkson for another valuable performance. If the Cavaliers are going to have any chance of keeping this close, they’ll need Clarkson to take all the shots he can handle.
Rodney McGruder, MIA at CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Heat will continue to play shorthanded Friday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) out. That leaves them without two of their top ball handlers. McGruder played 36 minutes in their absences Wednesday, scoring 15 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Even though he’s cooled off some after a torrid start, McGruder still has upside in this game against the struggling Bulls.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Another important injury to monitor Friday is the status of Victor Oladipo (knee). He’s missed the Pacers last two games and is questionable against the Spurs. During the previous two games that he missed, Bogdanovic averaged 20.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one steal. He’s actually scored at least 16 points in each of his last six contests, so he could provide value even if Oladipo does take the floor.
Cedi Osman, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Osman has shown promise in an expanded role, but he’s been mostly inconsistent. He recently missed a couple of game due to injury but has logged at least 30 minutes in both of his last two contests, so he should be fine moving forward. After scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Lakers on Wednesday, this is another matchup against a team that plays at a fast pace that could result in a positive state line for Osman.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. BOS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900
After missing most of the season due to injury, Collins has played in each of the Hawks last three games. They’ve taken a cautious approach with his return, but he started and logged 27 minutes against the Raptors on Wednesday. He won’t be this cheap for much longer and could be in line for even more playing time Friday, making him a great option to consider. Of note, Collins is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel as he is listed at center on DraftKings.
Noah Vonleh, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300
After a two-game stint on the bench, Vonleh has returned to the starting five for the Knicks. He certainly made a case to hold onto a starting job, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks across his last two contests. The key is that he logged at least 30 minutes in both of those games. If he can receive similar playing time Friday, he is definitely a candidate to outproduce his price point.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
With the Cavaliers lack of depth up front, Thompson has been thrust into a significant role. It might not always be pretty, but Thompson is still averaging 10.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. The Cavaliers don’t really have anyone else capable of defending Joel Embiid, so Thompson could get all the minutes he can handle Friday.
Cody Zeller, CHA at OKC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,100
After being limited to 33 games last year due to injury, Zeller has already played in 17 games this season. His upside isn’t great, but he’s put up respectable numbers with 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest. The Hornets do like to use a lot of small lineups, but they might not be able to as much with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) out again for this matchup. They will also need Zeller to battle with Steven Adams, who logs a lot of playing time for the Thunder.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are no games in the NBA on Thursday because of Thanksgiving, but Wednesday brings a packed slate of 13 games. Let’s try to go into the off day on a high note with a winning DFS entry. Here are some cheap value plays that could help lead you to a successful evening. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Quinn Cook, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Warriors will continue to have their depth tested Wednesday with Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe) out. Cook has played an increased role since Curry went down, but his upside really increases when Green is out, as well. Across four games that both Curry and Green have missed, Cook averaged 19 points, 3.8 rebounds, and four assists. His price has climbed since taking on a more significant role, but Cook is still cheap enough to consider for your entry.
Fred VanVleet, TOR at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900
The Raptors could have depth issues of their own Wednesday. Playing in the second game of a back-to-back set, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kawhi Leonard sit since he hasn’t played two straight days yet this season. Kyle Lowry also entered Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury and even though he played, there could be a chance he is rested against a far inferior Hawks team, as well. VanVleet started with Leonard out Saturday against the Bulls and scored 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. This could be a great opportunity for him to shine.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,200
The Cavaliers are not only running out of healthy players but now J.R. Smith is away from the team as they work on trading him. They don’t have many offensive weapons left, resulting in them averaging the fourth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league. Clarkson does a lot of the heavy lifting on offense with a 28.5 percent usage rate, which is by far the highest mark of his career. The Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game), so Clarkson could receive even more opportunities to fill up the scoring column Wednesday.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100
After missing the start of the season due to injury, Bogdanovic has come off of the bench in all six games since his return. After a quiet couple of first performances, Bogdanovic is averaging 16 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across his last four games. He hasn’t played more than 25 minutes in any of those contests, but the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.5), which provides a boost to his upside.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Victor Oladipo (knee) was unable to play Monday against the Jazz, which helped Bogdanovic tie his season high with 14 shot attempts. Oldaipo is listed as questionable for this contest, so if he is ruled out, Bogdanovic could be a steal at this price. Even if Oladipo does play, Bogdanovic is worth considering since he is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals for the season, overall.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
Injuries are the theme of the day Wednesday with the Mavericks being no exception. Wesley Matthews (hamstring) has already been ruled out, marking the third straight game that he will miss. Finney-Smith started the first two games with Matthews sidelined, logging at least 34 minutes in both contests. His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals in those starts, making him an option in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MIL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,500
If there’s one thing you can count on with Aminu, it’s that he’s going to gobble up rebounds. He has at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games and is averaging 8.4 boards for the season, overall. His 12 percent usage rate illustrates how few opportunities he receives to score, but he’ been able to average 8.7 points per game because of his ability to shoot from behind the arc. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.1), which should work in his favor Wednesday.
