*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.