After a fairly quiet six-game slate Tuesday, the NBA picks back up Wednesday with nine games on the docket.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 25 2019
We have a busy night of NBA action Friday with nine games on the schedule. That means plenty of star power will be available in DFS as well as some cheaper options that could provide value.
Read MoreDaily Fantasy Basketball NBA Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/01/18
*Cory Hanley*
Daily Fantasy Basketball NBA Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/01/18
Tonight is a perfect night to create a mid-tiered salary lineup that our friend Mike Ferrara Jr. is so fond of in our Facebook Group. He even gives you pointers on how to use our tools to create a solid lineup. If you need any help in fantasy or just want to come join in on the fun we highly recommend requesting a join. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the value players that are low-owned on FanDuel and DraftKings like DeMarre Carroll and Nemanja Bjelica.
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Point Guards
Jeff Teague, vs. Trail Blazers (FD: $7,700, DK: $7,200)
Projected Points: FD: 28.49, DK: 28.93
Over his last five starts Teague has been en feugo. Putting up 21.6 points per game, 6.4 assists, getting the heavy minutes (35), all of this while averaging 40 fantasy points per game. At this price point, with this floor (~32.5), I just don’t see why you wouldn’t have him locked in your DraftKings cash lineup.
De’Aaron Fox, vs. Nets (FD: $5800, DK: $5600)
Projected Points: FD: 28.42, DK: 28.81
If you can’t afford Lillard as the stud of the night then look no further than Fox. Fox is on the uptick every since getting over his tragic pink-eyed incident last Sunday. He’ll get the minutes that you’ll want to see, around 30, which should be where his floor will remain intact versus the sad Brooklyn Nets.
Stud of Night:
Damian Lillard – The expensive pick of the night but I believe that he will be worth it, as he has been on a roll lately.
Shootings Guards
C.J. McCollum, vs. Timberwolves (FD: $7200, DK: $6900)
Projected Points: FD: 33.9, DK: 35.05
Could be one of the chalkiest plays of the night, however, some people might stay away as he had a rough night last night after only scoring 11 points. But, history generally shows that after a rough game he bounces back just fine, especially against Minnesota who give up 35 fantasy points to shooting guard starters. McCollum devoured the Wolves last time out, hitting the perfect lineup and in both DraftKings and FanDuel.
D’Angelo Russell, vs. Kings (FD: $7500, DK: $7300)
Projected Points: FD: 36.72, DK: 38.35
Russell really came through in the last quarter of Tuesday nights game versus the Cavs. Scoring 45 fantasy points, while hitting 9-of-18 shots and three 3-pointers for a total of 25 points, five rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes of play. His numbers have certainly looked solid, and so has the knee he had surgery on since joining the Nets.
Small Forward
DeMarre Carroll, vs. Kings (FD: $5900, DK: $5900)
Projected Points: FD: 29.07, DK: 29.48
I like Carroll tonight to EAT against the Sacramento defense, as Rich Block from Rich’s Building Blocks videos would say in our Lineuplab Facebook Group. His salary is inexpensive and he should undoubtedly hit around the 5x value range. His fantasy points per game have increased over his last five starts showing that this is his perfect time for a perfect lineup.
Nemanja Bjelica, vs. Trail Blazers (FD: $5800, DK: $5300)
Projected Points: FD: 26.29, DK: 26.56
With Jimmy Butler now out for several weeks, it’s the ideal time to lock him into your lineups. Another underpriced player who is playing around the high 30’s in minutes per game. Monday night versus Sacramento Bjelica was in both of the perfect lineups after garnering 36 FanDuel points and 34 DraftKings points. At this price, he is a steal with a solid floor for cash games.
Studs of the Night (if you can afford them, go for it):
Brandon Ingram, vs. Heat (FD: $7400, DK: $6900)
Projected Points: FD: 31.38, DK: 31.66
LeBron James, vs. 76ers (FD: $12200, DK: $11900)
Projected Points: FD: 55.31, DK: 56.42
Power Forward
Dario Saric, vs. Cavaliers (FD: $7100, DK: $6500)
Projected Points: FD: 29.19, DK: 30.49
Saric has been one of the most consistent players for the 76ers, scoring double digits in 40 straight games. What worries me, slightly, is that Philadelphia has just acquired Ersan Ilyasova and is available to play in Thursday nights game, however, being brand new to the squad it is hard to imagine him taking away a lot of playing time from the most consistent guy on the team.
