Monday’s slate in the NBA might only consist of six games, but it’s still a juicy one. A couple of suspensions, one star set to sit out the second game of a back-to-back and a lot of injuries make for some intriguing story lines.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/22/19
Who’s ready for a busy nine-game Friday in the NBA? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the options in DFS, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper value plays worth targeting at each position.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/24/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are only four games in the NBA on Thursday, but the evening is full of star power with the Warriors, Thunder, and Blazers all set to take the floor. If you want to get some of the studs into your DFS lineups, you’ll need to find some cheaper value plays to help with your budget. Let’s examine two players are each position that fit that mold. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Derrick Rose, MIN at LAL
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,500
The Timberwolves blew out the Suns on Tuesday, leaving Rose to play just 23 minutes. He only attempted nine shots, his fewest in a game in over a month. This matchup is set up for him to have a nice rebound performance considering the Lakers play at the third-fastest pace (104 possessions per game) in the league. Jeff Teague (foot) is listed as questionable and Tyus Jones (ankle) might not be able to play again Thursday, either, which could leave Rose with plenty of playing if this game stays close.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400
Satoransky continues to receive significant playing time with John Wall (heel) out, logging at least 30 minutes in eight of his last 11 games. That’s an important threshold for him to reach since he has averaged 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals across 11 games in which he’s played at least 30 minutes. This has the potential to be a high scoring game between two teams that are both in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, making Satoransky an intriguing option.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
Schroder had a lofty 30.4 percent usage rate on a bad Hawks team last year, so there was no question that number was going to decline this season playing with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. While that has come to fruition, he’s still one of the Thunder’s main scoring options with his 25.5 percent usage rate. This is another great opportunity for him to be productive with the both the Thunder and the Pelicans inside the top-six in pace of play. In his first two meetings with the Pelicans, he’s averaged 23 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
Hart returned to the starting five Tuesday, but only played 20 minutes due to the lopsided score. There’s a chance he could return to the bench for this contest if Rajon Rondo (hand), who is listed as questionable, is able to play. Even if Rondo does return, the Lakers will still be playing shorthanded without LeBron James (groin) and Lonzo Ball (ankle). There should be enough available minutes for Hart to at least be worth considering at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700
Yet another injury has impacted the Suns with T.J. Warren (ankle) being their lastest player to go down. He’s already been ruled out for Thursday, which is significant considering he’s averaging 32 minutes a game and has a 22.9 percent usage rate. Oubre is one of the players who should see increased playing time as a result of Warren’s absence. Oubre is already rolling with averages of 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals across his last eight games, so any added minutes could be huge for his upside.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Otto Porter Jr. is starting to come on strong for the Wizards but they continue to bring him off the bench. Green has been the one in the starting five and has averaged 12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 22 games in that role. Based on the pace at which this game should be played, Green is a viable option at his cheap price on both sites.
POWER FORWARDS
Josh Jackson, PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
The other player who should benefit from the absence of Warren is Jackson, who could even move into the starting five. Regardless of whether he starts or not, the potential for added playing time makes Jackson very appealing. Over the nine games in which he has played at least 30 minutes, he’s been very productive with averages of 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Dragan Bender, PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns’ frontcourt could be extremely thin in this game with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) listed as questionable. Ayton and Holmes have missed back-to-back games, which left Bender to start. He came through with a double-double in both games, so it’s hard to argue against rolling with him at this price if he starts despite the Blazers being tough on opposing centers.
CENTERS
Jahlil Okafor, NO at OKC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Okafor hasn’t had many opportunities to take the floor with the Pelicans. However, they decided to move him into the starting five due to the injury to Anthony Davis (finger). To say that the experiment has gone well is an understatement. He played at least 31 minutes in both games, averaging 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. Expect him to start again Thursday, leaving him with plenty of upside if you’re looking to save some money at center.
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700
Zubac is heating up again. He’s played at least 20 minutes in each of the last three games, which helped him average 20.3 points and 7.7 rebounds during that stretch. Tyson Chandler is starting to see his playing time trail off, so don’t be surprised if Zubac continues to hang onto an expanded role. His upside isn’t as high as Okafor’s, but Zubac is not someone to overlook if you can’t make Okafor’s price work within your budget.
