We don’t have a lot of options to choose from Thursday in DFS with only three games in the NBA. A key injury could also have major ramifications on the slate.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 20 2020
With games spread throughout the day Monday, FanDuel and DraftKings are handling things a bit differently. DraftKings has broken things down into four slates, three of which are featured contests. Meanwhile, the main slate on FanDuel starts at 5:00 PM EST. For this article, we’ll only look at players for games that start at that time, or later.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/31/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/31/17
Sunday night presents the last NBA DFS slate of 2017 so let’s end the year right.
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POINT GUARDS:
Russell Westbrook ($11,900 FD/$11,600 DK) –
With Sunday being a small five game main slate, Russell Westbrook almost seems to be a necessity with very little “superstars” available and Harden coming off a poor performance. Westbrook is currently riding a very impressive 7 game streak in which he has provided 55+ FanDuel points. He will be opposing the Mavs Sunday, who rank mediocre in defending the position. Needless to say, defensive rankings don’t really matter when dealing with the animal Westbrook has been. In his last meeting with the Mavs he nearly dropped a triple double, falling one assist short. That game was in Dallas and now will be in Oklahoma City, with the cheer of thousands backing his dominance.
Jordan Clarkson ($7,200 FD/$6,500 DK) –
With Lonzo Ball sidelined with a shoulder injury for the last three games, Jordan Clarkson has been effectively filling the starting PG void that was left. In these three games Clarkson has averaged 37.5 FanDuel PPG. He has an interesting match-up Sunday against the Houston Rockets, who rank in the bottom third tier of the league in defending point guards. The Lakers and Rockets both rank top 10 in pace of play, making it seem a beneficial spot for Clarkson. One major concern is that the current line sits at Houston -15, raising concern for a blowout. With a small slate, Clarkson may be the play you need regardless of game score.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Tyreke Evans ($8,600 FD/$7,900 DK) –
Speaking of hot streaks, it’s hard to ignore what Tyreke Evans has been doing lately. He has scored 20 or more points in 7 of his last 8 games, accumulating to an average of 42.6 FanDuel PPG in those games. For this type of production, he seems to be too cheap, especially in this match-up with the struggling Sacramento Kings. Although this game is the second of a back-to-back venture for Evans, it shouldn’t be too big of an issue as he only went for 30 minutes in the first game.
Josh Hart ($3,900 FD/$4,900 DK) –
Due to legal issues, Lakers SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope cannot leave the state of California for the meanwhile, which draws Josh Hart a start whenever the Lakers are on the road. He has also been benefiting off the injury to teammate Lonzo Ball. Luckily for Hart, Lakers take a road trip with Lonzo Ball ruled out. Hart is dirt cheap, especially on FanDuel and to afford a player like Westbrook or Harden in this small slate he may be your perfect cheap play and provide you great value.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Brandon Ingram ($7,000 FD/$6,400 DK) –
The small forward options on this slate seem very thin, with no players who are active costing more than $7,600 on FanDuel. Ingram seems to be a great play to meet ends on the SF portion of your lineup. Ingram has played fairly well in his two previous meetings with the Rockets, with an average of 35.8 FanDuel points. The Rockets rank 25th in the league in defending small forwards as they allow 43.80 fantasy points per 48 minutes to SF’s. With the game having a pretty high total at 226.5 it appears Ingram will be a main source of the Lakers offense.
Trevor Ariza ($5,200 FD/$5,600 DK) –
Ariza is a very cheap and consistent option in this slate. He has scored at least 20 or more FanDuel points in 11 of his last 12 games, averaging a healthy amount of minutes per game in that span. The last time Ariza met with the Lakers he managed to put up 48.7 FanDuel points in a double-double effort that included 4 steals. He most likely won’t produce that tonight, however, he is great cheap option you can count on to get you a mediocre amount of points or even more. Trevor Ariza is currently projected to score 28.5 FanDuel points tonight.
