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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

by Austyn Varney 0 Comments

*Austyn Varney*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Tuesday’s 4-game slate leaves slim opportunities. You know who the studs are, but do you know who the cheaper daily fantasy basketball sleepers are that could make your lineup stand out amongst the rest in a GPP? Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter most and find the value players that are low-owned on Draftkings & Fanduel like Yogi Ferrell and Dragan Bender.


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BRING in 2018 with code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 40% off Seasonal Package

Point Guard

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Yogi Ferrell
FD $5,300 DK $4,500

J.J. Barea has already been ruled out for this game, so Yogi is one of the easiest plays of the night. He’s been at 33, 36, and 42 minutes over the last 3 and can be bet on for 35+. He could easily get up to 40 as he’s being relied on for minutes at both the 1 and 2. We know he produces when on the floor and is never a guy that’s going to disappear in the corner for a long stretch. The Mavs match-up with Denver, who rank 20th in the league against PG’s. Jamal Murray already a bad enough defender, but it doesn’t help that Nikola Jokic is one of the worst rim protectors in the conference. Ferrell will get himself involved all game long and have another 25+ fantasy points. His ceiling is in the 50’s if he gets hot and the Mavs match the Nuggets PACE.

Tyler Ulis
FD $4,200 DK $4,000

Tyler Ulis has been pretty inconsistent as a whole on this season, but never as a point per $ producer. When given the minutes, he produces. He did it all of last year and has followed through this season with a 1.14 combined FP per minute. He was seeing over 30 minutes with Canaan injured and jumped down to 25 with him back. Tonight, he should fall in between 25 and 30. At $4200 against a weak Blazers defense, that will be plenty. The Blazers rank 19th against PG’s on the season and 26th in terms of assists (where Ulis thrives). Vegas hasn’t dropped a line on this game yet, but I’d be willing to bet it’s over a 216 total with a spread around 3 or 4. It’s a game we want exposure to in all formats. Ulis has been over 20 fantasy for 4 games in a row and will look to make it 5 at close to minimum-price. He’s in play in all formats as the price is just a little too low.

Shooting Guard

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Marcus Smart
FD $5,500 DK $5,200

If you’re looking for value at shooting guard, you have to wait for some injury news. As of now, you can’t really go under $5k. We’ll look at two mid-range options in Smart and Fournier that won’t break the bank and have a very high chance of hitting cash game value. Starting with Smart, he’s getting consistent minutes with the 2nd team and is always in the game down the stretch. He gets a match-up against a Pelicans squad that ranks 26th in the league against the SG position. Smart is going to fill the stat sheet like always and will have plenty of open shots against a weak Pelicans perimeter defense. You can count on 20 out of Smart with the upside for 35 if he can get his 3 to fall. He’s a viable option in all formats, though he’ll be limited to my cash games.

Evan Fournier
FD $5,400 DK $5,100

Here we have a guy with some more upside in Evan Fournier. Fournier is always going to be a bit reliant on his shot, but that’s how he derives a lot of his upside. He takes 15 shots in most games and has been over 20 fantasy points in each of the last 4. This match-up with the Timberwolves is slightly below average on paper, but I think it ends up as a high-scoring affair and we know Fournier is going to be needed for that. His price is extremely fair just over $5k on both sites and he has the upside to hit 40 if it stays close. Fournier is a guy I’ll have in all formats, though I understand the risk that comes along with it.

Small Forward

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Jonathan Simmons
FD $4,700 DK $4,900

Jonathan Simmons got injured on January 3rd and has been battling back ever since. For the first time in two weeks, he saw 30+ minutes last game. He looked like his normal self and put up 29 fantasy points. He’s assumed to be fully healthy and a guy we can bet on for 30+ minutes at this point. His price is still depressed under $5k and I have a hard time believing he misses value if the game stays close. Jimmy Butler is a menace at the 3, but he’s by no means going to shadow Simmons. He will see a bunch of different defenders and a few of which he’ll have a clear advantage over. He’s a shot maker and will be needed if the Magic want to live up to the 217 over/under that Vegas has set. Simmons is simply WAY too cheap and a lock in my cash games because of it. He’s a great player that can be locked in for 20 with the upside for 40+ if it stays close. At one of the weaker positions on the slate, he should be popular.

Josh Jackson
FD $5,200 DK $4,800

With T.J. Warren questionable to play, Josh Jackson has a chance to step in as one of the top value plays on the board. He saw 30 minutes last game with Warren out and put up 30 fantasy points. He’s been over 1 FP per minute on the season and can be trusted when given the opportunity. The Blazers are a subpar defense against the wing and have allowed the 5th most 3’s to small forwards. If Warren plays, Jackson would fall into his usual 22-25 minutes and still be fine in cash games. Don’t play him if Warren is ruled in, but I don’t mind taking a flier if he’s still questionable at lineup lock. Jackson is a solid player and this is a game we want exposure to in any way possible.

Power Forward

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Dragan Bender
FD $4,800 DK $4,600

With Chriss out, Bender has put up 39, 32, and 30 minutes. He figured out a way to put up just 3 fantasy point last game but poured in 43 and 32 the nights before. He is an extremely productive DFS player that seems to get involved in almost every possession. He’s far from scared to shoot 15 times and can get hot from anywhere. He’s a versatile 4 that’s going to give the Blazers some huge issues. They’ll toss Ainu at him for most of the night, who’s a good defender, but is undersized to contest Bender in the paint. As long as Chris’s remains out, Bender is a top value option on the slate. He can’t be trusted for a floor, but should put up 30-50 in this spot on most nights.

Marcus Morris
FD $4,700 DK $4,500

Marcus Morris is in play here no matter what. He’s getting 24+ minutes a night and producing quite nicely. Even if everything breaks against him, he’s going to see 24 minutes against a weak Pelicans defense. Under $5k, it’s doable. I certainly prefer Bender, but you can do much worse. Now if Jayson Tatum sits, it’s a whole new world. Morris would likely jump up to 30-35 minutes and be one of the easier plays on the board. He’s been playing well and has been over 30 a ton in limited playing time. The Pelicans are a poor defense as a whole and can be taken advantage of inside. Morris is always involved when on the court and a value option I’ve been all over recently. His price has slowly risen, but not to the point it should be. If Tatum is out, plug in Morris across the board. Daniel Theis would also become interesting if he gets the start.

Center

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 1/16/18

Bismack Biyombo
FD $6,400 DK $5,600

I’m sure some were surprised by the 50 FP Biyombo outburst a game ago, but you can’t be if you’ve been paying attention to him for longer than this year. He’s a very able big man that has stepped in in the past and dominated, with Nikola Vucevic and is seeing similar minutes he has already been over 35 fantasy points three times. He’s nowhere near the asset on offense but gets himself involved as much as anyone. As one of the best rebounders in the league, you can lock in 10 against Minnesota. In a game with a 217 over/under, his size will be needed against Towns. He’s not as cheap as he’s been, but a consistent week of production with some mixed in 40’s will do that. The T-Wolves struggle against big men and Biyombo should have all that much trouble putting up numbers in 30-34 minutes.

