Tuesday doesn’t bring a ton of action in the NBA with just four games on the schedule. There are still some positions that have excellent cheaper options, but there are others where it might be wise to allocate a larger portion of your budget.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA is once again loaded with cheap value play options due to injuries. Let’s get right down to business and highlight two players at each position that could help lead you to a profitable night. 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
Derrick White, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
DeMar DeRozan (knee) will be out again Tuesday, forcing other players on the Spurs to help make up for some of his production. Across the last three games that DeRozan has missed, White has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and one steal. This is an excellent matchup for him against a Suns team that allows the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.
Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900
Napier stepped up for the Nets again Monday, scoring 20 points to go along with two rebounds, five assists and two steals against the Celtics. He logged 26 minutes and attempted 16 shots, leaving him with 29 shot attempts across two games since Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) went down. There’s no reason to believe he won’t play a prominent role again Tuesday, which sets him up as a cheap option to target against a horrible Bulls team.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Marco Belinelli, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
Another player who will be tasked with filling the void created by DeRozan’s absence is Belinelli. Over the previous three games that DeRozan missed, Belinelli averaged 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. This is a great matchup for him against the Suns, who allow the third-most points per game (115.5) in the league, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.
Wayne Selden, CHI at BKN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
The Bulls seem hellbent on not playing Jabari Parker. They lost yet another key part of their rotation in Chandler Hutchinson (toe), who will be out for at least the next four weeks. In the first game that Hutchinson missed Sunday against the Cavaliers, Parker logged just 11 minutes off of the bench. Selden is the one who replaced Hutchinson in the starting five and he was productive with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. The key is he played 38 minutes. If you want to go really cheap in tournament play, Selden is a viable option, especially on FanDuel.
SMALL FORWARDS
Cedi Osman, CLE vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Osman has cranked up his game of late, averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals across his last three contests. That’s especially impressive when you consider two of those games came against the Celtics and Heat, both of which are inside the top-four in the league in terms of fewest points allowed per game. He’s someone to target Tuesday in a much easier matchup against a Wizards team that allows the second-most points per game (115.9) and plays at the eighth-fastest pace (102.2 possessions per game) in the league.
Darius Miller, NO at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700
The Pelicans will be playing with a short bench for this game with Anthony Davis (finger), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E’Twaun Moore (rest) all out. To make matters worse, Julius Randle (ankle) is listed as questionable and could miss his third straight games. Over the previous two games with Davis, Mirotic and Randle all out, Miller averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. If Randle does indeed sit, Miller has plenty of upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Richaun Holmes, PHO at SA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,700
The Suns should once again be without Deandre Ayton (ankle), who is listed as doubtful for Tuesday. Holmes had missed some time recently with a foot injury, but he returned Sunday and posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks across 27 minutes against the Lakers. Dragan Bender has been playing well for the Suns, but he only logged 13 minutes Sunday. It’s pretty clear that Holmes is their preferred option in the middle.
Ed Davis, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Davis grabbed 11 rebounds against the Celtics on Monday and has now reached double-digit boards in three of his last four games. Considering he’s averaging three offensive rebounds a game for the season, that helps him contribute enough in the scoring department to not be a liability in that area. Even though he’s not starting, don’t shy away from him in this matchup against a Bulls team that allows the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
The Lakers would be wise to stick with Zubac as their primary center. He demolished the depleted Suns on Sunday, scoring 24 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four blocks in 35 minutes. This is a much tougher matchup for him against Joel Embiid, but Zubac’s expanded role of late still leaves him with enough upside to warrant consideration at this price. If this game becomes a blowout, that also should help him receive more playing time.
Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Bucks don’t have a ton of quality size up front, so look for them to rely heavily on Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond. Lopez has been productive over the first three games these teams have faced off this season, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and a whopping 3.3 blocks per contest. If you’re choosing between the two, I’d go with Zubac over Lopez since they are so close in price. However, if you want a lower owned player in tournament play, Lopez might be your man.
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 Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The two top options for Monday’s six-game slate in the NBA are James Harden and Anthony Davis. Both are costly, so if you want to add them to your DFS lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value plays. Here are a couple of options at each position to consider. 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
Derrick White, SA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400
This is a great matchup for the Spurs. They are a much better team at home and the Hornets are an ugly 5-15 on the road. The Hornets’ defense has also been awful since Cody Zeller (hand) went down, allowing an average of 119.5 points across their last six games. That could lead to a productive offensive showing from White, who enters this contest having averaged 17.1 points across his last seven games.
Terry Rozier, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700
The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving. Irving is dealing with a right quadriceps bruise and is considered a game-time decision. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely assume his spot in the starting five. Over four starts this season, Rozier has averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds. 5.3 assists and two steals. He would be a lock for me at this dirt cheap price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700
Rivers had another strong offensive showing for the Rockets on Sunday by scoring 25 points against the Magic. He logged 37 minutes in that game and hit four three-pointers. With all of the injuries that the Rockets have in their backcourt, Rivers has averaged 37 minutes per game since joining the team. Couple his increased playing time with added three-point attempts and Rivers is still someone to consider in tournament play despite having to face a tough Grizzlies’ defense Monday.
