Tuesday brings a fairly quiet night in the NBA with only five games on the schedule. However, there is still a nice mix of high-priced stars and cheaper value plays in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 18 2019
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 Recommendations for November 20 2019
It’s going to be a busy night in the NBA on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. That leaves us with a lot of great options at various price points, so let’s try to narrow the focus down and discuss a couple of the better players to target at each position
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 30 2019
Buckle up for a wild Wednesday with 11 games on the NBA schedule.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/6/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The hot topic in the NBA is Thursday’s trade deadline. Some keys moves have already been made with potentially more in the works. While we wait to see things unfold, we have seven games to select cheap value plays from Wednesday. 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
Bryn Forbes, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300
The Spurs are the poster child for cheap value plays Wednesday. Not only will they be missing three players from their depth chart, but they are three of their best ones in DeMar DeRozan (rest), LaMarcus Aldridge (rest) and Derrick White (heel). On the offensive end, those three average a combined 52.1 points per game. Forbes’ average of 12.1 points per game ranks fourth on the team behind DeRozan, Aldridge and Rudy Gay (14.2), so expect him to see more shot attempts in this game.
Patty Mills, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
Mills enters this contest having averaged 13.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one steal across his last seven games. He can score in bunches, so he too should be tasked with helping to offset the absences of DeRozan and Aldridge. The Warriors play at the 10th-fastest pace (101.8 possessions per game) in the league, which should also help increase Mills’ upside.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Malik Beasley, DEN at BKN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,700
The Nuggets have already ruled out Gary Harris (groin) on Wednesday, which should leave Beasley with another start. They could also be without Jamal Murray (ankle) and Paul Millsap (ankle), who are both listed as questionable. With Beasley averaging 20.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals across his last seven games, look for him to once again cash in on his added playing time.
Marco Belinelli, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000
The veteran Belinelli is only averaging 22 minutes a game, which would be his lowest mark since the 2014-15 season. Ironically, that was the final season of his first stint with the Spurs. His overall numbers don’t stand out, but he has been more productive lately by averaging 14.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists across his last 13 games. Despite his lack of defensive contributions, he’s yet another Spur worth considering in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Darius Miller, NO at CHI
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The Pelicans have the ability to change the landscape of the league by trading away Anthony Davis (finger). While they continue to field offers, they’ve kept Davis on the sidelines despite a recent report that he’s healthy enough to play. With Davis, Nikola Mirotic (calf), Julius Randle (ankle), Elfrid Payton (ankle) and E’Twaun Moore (quadriceps) all potentially out again, Miller should receive plenty of playing time. That’s key considering the Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1).
Davis Bertans, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Yes, I’ve mentioned a lot of Spurs. But their situation Wednesday presents an opportunity to pounce on. Bertans already started their last game Monday against the Kings and scored 11 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists and a steal. In another start last week against the Suns, he recorded 18 points, five assists, four steals and a block. It’s hard to pass him up at this cheap price on both sites.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
The Hornets looked to be closing in on a trade for Marc Gasol on Tuesday, but that deal has reportedly fallen apart. The two teams might still try to make a deal work, which could have a significant impact on the Hornets’ depth chart Wednesday. As long as Williams isn’t dealt, he’s someone to target against a Mavericks team that has very little size up front after their trade with the Knicks.
Kenrich Williams, NO at CHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000
As long as the Pelicans remain shorthanded, Williams is a great option to consider. He’s logged at least 30 minutes in each of their last four games, which helped him to average 12.3 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one block during that stretch. The Bulls are about as big of a dumpster fire as there is in the league right now, so expect Williams to at least approach a double-double again in this contest.
CENTERS
Mason Plumlee, DEN at BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Plumlee started in place of Millsap against the Pistons on Monday and came through with 15 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two steals across 33 minutes. That leaves him with averages of 10.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists over four games in which he has played at least 30 minutes. Even if Millsap does return, Plumlee could provide value in a bench role since the Nets allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Jakob Poeltl, SA at GS
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
Ok, this is the final player on the Spurs that I’ll talk about. I promise. With Aldridge out, Pau Gasol and Poeltl will be left to carry the load at center. Gasol has logged at least 20 minutes in a game only two times over the last month, so don’t expect him to all of a sudden spend a ton of time on the floor. If this game were to be a blowout, that would also work in Poeltl’s favor since Gasol would likely be on the bench a lot in the second half. At such a cheap price, Poeltl could be a difference maker in tournament play.
