After Tuesday’s busy slate, the NBA quiets down with just five games on the schedule Wednesday. The good news is that despite the lack of games, there are a lot of quality cheap value plays options to choose from. Let’s discuss a couple at each position that stand out.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/7/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday is going to be a great night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. With no time to waste, let’s jump right in and take a look at some value plays who could provide significant production. 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 LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,600
Rose returned from a one-game absence due to an ankle injury to play 35 minutes Monday against the Clippers, so he appears to be fine moving forward. Although it took him 20 shot attempts to get there, Rose scored 21 points in that game to go along with three rebounds and four assists. Jeff Teague (knee) will be out again for this contest, making Rose a great option against a Lakers team that plays at the third-fastest pace (106.4 possessions per game) in the league.
Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,600
Mack is dealing with some groin soreness, but he’s listed as probable for this matchup. He’s turned into a key backup behind Mike Conley, averaging 26 minutes a game. Don’t expect him to lose playing time anytime soon since he’s averaging 12 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers per contest. Rose certainly has a higher upside, but Mack is also worth considering.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500
Tim Hardaway Jr. entered Monday’s game against the Bulls with a back injury. He was listed as active, but he never entered the contest. Trier started in his place and shined in their double-overtime loss, scoring 21 points to go along with three rebounds, two steals, and two three-pointers. Even before Monday, Trier had scored at least 12 points in a game five times this season. His value will definitely take a hit if Hardaway starts, but Trier shouldn’t be totally ignored against a Hawks team that is playing at the fastest pace (108.2) in the league.
Antonio Blakeney, CHI at NO
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700
Blakeney can flat out shoot. The Bulls have been decimated by injuries to start the year, which has allowed him to log a few extra minutes. Across six games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes, Blakeney is averaging 16.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers. His 25.9 percent usage rate is actually second on the team behind only Zach LaVine (34.1 percent). This game could become a blowout early, which could lead to a lot of garbage time scoring for Blakeney. At this cheap price, he should be on your radar in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Justise Winslow, MIA vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
Winslow has started the last two games for the Heat. One was in place of the injured Goran Dragic and the other was in favor of the inconsistent Kelly Olynyk. He averaged 12 points, eight rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and one block in those games, making a case to stick in a starting role moving forward. It wouldn’t be surprising to at least see him start again Wednesday, especially with the Spurs likely having to play smaller with Pau Gasol (foot) already ruled out.
Jae Crowder, UTA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,500
Even though Crowder has only started one game this season, his 30 minutes per contest rank fourth-highest on the team. He’s looked like the player that he was in Boston, averaging 14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers across his first 10 games. The Mavericks have allowed the eighth-most points per game (115.1), so this could be a high-scoring affair that benefits Crowder’s upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, OKC at CLE
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,100
The Thunder don’t have much depth, to begin with, but they’ll be tested even further with Russell Westbrook (ankle) out for this game. Grant isn’t necessarily counted on for much offense, but he could see a few extra shot attempts as a result of Westbrook being on the sidelines. Since taking over as the starting power forward, Grant is averaging 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and one three-pointer across six games.
Taj Gibson, MIN at LAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,500
One of coach Tom Thibodeau’s favorites, Gibson has actually seen his playing time decrease from 33 minutes a game last year to 26 minutes per contest this season. Even will less time on the floor, Gibson has still been able to average 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and one block. When these two teams met earlier this season, Gibson finished with eight points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks over 29 minutes. With the Lakers playing at such a fast pace, Gibson is a viable option at this reduced price.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000
Things are getting thin up front for the Cavaliers. They have already been without Kevin Love (foot), but now Sam Dekker (ankle) is also on the shelf. Thompson will likely be forced to play more with limited depth behind him, especially facing Steven Adams on Wednesday. Although he hasn’t provided much in the way of defensive stats, Thompson is a nightly double-double threat with averages of nine points and 9.6 rebounds across his first 10 games.
Cristiano Felicio, CHI at NO
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
If the Bulls weren’t missing Lauri Markkanen (elbow) and Bobby Portis (knee), Felicio probably wouldn’t even be playing. Wendell Carter Jr. is getting the lion’s share of the minutes at center, but the Bulls have decided to give Felicio minutes as his backup over Robin Lopez. His skill set is extremely limited, but Felicio has averaged 6.5 points and 7.8 rebounds over four games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. If the Bulls get blown out in this game, he should play more during garbage time. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s at least someone to consider at this dirt cheap price if you want to load up elsewhere.
