Header Image - PICK LIKE THE PROS
PICK LIKE THE PROSLineup Lab is an advanced MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL daily fantasy lineup optimizer for Fanduel, Draftkings, and Yahoo. Pros use a DFS optimizer, so why don't you? Pick like the pros. Use the worlds most advanced projections and optimization techniques. Join today, and start winning!
start winning

Tag Archives

47 Articles

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

It’s been a fairly quiet week in the NBA, but things pick up a little bit with eight games on the schedule Wednesday. There are still several teams dealing with injury issues, helping to create some cheaper value plays with upside. Here are a couple at each position to consider when crafting your lineup. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,800

Mack had fallen out of the Grizzlies’ rotation recently, but with Kyle Anderson (ankle) out, some added minutes may have opened up for him. He logged 23 minutes against the Rockets on Monday and finished with 10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal. Anderson was actually injured in Saturday’s game against the Heat, which propelled Mack to score 13 points to go along with one rebound and two assists over 28 minutes. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.2 possessions per game) in the league, so the added playing time makes Mack a viable target in tournament play.

Jalen Brunson, DAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400

The Mavericks suffered a really tough blow when J.J. Barea (Achilles) was lost for the season. Dennis Smith Jr. has missed their last three games with a back injury and is now dealing with illness, as well, making him questionable for Wednesday. Brunson logged 30 minutes with both players out Sunday against the Warriors and finished with 12 points, four rebounds, an assist and a block. If Smith can’t play, Brunson is at least someone to consider, especially at near the minimum price on FanDuel.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,400

The Rockets continue to lean heavily on Rivers, who has averaged 37 minutes a game since joining the team. They might get Eric Gordon (knee) back Wednesday, but since he’s missed their last eight games, he likely won’t log a ton of minutes even if he does play. Even though Rivers doesn’t provide many rebounds or defensive stats, his role within the offense has still left him with value more often than not.

Kyle Korver, UTA at LAC
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200

The Jazz will once again be taking the floor Wednesday without any of their top three point guards. With so many key players unavailable, it’s opened up added playing time for Korver. Over the last three games, he’s averaged 14.6 points, three rebounds and 3.7 three-pointers over 26.3 minutes per game. The Clippers allow the seventh-most points per game (114.3) in the league, leaving Korver with some upside if he gets hot from behind the arc.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Cedi Osman, CLE at POR
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Osman is coming off of one of his best games of the season after he recorded 20 points, eight rebounds, and two steals Sunday against the Lakers. He was on the floor for a whopping 42 minutes and tied his season-high with 17 shot attempts. The Cavaliers don’t have a lot of depth up front with Kevin Love (toe) and Larry Nance Jr. (knee) out, which should leave Osman with plenty of playing time once again Wednesday.

Royce O’Neale, UTA at LAC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Speaking of players seeing added playing time due to injuries, O’Neale has stepped up lately for the Jazz. He’s only averaging 17 minutes per game for the season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in each of his last three games. People may be down on him after a scoreless outing Monday against the Pistons. However, he had played well in his previous two games and has a much more favorable matchup against the Clippers, who also play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

The Rockets are really hurting up front with Clint Capela (thumb) out for at least the next four weeks. They already play a lot of small lineups, so expect that to be the case even more so moving forward. Tucker is a key part of those small lineups based on his ability to guard multiple positions. That’s left him to average 35 minutes a game this season. His numbers don’t exactly stand out, but his respectable averages of eight points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game make him a viable tournament play option.

Maxi Kleber, DAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

Brunson isn’t the only player who could receive a boost in playing time if Smith doesn’t take the floor for the Mavericks. Kleber has logged at least 26 minutes in three straight games, averaging 10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Across seven games in which Kleber has logged at least 25 minutes this season, he’s averaged 8.2 points, six rebounds, and two blocks.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/16/19

Jarrett Allen, BKN at HOU
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,600

With Capela out, Allen will be left to battle with Nene Hilario, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Marquese Chriss. That’s not exactly an intimidating group. There is the chance that the Nets try to match the Rockets’ small lineups, which could lead to fewer minutes for Allen. However, there is also the chance that he receives his normal allotment of playing time and thrives against weaker talent. Based on his reasonable price tag, deploying him in DFS might be a risk worth taking.

Kevon Looney, GS vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,100

Looney came through with another productive stat line Tuesday, scoring nine points to go along with 12 rebounds, four assists and one block against the Nuggets. His time as a starter will be coming to an end with DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) expected to return Friday, so take advantage of Looney at this cheap price while you can. This is another favorable matchup for him with both the Warriors and the Pelicans inside the top-10 in the league in pace of play.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The two top options for Monday’s six-game slate in the NBA are James Harden and Anthony Davis. Both are costly, so if you want to add them to your DFS lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value plays. Here are a couple of options at each position to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Derrick White, SA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400

This is a great matchup for the Spurs. They are a much better team at home and the Hornets are an ugly 5-15 on the road. The Hornets’ defense has also been awful since Cody Zeller (hand) went down, allowing an average of 119.5 points across their last six games. That could lead to a productive offensive showing from White, who enters this contest having averaged 17.1 points across his last seven games.