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 ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18
There are only five games in the NBA on Thursday, leaving limited options to choose from in daily fantasy basketball. There will be some elite players in action, but it’s key to find the right cheap 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 Rudy Gay and Jarrett Allen.
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POINT GUARDS
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200
Johnson has provided an offensive spark for the Heat lately, scoring at least 16 points in three of his last four games. He was efficient from the field during those three contests, shooting a combined 20-for-37 (54.1%). Johnson has had some success in three previous meetings with the Sixers this season, averaging 12.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 three-pointers. The expected return of Wayne Ellington (quad) on Thursday adds further depth to the Heat, but Johnson should still get enough playing time to warrant consideration for your entry.
Raymond Felton, OKC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,400
Felton played just nine minutes in a close game between these same two teams last week, but still scored five points and dished out four assists. Considering the Suns play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (113.3) in the league, it’s not surprising that Felton put up those numbers in such limited minutes. If he gets more minutes Thursday, there is a good chance he provides value at this price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dwayne Wade, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,400
Wade has stepped up offensively lately, scoring at least 22 points in three of his last five games. Although he’s coming off the bench and playing limited minutes still, Wade has a 31.6% usage rate with the Heat compared to a 24.3% usage rate during his time in Cleveland. He lit up the Sixers for 27 points in their last meeting, making him a viable option at a reasonable price again Thursday.
Malik Monk, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,000
Monk played 16 minutes in the Hornets last game Tuesday, scoring nine points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) did not play in that contest and will be out Thursday, which should mean more minutes for Monk once again. The Nets play at the seventh-fastest pace (101) and allow the third-most points per game (110) in the league, leaving Monk with a promising matchup. His ceiling is not high by any means, but he could be worth the risk in tournament considering how little he will impact your budget.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900
Carroll is off to a great start in March, averaging 20.3 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 assists, one steal and 3.7 three-pointers through three contests. He’s had a resurgent season in general for the Nets and since they don’t own their first round pick next year, he should still get plenty of minutes despite their poor record. Even if he can’t keep up with his recent offensive pace Thursday, he can still provide enough production across the board to justify this price.
Rudy Gay, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,600
Gay injured his eardrum Monday against the Grizzlies but is expected to play Thursday against the Warriors. He was off to a great start in that game before suffering the injury, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds in just 14 minutes. He had played at least 24 minutes in both of his previous two contests, averaging 17 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks. The Warriors like to use a lot of small lineups and play at the second-fastest pace (102.6) in the league, making Gay an excellent option Thursday. His price is reasonable on DraftKings, but it’s really low on FanDuel, making him an even better option if you are playing on that site.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS at MIN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,400
Morris is only averaging 25 minutes per game in his first season with the Celtics, but he has logged at least 30 minutes in four of his last seven games. The added playing time is significant for his value because his 22.2% usage rate is third-highest on the team. The Timberwolves have not played well defensively of late, allowing an average of 112.1 points over their last seven games. If Morris can get extra minutes again in this contest, look for him to take advantage of their struggles.
Davis Bertans, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600
The Spurs will be shorthanded up front Thursday with Pau Gasol (shoulder) sidelined. While Joffrey Lauvergne could also see some added playing time, this is not a great matchup for him considering the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy. Their style of play is better suited for Bertans’ skillset, so don’t be surprised if he sees more action than Lauvergne. If you want to go really cheap at power forward, Bertans could be worth the risk in tournament play.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600
Don’t panic over Allen’s last two bad games. One of them came against a good defender in DeAndre Jordan and the other was a bad matchup against the Warriors. He had averaged 13 points, eight rebounds and 1.4 blocks in his five previous games. One of those contests was against these same Hornets when he finished with nine points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. The Nets are going to need him to battle with Dwight Howard on Thursday and I expect him to fair much better than he has in his last two games.