Aron Baynes
FD $3,800 DK $3,800

This is admittedly a stretch, but hear me out. If Tatum misses this game, Baynes has to see over 22 minutes. The Pelicans front court is just too big and he’s too valuable to sit on the bench while Al Horford and Marcus Morris struggle. He’s always one of the best FP producers when on the floor and it always just comes down to him getting out there. If you’re looking for safety, pay up at center and grab one of the many safe options. If you need to pay down in a tournament and want a shot at 30, Baynes is the guy. I will have more exposure than the field of Tatum is out and don’t see how it could go wrong. Just kidding, this is Aron Baynes and it doesn’t take much for it to go wrong. I just see him getting stretched for 22-28 minutes against a frontcourt that can be handled on offense.

 

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/12/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/12/18

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There are nine games in the NBA on Friday, leaving plenty of elite options to choose from for your DFS entry. In order to fit them in though, you need to find those cheaper value plays, or “sleepers” if you will, to help you bring home some money. Consider using the players below to hopefully end your night a winner.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Ricky Rubio, UTA at CHA
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,600

Rubio has seen his assists drop off dramatically in his first season with the Jazz, averaging only 4.8 per game. His previous career low was 7.3 in the 2012-13 season and he had averaged a career-high 9.1 per game with the Timberwolves last year. However, he’s showing signs of his all-around game improving lately, averaging 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in his last five games. He’s still averaging 29 minutes per game this season, so he’ll likely have the ball in his hands enough to provide value Friday.

Malcolm Delaney, ATL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,700

The rebuilding Hawks don’t have much depth, which has led to Delaney averaging a career-high 19 minutes per game this season. He’s coming off back-to-back solid performances against the Clippers and Nuggets where he averaged 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game. This has the makings of a promising matchup against a Nets team that deploys a lot of small lineups and plays at the fifth-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) in the league. His upside is limited at best, but he can provide value at this extremely cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,500

Brogdon has come off the bench for the majority of this season but has now started each of the last three games. He did start the first nine games he played this season but his numbers during that time period have to be taken into context because Eric Bledsoe had not yet joined the team. He has played well in the last three starts though, averaging 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest. The Warriors play at the fourth-fastest-pace (102.7) in the league and use a lot of small lineups, leaving Brogdon with an opportunity to shine in this game.

Caris LeVert, BKN at ATL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,500

LeVert has done an excellent job helping run the offense with all of the Nets injuries this year, averaging 4.2 assists per game. Before missing two games with a groin injury, LeVert had at least 12 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in four straight games. He hasn’t played as well in two games since returning, but it shows what kind of upside he can provide. In his last game against the Hawks, LeVert scored 17 points to go along with two rebounds, six assists, and two steals. He is someone you should consider for your entry again Friday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Gerald Green, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,500

Green has helped pick up the slack offensively with James Harden (hamstring) out, averaging 19.0 points and 4.6 three-pointers in his last seven games. His usage rate is 21.7%, which is fourth-highest on the team behind Harden, Chris Paul, and Eric Gordon. Friday brings an excellent matchup against the Suns who play at the third-fastest pace (102.8) and allow the most points per game (112.1) in the league. Look for Green to score plenty in this game.

Joe Ingles, UTA at CHA
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800

While Green’s value comes from his ability to score, Ingles’ comes from his ability to contribute across the board. It’s not sexy, but his averages of 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 three-pointers provide value at this price. He’s averaging 31 minutes per game this season, which has led to career-highs almost across the board. The Hornets allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing small forwards, making Ingles someone to consider for this game.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

JaMychal Green, MEM at DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,700

Green is coming off his best performance on the season when he scored 20 points to go along with 14 rebounds, two steals, and one block Wednesday against the Pelicans. One of the keys to his performance was that he played 34 minutes. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 10 times this season, averaging 12.7 points and 7.6 rebounds in those contests. He could be in store for added minutes again Friday with the Nuggets going big with both Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee in their starting five. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most DraftKings points per game and the sixth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing power forwards, leaving Green as a nice option.

Dragan Bender, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Bender will move into the starting lineup Friday with Marquese Chriss (hip) already ruled out. Chriss also left early in the Suns last game Monday against the Thunder due to the same injury. As a result, Bender ended up playing 39 minutes. He did not let the added minutes go to waste, scoring 20 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists, one steal, three blocks and a staggering six three-pointers. This has the makings of a great matchup as both the Suns and the Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in terms of pace of play. At this price, Bender could be the best value play of the night.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,500

Plumlee has now started 19 of the last 20 games for the Nuggets, averaging 8.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 blocks in his new role. He only averaged 17 minutes per game coming off the bench this season but has averaged 24 minutes as a starter. Finding cheap center options can be difficult, especially on FanDuel where there is no position flexibility. That being said, Plumlee should be able to average enough across the board to present a viable option.

Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900

Gortat had averaged at least 30 minutes per game in each of the last six seasons but has seen his role change this year. He enters Friday averaging just 27 minutes per game, playing at least 30 minutes in a game only three times in his last 20 contests. His numbers have declined as you would have expected, but he’s still averaged a respectable 9.1 points and 8.1 rebounds. Friday brings a favorable matchup against a Magic team that struggles to defend the center position, so Gortat could be productive even in limited minutes.

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations – Divisional Round

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations – Divisional Round

 

 

The NFL season is nearing a close as this will be the last weekend with at least four games on the schedule. There aren’t a lot of options to choose from for DFS, but there are several elite players still available. Put your favorite recommendations from the article below in our lineup optimizer and hit calculate. You can let it fill in the rest of the spots for you or choose your personal favorites from the NFL Player Lab.

**QUARTERBACKS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Divisional Round

Tom Brady vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $7,000
FanDuel = $8,800

Not only is Brady one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but he looks to have the best matchup at the position this week. The Titans managed to pull off the upset on Wild Card Weekend by beating the Chiefs, who lost yet another home playoff game. During the regular season, the Titans allowed the most passing touchdowns (27) of any team still alive this weekend. Brady has been excellent over 13 games in the Divisional Round in his career, throwing for 3,700 yards and 26 touchdowns. Look for him to have another big performance Saturday.

Matt Ryan vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $5,700
FanDuel = $7,700

Ryan threw 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 2016, but took a step backward this year with only 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He again put forth a lackluster performance Wild Card Weekend against the Rams, throwing for just 218 yards and one touchdown. He never threw more than two touchdown passes in a game this season and had 11 games with one or no touchdowns. The Eagles were in the middle-of-the-pack this season in terms of passing defense, allowing 24 passing touchdowns and an average of 227 net passing yards per game. Ryan doesn’t have a high ceiling, but with many of the quarterbacks facing tough defenses this week, he’s still someone to consider.