Terry Rozier, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving. Irving is dealing with a right quadriceps bruise and is considered a game-time decision. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely assume his spot in the starting five. Over four starts this season, Rozier has averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds. 5.3 assists and two steals. He would be a lock for me at this dirt cheap price on both sites.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

Rivers had another strong offensive showing for the Rockets on Sunday by scoring 25 points against the Magic. He logged 37 minutes in that game and hit four three-pointers. With all of the injuries that the Rockets have in their backcourt, Rivers has averaged 37 minutes per game since joining the team. Couple his increased playing time with added three-point attempts and Rivers is still someone to consider in tournament play despite having to face a tough Grizzlies’ defense Monday.

Kyle Korver, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800

The Jazz are basically playing without a point guard right now due to injuries. With three point guards currently on the sidelines, it’s opened up added playing time for a couple of players on the roster. Korver is one of them and is coming off of a productive game Saturday against the Bulls when he scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds and a block in 26 minutes. He’s not going to be someone who helps facilitate the offense, but the added playing time makes him someone to target at this cheap price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Royce O’Neale, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700

The other player who has seen a significant increase in playing time lately is O’Neale, who has logged at least 37 minutes in both of the last two games. To say he’s come through for the Jazz is an understatement. Friday, he scored 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in a blowout win over the Lakers. He followed that up Saturday with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks against the Bulls. Don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.

Evan Turner, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

The Blazers don’t have nearly the injury issues that the Jazz have, but they could be missing a key part of their rotation in Maurice Harkless (knee). He’s missed each of their last three games and might not be able to take the floor again Monday. If he can’t, that could leave Turner with added playing time. That’s key considering he doesn’t excel in any one particular category. It also helps Turner’s cause that the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Marcus Morris, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Another player who could potentially benefit from the absence of Irving is Morris. Despite the Celtics’ stellar depth across the roster, Morris is averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game. Even though Morris doesn’t provide hardly any defensive stats, he has chipped in another career-high with an average of six rebounds a night. The Nets are dealing with some injuries to their frontcourt, so look for Morris to have an opportunity to thrive. He’s is still worth considering if Irving plays, but his upside is likely higher if Irving can’t take the floor.

JaMychal Green, MEM at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

The Grizzlies lost Kyle Anderson (ankle) over the weekend and could be without his services for up to four weeks. The Grizzlies do have Justin Holiday to step into a larger role, but Jaren Jackson Jr. could also see some playing time at small forward. The trio of Jackson, Green and Marc Gasol actually shared some time on the floor Saturday against Heat. Green is averaging 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in only 23 minutes a game this year, so any added playing time could provide him with a boost in value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19

Al Horford, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200

Horford’s value comes from his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His production has been capped lately, though, due to a minute’s restriction after missing time with a knee injury. That restriction was increased to 30 minutes Saturday against the Magic and he responded with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. The Nets allow the most DraftKings points per game and the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so the added playing time makes Horford a great target for your entry.

Bismack Biyombo, CHA at SA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200

The Hornets turned to Willy Hernangomez when Zeller initially went down, but his time as a starter lasted just one game. Biyombo has started each of their last five contests and averaged 7.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. If you want to load up at other positions, rolling with Biyombo at center in tournament play could help significantly with your budget while providing modest upside.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are plenty of value plays to wade through Monday with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are a couple of players at each position who stand out based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Derrick White, SA at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

The Spurs may have finally settled on White as their starting point guard. Not only has he started nine straight games, but he’s also logged at least 27 minutes in seven straight contests. During that seven-game stretch, he’s averaged 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Even though those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that still brings him into the DFS discussion for Monday based on his reasonable price on both sites.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at SAC
FanDuel – $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

The Magic are approaching the halfway point of the season and Augustin is still their starting point guard. While that might say more about the state of their roster than it does anything else, Augustin has remained DFS relevant in the role. He’s averaged 28 minutes per game, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, which should afford Augustin with a few more opportunities to provide value, as well. The Kings have also allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

The Bucks continue to be one of the best teams in the league and Brogdon has been a key part of their success. He’s able to provide steady contributions across the board, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. His defensive contributions are limited, but he is shooting a career-high 42.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bucks also play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1), leaving Brogdon as a viable option to consider.

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

The Rockets are on a roll right now despite not having Chris Paul (hamstring) or Eric Gordon (knee) on the floor. It turned out adding Rivers has been crucial for their depth. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes per game with the Rockets, recording 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night. With both players out once again Monday, Rivers should receive all the playing time that he can handle.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

DeMarre Carroll, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets will likely be without the services of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) for this contest. Carroll hasn’t played a ton this season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in all three games since both players went down. With averages of 19.7 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists during that stretch, Carroll still has some upside despite facing a stingy Celtics’ defense. In fact, he scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against an equally tough Grizzlies’ defense on Friday.

