NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/22/17 – Value Plays

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on December 22, 20170 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/22/17 – Value Plays

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With nine games on the NBA schedule Friday, there are a lot of lineup possibilities for your DFS entry. That also means there are more opportunities to add some cheaper value plays to your entry. Let’s examine only those value plays today as we attempt to end your week on a high note.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Austin Rivers, LAC at HOU
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600

With the bevy of injuries suffered by the Clippers this season, Rivers is averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game. He also has a career-high 21.7% usage rate, which brings him significant value when you factor in the added playing time. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.5) in the league, so Rivers should have added opportunity to provide value. The price is right to consider him for your entry Friday.

Shabazz Napier, POR vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Napier has shown the ability to provide some scoring punch off the bench, averaging 8.0 points in 17 minutes per game this season. He doesn’t provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but his 1.2 steals per game is impressive considering his limited minutes. Damian Lillard (hamstring) will not play Friday and while Napier might not start in his place, he still should see added minutes. The Nuggets allow the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel and fifth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing point guards, so Napier might be worth the risk at this very cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,900

Gordon is expected to enter the starting lineup with Chris Paul (leg) out Friday, which is a role he thrived in earlier this season. He made 13 starts with Paul out previously, averaging 22.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 4.0 three-pointers per game. The Clippers are struggling right now and don’t have a lot of size outside of DeAndre Jordan, which is great news for the style that Gordon and the Rockets like to play. I can’t get him in my lineups fast enough.

Wesley Matthews, DAL at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Mavericks are not just a bad team, they are a bad team that can’t score as they are one of only five teams in the league averaging less than 100 points per game. Matthews is not a great offensive weapon at this stage of his career, but his average of 12.0 points per game is tied for third-highest on the team. The good news is he gets a lot of playing time, averaging 34 minutes per game for his third straight season. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s cheap enough to consider Friday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Josh Richardson, MIA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,100

Richardson is going to be too expensive to be considered as this type of value play if he keeps up his recent excellent play. The Heat have been decimated by injuries, leaving Richardson to average 24.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.7 blocks and 3.3 three-pointers over his last three games. Hassan Whiteside (knee) and James Johnson (ankle) will be out again Friday while Justise Winslow (knee) might not play again either. Richardson should have a big role again in this game, making him someone to strongly to consider for your entry.

Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,700

Hezonja only scored 12 points and grabbed two rebounds Wednesday against the Bulls, but he only played 24 minutes as the Magic were down big early. Both Aaron Gordon (calf) and Evan Fournier (ankle) are doubtful for Friday, which should leave significant playing time open for Hezonja. The Magic and Pelicans are both in the top-seven in the league in pace of play, so take a chance that he rebounds with a better performance in this contest. Of note, Hezonja is small forward eligible only on FanDuel as he is listed as a shooting guard on DraftKings.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Larry Nance Jr., LAL at GS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200

The Lakers will be without starting center Brook Lopez (ankle) for the next three weeks, opening up minutes in their frontcourt. While Kyle Kuzma rightfully stole all the headlines with his play Wednesday against the Rockets, Nance was no slouch either. He played 22 minutes in the game, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. This should be a high-scoring game between the Lakers and Warriors as they are both in the top-four in the league in terms of pace of play. Kuzma is priced significantly higher and will be a great option Friday, but Nance should also be considered an excellent value play.

Mike Scott, WAS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

Scott is rolling right now, averaging 21.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers over his last three games. He played at least 23 minutes in all three of those contests, largely because of Otto Porter Jr. (hip) missing time due to injury. Porter is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Nets, so Scott would likely be in line for increased playing time if he sits again. The Nets play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.3) in the league, so scoring opportunities could be plentiful for Scott. If Porter is ruled out, make sure Scott is in your lineup.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Marcin Gortat, WAS at BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,200

Gortat is not having a great season and has played especially poorly of late, scoring nine points or less in seven of his last nine games. One of those performances came against these same Nets when he only scored five points, but he somewhat salvaged the game by grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out three assists. Even though the Nets added some size up front in Jahlil Okafor, he has barely played as the team tries to improve his conditioning and get him familiar with their offense. There aren’t many great cheap options at center, but Gortat has potential based on the Nets struggles at center.