Marcus Mariota vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $5,900
FanDuel = $7,500

Mariota had an extremely disappointing regular season, throwing only 13 touchdown passes to along with a career-high 15 interceptions. He did have five rushing touchdowns, but that still wasn’t enough to make him a viable fantasy option. He benefited from a bizarre play against the Chiefs last week where he caught his own deflected pass for a touchdown, leaving him with two touchdown passes in the game. That marked only the fourth time this season he has thrown for more than one score in a game. The Patriots could get up big early in this game, which would likely lead to extra passing opportunities for Mariota. If you are looking for a cheap option at quarterback, that kind of volume puts Mariota into the discussion.

**RUNNING BACKS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Divisional Round

Le’Veon Bell vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – Heinz Field
DraftKings = $9,600
FanDuel = $9,400

Bell had another stellar regular season for the Steelers, surpassing 1,800 total yards for the third time in the last four seasons. He also set career-highs in rushing attempts (321), receptions (85) and rushing touchdowns (9). The Jaguars allowed an average of 116.3 rushing yards per game in the regular season, which is the most of any of the teams still in the playoffs. The Jaguars defense, in general, is no walk in the park, but Bell’s elite talent still makes him worth paying up for this week.

Dion Lewis vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium- Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $6,600
FanDuel = $7,600

Patriots running backs have been a source of frustration for fantasy owners in recent years, but Lewis stepped up to be a valuable option over the second half of this season. Over the last six games, he rushed for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He also received some work in the passing game, hauling in 18 receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns over that same stretch. Rex Burkhead (knee) still doesn’t appear to be fully healthy, so he could be limited if he is able to suit up for Saturday. Even if he does play, Lewis can still provide value for your entry.

Derrick Henry vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $7,300
FanDuel = $6,700

Henry shined filling in for DeMarco Murray (knee) last weekend, rushing for 156 yards and one touchdown while also catching two passes for 35 yards. He carried the ball 23 times, marking only the second time he received at least 20 carries in a game this season. Murray has already been ruled out for the Divisional Round, leaving Henry as the main back for another week. There is the risk that this could turn into a game of catchup for the Titans offense, which would force them to pass more than normal in the second half. However, they will likely run a lot early to try and keep the ball out of Brady’s hands. Henry might not be able to duplicate his excellent performance from last week, but volume alone makes him someone to target at this price.

**WIDE RECEIVERS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Divisional Round

Julio Jones vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $7,900
FanDuel = $8,800

Jones had a great season in terms of receiving yards but again struggled to reach the end zone, scoring only three touchdowns this season. Two of the three came in one game against the Buccaneers, making his total look even worse. He wasted no time in the playoffs though, hauling in nine catches for 94 yards and one touchdown last week against a tough Rams defense. Jones has stepped up his game when it matters the most, scoring six touchdowns in seven playoff games for his career. With Antonio Brown forced to play against cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Jaguars, Jones might be the better option to pay up for this week.

JuJu Smith-Schuster vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – Heinz Field
DraftKings = $6,000
FanDuel = $7,000

Smith-Schuster finished the season strong, recording 21 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games. Two of those came with Brown injured, so Smith-Schuster may receive fewer targets with him expected to return this week. Even so, Brown has a tough matchup against Ramsey, so Smith-Schuster could still play a very big role in this game. The Steelers offense is much better at home as well, making Smith-Schuster someone to consider at this reasonable price.

Nelson Agholor vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Lincoln Financial Field
DraftKings = $4,800
FanDuel = $6,400

Agholor had a breakout campaign this year, setting career-highs across the board. Much of that can be attributed to the stellar play of quarterback Carson Wentz (knee), who unfortunately is out for the rest of the season. Nick Foles is a competent backup, but his upside is limited at best. The good news is Agholor may have a favorable matchup as most of his receptions come in the middle of the field. Last week, the Falcons allowed Cooper Kupp, who also works over the middle of the field, to record eight receptions for 69 yards and one touchdown. If you want to take a chance on any of the Eagles wide receivers, Agholor might be the one to consider.

Eric Decker vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $3,800
FanDuel = $4,800

Decker only caught two of his five targets last week for 21 yards but salvaged his performance with a touchdown. The good news is that he received at least five targets for the sixth straight game. The Patriots did allow the third-most net passing yards per game (251) during the regular season, but a lot of that was due to teams trying to play catchup with the Patriots offense. It still counts the same for fantasy purposes, making Decker worth taking a chance on in tournament play considering how little he will cost you.

**TIGHT ENDS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Divisional Round

Rob Gronkowski vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $7,100
FanDuel = $8,500

The Titans struggled to defend tight ends during the regular season, allowing 853 receiving yards and five touchdowns to the position. They looked to be well on their way to getting lit up by Travis Kelce last week, who had 66 yards and one touchdown before leaving in the second quarter with a concussion. Gronkowski is the most expensive tight end by far this week, but he could feast in this game.

Delanie Walker vs. New England Patriots
Stadium – Gillette Stadium
DraftKings = $5,000
FanDuel = $6,200

Walker played well against the Chiefs in the first round, catching six of eight targets for 74 yards. He had another excellent season for the Titans as one of Mariota’s favorite targets, totaling at least 800 receiving yards for the fourth straight year. Like Decker, he could benefit from extra volume if the Titans get down big early and have to turn things over to their passing attack. If you don’t want to pay up for Gronkowski, Walker also has upside.

**DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Divisional Round

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – Heinz Field
DraftKings = $3,800
FanDuel = $5,300

Blake Bortles did not play well against the Bills last week and actually had more rushing yards (88) than passing yards (87) in the game. He completed only 52.2% of his passes in the first playoff game of his career. He gets a much tougher opponent in the Steelers this week, who tied for the fourth-fewest net passing yards allowed per game (201) during the regular season. They not only held teams to 20 passing touchdowns but were also able to generate 16 interceptions. This could be an ugly performance from Bortles, making the Steelers defense an excellent option for your entry.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
Stadium – U.S. Bank Stadium
DraftKings = $2,900
FanDuel = $4,600

The Vikings defense was excellent this season, allowing the second-fewest net passing yards per game (192) and the second-fewest rushing yards per game (83.6) in the league. It’s not easy picking against quarterback Drew Brees in the playoffs, but the Vikings limited him and the Saints offense to 19 points in Week 1 this season. The Steelers defense is certainly the safer bet this week, but the Vikings are also worth considering if you need to save a little money at defense.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/11/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/11/18

SALE: 40% off entire NBA Seasonal Package - Coupon Code "NEWYEAR40" (including playoffs)
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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

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.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/10/18 – Value Plays

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/10/18 – Value Plays

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There are 11 games in the NBA on Wednesday, giving you plenty of options to choose from in DFS. We took a look at players across the price scale over on Sports Illustrated, but now let’s focus on just some cheaper options who could provide value.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Dennis Smith Jr, DAL at CHA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,100

Smith has been limited to only 28 minutes per game this season but played an encouraging 34 minutes Tuesday against the Magic. He’s played at least 30 minutes in a game nine times this season, averaging 18.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.2 three-pointers per contest. If you could guarantee he’d see that much playing time again Wednesday, he’d be a virtual lock for your lineup. Even if he sees fewer minutes in this game, he can still provide value at this price based on his 28.8% usage rate.

