Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA is loaded with star power since the Bucks, Lakers, Nuggets and Celtics will be among the teams in action. Let’s dive into the matchups and highlight a couple of players at each position who could thrive.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 6 2020
We have plenty of action on the schedule Monday with nine games in the NBA. Injuries will play a huge role in the slate, leaving other players to step into increased roles.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for November 11 2019
Monday brings a six-game slate in the NBA that offers a bevy of top-tier options. We also have some excellent players to consider further down the price scale who could provide value.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/20/19
Thursday’s nine-game slate in the NBA will be loaded with star power since the Rockets, Celtics, Sixers and Thunder are all scheduled to take the floor. In order to fit some of those top-tier options into your DFS entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value players.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18
*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
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
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
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
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
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 12/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a bevy of value play options to choose from Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. Let’s dive right in and highlight a couple at each position that could hopefully help you win some cash. 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
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Rozier shined filling in last season when the Celtics were dealing with several key injuries, but he’s been limited to just 23 minutes a game this year with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back in the fold. However, there are a couple of factors that could work in his favor Wednesday. First, Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable, so if he doesn’t take the floor, that could open up some added minutes for Rozier. Second, this game could get out of hand early with how poorly the Suns have played and this game being played in Boston. Rozier would also gain some added garbage time minutes in that scenario, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Tyus Jones, MIN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves will be without Jeff Teague (ankle), which will move Derrick Rose into the starting five. Rose is a great DFS option, as a result, but his price doesn’t exactly make him a cheap value play. Jones, on the other hand, isn’t too far off from the minimum price on both sites. He ended up playing 24 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Monday, scoring 10 points to go along with three rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This game figures to be closer, but that doesn’t mean Jones won’t play enough to be worth considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Like Rozier, Smart has seen a significant reduction in his playing time this season. However, if Brown doesn’t play, Smart will likely move into the starting five. Across nine previous starts, Smart has averaged 8.8 points. 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. His scoring upside won’t be high whether he starts or comes off the bench, but his contributions in other areas would still make him a viable target with the added playing time.
Jamal Crawford, PHO at BOS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600
In a bit of an odd move, the Suns have waived Austin Rivers after acquiring him from the Wizards. They don’t have much depth at point guard, so Rivers could have been a valuable addition. Maybe they really like the production that they have received from Crawford, who is averaging nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across his last three games. Crawford will continue to be relied on to help play point guard Wednesday, so he could provide value despite this matchup against a tough Celtics defense.
SMALL FORWARDS
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Monday’s game was pretty much worst-case scenario for the starters on the Kings. They were pulled early after digging a deep deficit and never returned to the game. Bjelica only played five minutes, but don’t get scared away from him because of one oddball game. Marvin Bagley III (knee) will be out again Wednesday, setting Bjleica up for the opportunity for heavy playing time if the Kings can keep this game close.
E’Twaun Moore, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, things are looking ugly for the Pelicans for this game. Elfrid Payton (finger), Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will all be out, leaving a ton of available minutes. Randle and Mirotic are also two of their best offensive options, so expect Moore to be one of the players that they look to for adding offense. That could leave him as a great option in DFS since both the Pelicans and Bucks are in the top-five in the league in pace of play.
POWER FORWARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600
Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined with an injury to start the season and then he was stuck behind Jared Dudley when he was able to return. He’s finally reclaimed his starting spot, which is key because he’s averaged eight minutes more per game as a starter than when he comes off of the bench. The added playing time has helped him average 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across his 13 starts and he’ll get a great opportunity to build on those numbers against the struggling Bulls.