Nene Hilario, HOU vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,700

Clint Capela (knee) is listed as doubtful for Friday, which would likely lead to Nene playing a more significant role. He only scored four points to go along with six rebounds while helping fill in for Capela on Wednesday, but that was not a good matchup against a Lakers team that went with a lot of small lineups. The Rockets are going to need him to battle with DeAndre Jordan on Friday, which is much better suited for Nene’s game. Considering how little he will cost, he could provide nice value if you want to go really cheap at center.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 6

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on November 20, 20170 Comments

*Mike Barner*

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Point Guard

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 6

Week 6 brings a bit of a different schedule in the NBA as there is only one game Tuesday and no teams will play Thursday. There are still advantages to be gained over your opponent though by diving deeper into which teams play the most and fewest games. Here are the moves you want to consider for your team based on the schedule this week.

Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers

There are 11 teams that all play four games each this week, giving their players added value. Fantasy suds like Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kristaps Porzingis will be even more valuable with this advantage. If you aren’t lucky enough to have several players from these teams on your fantasy squad, consider adding the players below.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 6

Denzel Valentine, Chicago Bulls

Valentine has finally moved into the starting lineup for the Bulls after they had really struggled to find a viable starter at small forward. He played at least 32 minutes in both starts, averaging 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.5 three-pointers. Even though David Nwaba has a chance of returning from injury at some point this week, Valentine is still one of the better scoring options on the Bulls. He is still available in 71% of Yahoo! leagues and would be an especially good pickup if you need help with three-pointers.

Mario Chalmers, Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies are down one of their best players as Mike Conley will be out for at least two weeks due to injury. His absence opens up an opportunity for Mario Chalmers to join the starting five. Chalmers has played well in three starts so far this season, averaging 7.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.7 steals per game. With two of his four games this week being matchups against bad teams in the Mavericks and Nets, Chalmers could be in for some big assists and steals totals. He is still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues.

Jerami Grant, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder have one of the best starting five in the league, but they also have one of the weakest second units. One of their best bench players is Grant, who is averaging 24 minutes per game as a result. While he hasn’t excelled in any particular area, he has been solid with averages of 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game. Grant has great matchups this week with three of his four games coming against the Warriors, Pistons and Mavericks, all teams that tend to use small lineups. If you need to bench a forward who is only playing two games this week, look for Grant on waivers as he is still available in 92% of Yahoo! leagues.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers

With so many teams playing four games this week, the players on the three teams that only play two games take a major hit. Consider benching the below players who would normally be in your starting lineup.

Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers

Lopez is having a down year overall as he is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers per game. Part of the problem is that he is averaging a career-low 24 minutes per contest. He always struggled to provide sufficient rebounding numbers out of the center spot, but his value takes a real hit if he’s not playing enough to provide added value from behind the arc. With only two games on the schedule this week, it’s best to put Lopez on your bench.

Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons

Jackson has been a steady source of production for fantasy owners as he is averaging 15.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.4 three-pointers per game. One of the main reasons for his improvement is that he is shooting 45.1% from the field after struggling to shoot only 41.9% last year. While he does have two decent matchups this week against the Cavaliers and Thunder, he doesn’t excel in any one area enough to keep him in your lineup. Valentine and Chalmers are both shaping up to be better options than Jackson this week.

Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets

Gordon is having one of the best starts to his career as he is averaging 20.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.5 three-pointers per game. One of the main reasons for his hot start is because he was starting in place of the injured Chris Paul. Paul has returned, pushing Gordon back to a bench role. In his last two games off the bench, Gordon is averaging 12.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 three-pointers per game. In his new role and only two games this week, it would be wise to put him on your bench.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/16/17

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on November 16, 20170 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/16/17

Use Code “LLNBA17” at checkout for 10% off Seasonal Package

POINT GUARDS

Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. GS
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $8,100

Irving has actually seen his averages decrease almost across the board this season, except for an improvement in steals (1.9 per game). The main culprit has been his playing time as he is only averaging 31 minutes per game after playing 35 minutes per game last season. The Celtics are going to need big minutes from him to keep pace with the Warriors and his 29.7% usage rate (tied for 12th best in the NBA) suggests he should be up for the task.

Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200

Ulis has started the past two games over Mike James, playing at least 26 minutes in both contests. While he only scored a total of four points, he did take 12 total shots, so there is an opportunity for better production. He was able to average 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals over those starts, so he could provide value at this price if his shot is falling. Considering the limited amount of games on the schedule tonight and the Rockets uptempo offense, Ulis might be worth the risk at this price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

James Harden, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $12,500
DraftKings = $12,700

Harden has been out of this world of late as he is averaging 34.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 4.5 three-pointers over his last four games. He has been one of the safest DFS plays on most nights, even considering his hefty price tag. Chris Paul is expected to play in his first game this season Thursday, but he is only expected to play around 20 minutes. While Paul’s return may reduce Harden’s value down the road, it shouldn’t tonight.

Eric Gordon, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,200

Gordon is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career as he is averaging 22.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.7 three-pointers per game. His value is also expected to take a hit with the return of Paul, but again it should only be a minimal impact with Paul on a minutes limit Thursday. Gordon hasn’t really seen a huge jump in playing time even when Paul was out though as he is averaging 33 minutes per game this season compared to 31 minutes per game last year. The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so roll with Gordon Thursday.

SMALL FORWARDS

Kevin Durant, GS at BOS
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $9,700

Durant has been a model of consistency as he has scored at least 20 points in all but one game this season. Not only is he averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists as well, but he is averaging a career-high 2.2 blocks per game. They need his defense when they go small and move Draymond Green to center, so don’t be surprised if he continues to block shots at close to that rate. The Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league but don’t expect them to be able to slow Durant down Thursday.

T.J. Warren, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,500

Warren has stepped up his game of late as he is averaging 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 three-pointers over his last three games. The key for Warren has been increased opportunities in the offense as he is averaging a career-high 15.5 shot attempts per game. The Rockets score a ton and play at a fast pace, which could mean another great stat line from Warren Thursday. He could provide tremendous value at this price.

POWER FORWARDS

Marquese Chriss, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000

With so many elite DFS options available in only a two-game slate, it’s important to find a few dirt cheap options that will then allow you to stack your lineup with studs. Power forward presents that cost-saving position Thursday. Chriss has played at least 25 minutes in three of the last four games as he is starting to see his role expand for the Suns. His ability to both defend and hit three’s could prove very valuable against a Rockets team that likes to use small lineups. Take a risk on Chriss in tournament play.

Tarik Black, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,500

As we continue to look for ways to save money while squeezing out some value, we come to Black. Nene Hilario is considered doubtful to play in this game with a foot injury, which will open up minutes for Black. Nene missed the Rockets last game, which enabled Black to record 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes. The Suns are horrible defensively, making Black your other top cheap option at power forward for the evening.

CENTERS

Clint Capela, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,200

Capela has posted a double-double in three of his last four games and has grabbed at least 11 rebounds in seven of his last nine games. With power forward Ryan Anderson spending most of his time around the three-point line, there are going to be plenty of chances for Capela to rack up rebounds. Don’t be surprised if he is the most productive center in DFS when the evening is all said and done.

Alex Len, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,400

Suns starting center Tyson Chandler is questionable heading into this game with an illness. If he were to miss the game, Len would take over the starting duties. Even if Chandler is able to play, he may see limited minutes. Despite only making two starts and averaging 23 minutes per game this season, Len is still averaging 8.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. If you need to save money at center, Len is an option in tournament play. If Chandler does miss the game, he could provide significant value.

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