Jonas Jerebko, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100
Not only will the Warriors be without Green, but Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will miss his third straight game Wednesday. Jerebko started both of the first two contests, averaging 6.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Don’t expect Jerebko to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price, especially when the other options the Warriors have up front are Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and, Damian Jones.
CENTERS
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Bucks needed a boost in perimeter shooting and a center heading into this season and brought in Lopez to fill both of those voids. He’s been stellar from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.9 three-pointers per contest. Although he might not provide the traditional rebounding numbers that we expect from centers, Lopez is averaging 1.8 blocks per contest. After scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds and one block when these two teams met earlier this season, Lopez is someone to also consider for their rematch.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100
The Hornets like to deploy a lot of small lineups, but there are two factors working against that Wednesday. First, the Pacers have a lot of size and depth at center. Second, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle), who they like to play up front when they go small, will be missing his fourth straight contest. Across the previous three games that he missed, Zeller averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. That’s not overly impressive, but it at least brings him into the discussion if you want to go really cheap at center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA tips off the week with nine games Monday. With so many options to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some cheaper value plays to consider when creating your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Collin Sexton, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,100
With George Hill (shoulder) out, Sexton is starting and averaging a whopping 36 minutes a game in that role. He won’t provide traditional point guard stat lines but that doesn’t mean Sexton doesn’t have value. Across four games as a starter, he is averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. His price is climbing, but Sexton is still worth starting with Hill remaining on the sidelines.
Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200
People might not be noticing it because the Hawks are terrible, but Lin’s 24 percent usage rate is the third-highest on the team. The player with the second-highest is Tauren Prince (Achilles) at 24.3 percent, but he’s doubtful to play Monday. This could be a high-scoring contest with both the Hawks and Clippers in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, making Lin an intriguing option to consider in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Cavaliers didn’t enter the season with a lot of scoring punch, but the loss of Kevin Love (toe) has been a killer for their offense. Clarkson has stepped up to try and fill the void, averaging 15.4 points and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. Although he’s only averaging 24 minutes per contest, his 28.6 percent usage rate if by far the highest on the team with Love currently unable to play. Clarkson scored 18 points when these teams met earlier this season and should get plenty of opportunities to be productive again in their rematch.
Garrett Temple, MEM vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Temple’s 15.6 percent usage rate is certainly nothing to write home about, but by playing 32 minutes a night, he has been able to average a career-high 12 points per game. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he’s also chipped in 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. There’s no reason to believe his playing time will decrease anytime soon, especially with the Grizzlies off to a 10-5 start. It’s not easy to find a player with such a high minutes floor at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000
Moore continues to struggle from the free-throw line, but his 55.7 percent shooting from the field has helped him average a career-high 15.6 points per game. With so many great scoring options around him, it’s hard for opposing defenses to key in on stopping Moore, as well. The Pelicans recently lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger), which will push Jrue Holiday into his position. Moore will likely shift over to shooting guard and is locked in for plenty of minutes based on the Pelicans lack of overall depth.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Bogdanovic is on a roll right now, averaging 15.3 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 steals across his last eight games. He’s been lethal from behind the arc this entire season, shooting 52.3 percent on three-pointers. That percentage likely won’t hold up over the course of the year, but he’s playing 31 minutes a game and is an important part of the Pacers success. His scoring upside is similar to that of Moore’s, making him a potentially intriguing option at an even cheaper price.
POWER FORWARDS
Derrick Favors, UTA at IND
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,600
Favors is averaging just 23 minutes per game, which is his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He’s made the most of his time on the floor, though, by averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Pacers do have some size up front with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, but the pairing of Favors and Rudy Gobert is a handful. Favors’ ceiling isn’t great due to his limited role, but he also has a fairly high floor for someone at this price.