Danuel House, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200

Another beneficiary to all of the injuries on the Rockets is House, who has started each of their last seven games. He’s done nothing to make the Rockets remove him from that role, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers. With no reinforcements coming Monday, House will once again be a cheap option in tournament play who could provide some upside.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,900

Morris (neck) did not play Friday against the Mavericks, but with a few days off, he’s listed as probable for this matchup with the Nets. Kyrie Irving (eye) should also return, so this could be a tough task for the red-hot Nets. Morris is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. That’s saying something considering the depth that the Celtics have. If Morris plays, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.

Ed Davis, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Davis is a rebounding machine. He’s only averaging 18 minutes a game this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 8.5 boards per contest. The Nets have relied on him to log more minutes since Hollis-Jefferson went down, which has propelled Davis to averages of 6.3 points and 11.3 rebounds across his last three contests. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

JaVale McGee, LAL at DAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Lakers have turned into the walking-wounded with LeBron James (groin), Rajon Rondo (hand) and Kyle Kuzma (back) all dealing with injuries. Even if Kuzma makes his return Monday, James and Rondo will still be sidelined. McGee normally doesn’t receive a lot of scoring opportunities, but he has attempted at least 14 shots in two of his last three games. It’s hard to rely on him to be an offensive force, but even a couple of extra shot attempts per game makes a big difference when combined with his ability to rebound and block shots.

Al Horford, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,600

The one thing I don’t like about Horford is his lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t logged more than 25 minutes in any of his last five games. However, three of those games were decided by at least 13 points, so it might not have made much sense to push Horford in those outings. The Nets are terrible at defending opposing centers, so even if Horford is somewhat limited Monday, he could still be productive.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Monday might not be the busiest day in the NBA with just seven games, but there are plenty of the top teams in action. It makes for some interesting choices in DFS, so let’s examine a couple of cheap players at each position who could provide value. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

The Mavericks and Thunder just played each other Sunday, a contest in which Barea scored six points to go along with 10 assists and one steal across 21 minutes. Despite receiving limited playing time off of the bench this year, Barea has still been able to average 11.4 points and 5.7 assists per game, overall. His 27.8 percent usage rate has been one of the main reasons for his offensive success and makes him a viable target once again Monday.

Tyus Jones, MIN at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,000

Jeff Teague (ankle) and Derrick Rose (ankle) were both unable to play Sunday against the Heat, which opened up a starting role for Jones. He provided excellent all-around production, scoring 12 points to go along with four rebounds, five assists, and five steals across 36 minutes. If Teague and Rose can’t play again Monday, Jones could in line for another great game against a Pelicans squad that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (103.5 possessions per game) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400

The Thunder still don’t have a great bench, but the addition of Schroder has been a big reason why they are off to a 22-13 start. His numbers are down compared to last year when he was with the Hawks, but that was to be expected considering he’s now playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George. However, he’s still averaging 16.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game, making him someone to consider at his reasonable price on both sites.

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,900

It’s will be slim pickings for the Rockets backcourt Monday with Chris Paul (hamstring) and Eric Gordon (knee) both sidelined. Rivers hasn’t been with the team long, but he’s expected to start in this contest. He’s averaged 10 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists across three games with the Rockets and could be an excellent value play in DFS, especially considering his price on FanDuel.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,200

The Suns initially brought Bridges off of the bench this year, but he’s started each of their last 20 games. The staring role has brought a significant increase in playing time for Bridges, who has averaged 33 minutes across his last 15 games. One of his key contributions has come on the defensive end with him averaging 1.6 steals across that 15-game stretch. Even though he’s not much of a scorer, his overall contributions still make him a viable option Monday against a Warriors team that plays at the 10th-fastest pace (101.7).

Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Oubre has put up a couple of offensive clunkers, scoring a combined eight points in his last two games. The good news is that he continued to chip in defensive stats despite his scoring troubles, totaling two steals and three blocks in those contests. He has scored at least 13 points in three of six games since joining the Suns, so don’t read too much into his recent poor play. His price is low enough on both sites that it might be worth taking a chance on him having a bounce-back performance.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Marcus Morris, BOS at SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

The Celtics have significant depth, which has limited the fantasy value of some of their players. However, Morris hasn’t seen a decline in production with everyone finally healthy. In fact, he’s having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. His 21.2 percent usage rate is actually fourth-highest on the team, which is encouraging for his value moving forward. The Spurs struggle to defend opposing power forwards, so don’t be surprised if Morris finishes with a juicy stat line Monday.

