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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*


Use Code "LABWP50" at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 2 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz

The NBA All-Star break comes this week, meaning no team will play more than two games. However, with 22 teams each playing two games, you might not need a lot of help this week filling out your roster. If you do, consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

Dewayne Dedmon, Atlanta Hawks

Since returning from injury, Dedmon has mostly come off the bench for the Hawks. However, they decided to change things up Sunday and started Dedmon against the Pistons. He played 31 minutes as a result, finishing with 20 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and one block. The Hawks won the game and coach Mike Budenholzer said afterward that they would probably stick with the same starting lineup moving forward. That’s good news for Dedmon, especially since one of his two games this week comes against a Bucks team that struggles to defend centers and the other comes against the Pistons again. He’s still available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues and could give you a boost at center this week.

D.J. Augustin, Orlando Magic

The Magic traded Elfrid Payton to the Suns, opening up the starting point guard role for Augustin. He played 35 minutes in the Magic’s first game without Payton, scoring 18 points to go along with nine assists, two steals, and two three-pointers. However, he played just 23 minutes Saturday against the Bucks as Shelvin Mack had the hot hand, logging 28 minutes and posting a double-double. Augustin should continue to start going forward and will likely play closer to 30 minutes on a nightly basis. He gets to face two bad teams in the Bulls and Hornets this week, leaving him with upside. If you need help at point guard, he is still available in 69% of Yahoo! leagues.

Emmanuel Mudiay, New York Knicks

Mudiay thrived in his debut with the Knicks on Sunday, scoring 14 points to go along with 10 assists in 29 minutes. The Knicks are going nowhere with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) out for the season and have stated they want to give their young players an extended look moving forward. Starting point guard Jarrett Jack played only eight minutes Sunday and might not play much down the stretch. Mudiay is still available in 81% of Yahoo! leagues and is worth considering if you need help this week.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 1 Game Each
Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards

Eight teams play only one game each this week, leaving their players with limited upside. As a result, consider benching the players below who you might otherwise have in your starting lineup.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 18

Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic left Sunday’s game against the Jazz and did not return due to lower back soreness and pain in his right hip. With only one game this week, it’s possible the Trail Blazers sit him so he gets extended rest over the break. Even if he does play, it’s not a good matchup against a Warriors team that likes to use a lot of small lineups. It’s not worth the risk starting him this week based on his limited potential.

Harrison Barnes, Dallas Mavericks

Barnes has been one of the best offensive players on the Mavericks this season, averaging 18.3 points and 1.4 three-pointers per game. The problem is, he provides very little production in terms of assists, steals and blocks and his 6.6 rebounds per game isn’t a difference maker either. Since he usually doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, it might not be a bad idea to sit him this week if you need help in other categories.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Tatum has been excellent for the Celtics this year, but his game doesn’t always translate to great fantasy production. He hasn’t excelled in any one area, averaging 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds. 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers per game. Those types of numbers can be valuable on a week where he has extra games, but with only one game this week, the best decision might be to place him on your bench.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/9/18

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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

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 Lineup Picks for 1/18/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

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

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Use Code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 40% off Seasonal Package

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Damian Lillard, POR vs. IND
FanDuel = $9,400
DraftKings = $8,700

Lillard has played well since returning from a calf injury, averaging 26.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.3 three-pointers in four games. He continues to be the main offensive weapon for the Trail Blazers, posting a 30% usage rate that ranks 15th-highest in the league. He has a usage rate of at least 30% in each of the last three seasons, so don’t expect him to slow down anytime soon. With 18 points to go along with seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block in his first meeting with the Pacers this year, Lillard is shaping up to provide big numbers again Thursday.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400

Sixers guard J.J. Redick (leg) will not play Thursday, which is a significant loss for their backcourt. Jerryd Bayless is expected to replace him in the starting lineup, but McConnell should see added playing time as well. McConnell has played at least 30 minutes in a game six times this season, averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.0 steals in those contests. Even though Bayless may be listed as the starter, McConnell could very well outproduce him in this game.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Victor Oladipo, IND at POR
FanDuel = $9,300
DraftKings = $8,500

This should be a fun matchup between Oladipo and C.J. McCollum on Thursday. Oladipo has had the season of his career, posting a 30.2% usage rate that ranks inside the top-15 in the league. He’s not just a scorer though, also averaging 5.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game He’s had a few subpar stat lines lately,  but that was mostly due to lopsided scores limiting his playing time. Expect him to see plenty of minutes and provide excellent value at this price Thursday.

Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,800

Wade has transitioned to a bench role for the Cavaliers and is averaging a career-low 24 minutes per game as a result. While his scoring is down significantly, he’s still provided value by averaging 3.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He’s already played the Magic twice this season, averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. His limited playing time doesn’t give him a high ceiling, but he can still provide enough production across the board to warrant consideration at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Jimmy Butler, MIN at HOU
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $8,800

Butler got off to a slow start with his new team but looks like the player we saw on the Bulls last season now. His usage rate is creeping up and he’s averaging 24.6 points over his last 14 games. He’s been the perfect fit for a young Timberwolves team that needed veteran leadership and someone who can make the big shots when it matters the most. Don’t forget that he’s an excellent defender as well, averaging 2.9 steals in his last 10 games. This should be a high scoring game Thursday, leaving Butler with significant upside. Of note, Butler is only small forward eligible on FanDuel as he is listed as a shooting guard on DraftKings.