Cheick Diallo, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,500
With Randle and Mirotic out, Anthony Davis is going to have to carry even more of the load up front for the Pelicans. However, someone is going to have to help fill Randle’s and Mirotic’s minutes. Diallo is likely one of the prime candidates to spend more time on the floor. While opportunities have been few and far between for him this year, he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the lone game in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. That’s obviously not a great sample size to be working with, but he might still be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Allen is averaging seven more minutes a game this year compared to his rookie season with the Nets viewing him as a key part of their future. His production has increased along with his playing time, boosting him to averages of 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bulls allow the second-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, leaving Allen with a prime opportunity to shine.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Zeller has battled injuries throughout his career, but he’s been able to play 28 games already this season. He’s not logging heavy minutes despite his starting role, but he’s still put up respectable numbers with 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. The Cavaliers are thin at center with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out, so don’t sleep on Zeller.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/30/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a massive slate with 11 games Friday, leaving plenty of viable value play options. Here are a couple who stand out at each position that could provide significant returns. 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
Tim Frazier, NO at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,200
The loss of Elfrid Payton (finger) has created a significant void for the Pelicans. To make matters worse, Frank Jackson (ankle) was unable to play Wednesday. Frazier moved into the starting lineup and thrived, scoring 12 points to go along with six rebounds, 12 assists an two steals across 37 minutes against the Wizards. Jackson is listed as doubtful for Friday, which could leave Frazier with another start. If that were to be the case, Fraizer could be a steal at this price.
Elie Okobo, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,000
With the Suns going nowhere fast, they finally decided to jettison veteran Isaiah Canaan from their roster. Even though they are extremely thin at point guard, the move made sense considering the Suns needed to give more playing time to their younger players. One of those players is Okobo, who logged 32 minutes Wednesday in the first game since Canaan’s release. He certainly stated his case for more playing time, scoring 19 points to go along with four assists and three steals. His price on FanDuel is great, but he’s an especially appealing tournament play option on DraftKings at the minimum price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at BOS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
After attempting just five shots against the Timberwolves on Monday, Clarkson scored 25 points on 22 shot attempts Wednesday versus the Thunder. Considering his 28.9 percent usage rate, it’s not that surprising that he quickly returned to jacking up a ton of shots. Facing the Celtics defense is no easy task, but with so few offensive weapons around him, Clarkson has a relatively high floor at this price.
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Jaylen Brown (foot) was unable to play Monday against the Pelicans, opening up a chance for Smart to make his first start of the season. He logged a whopping 40 minutes in that game, recording eight points, two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Brown has been ruled out for Friday, likely leaving Smart with plenty of playing time once again. His offensive upside isn’t great, but he’s still someone to consider based on his minute’s floor.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600
The Wizards are going to have to get used to playing small now with Dwight Howard (lower body) likely to miss a significant amount of time. Oubre has shifted into the starting lineup due to his absence, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. With the Sixers playing small themselves with Wilson Chandler at power forward, expect Oubre to start once again. The added playing time could provide him with a significant boost in production since both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
Speaking of teams with limited depth up front, the Hornets are in a similar position as the Wizards. It’s not due to injuries, just a lack of talent at the position. They like to use Kidd-Gilchrist a lot when they deploy small lineups, which has helped him average 8.5 points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. This won’t be easy facing Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, but Kidd-Gilchrist still warrants consideration in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $3,600
When Holmes was a member of the Sixers, he showed flashes of promise filling in whenever Joel Embiid was out. Now that Tyson Chandler is no longer on the Suns, Holmes has the backup center job all to himself. He’s proven to be productive once again, averaging 10.6 points, five rebounds, and two blocks across his last six games. His price is starting to climb, but he could still provide excellent value, especially on DraftKings.
JaMychal Green, MEM at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Green has played well off the bench since returning from injury, averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last six games. Marc Gasol (foot) is said to be a game-time decision for Friday, which could have a significant impact for Green. If Gasol is out, Green could see extended run in his absence. Even if Gasol does play, Green has a large enough role off the bench to make him a viable option in tournament play.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Zeller is coming off of arguably his best game of the season Wednesday against the Hawks, scoring 19 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Facing Rudy Gobert is a completely different animal, but the Hornets might have to throw a few extra minutes Zeller’s way due to the depth the Jazz have in their frontcourt.
Aron Baynes, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
The Celtics will be resting Al Horford for this game, which makes a lot of sense with them playing an inferior opponent in the Cavaliers and having a quick turnaround Saturday on the road against the Timberwolves. When Horford sat out last week against the Hawks, Baynes started in his place and finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block. At this dirt cheap price on both sites, it’s hard to pass up on Baynes if he starts again.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday brings seven games on the NBA schedule. The Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Pelicans will be among the teams in action, leaving a lot of the top-tier options on the board for your DFS entry. In order to get them into your lineup, let’s examine some cheap value plays to also 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
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800
Sexton may have run away with the starting point guard job to the point where he might not relinquish it even when George Hill (shoulder) eventually returns. He’s logging 33 minutes per game as a starter with little depth behind him, helping him to average 19.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. The Timberwolves play at the 10th-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, which could lead Sexton with even more scoring chances Monday.