POWER FORWARDS:
Kyle Kuzma ($6,500 FD/$7,100 DK) –
Although not very impressive his last two games, Kyle Kuzma has great upside Sunday night. Kuzma is opposing the same team he slaughtered just about 2 weeks ago, posting 38 points and 7 rebounds. The Rockets rank poorly defending forwards this season. (Ranked 25th) For a relatively cheap price tag Kuzma seems worth the risk considering his peaks and potential he’s shown throughout this season. He’s averaging 37 minutes per game over his last 5, which most likely will uphold so expect Kuzma’s workload Sunday night to be a little heavy.
Blake Griffin ($8,500 FD/$7,600 DK) –
Griffin recently played his first game back from injury and looked as if he didn’t miss any time, posting a stat line of 24-6-6 against the Lakers in 32 minutes. Griffin could be a risky play as he isn’t guaranteed to see 30+ minutes again tonight but he has a great match-up against the Hornets who rank 22nd in defending the position. Griffin’s teammate Austin Rivers is questionable for this game and if ruled out, Griffin could see his first small boost in usage since returning. I don’t project Griffin’s ownership tomorrow to be high at all considering he is coming off an injury, which could make him very valuable in this small five game main slate.
CENTERS:
Joel Embiid ($10,500 FD/$9,900 DK) –
One of the only three players costing more than $10,000 on FanDuel is Joel Embiid in this small slate, and he seems beyond worth paying up for. The big man for the 76ers has an amazing match-up with the defensively struggling Phoenix Suns. He is also well rested as he sat last night’s game to preserve his health. For 9 straight games, Joel Embiid has scored 20 or more points when logging 30 minutes or more. With teammate Ben Simmons struggling, Joel may have an increased workload solely trying to pick up the slack, although his other teammates do a fine job at doing so also. Embiid may be the play to pay up for.
Dwight Howard ($8,400 FD/$7,400 DK) –
The Center position is one of the most stacked tonight, sporting a few solid options to play. Dwight Howard seems very appealing with his current price tag. He has been electric of late, averaging 48.4 FanDuel PPG over his last three. He exploded for 29 points and 13 rebounds in his last game accumulating to 57.1 FPTS. If there is one thing we know about modern day Dwight Howard it’s that he is inconsistent and nothing good lasts forever with him, always making him somewhat of a risk. It seems tonight will not be the night he slows down.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/16/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/16/17
Saturday Night’s NBA Main slate presents us an eight game mosh-pit with some interesting match-ups. Some of which provide some value plays given the injury epidemic going on recently.
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POINT GUARDS:
Russell Westbrook ($11,100 FD/$11,500 DK) –
If you’re going to pay up for somebody on FanDuel Westbrook may be the foundation to your lineup. He is cheaper on FD than The Greak Freak, LeBron and Harden. He is still very worth it on DK as the triple-double machine is coming off of a triple-overtime game where he stuffed the stat sheet of 27-18-15. He now plays the next night at Madison Square Garden, where he may just put on a show. Westbrooks opponents, the Knicks, rank 25th in defending the position. He logged 52 minutes during last night’s win, however, he should be more than fine. It’s time for the Russ show for my lineup.
Jeff Teague ($6,400 FD/$6,500/DK) –
Jeff Teague has a great match-up Saturday against struggling Phoenix Suns, who rank 28th in defending point guards this season as they allow on average 50.52 FPTS per game. Teague has not been so valuable on DFS lately, but he hasn’t had too big of a workload either with the way teammates Jimmy Butler and Karl Anthony-Towns have been playing lately. Regardless, this matchup offers Teague an ideal game to breakout to his old form.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Donovan Mitchell ($7,800 FD/$6,900 DK) –
Donovan Mitchell is one of the most underrated rookies that has emerged in the league this year. Mitchell is slowly and steadily raising eyebrows and sparking a ROTY conversation. A bit pricey on FanDuel, Mitchell has pretty good upside in this contest, as he opposes the defense-weak Cavaliers. He has also been incredibly consistent in fantasy value. With blows to Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert in Friday night’s game, Mitchell would be reintroduced to a heavier workload if one, or both of those are sidelined.