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. MIN
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,500

The fallout from some of the Rockets players making their way into the Clippers locker room after Monday’s game is that both Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green have been suspended for the next two games. While Green is the more flashy offensive player, the loss of Ariza is significant because he is averaging 36 minutes per game. His absence should open up some extra minutes for Tucker, who averaged 6.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 three-pointers in the 11 games that he played at least 30 minutes in this season. Factoring in his dirt cheap price, he warrants consideration in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Domantas Sabonis, IND at POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,000

Sabonis continues to fill in for Myles Turner (elbow), who will miss at least the next three games. The Pacers have to be thrilled with the progress Sabonis has made during his second season in the league, especially when given added playing time. He’s started 12 games this season, averaging 12.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per contest.  He won’t provide many defensive stats or three-pointers, but he doesn’t need to in order to be valuable at this price.

Taj Gibson, MIN at HOU
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings – $5,400

On the surface, this might not look like an ideal matchup for Gibson against a Rockets team that likes to deploy a lot of small lineups. However, Gibson is a versatile defender who is not out of his element on the perimeter. Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau is also known for riding his starters heavy minutes, so don’t expect Gibson to see a decline in playing time Thursday. The Rockets play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.5 possessions per game) in the league, so Gibson should be able to compile enough stats to warrant consideration for your entry on a night with only four games.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Kevin Love, CLE vs. ORL
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,400

The Cavaliers are really struggling right now, losing five of their last six games. They’ve been blown out a couple of times, resulting in some ugly performances by Love. They were able to keep their last two games close, resulting in Love averaging 19.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 three-pointers per contest. In his first meeting with the Magic earlier this month, Love finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and six three-pointers. The Magic allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the sixth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers, making Love an excellent option Thursday.

Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. IND
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,400

Nurkic has struggled in his last four games, averaging just 11.0 points and 6.3 rebounds. The good news is, he was able to salvage some of his value by averaging 2.0 blocks over that same stretch. His inconsistent performances on the season overall have been frustrating, making him a difficult player to count on in DFS. However, he has a favorable matchup Thursday as the Pacers allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers. There aren’t a lot of great cheap center options due to the limited slate of games, but Nurkic is someone to consider in tournament play if you need to save some money at the position.

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

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

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

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


 

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

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

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

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

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

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

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

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

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

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

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

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

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

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

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

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

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

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

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

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

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

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

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

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

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

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 11

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*



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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 11

Just because you’ve got time off for the holidays doesn’t mean you should take time off from preparing your fantasy basketball squad for Week 11. It’s important to know the intricacies of the schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are the moves you want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards

There are 15 teams playing four games each this week, so you likely might not have to scramble too much to build what will hopefully be a winning starting lineup. That being said, if you don’t have many players on these teams or have been bitten by the injury bug, here are some players you should consider adding.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 11

Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were the laughing stock of the league earlier this season and a big reason for that was the absence of Portis and Nikola Mirotic. Now with depth up front, the Bulls not only look like a competitive team but actually had a seven-game winning streak. Portis is having the best season of his young career, averaging 12.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He’s been heavily involved in the offense, posting a 25.7% usage rate that is second on the team to only Mirotic. Portis is still available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues, so go pick him up if you need a forward.

Jordan Bell, Golden State Warriors

The Warriors have dealt with injuries to Draymond Green (shoulder) and Zaza Pachulia (shoulder) of late, leaving extra minutes for Bell. He’s played at least 22 minutes in each of his last six games, averaging 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per contest. Green is healthy now, but Pachulia’s status this week is still uncertain. Considering the Warriors will be playing four games, you have to figure they might rest players for a game or two as well even if they are healthy. Bell is still available in 68% of Yahoo! leagues and could provide value this week, especially if you need blocks and steals.

Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers

Stephenson’s numbers don’t jump off the page this season, averaging 8.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He played limited minutes at the start of the season, which has hurt his averages so far. With an increase in playing time of late, Stephenson has averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists over his last seven games. Other than a matchup against the Timberwolves, the Pacers get to play three teams that like to use small lineups this week in the Pistons, Bulls, and Mavericks. That fits well with Stephenson’s style of play, so he is someone to consider adding if you need help. He’s still available in 86% of Yahoo! leagues.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Portland Trail Blazers

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 11

With the Trail Blazers being the only team with two games this week, it’s bad news if you own anyone on their team. While you’ll want to stay away from using all of their bench players, here are two starters who you should also consider benching.