Shabazz Napier, POR at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $6,200

Napier excelled filling in for the injured Damian Lillard (calf) on Tuesday against the Thunder, scoring 21 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two three-pointers. He’s made six starts this season in place of Lillard, averaging 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in those contests. Lillard’s status is uncertain for Wednesday, so keep an eye out for updates as the day progresses. If he is out again, make sure to get Napier in your entry, especially on FanDuel with his extremely cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Caris LeVert, BKN vs. DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400

LeVert returned from a groin injury Monday to play 27 minutes against the Raptors. He only scored five points in the game, shooting just 2-for-13 from the field. Two encouraging takeaways from that game are that he played significant minutes and saw a high volume of shots, which bodes well for Wednesday’s game against the Pistons. DeMarre Carroll (knee) has already been ruled out and Allen Crabbe (shin) is listed as doubtful for this game, so LeVert could be in line for extra playing time. At this price, he could provide significant value.

Wayne Ellington, MIA at IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600

The Heat have dealt with a lot of injuries this season, leaving Ellington to play at least 31 minutes in 10 of his last 11 games. He’s played at least 30 minutes in a game 13 times this season, averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.2 three-pointers in those contests. The Heat will be shorthanded again Wednesday with Justise Winslow (knee) and Dion Waiters (ankle) out. Not only that but Tyler Johnson (shoulder) didn’t play Tuesday and James Johnson could be suspended for throwing a punch in that same game. With plenty of minutes likely available, consider Ellington for your entry.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Gerald Green, HOU vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,300

The Rockets signed Green towards the end of December to add depth to their bench, but the move turned out to be crucial with James Harden (hamstring) getting injured. Green has stepped up to provide a scoring punch, averaging 20.2 points and 4.8 three-pointers in his last six games. He’s not going to provide hardly any assists, but he did average 3.3 rebounds per game over that same stretch. He should get plenty of shot attempts again Wednesday, making him a viable option for your entry.

Joe Harris, BKN vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Harris started Monday in place of Carroll, scoring 12 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and two three-pointers in 37 minutes. Crabbe played in that game, so Harris is likely looking at big minutes again Wednesday with both he and Carroll likely out. The Nets play at the fifth-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Harris with a great opportunity to be productive at this price with a heavy workload on tap.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Domantas Sabonis, IND vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,400

Sabonis has made major strides in his first season with the Pacers but has stepped up his game even more of late, averaging 21.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in his last three contests. Myles Turner (elbow) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game, which could open up significant frontcourt minutes. Sabonis has played at least 30 minutes in a game five times this season, averaging 19.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in those contests. If Turner ultimately can’t go, Sabonis would be primed for a big game.

Markieff Morris, WAS vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,300

Morris is off to a slow start this season, mainly because he is averaging only 25 minutes per game. He’s seen increased playing time lately, logging at least 30 minutes in four of his last six games. He took full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 13.8 points and 11.5 rebounds in those four games. The Jazz don’t have much size up front, which could lead to another potential double-double for Morris on Wednesday. If you are playing in a tournament, he’s a viable option based on his upside.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Steven Adams, OKC at MIN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $6,500

Adams doesn’t have flashy numbers, but he’s averaging career-highs in points (13.6), rebounds (8.6) and steals (1.2) per game. The Thunder have virtually no depth up front, leaving Adams to play at least 31 minutes in eight of his last 10 games. He played very well in his first three games against the Timberwolves this season, averaging 21.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest. He’s priced low enough to take a chance on him making it four straight big games against them.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

The Nuggets made a change in the beginning of December by adding Plumlee to the starting lineup and he has started 18 of the last 19 games since. He’s put up respectable numbers in those starts, averaging 8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest. The key is he is averaging seven more minutes per game as a starter than he did coming off the bench. With the Hawks lacking talent up front, Plumlee could approach a double-double again in this game. He won’t cost you much, making him someone to consider if you want to go really cheap at center.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

by Austyn Varney 0 Comments

*Austyn Varner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Tuesday’s 4-game slate leaves slim opportunities. You know who the studs are, but do you know who the cheaper value plays are that could make your lineup a stand out amongst the rest in a GPP?


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Point Guard

Russell Westbrook is the only true Daily Fantasy Sports superstar on this slate. He’s extremely easy to afford and you’ll be working uphill without him.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Delon Wright and Fred VanVleet
FD $4,800 – $3,600 DK $4,400 – $3,500

Kyle Lowry went down last night with a scary fall and didn’t comfort any with his reaction. After writhing in pain on the ground, he got up and proceeded to go back down with what was obviously nerve pain in his back. While he hasn’t officially been ruled out for this game yet, all signs are pointing to him missing a week or 2. If he does indeed sit, Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright are both phenomenal options. Splitting a sure 48 minutes, plus 5 or 6 at SG, should put both of these guys close to 30 minutes. Weight has been seeing more backup minutes, but I see a world where VanVleet is the guy they prefer to run the starters with. Personally, I’ll have a lot of exposure to both, but prefer VanVleet for the price. They are both really strong DFS players and neither will disappear on the floor. The Heat are league-average against point guards and Vegas thinks this stays close. Both VanVleet and Wright are worth serious consideration in all formats.

Shabazz Napier
FD $4,8000 DK $5,400

With Damian Lillard already ruled out for this one, Napier has to be considered as one of the top value plays on the entire slate. The only reason he is under $7k right now is because Damian Lillard returned for 2 games. He went right back to 38 fantasy points last game in his absence and now sees a strong match-up with the Thunder. On paper, they’re strong against PG’s, but hey funnel an extra 3% usage there and Westbrook doesn’t mind giving up buckets. Napier hasn’t disappointed in a single game without Damian Lillard and I can’t see why it starts here in a game with a high over/under and close spread. Napier is a guy I’ll personally have in 100% of lineups.