Jerami Grant, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200

Grant is finally getting his chance to shine this season, averaging 31 minutes a game. He doesn’t get a ton of scoring opportunities, but he’s still averaging 12.3 points per game based on his increased playing time and 52.5 percent shooting from the field. The Thunder play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.5) in the league, which also helps with regards to Grant’s production. Morris has the higher upside of the two, but Grant is also worth considering if you want to use even less of your budget at power forward.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/31/18

Steven Adams, OKC vs. DAL
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $7,000

Adams had a quiet outing against the Mavericks on Sunday, scoring eight points to go along with nine rebounds and two steals. He only attempted five shots, which tied for his fewest in a game this season. He has one of the highest minute’s floors of anyone at the center position, so don’t worry too much about one off night. In fact, the first time these two teams played each other this season, Adams thrived with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Kevon Looney, GS at PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700

DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) is inching his way towards a return, and when he does, Looney is likely to lose some playing time. Looney has actually done a nice job stepping into the starting lineup and has even averaged 9.2 points and 7.2 rebounds across his last five games. With all of the Suns’ defensive deficiencies, this could be a spot to deploy Looney if you want to go the extremely cheap route at center.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are few days in the NBA season as exciting as the Christmas Day slate of games. The league uses this day to showcase some of their best teams, which also means a lot of the top players will be in action. That means plenty of elite options in DFS will be taking the floor. In order to fit some of those players into your entry, here are some cheaper value plays to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,900

The Knicks have changed up their rotations throughout the season, which left Mudiay with little playing time at the start the year. However, he was inserted into the starting lineup in the middle of November and has yet to relinquish the role. He’s been especially hot of late, averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 11 games in December. His price has increased significantly, but it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

With the return of Markelle Fultz (shoulder) nowhere in site, McConnell will continue to be one of the main guards off of the bench for the Sixers. Don’t count on him to score much, but he’s provided respectable all-around contributions by averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 10 games in December. At near the minimum price on both sites, his secure role off the bench gives him some appeal in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

Gordon is only averaging 15.3 points per game this season, which is his lowest mark since joining the Rockets. His usage rate of 22.5 percent is down over two percentage points from last season, but he has a great opportunity to be productive for at least the next couple of weeks with Chris Paul (hamstring) out. Across six games in which Paul has missed this season, Gordon has averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 three-pointers.

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Smart has been an important part of the Celtics success in recent years, but he’s averaging a career-low 26 minutes per game this season. With the talent that they have across the board, his playing time is likely to remain limited. His scoring numbers have really suffered, but he’s remained DFS relevant with 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. With the Sixers playing at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, Smart might even receive a few more opportunities to provide value Tuesday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Joe Ingles, UTA vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700

Ingles entered this season having made at least 44 percent of his three-point attempts in both of the last two seasons, but he’s only shooting 38.1 percent this year. Luckily, his usage rate has jumped to a career-high 17.9 percent, which has helped him to still average 12.1 points per game. He’s also chipped in 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, leaving him with valuable all-around contributions.

Evan Turner, POR at UTA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

Turner’s career hasn’t gone the way some had expected after he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2010 Draft. However, he’s become a critical member of the bench for a Blazers team that has had plenty of success during his tenure with the team. He doesn’t receive a ton of scoring opportunities, which has left him to average just eight points per game. However, he’s also averaging five rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, his highest marks in both categories since joining the Blazers. Even with his limited offensive upside, the savings he could provide your budget combined with his production in other categories leaves him with some appeal in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Kevin Knox, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600

Mudiay isn’t the only Knick who has come alive of late. Knox, their promising first-round pick, has been on a scoring binge of late, averaging 20.3 points and three three-pointers across his last seven games. He’s also chipped in 6.6 rebounds per contest during that stretch, leaving him with plenty of upside despite his lack of assists or defensive stats. There is some concern that the Knicks could get down big against a far superior Bucks team, but with them looking to develop Knox, his playing time is fairly secure. Case in point, he’s logged at least 35 minutes in each of the last four games in which they have lost by at least 11 points.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,900

After sitting out two games due to a knee injury, Morris returned to log 20 minutes Sunday against the Hornets. The Celtics didn’t need to play him much in a lopsided win, but he still scored 12 points to go along with eight rebounds. Despite the Celtics’ loaded depth chart, Morris is having one of the best seasons of his career by averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers. The Sixers are extremely thin at power forward after trading Dario Saric to the Timberwolves, leaving Morris with the potential to thrive in this contest.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Steven Adams, OKC at HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,700

Russell Westbrook and Paul George are clearly the offensive leaders for the Thunder, but Adams is no slouch himself, averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game. He’s been a terror on the glass, as well, averaging 10 boards a night. The Thunder added Nerlens Noel to provide some depth behind him, but Adams is still logging 34 minutes a game. While he’s not an overly cheap option, Adams has a high floor considering his price tag.

Brook Lopez, MIL at NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bucks are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, just one-and-a-half games behind the Raptors. It might not have been a flashy pickup, but the addition of Lopez over the summer is one of the key reasons for their hot start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a monster, but he thrives in the paint. Having Lopez on the floor alongside him provides valuable spacing since opposing big men have to guard him on the perimeter. There aren’t a lot of great cheap center options Tuesday, but Lopez’s ability to hit three’s and block shots at least makes him someone to consider.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA brings a loaded slate Wednesday with 10 games. The Pelicans, Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of the top talent as options for your DFS lineup. In order to fit those in, you’ll also need the right mix of cheap value plays. Below are two players at each position that stand out as having matchups to possibility capitalize on. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Barea is only averaging 20 minutes a game, but that hasn’t stopped him from being extremely productive. His 27.1 percent usage rate is actually the highest on the team, helping him average 10.9 points per contest. He also does a great job of facilitating the offense for their second unit with 5.8 assists per night. Both Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) and Luka Doncic (illness) are listed as questionable, so Barea could be in line for a significant increase in playing time if either or both of them were unable to play. Even if they do take the floor, Barea is an appealing option at this price.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Augustin’s 15.4 percent usage rate isn’t great, but he’s still been able to average 10.3 points per game in large part because he is logging 27 minutes a night. The Magic don’t have any other viable options to start at point guard, which has also resulted in Augustin averaging 5.4 assists per contest. His upside isn’t great, but Augustin has a secure enough role to be worth considering in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800