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 Sleepers for 2/2/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/2/18
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Ricky Rubio, UTA at PHO
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,200
Rubio’s first season with the Jazz has been a struggle, resulting in him averaging a career-low 5.0 assists per game. His overall numbers lately have been better though, averaging 13.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.2 steals in his last six games. Friday brings an excellent matchup against the Suns who play at the third-fastest pace (102.1 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (111.8) in the league. You shouldn’t expect Rubio to put up a ton of points, but he can contribute enough across the board to provide value.
De’Aaron Fox, SAC vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,900
Fox had possibly his best month of the season in January, averaging 14.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 three-pointers in 14 games. It’s no coincidence that he averaged 30 minutes per game during the month, which is at least three minutes more per contest than any of the previous three months. With the Kings declaring they are going to give their young players more minutes, this is a trend that should continue for Fox down the stretch. With added opportunities to produce against a Warriors team that plays at the second-fastest pace (102.4) in the league Friday, Fox is worth consideration for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. IND
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,400
Batum has always had the ability to contribute excellent all-around numbers, but he’s struggled to adjust to an elbow injury and the addition of Dwight Howard for much of this season. However, he’s showing signs of coming out of his funk, even posting a triple-double Wednesday against the Hawks. He also played well against these same Pacers on Monday, scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, and five three-pointers. He’s played at least 34 minutes in three straight games, which is great news considering he’s more of a stat compiler as opposed to excelling in any one category. His price is climbing, but it’s still low enough to make him a viable option Friday.
Tony Snell, MIL vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = #3,700
This could be an ugly game for the Bucks. Eric Bledsoe (ankle) was unable to play Thursday against the Timberwolves and Malcolm Brogdon (quad) also suffered an injury that should keep him out Friday at the very least. To make matters worse, Giannis Antetokounmpo twisted his ankle late in the game. If all three players are ruled out Friday, Snell is going to see a significant increase in playing time. Even if Bledsoe is able to return, Snell should play a lot if both Brogdon and Giannis can’t take the floor. Keep an eye on the Bucks’ injury updates leading up to this game because even though Snell is not a great offensive player, the added minutes alone can give him value at this dirt cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800
The Nets will continue to be thin up front Friday with Ronda Hollis-Jefferson (groin) still out. In the last three games that Hollis-Jefferson has missed, Carroll is averaging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. He doesn’t have a ton of scoring upside, but he does have a favorable matchup against the Lakers who play at the fastest pace (103.2) and are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (110.3) in the league. At this reasonable price, Carroll is worth consideration.
Josh Jackson, PHO vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,200
Jackson is starting to see more consistent playing time, logging at least 28 minutes in three of the last four games. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 19.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.3 three-pointers in those three contests. The Suns just lost Isaiah Canaan (ankle) for the season, which should also help free up some minutes for Jackson. He has excellent upside, making him someone to strongly consider for your entry.
POWER FORWARDS
Thaddeus Young, IND at CHA
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,700
Young is getting plenty of playing time for the Pacers, logging at least 35 minutes in seven of his last nine games. He doesn’t always score a lot, but he has managed to produce at least 16 points in three of his last five games. He’s also provided a boost in value with his defensive contributions, recording at least two steals in seven of his last eight games. The Hornets don’t have much depth at power forward with Marvin Williams (ankle) out, leaving Young with an opportunity to provide value Friday.
John Henson, MIL vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800
Henson doesn’t put up crazy numbers, but the Bucks have very little talent at center, leaving him with extended playing time. He’s not only scored at least 10 points in seven straight games, but he is also averaging 6.4 rebounds during that stretch. The Knicks have a lot of size up front, likely leaving Henson with another significant role Friday. His upside isn’t that high, but that doesn’t mean he’s not someone to consider at this cheap price. Of note, Henson is only power forward eligible on FanDuel as he is eligible only at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
Julius Randle, LAL at BKN
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,700
Randle enters Friday averaging 18.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his last five games. Brook Lopez has logged 15 minutes or less in three of those five contests, leaving Randle with added playing time. Randle has the third-highest usage rate (24.7%) on the team, so the added playing time is significant for his upside. The Nets allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, so don’t hesitate to play Randle.