Shooting Guard

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Wayne Ellington
FD $4,400 DK $4,700

With Dion Waiters out, Wayne Ellington has been a rock-steady option for the Heat. He’s always going to be volatile as he relies on his scoring, but this offense helps a lot. Without anywhere for the ball to really go, he’s being allowed to take 15 shots a game if he’s feeling it. At under $4.5k, he doesn’t need you any more than 25 fantasy points. If this stays close, I don’t see a way around that. He’ll be out there for his usual 32-36 minutes with either DeRozan or the PG on him. DeRozan, aside from wasting all his energy on offense without Lowry, is an average defender. They rank 14th in the league, but have faced the 22nd best schedule. There are a few quality ways to pay up at SG, but Ellington gives you a good shot at 25 with the upside for 40 at way too cheap.

Garrett Temple
FD $3,900 DK $3,800

If you really need to pay down, Garrett Temple is fine. His minutes have been somewhat inconsistent, though he hasn’t seen less than 21 in a while. He’s been over 26 minutes in 4 of his last 8 games and has hit value in each of them. He now draws an extremely friendly match-up with a Lakers squad ranked 27th against shooting guards. Temple is still a fine player and can score if given the opportunity. Under $4k, you don’t need much. If he gets the 28-31 minutes he’s been seeing in some games, he could demolish value and be one of the top value plays on the board. With all of that being said, this is Garrett Temple and he can put up 7 fantasy points without hesitating. I do prefer the value else where, but will have a little bit of Garrett Temple in my tournaments. Hield and Bogdanovic are in the same boat.

Small Forward

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Mario Hezonja
FD $4,800 DK $5,100

With Jonathon Simmons out last game, Hezonja stepped in and played 38 minutes. He put up 30 fantasy points against the Cavs and had a real presence in the game. Simmons is questionable for tonight, so make sure you keep an eye out on Twitter. The match-up with the Mavs doesn’t seem great on the surface, but it is. On the season, Barnes and the Mavs have ranked 25th against SF’s. with Barnes being such a quality defender, it has a lot to do with the lack of rim protection behind him. Hezonja likes to play down low and from the 3, so shouldn’t have a big problem find a weakness somewhere. If Simmons returns, Hezonja should go right back to his 22-26 minutes off the bench. If he’s out again, Hezonja will be a main piece of every cash game of mine. As well as most tournaments.

Evan Turner
FD $4,000 DK $4,300

Evan Turner is inconsistent. I don’t care if he’s the only guy on the floor, he can find a way to put up 14 fantasy points. It’s just the nature of the game for a guy who solely relies on “getting in a groove” so to speak. However, with Damian Lillard on the sideline, he’s going to get that opportunity. With Napier coming off of the bench and into the starting lineup, Turner is the main ball handler on the 2nd team. He will see a guaranteed 23 minutes and gets up over 30 if he’s having a good game. The Thunder play fast and we know he excels in the open floor. He’s been at 35+ fantasy points in 2 of his last 4 and sees a match-up better than either of those games. Evan Turner is never a comfortable name to click on, but he’s priced down around the industry and shouldn’t have much trouble hitting value. His upside is huge at the price and it will draw a strong tournament ownership %.

Power Forward

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Serge Ibaka
FD $5,900 DK $5,600

Power forward is one of the more bleh positions on the slate. Especially from a value standpoint. Let’s take a look at Serge Ibaka, who’s not a “value” play, but he’s still too cheap at under $6k. He’s been over 28 in 4 straight and 35 in 3 of those 4. He’s seeing the ball a lot on offense and combining them with dominant defensive performances. Now, he may see the ball even more with Kyle Lowry presumed out. Kelly Olynyk is a great scorer, but he stinks on defense and Ibaka will have his way in the paint. He’s a $6.5-$7k player that is going to be there in the next couple days. For now, take advantage of the discount and move on at a very underwhelming power forward position.

Dwight Powell
FD $4,400 DK $3,800

I’m admittedly scraping the bottom of the barrel here, but I do think I’ll end up with some exposure myself. Dwight Powell saw just 14 minutes last game, but saw 27 and 28 the games before. Against the Warriors and Bulls. Both teams warranted his athleticism. Against the Knicks, Dirk matched up well and Powell fell by the wayside. Tonight, the Mavs are facing Aaron Gordon. I would say he’s just a tad bit athletic. It’s truly impossible to guarantee anything with this frontcourt, but from what the trends are saying, we may be looking at a 28-minute game out of Powell at $4k. He’s always productive when on the floor and the Magic are no interior to be scared of. He’s a lot shakier of an option than some of the guards, but PF overall is bad and you could be getting a huge leg up here. Or taking a huge step back. This is easily the most dangerous player so far that I’ve touched on.

Center

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays Lineup Picks for 1/9/18

Bismack Biyombo
FD $5,600 DK $5,800

With Nikola Vucevic out, Bismack Biyombo has been even more consistent than anyone had imagined. Aside from 1 stinker against a Rockets team that didn’t fit his style, he’s been around 30 minutes in every game and putting up 30-40 fantasy points. He’s not a scorer, but does absolutely everything on the floor and is extremely active. Facing the Mavs tonight, he won’t be forced to run. Sarah Mejri has been getting some minutes at the 5, who is probably the worst pound for pound defender in the league. Biyombo is never going to go off for 50+, but I think his floor here is around 25 with a ceiling around 40. For $5600 at center, you can do a lot worse.

Jonas Valunciunas
FD $5,500 DK $5,100

Hey Raptors, you have yourself a very skilled big man here. Unless something I truly don’t understand is going on, please play Jonas Valunciunas for a measly 30 minutes a night. He putting up close to 2 FP per min and has hit 40 fantasy points in each of his last 2 games, all the while playing just 17 and 26 minutes. If he ever does see the minutes, he could easily hit 50 fantasy points. It’s tough to say because 10 is just as likely. His size should be needed against Hassan Whiteside and he’s not a great defender, but who really knows. Not the head coach, so definitely not us. Valunciunas is going to produce when on the floor and we know he’ll be out there for at least 20. He’s a guy I’ll have in just tournaments, but see the merit in letting him ride across the board. Good luck tonight and feel free to comment below! Thanks!

 

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations – Wild Card Weekend

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations – Wild Card Weekend

 

The NFL regular season is over, with your season-long fantasy leagues in the rearview mirror along with it. Luckily the fun continues in DFS with the Wild Card Weekend. While there are far fewer options to choose from for your entry, that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some great players to pick from. Put your favorite recommendations from the article below in our lineup optimizer and hit calculate. You can let it fill in the rest of the spots for you or choose your personal favorites from the NFL Player Lab.