The key to this game is the status of Chris Paul (hamstring). If he is forced to miss his third straight game, Gordon will once again be a part of the starting five. He’s thrived in that role this season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across seven games. His usage rate is 25.2 percent as a starter, which is up from 22.3 percent as a member of the second unit. Gordon’s price has jumped up after a couple of great performances, but he’s still worth adding to your lineup if Paul sits.

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

Clarkson had a strange performance against the Timberwolves on Monday where he scored just four points on five shot attempts. Clarkson has a 28.6 percent usage rate and hadn’t attempted fewer than 10 shots in any previous game this year, so chalk it up as just one off night. The Cavaliers are going to need him to score in bunches to keep this game close against Russell Westbrook and company, so don’t be surprised if Clarkson has a bounce-back scoring effort.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

Moore was already an important part of the Pelicans success, but he became even more vital after they lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger). Jrue Holiday has been assuming the point guard duties with Payton out, shifting Moore over to shooting guard. Although he might not get a lot of headlines, Moore is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The last time these two teams met Saturday, Moore scored 19 points. Since both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, expect Moore to have plenty of opportunities to score again during their rematch.

Jeff Green, WAS at NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

The Wizards are going to be shorthanded up front again with Dwight Howard (lower body) already ruled out. While Green doesn’t play the same position, he is still in line for added playing time. Green is also one of their better rebounders, averaging 5.2 rebounds in just 25 minutes a game. His scoring upside isn’t great, but this game should be played at a fast enough pace to make him someone to at least consider if you want to go really cheap at small forward.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500

Williams is only averaging 25 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 31 minutes in each of his last three games. That’s especially encouraging since the Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury Monday. Across five games in which Williams has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 14 points. 8.2 rebounds, and one block. He’s also had plenty of success in two previous matchups against the Hawks, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,400

Holmes makes this list for the second straight night after scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks Tuesday against the Pacers. Over the last five games, Holmes is now averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two blocks. His role is secure as the primary backup to Deandre Ayton and the Clippers have some size up front with Montrezl Harrell, Marcin Gortat, and Boban Marjanovic, so expect Holmes to get enough playing time to provide value at this price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300

Thompson isn’t overly cheap, but center is usually one of the tougher positions to fill in terms of value plays, especially on FanDuel.  Thompson continues to dominate the minutes in the middle for the Cavaliers and should be set there for a while with the news that Kevin Love (toe) isn’t eyeing a return until January. Facing Steven Adams isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Thompson should at least be a threat to post a double-double Wednesday.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100

If you want a cheap play with significant upside, Zeller is not your man. However, he does have a relatively high floor with averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. The Hawks are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but they do have size up front with Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len. When these two teams met Sunday, Zeller finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, but there will be plenty of high-end talent available with the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, and Spurs all in action. There is also a surprisingly decent amount of cheap value plays with upside. Let’s dive into the slate to see where you might be able to gain an edge. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

Avery Bradley (ankle) is listed as questionable for this contest, but even if he does return, it would be a surprise to see him back in the starting five. Gilgeous-Alexander has done a great job across four games in that role, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should continue to leave Gilgeous-Alexander as a great option for your entry.

Jeremy Lin, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks have been a disaster this year, but Lin has actually been a bright spot off their bench. He got off to a slow start, which is understandable considering he missed virtually all of last season with a knee injury. However, he’s turned things on of late, averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last seven games. His 23.5 percent usage rate is also the third-highest on the team. This game could get ugly early against a far superior Nuggets team, which could afford Lin with a few added minutes in garbage time.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Lou Williams, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,000

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only player who has benefited from the absence of Bradley. Across the four games that he has missed, Williams is averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 assists per contest. Williams has logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games, which is significantly higher than his average of 26 minutes a contest for the season. If Bradley does indeed miss this game, Williams could provide significant upside, even though he’s not overly cheap.

Monte Morris, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100

Isaiah Thomas (hip) is still out until at least December, which will continue to leave Morris as a significant part of their second unit. Although he’s not a consistent source for production, Morris has shown his potential by scoring at least 15 points in two of his last three games. Not only that, but he’s dished out at least six assists in back-to-back contests. If the Nuggets do get up big in this game early, Morris could see added minutes in garbage time. That makes him someone to potentially target, especially with the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Taurean Prince, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900

The Hawks are still in the very early stages of a rebuilding process, but Prince looks to be an important part of their future. He has the tendency to go through shooting slumps from time to time, but he gets plenty of shots with the second-highest usage rate (24.4 percent) on the team. Luckily, he’s also averaging 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, which somewhat helps make up for the nights when his shots aren’t falling. After shooting 17-for-27 (63 percent) across his last two games, he might be in the midst of a hot streak.