NBA 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 3/23/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/23/18
The NBA brings a big slate Friday with 20 teams in action. There are a lot of options as a result, but 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 Jabari Parker and Devin Harris.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Darren Collison, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800
Collison missed over a month due to injury, but is healthy now and has played at least 31 minutes in back-to-back games, which is a good sign for his playing time moving forward. He has at least six assists in three straight contests and is hot from behind the arc, shooting a combined 10-for-17 on three-pointers in his last four games. The Clippers play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.3 possessions per game) in the league, potentially giving Collison added opportunities to provide value Friday.
Cameron Payne, CHI vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,400
The Bulls are running out of healthy guards with Kris Dunn (toe), Zach LaVine (knee) and Antonio Blakeney (wrist) all out Friday. Payne will continue to start at the point and has averaged 9.3 points, three rebounds, 7.3 assists and two three-pointers in his three previous starts this season. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but the Bulls severe lack of depth gives Payne a high enough minutes floor to consider him for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wayne Ellington, MIA at OKC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) will be out again Friday, marking the sixth straight game that he has missed. Ellington has been one of the primary beneficiaries of his absence, logging at least 30 minutes in four of the first five contests that Wade missed. He’s cashed in his extra playing time, averaging 15.2 points, three rebounds, one steal and four three-pointers during that five-game stretch. If he is dialed in from behind the arc, he has the potential to outproduce this price point.
Devin Harris, DEN at WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000
Gary Harris (knee) will sit again Friday, likely resulting in more playing time for Devin Harris. Devin has played well with the added minutes, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, seven assists and two three-pointers in his last two games. He doesn’t have the same kind of offensive upside that Ellington does, but his ability to contribute in other areas might actually give him a higher upside at a cheaper price.
SMALL FORWARDS
David Nwaba, CHI vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,700
The rebuilding Bulls may have found themselves a useful bench player for the future in Nwaba, who plays with a ton of energy and attacks the rim. His jump shot still has a long way to go, but the Bulls are going to continue to give him minutes down the stretch to develop his game, especially with all of their injuries. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but Nwaba is averaging a respectable 9.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one block in his last six games. He doesn’t have as much value as he did when he was starting for a stretch earlier this season, but he’s still a viable option to consider.
Shabazz Muhammad, MIL at CHI
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,100
The Bucks will likely be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) on Friday, who is listed as doubtful to play against the Bulls. That would leave a huge hole in their offense as he has the fifth-highest usage rate (31.5%) in the league. While it’s a very small sample size, Muhammad has shown he is going to be involved offensively when he is on the court since joining the Bucks, posting a 25% usage rate in four games. He played 14 minutes in the game when Giannis suffered the injury Wednesday, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Bulls have allowed an average of 117.2 points in their last six games, so Muhammad is someone to consider taking a chance on in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Jabari Parker, MIL at CHI
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,400
Parker had his best game of the season Wednesday against the Clippers, scoring 20 points to go along with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. It’s no coincidence that he also played a season-high 30 minutes in that contest. Expect him to log similar minutes if Giannis does indeed sit, giving him tremendous upside against the depleted Bulls. It’s hard to pass him up considering his price on both sites.
Kevon Looney, GS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,100
The Warriors are decimated by injuries right now, but Stephen Curry (ankle) is expected to return Friday. They will still be without Klay Thompson (thumb), Kevin Durant (ribs) and Draymond Green (pelvis) though, leaving plenty of minutes and scoring opportunities for their bench players. Looney has played at least 20 minutes in four straight games, averaging 10.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 2.3 blocks. The Hawks allow the third-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing power forwards, making Looney a great cost-effective option to consider.
CENTERS
Mike Muscala, ATL at GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400
Muscala has started both of the last two games with John Collins (ankle) sidelined, averaging eight points, 4.5 rebounds, one steal, one block and two three-pointers. With Collins listed as questionable for Friday, Muscala could be in line for another start. It would be a favorable matchup if he does against a Warriors team that deploys a lot of small lineups and plays at the fourth-fastest pace (102.3) in the league.
Cristiano Felicio, CHI vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200
Although it hasn’t always looked pretty, Felicio has produced statistically of late, averaging 14.3 points and seven rebounds in his last three games. The Bulls are tanking hard down the stretch, so expect them to continue to give Felicio added playing time. The Bucks allow the sixth-most FanDuel points per game and the second-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, so Felicio is someone to consider in tournament play.
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.