**QUARTERBACKS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Wild Card Weekend

Jared Goff vs. Atlanta Falcons
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
DraftKings = $6,700
FanDuel = $8,500

Goff made major strides in his second season in the NFL, throwing for 3,804 yards and 28 touchdowns. Not only did he improve his completion percentage by over seven percent to 62.1%, but his seven interceptions in 15 games this season matched his entire total in only seven games last year. He finished off the season strong, throwing at least two touchdowns in five straight games. There are few easy defenses when you get to the playoffs, but the Falcons have trouble creating turnovers as their eight interceptions during the regular season were tied for the third-fewest in the league. It’s tough to count on such a young quarterback making his first playoff appearance, but it’s hard not to rely on Goff considering his excellent regular season.

Alex Smith vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $6,300
FanDuel = $7,800

While he had a bit of an up and down season, Smith finished with a career-high 26 touchdown passes. He continued to do an excellent job limiting turnovers, throwing only five interceptions. He also threw for at least 4,000 passing yards for the first time in his career, finishing with 4,042 despite sitting out Week 17. The Titans were prone to allowing scores through the air this season, finishing tied for the fifth-most passing touchdowns allowed (27) in the league. That mark was also the most of any team that made the playoffs. While Smith’s upside may not be as high as Goff’s, he might be one of the safer bets to reach value this week.

Blake Bortles vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – EverBank Field
DraftKings = $6,000
FanDuel = $7,600

That’s right, Blake Bortles lead his team to the playoffs. Bortles saw both his passing yards and touchdown passes decline this season, but he also attempted 102 fewer passes than he did last year. It made a big difference in the turnover department, throwing a career-low 13 interceptions. He played poorly Week 17 against the Titans but had thrown at least two touchdown passes in four straight games entering that contest. He’s been excellent at home this season, throwing 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions at EverBank Field compared to only six touchdowns and eight interceptions on the road. Viable cheap options are hard to come by in the playoffs, but Bortles can save you a few dollars while still having upside.

**RUNNING BACKS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Wild Card Weekend

Leonard Fournette vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – EverBank Field
DraftKings = $7,400
FanDuel = $8,100

Fournette received a lot of hype heading into this season and did not disappoint, rushing for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns in only 13 games. He showed he can be a weapon in the passing game as well, hauling in 36 of 48 targets for 302 yards. The Bills have struggled to defend the run this season, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards per game (124.6) and the most rushing touchdowns (22) in the league. At this reasonable price, Fournette is almost a must-start against the Bills.

Devonta Freeman vs. Los Angeles Rams
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
DraftKings = $6,300
FanDuel = $7,000

Freeman did not finish the regular season on a high note, rushing for 59 yards on 22 carries over the final two weeks combined. He salvaged Week 17 by posting nine receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown against the Carolina Panthers, marking the second time in the last three weeks that he had at least 69 receiving yards. He has split backfield duties with Tevin Coleman this year, limiting his value to an extent. The Rams did finish the regular season tied for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns allowed (15) in the league, so Freeman is an option to consider in a potentially high-scoring game.

Derrick Henry vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $6,000
FanDuel = $6,500

DeMarco Murray (knee) sat out Week 17, leaving Henry as the featured running back. While he only rushed for 51 yards on 28 carries, the volume was the key. He turned his one reception into 66 yards and a touchdown, making for an excellent final line. The Chiefs allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game (118.1) and were tied for the fourth-most rushing touchdowns allowed (15) in the league, leaving Henry with great upside at this price. Murray has already been ruled out for this game, making Henry one of the best value plays this week.

**WIDE RECEIVERS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Wild Card Weekend

Michael Thomas vs. Carolina Panthers
Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome
DraftKings = $7,800
FanDuel = $8,300

Thomas had an excellent season for the Saints, finishing in the top-six in the league in targets (149), receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,245). He played well in his previous two games against the Panthers this year, posting at least 70 receiving yards and one touchdown in both contests. To no surprise, he received at least eight targets in both games. Based on the volume he receives on a weekly basis, Thomas is an excellent option for your entry.

Tyreek Hill vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $6,800
FanDuel = $7,700

Hill’s big play ability is unquestioned, finishing the season tied for the tenth-highest yards per reception average (15.8). He received 105 targets overall, which was second most on the team to Travis Kelce (123). The next closest wide receiver was Albert Wilson with 63 targets, so Hill is clearly Smith’s favorite weapon amongst wideouts. With his big-play ability and heavy volume, Hill has the potential to put up a monster game any given week. The price is right to roll with him based on the Titans struggles to defend the pass.

Mohamed Sanu vs. Los Angeles Rams
Stadium – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
DraftKings = $5,600
FanDuel = $5,800

While Julio Jones gets all the hype in Atlanta, Sanu had 67 receptions on 96 targets this season. He also finished with five receiving touchdowns, which were two more than Jones had. The amount of targets Sanu gets gives a boost to his value as he averaged at least 10.5 yards per reception for the fourth straight season. The Rams scored the most points in the NFL this year, so the Falcons may have to let it fly to keep up. Sanu’s reasonable price makes him in an intriguing option in the first round of the playoffs.

Eric Decker vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $3,500
FanDuel = $4,800

The Titans passing attack has been terrible this season but Decker gets his opportunities to produce, receiving at least five targets in each of the final five games of the regular season. The problem is the bad Titans offense doesn’t give many chances to score, hauling in only one touchdown pass this year. This week presents an interesting opportunity for Decker as the Chiefs tied for the fourth-most net passing yards allowed per game (247) in the league. There aren’t a lot of really cheap options to choose from, but Decker might be worth a look in tournament play.

**TIGHT ENDS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Wild Card Weekend

Travis Kelce vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $7,100
FanDuel = $7,700

Kelce is the best option on the slate at tight end and it’s not even close. He continues to get tremendous volume, seeing at least seven targets in seven of his last eight games. While volume has been there throughout his time with the Chiefs, he cashed it in this season for a career-high eight touchdowns. The Titans had trouble defending tight ends this year, averaging the tenth-most yards to the position (853). If you can work him into your budget, he’s a safe option for production.

Charles Clay vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Stadium – EverBank Field
DraftKings = $4,000
FanDuel = $5,500

No one is going to confuse Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor as being an elite passing quarterback. He didn’t throw for at least 300 yards in any game this season and posted eight games with less than 200 passing yards. When he does throw the ball, Clay is one of his favorite options. Clay has received at least eight targets in each of the last three games, cashing that in for 15 receptions and 169 receiving yards. Viable cheap options at tight end aren’t easy to come by with so few games this week, but Clay is an option if you can’t pay up for Kelce.

**DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS**

Daily Fantasy Football Lineup Recommendations - Wild Card Weekend

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills
Stadium – EverBank Field
DraftKings = $4,400
FanDuel = $5,600

The Jaguars defense had an elite fantasy season, finishing in the top five in sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries and points allowed. To top it all off, they scored eight touchdowns. They get a great matchup this week against a Bills team that finished with the 11th-fewest points scored and tied for the seventh-most sacks allowed during the regular season. Pay up for the Jaguars in the Wild Card Round.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans
Stadium – Arrowhead Stadium
DraftKings = $3,400
FanDuel = $4,800

Speaking of teams with struggling quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota took a major step backward in 2017. After throwing 26 touchdown passes and only nine interceptions last year, Mariota threw 13 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions this season. Mariota really struggled on the road, throwing only five touchdown passes compared to 11 interceptions. If you want to save a little money at defense, the Chiefs are also primed to provide value.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/5/18 – Value Plays

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/5/18 – Value Plays

SALE: 40% off entire NBA Seasonal Package - Coupon Code "NEWYEAR40" (including playoffs)
Use Code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 40% off Seasonal Package


 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Ish Smith, DET at PHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Smith has made three starts since taking over for the injured Reggie Jackson (ankle), averaging 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 points and 1.0 steal per game. His usage rate over that stretch was 23.7%, which really increases his value when you consider he averaged 31 minutes per contest. The Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should also benefit Smith on Friday. While his price is climbing, it’s still low enough to provide value in this game.

J.J. Barea, DAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Barea continues to produce in limited playing time, averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers over his last six games. The Mavericks have been one of the worst offensive teams in the league this season, but have shown improvement lately by scoring at least 107 points in five of their last eight games. The Bulls aren’t nearly as bad as they were at the start of the season, but they have still allowed at least 106 points in nine of their last 11 games. Barea has upside at this price for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Justin Holiday, CHI at DAL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400

Holiday has been horrible from the field this season, shooting only 38.1%. He’s shown signs of coming out of his slump though, shooting 45% from the field over his last 10 games. Not only has he improved his shooting, but he also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists over that same stretch. With the Mavericks playing better offensively and the Bulls scoring at least 110 points in nine of their last 11 games, there might be more scoring in this game than you would expect. His ceiling isn’t very high, but Holiday is still a viable option to consider.

Marco Belinelli, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800

Belinelli continues to fly under the radar in Atlanta, but he’s averaging a solid 15.0 points and 1.9 three-pointers over his last seven games. He doesn’t provide many rebounds or assists, but he did record at least one steal in six of those seven games. His upside is limited because of his inability to contribute across the board, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this extremely cheap price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Taurean Prince, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,700

Prince is not for the faint of heart. He has shot 28.6% or less from the field in four of his last seven games, the last of which was a 2-for-14 performance Tuesday against the Suns. The good news is that it hasn’t deterred him from shooting, averaging 11.4 shot attempts per game over that stretch, which is on par with his season average. He can also contribute on the glass, grabbing at least nine rebounds in three of his last four games. He posted a double-double to go along with five assists against these same Trail Blazers on Saturday, so you may want to consider using him Friday.

Courtney Lee, NY at MIA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

The Knicks are still without Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg), leaving Lee to log heavy minutes. Playing at least 34 minutes in six of his last seven games, there is no reason to believe this won’t continue until Hardaway returns. Lee is averaging career-highs in points (13.3), assists (2.8), steals (1.4) and three-pointers (1.7) per game as a result of his increased role. He was excellent in his first game against the Heat this season, scoring 17 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. The price is right to take a chance on him again in their rematch.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Ersan Ilyasova, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

The Hawks are in full rebuild mode and lack talent and overall depth. Ilyasova has been one of the main beneficiaries of the rebuild, especially with their lack of size up front. He’s really stepped up his game lately, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers over his last six games. He had a decent game scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebounds against the Trail Blazers on Saturday, but it could have been even better if he didn’t shoot only 5-of-15 from the field. Expect him to get plenty of playing time again Friday, so he could provide a lot of value at this price.

Frank Kaminsky, CHA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600

Kaminsky is the primary backup at both power forward and center for the Hornets right now, which has led to an increase in playing time. He’s made the most of the opportunity, averaging 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers over his last eight games. He should have added opportunities to produce Friday because the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.8) and allow the second-most points per game (111.8) in the league. If you want to take a chance on a cheap power forward in tournament play, look no further.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. ATL
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,300

I don’t normally like to recommend someone priced this high when talking about value plays, but I really don’t like the cheap options available at center Friday. Nurkic isn’t overly expensive and I do like his upside in this game. He’s playing well right now, averaging 15.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks over his last four games. The Hawks struggle to defend opposing centers, allowing the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. Nurkic could be in for a big night Friday.

Marcin Gortat, WAS at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

The Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings, so this does not look like a good matchup on the surface. However, Gortat bucked the trend in their previous meeting this season, scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. He played 29 minutes in that game trying to match up with Marc Gasol and could play similar minutes with the lack of quality depth at center for the Wizards. If you have your mind set on saving money at center, Gortat could be a viable option.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/4/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/4/18

SALE: 40% off entire NBA Seasonal Package - Coupon Code "NEWYEAR40" (including playoffs)
Use Code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 40% off Seasonal Package

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Stephen Curry, GS at HOU
FanDuel = $9,800
DraftKings = $8,400

Curry has wasted no time since returning from an ankle injury, averaging 35.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 8.0 three-pointers in two games. He’s averaging 4.0 three-pointers per game this year, but believe it or not, that mark could be even higher as he is shooting a career-low 40.6% from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring game with both the Warriors and the Rockets in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so take full advantage of Curry at this reasonable price.

Milos Teodosic, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,100

The Clippers have been decimated by injuries at guard throughout this season, the latest being Austin Rivers (Achilles). Rivers has missed both of the team’s last two games and is questionable to play Thursday. Even if he does manage to play, his minutes could be monitored. While not flashy numbers, Teodosic did average 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers in the two games that Rivers missed. There aren’t many great cheap options available at point guard with only two games on the schedule Thursday, making Teodosic someone to consider.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Lou Williams, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,200

With all the injuries the Clippers have suffered, Williams is averaging career-highs in points (21.7), assists (4.8), three-pointers (2.7) and minutes (31) per game. His usage rate stands at 28.9%, putting him inside the top-20 in the league. The return of Blake Griffin from a knee injury has actually helped Williams since teams can’t key in on him defensively anymore, resulting in Williams averaging 32.0 points over the last three games. The Thunder are a strong defensive team, but volume alone still makes Williams someone to consider.

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,500

How lucky are the Rockets to have Gordon? He started earlier this season when Chris Paul was injured and now he returns to the starting lineup with James Harden (hamstring) out of action. In 17 starts this season, Gordon is averaging 22.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.0 three-pointers. He should fit in even better with Paul running the show as Paul is more of a pass-first point guard as opposed to Harden being an elite scorer. At this reasonable price, Gordon is too good to pass up.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Paul George, OKC at LAC
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $7,000

It took awhile, but the Thunder appear to have finally hit their stride, winning seven of their last 10 games. George missed one of those game, but averaged 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.0 block in the other nine games. His 25.1% usage rate is his lowest since the 2012-13 season, but he’s clearly ahead of Carmelo Anthony as the second-best offensive weapon for the Thunder. He’s priced low enough to be a viable option for your entry Thursday.