James Ennis III, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

It appears the Carmelo Anthony era in Houston has quickly come to an end. Whether the Rockets trade or release him, Anthony has likely played his last game with the team. That opens up added playing time Ennis, who had 16 points, four rebounds, one steal, and two blocks across 34 minutes Tuesday against the Nuggets. Gary Clark (hip) is also listed as questionable for Thursday, so if he can’t play, Ennis could be locked in for extended action.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Trevor Ariza now on the Suns, Tucker is starting and averaging a career-high 36 minutes a game. Don’t expect him to get a lot of shots playing with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela, but Tucker has been able to average 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. The Rockets surprisingly play at the 28th-fastest pace (97.5), but they might be forced to speed things up Thursday with the Warriors playing at the 12th-fastest (102.2). His upside isn’t very high, but Tucker’s extended playing time still makes him a viable target.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Lyles has had a couple of quiet performances lately, which has created an opportunity to roster him at a reduced price. He’s had an expanded role this season with Will Barton (groin) out and even has the second-highest usage rate (24.2 percent) on the team. If you want to go with the assumption that the Nuggets will win this game handily, taking a chance on Lyles could pay off if he gets added playing time.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,400

Not much was made of it, but Nikola Jokic received x-rays for an undisclosed reason after Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. Even though he said he’s fine, the fact that he needed to get one for any reason is concerning. Whatever is ailing him, it would seem silly for the Nuggets to play him significant minutes against the lowly Hawks if he’s not completely healthy. That could potentially open up the door for Plumlee to get added run. Plumlee doesn’t play a lot, but he’s still averaged 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 17 minutes a game.

Miles Plumlee, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,300

The Plumlee brothers might be facing each other a lot Thursday. Not only is the Jokic situation a concern for the Nuggets, but the Hawks will once again be without Dewayne Dedmon (personal). Alex Len is also battling an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. If he can’t play, Plumlee will be the last man standing for the Hawks at center. Still, don’t expect him to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do enough across the board to justify being considered in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA has plenty of action to start off your weekend with eight games on the schedule Friday night. That gives us a lot of DFS value plays to wade through, so let’s get right down to business. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

Elie Okobo, PHO vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,300

The Suns entered the season with a significant hole at point guard. Isaiah Canaan has been a member of the starting five with shooting guard Devin Booker also taking on more of a facilitating role. However, both of them are injured and listed as questionable for Friday. Okobo has logged at least 28 minutes in both of the last two games as a result of their injuries. His production hasn’t been off the charts, but he’s averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, six assists, and 1.5 three-pointers during that stretch. If Booker and/or Canaan are forced to sit again Friday, Okobo is worth considering in tournament play.

Dante Exum, UTA vs. MEM
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

The Jazz will be without Donovan Mitchell (hamstring) in this game, leaving a huge void in their offense. It will likely take a group effort to make up for his absence, especially considering his 29.4 percent usage rate. Exum has already been averaging 19 minutes a game for the Jazz, but he could be one of the players who sees a few more minutes, and shots, Friday. Exum has averaged 13.5 points, four rebounds, 3.5 assists and one three-pointer across the two games in which he has played at least 20 minutes this year, leaving him with some upside at near the minimum price on both sites.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

Justin Holiday, CHI vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,600

The Bulls have a laundry-list of injuries right now with Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Kris Dunn (knee) and Bobby Portis (knee) all on the shelf. They are clearly a rebuilding team, but they’ve been forced to play Holiday more due to their lack of depth. His upside isn’t tremendously high, but Holiday is averaging a respectable 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.8 three-pointers per contest. Although he doesn’t come at a huge discount on FanDuel, his DraftKings price is appealing.

Eric Gordon, HOU at BKN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,900

James Harden (hamstring) appears to be nearing a return, but he’s not expected to take the floor against the Nets. In the first two games that Harden has missed, Gordon averaged 16 shot attempts. While he only made seven total shots, the added volume gives him plenty of scoring potential. If he can correct his shooting woes in this contest, he could be an asset at this price. Keep him out of cash contests, but he might be worth a look in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

Tyreke Evans, IND at CHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Evans was thrust into a significant role for the Grizzlies last year when Mike Conley was lost for the season, resulting in Evans averaging 31 minutes a game. The Pacers are a much deeper team, so it’s not all that surprising that he’s only averaged 20 minutes a game so far. Even with limited time of the floor, Evans is still averaging 10.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, three assists, and 1.3 three-pointers. The Bulls are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, which should give a bump to Evans and just about everyone else on the Pacers’ roster. If this game also gets out of hand early, Evans could see some extra garbage time minutes.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,800