Greg Monroe, BOS at MIN
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400
Monroe is starting to find his groove with his new team, averaging 14 points, 6.3 rebounds and one block in his last three games. He didn’t play more than 21 minutes in any of those contests, but his 23.1% usage rate since joining the Celtics is already the second-highest on the team. He could see added playing time against a big Timberwolves frontcourt Thursday, making him a viable option for your entry.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/11/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/11/18
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POINT GUARDS
Delon Wright, TOR vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
Kyle Lowry (back) is considered unlikely to play Thursday, leaving Wright with another opportunity to start. He started for Lowry on Tuesday against the Heat, scoring 13 points to go along with seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in 29 minutes. Wright has played at least 29 minutes in four of his last six games, averaging 14.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in those four contests. With an expanded role in the cards again Thursday, Wright could provide excellent value.
Patty Mills, SA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,500
The Spurs are going to be short-handed Thursday with Kawhi Leonard (shoulder) and Rudy Gay (heel) out, Tony Parker (ankle) doubtful and Danny Green (groin) questionable. If all four players are indeed out, that’s a lot of minutes left on the table. Mills has played at least 30 minutes in a game three times this season, averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.7 three-pointers in those contests. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game) and allow the second-most points per game (111.1) in the league, leaving Mills as a viable option for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $8,300
Williams is putting the Clippers on his back right now, averaging 31.8 points over his last 10 games. He scored a whopping 50 points Wednesday against the Warriors, but still managed to chip in seven assists in the game. The Clippers continue to be hit hard by injuries, which has led Williams to post a career-high 30% usage rate. The Clippers backcourt will be thin again Thursday, so look for more elite production from Williams against the Kings.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,000
The Kings inconsistent rotations make it hard to rely on their players in DFS but Bogdanovic has been one of the few you can count on lately. He’s played at least 30 minutes in five of his last seven games, which is a significant threshold for his value. He’s played at least 30 minutes in a game nine times this season, averaging 14.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.6 steals. At this reasonable price, he might be one of the more safer cheaper guard options Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE at TOR
FanDuel = $11,500
DraftKings = $11,300
James is coming off one of his worst games of the season on Monday, but he only played 27 minutes in a blowout loss to the Timberwolves. Games like that are few and far between based on his 30.8% usage rate, which is ninth-highest in the league. He is the only player priced over $10,000 on both FanDuel and DraftKings on Thursday, but his upside is so high, it’s going to be hard to keep him out of your lineup.
Kyle Anderson, SA at LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,400
With the Spurs dealing with injuries to several key players, look for Anderson to make another start Thursday. He’s started each of the last four games, averaging 7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. While the offensive numbers aren’t anything to write home about, his defensive contributions help him to provide value. Considering how fast the Lakers play and how poorly they are on the defensive end, Anderson could have one of his better offensive games of the season. On a night with limited options, he is definitely someone to consider.
POWER FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at LAL
FanDuel = $9,900
DraftKings = $8,500
Aldridge is off to a great start in January, averaging 28.5 points and 11.5 rebounds through four games. With Leonard back on the shelf, he should continue to be the main contributor on offense for the Spurs. The Lakers struggle to defend opposing power forwards, allowing the fifth-most FanDuel points per game and third-most DraftKings points per game to the position. Aldridge is one of the best options available at any position Thursday, so don’t hesitate to add him to your lineup.
Davis Bertans, SA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings =4,500
Bertans is another player that has seen increased action due to all of the Spurs injuries, logging at least 27 minutes in four straight games. He’s shown he can provide an offensive jolt, averaging 15.3 points and 3.3 three-pointers in those contests. He’s provided more than just scoring though, also averaging 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 block in those same games. With added playing time likely on tap again Thursday, he could be worth the risk in tournament play at this cheap price.
CENTERS
DeAndre Jordan, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,400
The Clippers have dealt with a ton of injuries, but Jordan has been one of the mainstays on their roster. He’s always been a dominant rebounder, but he’s averaging a career-high 15.1 rebounds per game this season. He’s also been forced to take on a bigger role in the offense, averaging 17.6 points in his last five games. If Griffin can’t go again Thursday, it will leave Jordan to be a one-man gang on the glass against a deep Kings frontcourt. Even if Griffin does play, Jordan still has considerable value.
Julius Randle, LAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,500
The Lakers have finally unleashed Randle. He’s started each of the last seven games, even with the return of Brook Lopez. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 17.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists in those starts. While the Spurs are dealing with a lot of injuries, they still have Aldridge and Pau Gasol up front, which should lead to a big role for Randle again in this game. If you can’t afford to squeeze Jordan into your lineup, Randle is someone to strongly consider.