Gerald Green, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000

Talk about a player making an immediate impact on his new team. Green recently signed with the Rockets to give them depth on the bench but is now thrust into a prominent role with Harden out. He came through with flying colors in the first game without Harden on Wednesday, scoring 27 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and seven three-pointers in 28 minutes. While it will be hard for him to match that production, he should get extended minutes again Thursday in a game likely full of small lineups. He might be the best value play of the night.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Blake Griffin, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $8,200

Griffin continues to show his versatility, averaging 23.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in three games since returning from injury. He has posted a career-high 30.1% usage rate this season, which is not surprising considering the rash of injuries the Clippers have suffered. The Thunder are a strong defensive team, but they don’t have much size up front. Carmelo Anthony will likely be the one trying to slow down Griffin on Thursday, so Griffin could be primed for a big game.

Ryan Anderson, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

Games between the Rockets and Warriors are what Anderson was made for. With lots of small lineups and the game being played at a fast pace, it’s a perfect compliment to Anderson’s skillset. In his first meeting with the Warriors this season, Anderson scored 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, one steal, one block and three three-pointers. Last season, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers in two games against them. The price is right to take a chance on him playing well in this game.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Clint Capela, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,800

The Rockets are going to need increased scoring from multiple players to make up for the loss of Harden, Capela included. He was up to the task Wednesday against the Magic, scoring 21 points in only 23 minutes. Centers thriving with Chris Paul running the point are nothing new, such as the success DeAndre Jordan had with him in Los Angeles. Capela has recorded a double-double in three of his last five games and could be extremely valuable if he continues to score more.

Steven Adams, OKC at LAC
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Adams gets no easy task matching up against Jordan in this game. Jordan is an elite defensive rebounder, averaging 10.7 per game this season. One of Adams’ strengths is his ability to contribute on the offensive glass, averaging 4.9 offensive rebounds per game. While this is a tough matchup indeed, it should also lead to plenty of playing time for Adams because the Thunder don’t have much size. There aren’t any great really cheap options are center Thursday, but Adams is a viable option at this price.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays

SALE: 40% off entire NBA Seasonal Package - Coupon Code "NEWYEAR40" (including playoffs)
Use Code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

J.J. Barea, DAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100

Barea is playing well right now, averaging 13.0 points, 8.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.8 three-pointers over his last five games. Although he hasn’t played more than 29 minutes in any of those games, he’s still provided value because his 25.6% usage rate is inside the top-4o in the league. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, so look for Barea to have an opportunity to provide value again at this reasonable price.

Jarrett Jack, NY at WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Jack is not a flashy option, but we’re not looking for flashy at this price. One of the keys to look for in a cheap option is reliable playing time. Jack gets just that as he continues to start for the Knicks, averaging 26 minutes per game this season. He’s playing well right now, scoring at least 20 points on both FanDuel and DraftKings in each of his last four games. Though Frank Ntilikina is making strides in his rookie season, Jack is still getting enough minutes to be a viable option Wednesday.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Allen Crabbe, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400

The Nets have been bitten by the injury bug and things could be even worse Wednesday with Caris LeVert (groin) listed as doubtful and DeMarre Carroll (rib) listed as questionable. Crabbe is already averaging 29 minutes per game this season but could be counted on for heavy minutes if both LeVert and Carroll sit out this game. Even if one of them is able to play, Crabbe still has value, averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 three-pointers over his last nine games. Of note, Crabbe is only shooting guard eligible on DraftKings. He is listed at small forward on FanDuel.

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800

The Bucks and coach Jason Kidd can throw out some strange rotations at times, but Brogdon has still managed to play at least 30 minutes in seven of his last nine games. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 three-pointers over those nine games, which is valuable at this price. The Pacers will be depleted at guard with Victor Oladipo (knee) out again, so Brogdon could thrive against a thin second unit. The price is right to take a chance on him in this game.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Kyle Anderson, SA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Anderson was solid filling in for the injured Kawhi Leonard to start the season but has seen his playing time and scoring opportunities decrease since his return. That might not be an issue Wednesday as not only is Leonard likely to rest on the second night of a back-to-back, but Danny Green (groin) might not play either. Anderson has played at least 30 minutes in a game eight times this season, averaging 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals in those games. An added bonus is that he gets to face the Sixers, who play at the second-fastest pace (103.3) in the league. The stars may be aligning for Anderson in this contest.

Joe Harris, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900

Harris has been a valuable member of the Nets bench this season, averaging career-highs in points (9.8), rebounds (2.9), assists (1.4) and three-pointers (1.9) per game. The problem is he only gets limited playing time, averaging 24 minutes per contest. If LeVert and/or Carroll are unable to play Wednesday, Harris would likely be one of the main beneficiaries of their minutes.  Keep an eye on their status throughout the day and get Harris into your lineup if they can’t go.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Michael Beasley, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,800

Beasley can explode offensively any given night and has done so of late, scoring at least 18 points in five of his last nine games. He’s only averaging 18 minutes per game this season but has averaged 25 minutes over those nine games. He’s going to be productive more often than not when given extended playing time because his 29.2% usage rate is second-best on the team. The Knicks score the tenth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league, so they need Beasley’s offense. Don’t be surprised if he gets another opportunity to provide value Wednesday.

Marquese Chriss, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

The Suns have been one of the most frustrating teams in the league this season when it comes to their frontcourt rotations, especially at center. They appear to have finally started to settle things down, holding out Greg Monroe for each of the last five games. Chriss has thrived at power forward over those five games, averaging 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 27 minutes per game. He gets a nice matchup Wednesday as the Nuggets allow the eighth-most points per game on FanDuel and the ninth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing power forwards. As long as the minutes are there again, he could be one of the better value plays of the night.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900

Valanciunas is a tricky option in DFS because he just doesn’t get consistent playing time. He needs everything to fall right in a matchup to provide value, which is the case Wednesday. Valanciunas has dominated the Bulls this season, averaging 22.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in their first two games. The key was he played at least 24 minutes in both contests. He should get added minutes matching up against Robin Lopez, making him an excellent option for your entry.

Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,800

Sixers center Joel Embiid (hand) is listed as doubtful Wednesday, leaving Holmes with an opportunity for added playing time. The Sixers are always cautious with Embiid, which is not good for his chances of playing in this game. In the last seven games Embiid has missed, Holmes has averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. The Spurs have a lot of size up front, so expect the Sixers to lean heavily on Holmes if Embiid doesn’t suit up. While I prefer to go with Valanciunas, Holmes is also a viable cheap option at center.