The Wizards are a disappointing 1-6, but they’ve also dealt with their share of injury issues. Oubre has been one of their few bright spots, averaging 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and two three-pointers a game. It’s not as if he’s seen a huge jump in playing time, either, with his 27 minutes a night on par with his average from last season. The Wizards should be getting Dwight Howard (back) and Markieff Morris (concussion) back Friday, but Oubre is still going to be a significant part of their second unit.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

Noah Vonleh, NY at DAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

It’s no surprise that the Knicks are 2-6 with Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from a torn ACL. What is surprising is that they have been bringing one of their better players in Enes Kanter off the bench lately. Vonleh has been moved into the starting five, as a result, averaging 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks in that role. With no signs that the Knicks will make a change back to Kanter for this contest, Vonleh will continue to have added value.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs. HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900

Hollis-Jefferson has come off the bench in all five games since returning from injury, but you have to wonder how much longer the Nets will continue to have him in that role while Jared Dudley starts. Even though Hollis-Jefferson has only averaged 21 minutes, he’s been able to record 8.6 points, six rebounds, 0.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. With the Rockets playing at a fast pace and using a lot of small lineups, this has the potential to be Hollis-Jefferson’s best performance of the year if he can get a few extra minutes.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/2/18

Steven Adams, OKC at WAS
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,100

If you are playing on FanDuel, there aren’t a lot of great cheap center options. As a result, this might be one of the positions to pay up for. Adams isn’t overly expensive, but he has a high floor with averages of 13.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks. The Thunder did add some depth at center with Nerlens Noel, but Adams is still logging 35 minutes a game. The Thunder and Wizards are both in the top-six in the league in pace of play, which could leave Adams with even more opportunities to stuff the stat sheet.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at PHO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,300

Valanciunas’ role continues to fluctuate based on matchups. The Suns have a promising big man in Deandre Ayton, so look for Valanciunas to be in the starting lineup for the Raptors. When he starts, he has averaged 13 points, nine rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest. The Suns have allowed the most fantasy points per game to opposing centers, making Valanciunas someone to key in on if you are looking for some budget relief at center.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Wednesday’s NBA schedule is jam-packed with 11 games. There are a ton of value plays to consider, as a result. Let’s get right down to business and examine some to target for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at TOR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

Tom Thibodeau loves him some Derrick Rose. The two have a long-standing relationship since their days with the Bulls and Thibodeau clearly plans to play him a lot this season, or, at least for as long as Rose is healthy. Rose is averaging 28 minutes per contest, helping him post 14.8 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds, and five assists. Rose is not a good three-pointer shooter, but his 23.5% usage rate is encouraging for his scoring upside. Look for him to get enough time on the floor Wednesday to provide value at this price.

Isaiah Canaan, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300

With the ugliness that is the Suns’ point guard position, Canaan has started each of their first three games. Devin Booker is also helping to facilitate their offense, but Canaan has still been able to log 30 minutes per contest. Canaan can go damage from behind the arc, so the added playing time has helped him average 10 points and two three-pointers per contest. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (108.7 possessions per game) in the league, so Canaan could be in line for even more opportunities to score in this contest.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,800

Chris Paul will be out due to his suspension again Wednesday, leaving Gordon with another opportunity to start. He excelled without Paul on Sunday against the Clippers, scoring 21 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and five three-pointers. Across 30 starts last year, Gordon averaged 21.5 points. 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. His usage rate also increased from 22% in a reserve role to 27.8% when he started.

Wesley Matthews, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200

Matthews may not get a ton of publicity, but he’s an important part of the Mavericks. He’s averaged at least 34 minutes per game in every season that he’s been with the team, including through the first three games this year. His field goal percentage usually isn’t great, but he’s still managed to average 13.8 points and 2.2 three-pointers per game for his career. The Hawks have allowed 122.7 points per game, making Matthews a strong option to consider based on his minutes floor.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

T.J. Warren, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

Warren started all 65 games that he played in last year, but he’s moved to the bench this season. His playing time has dropped from 33 minutes to 23 minutes per game, but his usage rate has increased from 24.9% to a whopping 29.6%. He should continue to see the bulk of the scoring opportunities with the Suns’ second unit, making him a great option in what should be a high-scoring contest versus the Lakers.

Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800

This game sets up really well for Crowder. The Rockets like to play a lot of small lineups and will have their depth challenged with both Paul and James Ennis (hamstring) out. They also play at the eighth-fastest pace (105) in the league. Crowder plays a crucial role within the second unit for the Jazz, helping him average 30 minutes per contest. He’s cashed in the added playing time by averaging 15 points, 6.7 rebounds and two three-pointers.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

Markieff Morris, WAS at GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700

Speaking of dealing with limited depth, the Wizards frontcourt is hurting entering play Wednesday. Dwight Howard (back) will be out yet again and has yet to play a game this season. Fill in starter Ian Mahinmi is listed as questionable with a back injury of his own. Even if he does play, this is not a good matchup for him considering all the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy. Morris is averaging 16.3 points, seven rebounds, one steal, 1.7 blocks and three three-pointers across 27 minutes per game this year and should at least see similar playing time in this contest, if not more.