Kyle Korver, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800
The Jazz are basically playing without a point guard right now due to injuries. With three point guards currently on the sidelines, it’s opened up added playing time for a couple of players on the roster. Korver is one of them and is coming off of a productive game Saturday against the Bulls when he scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds and a block in 26 minutes. He’s not going to be someone who helps facilitate the offense, but the added playing time makes him someone to target at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Royce O’Neale, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700
The other player who has seen a significant increase in playing time lately is O’Neale, who has logged at least 37 minutes in both of the last two games. To say he’s come through for the Jazz is an understatement. Friday, he scored 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in a blowout win over the Lakers. He followed that up Saturday with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks against the Bulls. Don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.
Evan Turner, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
The Blazers don’t have nearly the injury issues that the Jazz have, but they could be missing a key part of their rotation in Maurice Harkless (knee). He’s missed each of their last three games and might not be able to take the floor again Monday. If he can’t, that could leave Turner with added playing time. That’s key considering he doesn’t excel in any one particular category. It also helps Turner’s cause that the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,800
Another player who could potentially benefit from the absence of Irving is Morris. Despite the Celtics’ stellar depth across the roster, Morris is averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game. Even though Morris doesn’t provide hardly any defensive stats, he has chipped in another career-high with an average of six rebounds a night. The Nets are dealing with some injuries to their frontcourt, so look for Morris to have an opportunity to thrive. He’s is still worth considering if Irving plays, but his upside is likely higher if Irving can’t take the floor.
JaMychal Green, MEM at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Grizzlies lost Kyle Anderson (ankle) over the weekend and could be without his services for up to four weeks. The Grizzlies do have Justin Holiday to step into a larger role, but Jaren Jackson Jr. could also see some playing time at small forward. The trio of Jackson, Green and Marc Gasol actually shared some time on the floor Saturday against Heat. Green is averaging 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in only 23 minutes a game this year, so any added playing time could provide him with a boost in value.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200
Horford’s value comes from his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His production has been capped lately, though, due to a minute’s restriction after missing time with a knee injury. That restriction was increased to 30 minutes Saturday against the Magic and he responded with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. The Nets allow the most DraftKings points per game and the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so the added playing time makes Horford a great target for your entry.
Bismack Biyombo, CHA at SA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200
The Hornets turned to Willy Hernangomez when Zeller initially went down, but his time as a starter lasted just one game. Biyombo has started each of their last five contests and averaged 7.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. If you want to load up at other positions, rolling with Biyombo at center in tournament play could help significantly with your budget while providing modest upside.
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 Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are plenty of value plays to wade through Monday with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are a couple of players at each position who stand out based on their matchups. 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
Derrick White, SA at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000
The Spurs may have finally settled on White as their starting point guard. Not only has he started nine straight games, but he’s also logged at least 27 minutes in seven straight contests. During that seven-game stretch, he’s averaged 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Even though those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that still brings him into the DFS discussion for Monday based on his reasonable price on both sites.
D.J. Augustin, ORL at SAC
FanDuel – $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Magic are approaching the halfway point of the season and Augustin is still their starting point guard. While that might say more about the state of their roster than it does anything else, Augustin has remained DFS relevant in the role. He’s averaged 28 minutes per game, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, which should afford Augustin with a few more opportunities to provide value, as well. The Kings have also allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200
The Bucks continue to be one of the best teams in the league and Brogdon has been a key part of their success. He’s able to provide steady contributions across the board, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. His defensive contributions are limited, but he is shooting a career-high 42.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bucks also play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1), leaving Brogdon as a viable option to consider.
Austin Rivers, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
The Rockets are on a roll right now despite not having Chris Paul (hamstring) or Eric Gordon (knee) on the floor. It turned out adding Rivers has been crucial for their depth. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes per game with the Rockets, recording 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night. With both players out once again Monday, Rivers should receive all the playing time that he can handle.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets will likely be without the services of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) for this contest. Carroll hasn’t played a ton this season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in all three games since both players went down. With averages of 19.7 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists during that stretch, Carroll still has some upside despite facing a stingy Celtics’ defense. In fact, he scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against an equally tough Grizzlies’ defense on Friday.
Danuel House, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Another beneficiary to all of the injuries on the Rockets is House, who has started each of their last seven games. He’s done nothing to make the Rockets remove him from that role, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers. With no reinforcements coming Monday, House will once again be a cheap option in tournament play who could provide some upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,900
Morris (neck) did not play Friday against the Mavericks, but with a few days off, he’s listed as probable for this matchup with the Nets. Kyrie Irving (eye) should also return, so this could be a tough task for the red-hot Nets. Morris is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. That’s saying something considering the depth that the Celtics have. If Morris plays, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.
Ed Davis, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Davis is a rebounding machine. He’s only averaging 18 minutes a game this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 8.5 boards per contest. The Nets have relied on him to log more minutes since Hollis-Jefferson went down, which has propelled Davis to averages of 6.3 points and 11.3 rebounds across his last three contests. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
JaVale McGee, LAL at DAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500
The Lakers have turned into the walking-wounded with LeBron James (groin), Rajon Rondo (hand) and Kyle Kuzma (back) all dealing with injuries. Even if Kuzma makes his return Monday, James and Rondo will still be sidelined. McGee normally doesn’t receive a lot of scoring opportunities, but he has attempted at least 14 shots in two of his last three games. It’s hard to rely on him to be an offensive force, but even a couple of extra shot attempts per game makes a big difference when combined with his ability to rebound and block shots.
Al Horford, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,600
The one thing I don’t like about Horford is his lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t logged more than 25 minutes in any of his last five games. However, three of those games were decided by at least 13 points, so it might not have made much sense to push Horford in those outings. The Nets are terrible at defending opposing centers, so even if Horford is somewhat limited Monday, he could still be productive.
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.