Cory Joseph, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500
Joseph hasn’t started a game for the Pacers this season, but he’s still averaging 26 minutes a game, just one fewer than starting point guard Darren Collison. Victor Oladipo (knee) has missed their last three games, which left Joseph to average nine points, 3.7 rebounds, six assists and two steals in his absence. If Oladipo is unable to play again Monday, Joseph is a viable option in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Justin Holiday, CHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
The Bulls have been decimated by injuries in the early going, leaving Holiday to average 35 minutes a game. He doesn’t really excel in any one area, but his high minute’s floor has helped him to average 13.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest in November. This might not be a high-scoring affair between two teams in the bottom half of the league in pace of play, but don’t let that shy you away from using Holiday.
Marcus Smart, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100
If there is any team built to deal with injuries, it’s the Celtics with their insane depth. They are off to a disappointing 10-10 start, but some of that might be due to players getting adjusted to new roles. Smart’s playing time is down significantly, but he could be in line for an expanded role Monday with Jaylen Brown (back) listed as doubtful. The last three games in which Smart has logged at least 25 minutes, he’s averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700
Bogdanovic is another player who has seen a boost in production with Oladipo out, averaging 20.7 points, two rebounds, and 2.3 assists across the last three games. He’s shooting a stellar 54.9 percent from the field, overall, this season, which has been boosted by his insane 52.5 percent shooting from behind the arc. That number obviously won’t hold up throughout the entire year, but ride the hot hand while you can, especially if Olidaipo can’t play again.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
Injuries to key players are a common theme Monday with the status of Dwight Howard (lower body) still in doubt. Even if he does play, this could be a prime opportunity for Green to take advantage of all the small lineups that the Rockets like to deploy. You might be surprised to learn that the Rockets play at the second-slowest pace (96.8) in the league, but with the Wizards playing at the sixth-fastest pace (104), Green could still thrive with the potential for added playing time.
POWER FORWARDS
Derrick Favors, UTA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Favors came off the bench for the first time this year Sunday against the Kings, but he still logged 24 minutes, which is right in line with his season average. His production wasn’t impacted by the change, either, with him scoring 11 points to go along with seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench Monday, he is still a viable cost-effective option.
Marcus Morris, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200
One player who hasn’t really seen his role change this year is Morris. His usage rate is down slightly, but he’s helped make up for that by shooting 48.2 percent from the field. He’s also been one of the Celtics best rebounders with a career-high 6.4 boards per contest. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1), so don’t be surprised if this ends up as one of the Celtics highest-scoring games of the season in the early going.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,100
Thompson has always been a great rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He’s not much of a scorer, but his 5.2 offensive rebounds a game has helped him to average 11.1 points per contest. It is a bit disappointing that he’s only averaging 0.3 blocks per contest, but he wouldn’t be priced this low based on his points and rebounds if he wasn’t struggling in that category. Even though his price is climbing, it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.
Mohamed Bamba, ORL at GS
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,300
There aren’t a lot of great really cheap center options, so if you want to go that route, it will come with some risk. Bamba doesn’t play much behind Nikola Vucevic, but this could be a chance for him to get a few added minutes if the Magic get down big early. The Warriors might be missing some key players, but they are still a much better team than the Magic, especially at home. Across five games in which Bamba has played at least 20 minutes, he is averaging 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/27/17 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/27/17 – Value Plays
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Wednesday’s slate in the NBA is loaded with 10 games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. We took a look at some of the overall excellent plays in Wednesday’s article on Sports Illustrated, but let’s now dive deeper into only the cheaper value plays that can help make you a winner.
POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL at IND
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,000
The Mavericks continue to struggle, but Barea has been one of their better players this season. He’s had an excellent month of December, averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.8 three-pointers in 13 games. Although he comes off the bench, he has no shortage of opportunities to produce, posting the second-highest usage rate (25.6%) on the team. The Pacers allow the ninth-most points per game (106.9) in the league, so Barea will have an opportunity to provide value again in this game.
Andrew Harrison, MEM at LAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,100
Harrison has been counted on to play extra minutes with Mike Conley (Achilles) out, logging at least 30 minutes in five of his last seven games. He has played well in his new role, averaging 15.0 points, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in those five games. He gets to play a Lakers team that plays at the fastest pace (104.3) in the league Wednesday, leaving him with the potential to provide value at this cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,600
Clarkson did an excellent job filling in for the injured Lonzo Ball (shoulder) on Monday, scoring 17 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in 35 minutes. His performance could have been even better if he didn’t shoot an ugly 8-for-24 from the field. He should be in line to start again Wednesday with Ball still out of action. Considering his 27.8% usage rate is the highest on the Lakers, Clarkson should be in for another big game with extended minutes likely on tap.
Marcus Smart, BOS at CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200
Smart is playing well right now, averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 three-pointers over his last six games. He could see extra playing time Wednesday as the Celtics will have a limited roster with Marcus Morris (knee) out and Jaylen Brown (knee) listed as doubtful. His ceiling isn’t very high based on his 33.7% field goal percentage, but he can still do enough across the board to provide value at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at NO
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
Carroll couldn’t have played much worse Tuesday against the Spurs, scoring only two points on 1-of-10 shooting from the field. Chalk that up to one bad game against a good defense as he was shooting 42.2% from the field in six games entering Tuesday. Look for him to be more productive Wednesday as both the Nets and the Pelicans are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play. Not only that, but the Pelicans allow the second-most points per game on FanDuel and the most points per game on DraftKings to opposing small forwards.
Wilson Chandler, DEN at MIN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700
Chandler has seen extensive playing time for the Nuggets, logging at least 33 minutes in five straight games. He’s played well over that stretch, averaging 13.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 three-pointers per game. He struggled to only score five points against these same Timberwolves last week but salvaged the game with 10 rebounds and six assists. He might not have a ton of upside based on his limited offensive game, but that doesn’t mean he’s not someone to consider at this price based on his ability to contribute in other areas.
POWER FORWARDS
Trey Lyles, DEN at MIN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Lyles has established a significant role off the bench for the Nuggets, averaging 27 minutes per game in December. His production this month has been excellent, averaging 14.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers per game. There are no signs of his minutes dwindling anytime soon as Kenneth Faried hasn’t even played in the last five games. The price is right to take a chance on his recent run of production continuing Wednesday.
Markieff Morris, WAS at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
Morris’ minutes are way down this season at only 24 minutes per game, his fewest since the 2012-13 season. He’s played a little more than that lately though, logging at least 27 minutes in four of his last five games. Those four games came against the Cavaliers, Nets, Magic and Celtics, all teams that use a lot of small lineups. He’ll face a similar opponent Wednesday as the Hawks don’t have much size up front. Morris is averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 block in the last seven games that he has played at least 27 minutes, making him a viable option based on his potential Wednesday.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, NY at CHI
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,800
Kanter is having a stellar season for the Knicks, averaging a double-double (14.1 points and 10.4 rebounds per game) for the first time in his career. He destroyed Joel Embiid and the Sixers on Monday, scoring 31 points to go along with 22 rebounds. That’s not good news for Robin Lopez and the Bulls. The Bulls don’t have much size outside of Lopez either, so this has the makings of another big game for Kanter, although you shouldn’t expect him to replicate Monday’s performance.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings – $4,700
Valanciunas continues to struggle to get playing time this season, averaging a career-low 21 minutes per game. He’s shown what he can do with extended minutes, averaging 18.3 points and 13.0 rebounds in the last four games that he played at least 25 minutes. Three of those games came against the Kings, Suns, and Clippers, each of which is either a team with depth up front or a dominant center who gets plenty of playing time. He faces a similar opponent Wednesday as center Steven Adams is averaging 33 minutes per game for the Thunder. The potential for added minutes is here, so Valanciunas has some upside.