Zach Randolph, vs. Nets (FD: $6100, DK: $6300)
Projected Points: FD: 27.32, DK: 28.11
Randolph tonight is yet another guy poised to go off if Skal Labissiere (ankle) sits (as of right now he is probable). Randolph has been playing well as the Kings continue to have problems with the Center/Forward position. He scored 36.5 DK and 35.1 FanDuel points and does rather well against teams that play at a higher pace (the Nets play at the sixth pace in the league, while the Kings are close the bottom, locking in the 3rd slowest pace in the league.)
Punt Play:
Ed Davis, vs. Timberwolves (FD: $4000, DK: $4200)
Projected Points: FD: 13.4, DK: 13.25
Center
Hassan Whiteside, vs. Lakers (FD: $7,700, DK: $8,000)
Projected Points: FD: 39.9, DK: 40.17
Over the course of the past ten games, Whiteside has managed to average a double-double putting up 13.7 points per game while grabbing 12.3 rebounds per game. He’s also nearly averaging two blocks per game during the same timeframe and you know how valuable those blocks can be in fantasy basketball. On Tuesday night he crushed the 76ers, putting up 46 DraftKings and 49 FanDuel points.
Julius Randle, vs. Heat (FD: $7,700, DK: $7,500)
Projected Points: FD: 33.8, DK: 34.4
What’s not to love about Julius Randle as of late? Even his coach commended him, saying that he been playing with energy, impact and consistency. His minutes over the last three games have averaged up to 32.5 per game, while his fantasy points have been value-worthy (44.3 DraftKings / 41 FanDuel). Randle has a solid floor of the high 30’s/low 40’s lately, look for him to beat projections tonight.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
Thursday brings just two games in the NBA, but there are still great players taking the floor and money to be won in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the players to hopefully help you win some money like Eric Bledsoe and Kyle Kuzma.
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POINT GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100
Bledsoe is in the midst of one of his best stretches since being traded to the Bucks, averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in his last five games. He has the second-highest usage rate (27.1%) on the team and should continue to be one of the focal points of their offense moving forward. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Bledsoe an excellent option at a reasonable price Thursday.
Jeff Teague, MIN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200
Teague’s scoring average is down at just 12.9 points per game this season, but that was to be expected playing for a team that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, and Andrew Wiggins. He’s still managed to provide value though by averaging 7.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He gets a favorable matchup Friday as the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103 possessions per game) in the league. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but he can still provide value for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Will Barton, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,800
Barton is getting a ton of playing time for the Nuggets, logging at least 34 minutes in 10 of his last 11 games. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds. 4.6 assists and 2.1 three-pointers in those 10 contests. The Nuggets have moved Barton into the starting lineup as they push towards the playoffs, giving him a significant boost in value. On a night with limited options, Barton stands out as a great choice at shooting guard.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
The Lakers are still thin at guard with Lonzo Ball (knee) injured, leaving Caldwell-Pope to play at least 31 minutes in three straight games. Even though his usage rate is only 17.2% this season, the pace at which the Lakers play and the added playing time helps give Caldwell-Pope value. The Timberwolves have struggled on defense at times this season, making Caldwell-Pope someone to consider at this price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $11,700
DraftKings = $10,700
On a night with so few games, you want to make sure you get at least one elite player into your lineup. Giannis might be that player Thursday, with his 31.8% usage rate that ranks fifth-highest in the league. He’s much more than just a scorer though, averaging 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He will eat up a significant portion of your budget, but he should be worth it Thursday.
Brandon Ingram, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,300
Ingram continues to provide an offensive spark for the Lakers, averaging 20 points in his last six games. He’s been asked to help facilitate the offense with Ball out as well, averaging 5.7 assists over that same stretch. Even with Isaiah Thomas now on the Lakers, Ingram should still see an increase in assists until Ball returns. Ball is expected back after the All-Star break, so take advantage of Ingram’s added value Thursday while you can.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,000
Kuzma has shown he can provide tremendous value when given the opportunity but has seen limited minutes when the Lakers are healthy up front. However, the trade that sent Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers has now freed up playing time for Kuzma. He’s been excellent in the three games since Nance was traded, averaging 17.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers. Power forward is especially shallow on FanDuel with only two games, leaving Kuzma as one of the better options Thursday.