Jahlil Okafor, BKN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800
After playing at least 24 minutes in back-to-back games, Okafor took a back seat to Jarrett Allen on Wednesday, playing just 14 minutes. Although Allen played well in that game, he too has been inconsistent this season. Okafor actually has a 20.5% usage rate since being traded to the Nets, so he does have upside when he gets playing time. It’s tough to go with a player in an uncertain role like Okafor’s, but he might be worth the risk if you are looking for a really cheap center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/31/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/31/18
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Thomas, CLE vs. MIA
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,600
The Cavaliers suffered a significant loss Tuesday when Kevin Love went down with a hand injury. He was averaging 17.9 points per game this season, now leaving a big hole in their offense. Thomas is never one to shy away from extra shot attempts and already has the second-highest usage rate (29.5%) on the team. While Thomas leaves a lot to be desired defensively, his offensive skills are impressive. The price is right to take a chance on him for your entry Wednesday.
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,300
Marcus Smart (hand) has missed the last three games for the Celtics, leaving Rozier with a more significant role off the bench. While his numbers weren’t off the charts, he averaged a respectable 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in those three contests. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Knicks who have struggled to defend opposing point guards this season. His upside may not be as high as Thomas’, but his ability to contribute in multiple categories still makes him a viable option.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at ATL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
Batum has been slowed by an elbow injury at times this season, which could be a major factor in why he is shooting a career-low 30.1% from behind the arc. Playing time has not been an issue though as he has played at least 33 minutes in seven of his last 10 games. He’s had a few big offensive games lately, scoring at least 19 points in three of his last six contests. He also played well against these same Hawks last week, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, eight assists and three three-pointers. If his shot is falling again Wednesday, he could provide significant value when combined with his ability to contribute both rebounds and assists.
Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,700
Wade played 28 minutes Tuesday against the Pistons, the most playing time he has seen in a game in over a month. He took advantage of the opportunity, scoring 18 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. The Cavaliers have taken a cautious approach with his minutes this season, but they might need him to play more now with Love out of action. He might have some extra motivation facing his former team Wednesday as well, so he could be in line for a valuable performance.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,700
Carroll has been a bright spot for the Nets this season, averaging career-highs in points (13.0), rebounds (6.7) and assists (1.9) per game. The Nets have dealt with a lot of injuries, but Carroll has played in 46 of their 51 games. He’s not showing any signs of slowing down, averaging 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in January. The Sixers and Nets are both in the top-five in the league in pace of play, which could result in added production from Carroll on Wednesday.
Denzel Valentine, CHI at POR
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,500
Although Valentine has shifted to the bench with Zach LaVine finally healthy, he’s still logged at least 30 minutes in three of his last four games. LaVine is still on a minutes restriction, so Valentine should see similar playing time until that is lifted. The Bulls might really need Valentine to provide an offensive spark Wednesday with Lauri Markkanen (personal) out and Nikola Mirotic (leg) listed as questionable. Valentine is more than just a scorer though, averaging 4.7 assists in his last six games. He could be in line for one of his better performances of the season.
POWER FORWARDS
Jarell Martin, MEM at IND
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
The Grizzlies are decimated by injuries right now. James Ennis III (calf) and Chandler Parsons (knee) have already been ruled out for Wednesday while JaMychal Green (ankle) is doubtful and Dillon Brooks (knee), Mario Chalmers (hamstring), Deyonta Davis (knee) and Ben McLemore (knee) are all listed as questionable. With so few healthy options, Martin should get plenty of playing time in this game. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game six times this season, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers in those contests. Don’t hesitate to take a chance on him again Wednesday.
Bobby Portis, CHI at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,900
If both Markkanen and Mirotic don’t play Wednesday, Portis is going to be in line for huge minutes. Even is Mirotic does manage to play, Portis should still see a jump in playing time with Markkanen sidelined. Portis has the second-highest usage rate (25.9%) on the team, so the added playing time should give him a significant boost in value. While Portis should provide value on both sites, he could really outproduce his dirt cheap price on FanDuel.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,100
Turner was excellent in his second game back from an elbow injury Monday, scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists and one block in just 21 minutes. He looks to be rounding back into form and is reportedly likely to rejoin the starting five Wednesday. It won’t be a cake walk considering the Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, but it’s not too often you’ll see Turner priced this low. This might be the time to take advantage of the opportunity.
Jahlil Okafor, BKN vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,600
The Nets started Jarrett Allen at center for the first time this season Tuesday, but Okafor still managed to play 25 minutes off the bench. He’s actually played at least 24 minutes in back-to-back contests, averaging 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block. Tyler Zeller didn’t play at all Tuesday, so it appears the Nets want to give Allen and Okafor extended looks for the time being. Okafor has the higher upside between the two and might be worth taking a chance on if you want to try a very cheap center in tournament play.