CJ McCollum ($7,100 FD/$6,800 DK) –
McCollum has some serious upside in this slate. McCollum has scored 20+ points in four straight games averaging 33 FanDuel PPG in those contests. He appears likely to make it five in a row as he matches up with the Phoenix Suns, the 30th ranked team in defending shooting guards. His price is very fair and adds value to his projections, given his consistency as of lately. McCollum is a little more flexible on DraftKings as he is also eligible for point guard.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Jimmy Butler ($9,700 FD/$9,000 DK) –
Not many people have been hotter than Jimmy Butler lately. Holding one of the best SF match-ups of the night, Butler enters Saturday with a stretch in which out of the last 7 games, he has logged an average of 41 minutes and has scored an average of 27 points per game. One beneficial factor about Butler’s match-up against the Suns is that Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau hasn’t had much trust in his second unit lately, as his starters have been seeing serious minutes regardless of score. This helps the case for obtaining Butler as a potential blowout won’t damage his minutes too much. Butler is listed as SF on FanDuel, but SG on DraftKings.
Harrison Barnes ($6,700 FD/$6,500 DK) –
It seems as if regardless of how consistent Barnes is for the DFS community, he will never have the respect he deserves.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/1/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/1/17
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POINT GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC vs. MIN
FanDuel = $11,300
DraftKings = $11,400
Things are getting ugly in Oklahoma City as the Thunder are four games under .500. It’s still early, but they are currently on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Considering they added two All-Stars to their team, it would be a huge disappointment in the unlikely event that they actually don’t make it. Their problem has been lack of depth, which has lead to Westbrook still being extremely productive even with more talented players in the starting five. Westbrook’s 32.7% usage rate is sixth-best in the league and he’s coming off a season-high 37-point performance Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. Expect him to try and carry his squad to a win Friday.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,800
While Tim Frazier was expected to take over the bulk of the work when John Wall went down with an injury, it’s been Satoransky who stepped up to be the most productive point guard on the team. Satoransky has played at least 21 minutes in both of the last two games, averaging 9.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Considering he won’t cost you much, take a chance that he continues to outproduce Frazier again Friday.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jrue Holiday, NO at UTA
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,200
There was concern that the return of Rajon Rondo would deal a significant blow to Holiday’s value as he wouldn’t have the ball in his hands as much. While his assist totals have definitely taken a hit, his scoring has increased as he has scored at least 18 points in four of his last five games. The Pelicans play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.2) in the league, helping to create more scoring opportunities for Holiday. At this reasonable price, his offensive upside makes him someone to consider for your lineup.
Alec Burks, UTA vs. NO
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,600
Burks provided tremendous value Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers when he scored 28 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block in 29 minutes. With Rodney Hood out with an ankle injury, Burks was needed to help carry their offense. With Hood’s status uncertain for Friday, Burks presents another opportunity to provide value. Even if Hood does manage to play, Burks should get enough minutes to be an option for your entry as he has logged at least 20 minutes in seven of his last eight games.
SMALL FORWARDS
Otto Porter Jr., WAS vs. DET
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,500
The Wizards need Porter to provide offensive help with Wall out, but he put up a dud Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers when he scored only eight points. The good news is, he had 14 shot attempts in the game, so it was just a matter of being ice-cold from the field. He had scored at least 22 points in both of the previous two games, showing he is capable of providing the offense they need. This will be the second matchup between these two teams this season and Porter dominated in the first game, scoring 28 points to go along with nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and one block. Look for a rebound performance Friday.
Lance Stephenson, IND at TOR
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,500
Stephenson is finally starting to get consistent playing time as he has logged at least 22 minutes in six straight games. He has the ability to provide valuable all-around numbers as he is averaging 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists over his last four games. The Pacers play at the ninth-fastest pace (101) in the league, which fits well with Stephenson’s skillset. Considering his low floor relative to his price, Stephenson is worth considering again in this game.
POWER FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at MEM
FanDuel = $8,900
DraftKings = $8,500
Aldridge just faced the Grizzlies Wednesday and dominated the game with 41 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block. He continues to lead with the way with Kawhi Leonard out as his 28.3% usage rate is by far the highest on the team. He hasn’t put up these types of numbers since he was the main man on the Portland Trail Blazers, but there is no reason to believe he can’t keep rolling with Leonard out again Friday.
Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
The Heat will be without starting center Hassan Whiteside due to a knee injury for one-to-two weeks, dealing a major blow to their frontcourt. Olynyk is one of the players left to pick up the pieces, although his style of game is vastly different from that of Whiteside. Olynyk has only averaged 19 minutes a game this season, but he has still managed to average a respectable 9.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. With the likelihood of added minutes Friday, Olynyk results in an excellent value play.
CENTERS
Dwight Howard, CHA at MIA
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,500
Howard is playing at his best right now as he is averaging 19.7 points, 13.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over his last six games. The move to Charlotte has done wonders for his career as his 25.1% usage rate is his highest since the 2011-12 season. With Whiteside out Friday, the Heat are going to have a hard time slowing down Howard. You don’t have to worry about his atrocious free-throw shooting in DFS, so get him in your lineup and enjoy the hefty double-double.
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,100
Along with Olynyk, Adebayo should see increased minutes with Whiteside injured. He is likely better suited to defend Howard, so he could be in for big minutes. He played 30 minutes in the Heat’s last game Wednesday against the New York Knicks and finished with nine points, five rebounds, and two steals. There is potential here as he posted a double-double earlier this season in a game where he played 31 minutes against the Timberwolves. If you want to take a chance on a cheap center in tournament play, give Adebayo a shot.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
*Mike Barner*
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
One of the important aspects of playing in a head-to-head season-long NBA fantasy league is to know the ins and outs of the schedule. Unlike in rotisserie leagues, there may be times when it makes sense to bench one of your better players because they only play a limited amount of games. Let’s take a look at the Week 4 schedule and see what moves you should consider for your squad.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns
Only six teams play four games each this week, which is great news for owners who have Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker and Hassan Whiteside. Your elite players get an added edge this week. You will also want to consider adding the players below to help gain the edge over your opponent.
Mike James, Phoenix Suns
James has taken over the starting point guard position as the team looks to trade unhappy veteran Eric Bledsoe. He has been successful so far, averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in seven starts. Although he is only shooting 37.3% from the field this season, those are significant counting stats for someone you can grab off waivers in 60% of Yahoo! leagues. Three of his four games this week come against poor defensive teams in the Nets, Magic and Timberwolves.
Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
The Heat need Johnson to provide scoring off the bench and he has done just that this season, averaging 11.0 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27 minutes per game. He has made at least three three-pointers in three of his last six games, so a four-game week with Johnson in your lineup could give you a big boost if you struggle in that category. Three of the four games the Heat play come against the Warriors, Suns and Pistons, three teams that tend to deploy small lineups. Still available in 65% of Yahoo! leagues, Johnson is someone you should consider adding if you need a guard.
Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are in full rebuild mode, leaving Bogdanovic to average a career-high 29 minutes per game this season. He has not disappointed as he is averaging 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 three-pointers per game. His performance has been even better of late as he has scored at least 15 points and hit at least two three-pointers in four of his last five games. The Pacers get to face the Pelicans, Pistons, Bulls and Rockets this week, so Bogdanovic could be in for some big scoring numbers. He’s still available in 57% of Yahoo! leagues.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers
With only four teams playing two games this week, it can be a crushing blow if you have players on these squads. While you may normally start the players below, consider putting them on your bench this week and using someone else with a more favorable schedule.
Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
The main reason you own Wiggins is for offense as he is averaging 19.9 points and 1.6 three-pointers per game. Outside of also averaging 4.6 rebounds per game, he doesn’t provide you with much else in terms of counting stats. With only two games this week, his ability to help your team offensively will be limited. One of those games comes against a bad Suns team, so there is concern he could see limited minutes in a blowout. Proceed with caution if you have Wiggins this week.
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets
Lamb has been excellent while filling in for the injured Nicolas Batum, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game. He is also shooting a career high 48.5% from the field, so everything has come up roses for his owners so far. This might be the week to put him on your bench though as he is only playing two games, one of which comes against a Celtics team that is only allowing an NBA low 93.2 points per game.
Dwight Howard, Charlotte Hornets
Howard’s move to Charlotte has done wonders for his value as he is averaging 14.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. While he is playing 31 minutes a game, he’s not the defender that he once was as he is only averaging 1.3 blocks per game. His free-throw shooting also continues to be awful at 40.4%. Outside of his rebounding numbers, it’s going to be hard for him to provide enough value this week with only two games.