Jerami Grant, OKC at SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The Thunder don’t have a very deep roster, which has opened up a starting role for Grant. He didn’t have a lot of value coming off of the bench at the beginning of the season, but Grant has averaged 13 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 12 starts. Both the Kings and the Thunder are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair that leads to a few extra counting stats for Grant.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. BOS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,000
Injuries have plagued Zeller throughout his career, but he’s managed to play all 15 games so far this year. He doesn’t receive traditional starters minutes, but he could be in line for added playing time again Monday with Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle) out. Across 12 games in which Zeller has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he is averaging 10.2 points, six rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Mike Muscala, PHI vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,900
The Sixers bringing in Jimmy Butler is a net positive for the team, but it’s left them thin at power forward. Wilson Chandler has taken over the starting job, but he’s still on a minutes limit as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Over the four games since the trade, Muscala is averaging 8.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and two three-pointers per contest. At near the minimum price on both sites, Muscala might be worth the risk in tournament play so you can load up elsewhere.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA starts off the month of November with six games on the schedule Thursday. That’s a busier than normal Thursday, but there are still a limited amount of viable value plays available. Let’s take a look at some of the options that stand out based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
George Hill, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,700
There’s going to be a point this season, possibly sooner than some might have originally thought, when the Cavaliers are going to start playing their young players more. There have already been rumors of them exploring trades to move some of their veterans. Hill is starting at point guard for now, but don’t be surprised if his minutes start to dwindle in the near future. That’s of little concern Thursday, though, which brings him into the discussion for cheap point guards. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he is averaging 13 points and 1.1 three-pointers per contest.
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
It would make a lot of sense for Sexton to eventually replace Hill in the starting lineup this year. They are actually kind of similar players in that neither is going to rack up assists as a traditional point guard would. However, Sexton has had a few impressive offensive showings, scoring at least 12 points in four of his last five games. The Nuggets are a far superior team, so if they race out to a big lead early, Sexton could get plenty of garbage time minutes. I actually think he has a slightly higher upside than Hill, making him an intriguing option in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,600
Redick is still not starting games for the Sixers, but his playing time hasn’t dropped at 30 minutes per game. His 39.5 percent shooting percentage is well below his career mark, but his 23.8 percent usage rate has still helped him average 18.5 points and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. Both of these teams are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, which could lead to even more scoring opportunities for Redick.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,400
The loss of Kevin Love (foot) and his 27.3 percent usage rate is a crushing blow for an already thin Cavaliers roster. Clarkson has been one of their other primary scoring options, leading to him averaging 16 points despite playing in only 23 minutes a night. The key has been his 27.8 percent usage rate, which would be the highest mark of his career. His other contributions are limited, at best, but Clarkson can still provide value.
SMALL FORWARDS
Evan Turner, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100
Turner doesn’t excel in any one area, but his all-around contributions still leave him with some value. Despite averaging only 24 minutes a game, Turner has averages of 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Maurice Harkless (knee) could eventually eat into some of Turner’s minutes, but he’s already been ruled out again for Thursday. With the Pelicans playing at the third-fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game), Turner could do just enough across the board to warrant consideration.
Sam Dekker, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600
The Cavaliers are a mess right now with Love out, Tyronn Lue fired and the uncertainty surrounding the status of interim head coach Larry Drew. It’s hard to read too much into how the Cavaliers plan to replace Love with their recent coaching change, but Dekker has started both of their last two games. He had his best performance of the year Tuesday against the Hawks, scoring 12 points to go along with nine rebounds, four assists and three steals across 29 minutes. Facing the Nuggets is a much tougher task, but Dekker has upside if he remains in the starting five.
POWER FORWARDS
Zach Collins, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,100
Collins has been crazy efficient to start this year, shooting 65.1 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the arc and 88.9 percent from the charity stripe. Add that to his uptick in playing time and he’s become a weapon off the bench for the Blazers. His ability to shoot three-pointers and play at a fast pace could be key for the Blazers in this matchup against the Pelicans, so don’t sleep on Collins.
Trey Lyles, DEN at CLE
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,500
The Nuggets played Wednesday against the Bulls in Chicago, winning a close game that went to overtime. Lyles played 20 minutes in that game and has logged at least 20 minutes in five straight contests. He’s shown an ability to contribute when given the opportunity, averaging 11 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across those five games. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but this is a matchup to exploit with the Cavaliers allowing 117.9 points per game.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Dedmon was in foul trouble Tuesday against the Cavaliers, resulting in him posting four points and four rebounds across just 16 minutes. He’s had his ups and downs this season and is still coming off of the bench behind Alex Len, but he could see extended minutes against the big Kings frontcourt if he can stay out of foul trouble. The Hawks and Kings play at the two fastest paces in the league, which could also help Dedmon’s bottom line.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000
The Hornets like to play small, which is one of the reasons why Zeller is averaging only 22 minutes a game despite starting all eight contests. Even with his limiting playing time, he’s still averaging a respectable 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. Whether they like it or not, the Hornets might be forced to play Zeller more Thursday in a matchup against Steven Adams. Zeller is a significant amount cheaper than Dedmon, so he might be the way to go at center if you really want budget relief at the position.