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

If you drafted McCollum, it’s mostly because you were counting on him to score. He hasn’t disappointed, averaging 20.7 points and 2.3 three-pointers per game. He’s been in a bit of a scoring slump of late though, shooting only 30% from the field over his last three games. It hurts if he’s not scoring as he doesn’t provide much in other categories. Without the volume this week, it might be best to put McCollum on your bench.

Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers

Nurkic was dominant on the glass after being acquired by Portland at the deadline last season, averaging 10.4 rebounds per game. He’s seen a significant drop off this season, averaging only  7.4 rebounds per contest. He’s also shooting only 45.8% from the field, which is damaging from your center. He’ll have one great matchup against a depleted Hawks frontcourt this week, but Portland’s other game comes against Joel Embiid and the Sixers. It would be wise to put Nurkic on your bench for now.

 

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/17/17

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/17/17

Get 20% off for a limited time off of NBA Seasonal Packages
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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks
Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. NY
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,700

Lowry has blown past his slow start to the season as he is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists over his last five games. One of the main reasons for his increased scoring is that he is 14-for-35 from behind the arc over his last four games. He and DeMar DeRozan are the focal points of the Raptors offense, so don’t expect his scoring opportunities to decrease anytime soon. The Knicks are in the top-five for most fantasy points allowed to point guards, leaving Lowry as a viable option at a reasonable price Friday.

Spencer Dinwiddie, BKN vs. UTA
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500

Dinwiddie was stellar filling in for the injured D’Angelo Russell as he scored 12 points to go along with three rebounds, and 11 assists against a tough Boston Celtics defense Tuesday. This should come as no surprise as he is averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists in three starts this season. Russell is expected to be out again Friday, making Dinwiddie an excellent value play with so little depth behind him.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks
Donovan Mitchell, UTA at BKN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,500

Mitchell has burst onto the scene in his rookie season and has taken away a starting job from Rodney Hood, who many had thought was primed for a big season. In seven games as a member of the starting unit, Mitchell is averaging 16.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game. His usage rate of 29.1% puts him at 16th in the NBA, which is ahead of the likes of Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin, and John Wall. The Jazz will rely on him heavily for offense again Friday, so there is great potential here against a bad Nets defense.

Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

Clarkson has been playing really well this season and now he’s stealing minutes away from the struggling Lonzo Ball. Clarkson has played at least 26 minutes and scored at least 20 points in both of the last two games. He took a massive 40 combined shots in those games, so the Lakers clearly have no problem feeding him the ball when he’s hot. The Lakers just played the Suns Monday and Clarkson put up 25 points in that game, so keep rolling with him until he shows signs of slowing down.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks
LeBron James, CLE vs. LAC
FanDuel = $11,400
DraftKings = $11,200

James continues to log heavy minutes for the Cavaliers as he has been on the floor for at least 36 minutes in nine straight games. There is never any question that he can provide elite all-around stat lines and with the Cavaliers struggles so far, there aren’t many blowouts where he sits in the fourth quarter. The Clippers have plenty of offensive weapons, so this could be another close contest. He will cost you a ton, but he should be well worth it Friday.

Thabo Sefolosha, UTA at BKN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Sefolosha started and played 32 minutes when these teams met Saturday, finishing with nine points, nine rebounds, one assist and five steals. The Nets play a lot of small lineups, so even if Sefolosha doesn’t start Friday, he should see increased minutes. While he doesn’t have a ton of offensive upside, he can provide you with enough rebounds and steals to be of value at this cheap price.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs. UTA
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $6,000

Hollis-Jefferson is already averaging a career-high 28 minutes per game this season, but he has played even more lately with at least 30 minutes in six of his last seven games. With the Nets down their two best offensive players in Russell and Jeremy Lin, they are going to need scoring from Hollis-Jefferson. He is taking an average of 10 shots per contest and is shooting 49.2% from the field, taking his game to new levels so far. In a game that should see plenty of small lineups, look for him to thrive.

Derrick Favors, UTA at BKN
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,900

Yes, I like a lot of players from this game. What’s not to like though? The Nets are allowing the second-most points per game in the league and the Jazz are without their defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert. Favors is now starting at center and crushed the Nets for 24 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks in their previous meeting. The Nets are particularly bad at guarding opposing centers, so expect Favors (who is also eligible at power forward on both sites) to shine once again.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks
Jusuf Nurkic, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $7,000

Speaking of teams who can’t defend centers, I present to you the Kings. The Kings were destroyed by Dewayne Dedmon of the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday as he scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. While Dedmon is a fine player, he doesn’t have anywhere near the offensive skills that Nurkic does. Don’t overthink it, put Nurkic in your entry.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. NO
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,700

Plumlee would be starting for a lot of other teams in the league, but he’s buried behind Nikola Jokic in Denver. As a result, he is only averaging 15 minutes per game. There is the potential that he could see an increase in playing time Friday against the big Pelicans frontcourt. With averages of 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks per game in his limited playing time this year, he could far exceed his price point with some extra run in this game. If you want to take a chance on a cheap center in tournament play, Plumlee is someone you should consider.