Trey Lyles, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Lyles has been a valuable member of the Nuggets’ bench, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and a block in six games in February. His playing time is down a bit from the previous two months, but his usage in February is a season-high at 23.8%. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Lyles significant role and cheap price make him worth considering for your entry.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $9,800
Jokic’s ability to contribute across the board leaves him tremendous upside, evident by the fact that he has two triple-doubles in his last six games. Things couldn’t shape up much better for him Thursday as the Bucks allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He and Karl-Anthony Towns stand out at the position Thursday, but Jokic could finish with the best numbers, especially if the Timberwolves get a big lead on the lowly Lakers.
Tyler Zeller, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
The Bucks will be without starting center John Henson (hamstring) on Thursday, marking the third straight game that he has missed. Zeller played at least 22 minutes in each of the previous two games without Henson, averaging 9.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With Jokic and Towns being by far the best options at center Thursday, it might be wise to pay up to get one of them into your lineup. However, if you need to save money at the position, Zeller is a cheap option to consider.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18
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POINT GUARDS
Jeff Teague, MIN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,900
Teague has limited upside because of his lack of scoring opportunities playing alongside Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins. There is still the potential for value though under the right circumstances because he is averaging 33 minutes per game this season. He scored 14 points and dished out 15 assists Wednesday in a favorable matchup against a Cavaliers team that struggles to defend point guards. He gets a similar opponent Friday as the Bulls allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the third-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. At this reasonable price, Teague has upside.
Joe Young, IND at BOS
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,000
The Pacers are without starting point guard Darren Collison (knee), which could open up some extra minutes for Young. In the first game that Collison missed Monday against the Wizards, Young played 28 minutes and scored 17 points to go along with five three-pointers. It’s important to note that Victor Oladipo also did not play in that game, but he should be fine for Friday. Young may not see the same amount of minutes, but his shooting performance could still lead to a somewhat expanded role. Considering he is dirt cheap on both sites, it might be worth taking a chance on him in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at UTA
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,500
While the Hornets may have been looking to deal Batum leading up to the NBA trade deadline Thursday, he ultimately was not traded and should continue to have a significant role with the team. Not only is Batum averaging 18.5 points in his last six games, but he also dished out at least five assists in four of those contests. His ability to provide numbers across the board gives him value, making him someone to consider for your entry again Friday.
J.R. Smith, CLE at ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,800
The Cavaliers were very active at the deadline Thursday, making several key moves as they push towards a long playoff run. While they created more quality depth, their new players are not expected to be available to play Friday. This leaves a lot of extra minutes for the players who are still available, including Smith. Smith can score in a hurry and gets to face a bad Hawks defense, making him a viable option at this price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Stanley Johnson, DET vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,100
Johnson has seen an expanded role since the Clippers traded away Avery Bradley, logging at least 34 minutes in four straight games. His production hasn’t been off the charts, but he’s averaged a respectable 13.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals during that stretch. The Pistons did add a couple of players to their bench at the deadline, but no one who should significantly impact Johnson’s playing time Friday. His upside isn’t that high, but he is still someone to consider based on his price.
Taurean Prince, ATL vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Prince has flashed his potential but has been very inconsistent this season overall. In his last six games, he has scored at least 19 points twice but scored five points or less three times. That’s a wild swing. The good news for Friday is that he plays a Cavaliers team that will not only be lacking depth, but the players left are not exactly world class defenders. If you want to take a chance on a cheap small forward in tournament play, Prince could help you cash in if his shot is falling.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,800
The Hawks didn’t make any significant trades to free up minutes for Collins on Thursday, which could hinder his long-term value. There is still the possibility that they buy out one of their veterans, but it appears Collins minutes will continue to be limited for now. However, despite playing just 26 minutes in both of his last two games, he still averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds. With the Cavaliers depth issues Friday, Collins could still provide value for your entry.
Jeff Green, CLE at ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,500
Green is another player on the Cavaliers who should benefit from their short rotations Friday. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game only twice this season, but averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in those two contests. He could be in line for similar playing time in this game, so don’t be afraid to take a chance on him in tournament play.
CENTERS
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,000
The Trail Blazers did not make any significant additions to their frontcourt Thursday, leaving Nurkic to anchor them in the middle for the foreseeable future. He’s not always the most consistent option, but he has scored at least 12 points and grabbed at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games. The Kings allow the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fifth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers, leaving Nurkic as someone to consider for your lineup.