Dwight Powell, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Powell is only averaging 17 minutes a game, but his 26.3 percent usage rate has helped him average 15.7 points. Both numbers are likely to decline over the course of the season, but he’s proven the Mavericks can rely on him for however long it takes Dirk Nowitzki to return from injury. The Hawks will again be without John Collins (ankle) on Wednesday, leaving Powell with a chance to thrive against their weak frontcourt.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18

JaVale McGee, LAL at PHO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

McGee isn’t going to last as a value play for much longer. His price is steadily climbing because he’s averaging 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three blocks through three games. Having excellent passers around him like LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball is going to help him get a lot of easy buckets and he’s proven to be a force when it comes to blocks. Facing Deandre Ayton might not be an easy task, but McGee is still in line for valuable performance.

Myles Turner, IND at SA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Is this finally the year that Turner breaks out? Well, it certainly doesn’t look like it through four games. With averages of just 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, a lot of Turner’s value on a nightly basis hinges on his ability to block shots. Luckily, he hasn’t disappointed in that department with 1.8 rejections per contest. Domantas Sabonis eats into some of Turner’s playing time, but it’s not often that you can roster Turner at this cheap of a price. It might be worth taking a chance on him in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Wednesday brings the first full day of NBA action with 11 games on the schedule. Let’s examine some cheaper value plays who could help lead you to a winning entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Trey Burke, NY vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600

Burke’s tenure with the Knicks last season was a pleasant surprise, posting 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He also shot a staggering 50.3% from the field, but expect that to drop this season based on his 40.4% shooting percentage for his career. The Knicks named him their starting point guard for opening night and they’ll be searching for scoring with Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from a torn ACL. Burke had a 25.1% usage rate last year and could start of the season on a high note.

Patty Mills, SA vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600

The Spurs have been decimated at point guard. First, Dejounte Murray was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Then, Derrick White went down with a heel injury. Rookie Lonnie Walker IV is also injured and Tony Parker is now in Charlotte, leaving Mills with the potential for significant playing time. Last season, Mills averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.3 three-pointers across 19 games in which he logged at least 30 minutes. His upside isn’t off the charts, but he’s cheap enough to be worth considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Caris LeVert, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

The Nets are dealing with their own injury concerns with Allen Crabbe, DeMarre Carroll and Shabazz Napier all ruled out for Wednesday. To make matters worse, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is questionable with a hip injury. Even if Hollis-Jefferson does play, the door is open for LeVert to get extended run. Over nine games in which LeVert logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and six assists.

Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,700

The Hornets dealt away Dwight Howard over the summer, which left a significant hole in their offense since he had the third-highest usage rate (24.2%) on the team last year. Although he doesn’t play Howard’s position, Lamb will be one of the players tasked with filling the scoring void created by his departure. Lamb will also move into the starting lineup this year, which is great news considering he averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers across 18 starts last year.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Tauren Prince, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,100

This matchup between the Hawks and the Knicks might be one of the least exciting ones on the slate. These are both two bad teams working their way through a rebuilding process. Neither team has a lot of potent scorers, but don’t overlook Prince’s potential. He came on strong after the All-Star break last year, averaging 19 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.2 three-pointers across 23 games.

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,000

The sixth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac was limited to 27 games last year due to injury. Although he only averaged 20 minutes per contest, he showed his incredible defensive upside by averaging 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. He still has a ways to go offensively, evident by the fact that he shot 37.9% from the field last year. With that being said, he could do enough defensively and on the boards in this game to warrant consideration.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,100

The Heat are dealing with plenty of injuries Wednesday with Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters all listed as either doubtful or out. The Magic have a talented frontcourt made up of Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Mohamed Bamba, and Isaac, so the Heat are likely going to rely heavily on Olynyk in this game. In 12 games in which Olynyk logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 16.8 points, eight rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 steals.

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,900

The Rockets roster has a lot of big names, including James Harden, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony. One player who doesn’t always get the credit that he deserves is Tucker, whose ability to defend multiple positions and shoot three’s goes a long way towards helping them be successful. He’s expected to open the season as a member of the starting five with Anthony and Eric Gordon set to come off the bench. The Rockets will also be somewhat shorthanded up front with Marquese Chriss out with an ankle injury. Tucker might not score a ton of points, but he could provide enough in other areas to be an option at near the minimum price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700

The Nets need Allen to make significant improvements this season. They were one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers last year despite Allen averaging 1.2 blocks in only 20 minutes per game. With Ed Davis and Kenneth Faried as his backups, expect Allen to see more playing time if he can stay out of foul trouble. Facing Andre Drummond is no easy task, but the potential for increased playing time certainly works in Allen’s favor.

Alex Len, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,600

The Hawks are the walking wounded up front. Not only will they be without one of the keys to their future in John Collins, but Dewayne Dedmon will also sit out Wednesday. The door is open for Len to log plenty of minutes after seeing inconsistent playing time with the Suns last year. Len shined when given an opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over three games in which he played at least 30 minutes.