Greg Monroe, BOS vs. IND
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Monroe made his debut with the Celtics on Thursday, scoring five points to go along with six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 20 minutes. He only took five shots in the game, but expect his role in the offense to expand as he becomes more familiar with his teammates. Friday brings a favorable matchup as the Pacers allow the third-most points per game on FanDuel and the second-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He won’t cost much, leaving him as a viable option.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/7/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/7/18
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Jeff Teague, MIN at CLE
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,700
Teague has not been good offensively lately, scoring nine points or less in four of his last five games. He doesn’t provide many rebounds either, leaving him with limited upside when he struggles to score. The good news is he gets to face the Cavaliers on Wednesday, who have been horrible defensively. They have been particularly poor defending points guards, allowing the second-most points per game on FanDuel and the third-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. It might be worth the risk that he rebounds offensively in this game based on his price.
Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. SA
FanDuel =$4,400
DraftKings = $4,400
Ulis started with Devin Booker (hip) injured Tuesday, scoring eight points to go along with seven assists and one rebound. The key is he played 30 minutes in the game. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game nine times this season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per contest. Booker is not expected to play again Wednesday, so the volume of playing time alone makes Ulis someone worth considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Danny Green, SA at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,900
Green has struggled with his shot this season, shooting only 39.7% from the field. That would actually mark his third-straight season shooting under 40%. He’s made up for his offensive deficiencies lately though, averaging 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.0 blocks in his last three games. In his first meeting with the Suns this season, Green scored 14 points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two three-pointers. The Suns allow the most points per game (112.2) in the league, so Green might be worth the risk at this cheap price.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300
The Heat have suffered a lot of injuries this season, but their health has improved of late. As a result, Ellington has played 29 minutes or less in three of his last five games. The majority of his value comes from his ability to score and hit three-pointers, so limited playing time is going to hinder his value. However, he could see a few extra minutes Wednesday as the Rockets like to use a lot of small lineups. The Rockets also play at the ninth-fastest pace (100.7 possessions per game) in the league, so Ellington might be someone to take a chance on in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at NO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Bogdanovic has scored at least 18 points in four straight games, shooting 53.8% from behind the arc during that stretch. He’s not always one of the Pacers primary scoring options, but he can put up points in a hurry when he gets in a groove. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Pelicans who allow the second-most points per game (111.1) and play at the fourth-fastest pace (101.8) in the league, giving Bogdanovic excellent upside.
Reggie Bullock, DET vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Bullock has seen an increase in playing time since the Pistons big trade with the Clippers, logging at least 34 minutes in three straight games. He’s an excellent three-point shooter, hitting 7-of-16 shots from behind the arc during that stretch. The Nets play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.1) in the league, which is a plus for Bullock when you factor in his increased playing time. Although he might not provide much outside of scoring, Bullock is still priced low enough to warrant consideration Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Thaddeus Young, IND at NO
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500
Young may not put up flashy numbers, but he’s averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in his last six games. It’s important to note that he played at least 34 minutes in four of those six contests. The heavy minutes could mean added opportunities to produce Wednesday with the Pelicans struggles on defense and their up-tempo style of play. The Pelicans allow the third-most points per game on DraftKings and the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel to opposing power forwards, making Young a viable option for your lineup.
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, HOU at MIA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000
Mbah a Moute has been getting a lot of playing time for the Rockets lately, logging at least 35 minutes in three of his last four games. With Trevor Ariza (hamstring) out and Ryan Anderson (ankle) questionable for Wednesday, Mbah a Moute should see plenty of action again in this game. His limited offensive skills don’t leave him with great upside, but he could contribute enough across the board to be worth consideration at this cheap price.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
Allen has taken over as the starting center for the Nets and that should continue moving forward, especially since they just traded Tyler Zeller to the Bucks. In five starts this season, Allen is averaging 15.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. He’s playing just 24 minutes per game as a starter and doesn’t provide great defensive numbers, but he can still provide value on a night like Wednesday with only six games on the schedule.
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,700
The Heat have been limiting Hassan Whiteside’s playing time, especially late in games. Adebayo has been one of the primary beneficiaries of that move, logging at least 24 minutes in three straight games. He’s made the most of the opportunity, recording a double-double in two of those games. This isn’t a great matchup against a Rockets team that likes to play small, but the Heat may be forced to give Adebayo plenty of playing time if Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) is unable to play. Keep your eye on Olynyk’s status throughout the day and if he is indeed ruled out, Adebayo is a viable option in tournament play.