Tuesday brings eight games in the NBA with injuries likely to play a key role in several contests. That leaves us with not only some excellent top-tier options, but also some cheap value plays worth considering.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 27 2020
Thursday brings only four games in the NBA, which doesn’t leave us with the busiest of DFS slates. Still, injuries have created several value plays to consider.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 12 2020
There are no shortage of options in DFS on Wednesday with 11 games in the NBA.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 10 2020
The All-Star break is rapidly approaching, so let’s try to take advantage of Monday’s busy nine-game slate.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 2 2020
There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Thursday with nine games on the schedule. Injuries will once again play a key role, creating some interesting opportunities in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 31 2019
With a few early games in the NBA on Tuesday, only four games will make up the main evening slate in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 28 2019
With a busy 11-game slate in the NBA on Monday, we have a bevy of options to choose from in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/30/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/30/18
There isn’t much time left in the NBA regular season, so let’s capitalize on a busy Friday that includes nine games. It’s key to find the right cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers to hopefully help create a winning entry. 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 Isaiah Taylor and Richaun Holmes.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Taylor, ATL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The Hawks will likely be without their starting point guard Friday as Dennis Schroder (ankle) is listed as doubtful. This would be the third straight game that Schroder has missed, the first two of which saw Taylor slide into the starting lineup. He took full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 23 points, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 three-pointers in those two contests. He provides an excellent cost-effective option with upside Friday.
Tyler Ulis, PHO at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,700
The Suns could have very little depth again Friday if Devin Booker (hand), T.J. Warren (knee) and Elfrid Payton (knee) all can’t play. Ulis has played at least 30 minutes in three of the last four games, averaging 17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers in those three contests. The Suns play at the second-fastest pace (102.8 possessions per game) in the league, so Ulis could have added opportunities to provide value again Friday if all or some of the injured Suns can’t play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $7,800
Gordon has played well of late, averaging 22.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 4.4 three-pointers in his last five games. Four of those were starts, a role Gordon has excelled in this season. Chris Paul (hip) is listed as questionable Friday and it doesn’t make much sense to push him to play against the terrible Suns, especially since the Rockets clinched the top seed in the Western Conference on Thursday. Gordon would likely stay in the starting lineup if Paul sits, giving him a great matchup since the Suns not only play at a fast pace, but they also allow the most points per game (113.7) in the league. He’s not cheap on DraftKings, but his FanDuel price is enticing.
Troy Daniels, PHO at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,600
Daniels has also taken advantage of all of the injuries on the Suns, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 three-pointers in his last six games. He’s seeing heavy playing time, logging at least 31 minutes in four of the last five games. The Suns really don’t have much offensively outside of Josh Jackson if Booker, Warren, and Payton all can’t play, so expect Daniels to get plenty of shots if they sit again Friday.
SMALL FORWARDS
Gerald Green, HOU vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Green has been one of the Rockets main scoring weapons off the bench lately, attempting at least 14 shots in three straight games. The Rockets were missing either Paul and James Harden for each of those games and they also won each contest in blowout fashion. With the possibility of both Paul sitting Friday and a blowout against a bad Suns team, Green could provide excellent value once again.
Joe Johnson, HOU vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,000
Johnson has logged at least 28 minutes in four straight games, averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, three assists and 1.3 three-pointers during that stretch. Not only is Paul questionable, but the status of Trevor Ariza (elbow) is in doubt as well. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rockets use extreme caution with any of their injured players in this game, which could open up plenty of minutes for Johnson once again. His scoring upside isn’t as high as Green’s, but he’s still a viable option at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
The Cavaliers could be short-handed up front Friday with Kevin Love (concussion) listed as questionable. There is no word that he has yet cleared the concussion protocol, which isn’t good news for his chances of playing. Nance played 20 minutes with Love out Wednesday, finishing with four points, nine rebounds, four steals, and one block. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (102.6) and allow the second-most points per game (111) in the league, leaving Nance as someone to consider for your entry if Love is indeed ruled out.
Marquese Chriss, PHO at HOU
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,800
The Suns have had inconsistent rotations up front for the majority of the season, often moving Chriss in and out of prominent roles. He’s back to receiving added playing time again, logging at least 24 minutes in four straight contests. He’s made his case to hold onto those minutes moving forward, averaging 13.5 points, eight rebounds, 1.5 steals and one block in those four games. Tyson Chandler (neck) is likely out for the rest of the season and Alex Len (ankle) might not be able to play Friday either, so Chriss has a favorable chance of keeping his recent run of success going against the Rockets.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Dedmon is still receiving consistent playing time even with the Hawks in full tank mode, logging at least 26 minutes in six straight games. He’s finishing the season on a high note, averaging 11 points, 10.5 rebounds, one steal and one block during that stretch. He’ll have a much easier task than he was originally going to be faced with Friday as Sixers center Joel Embiid (face/head) will not play. Although he’s not a flashy option, Dedmon can still provide value.
Richaun Holmes, PHI at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Holmes ended up playing 22 minutes when Embiid went down with his injury Wednesday against the Knicks, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. Holmes should get plenty of minutes Friday and has come through when given extended playing time this season, averaging 16.3 points and 9.2 rebounds in 10 games that he has played at least 30 minutes. The Hawks allow the second-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, so don’t hesitate to add Holmes to your lineup.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/3/18 – Value Plays
Use Code “NEWYEAR40” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100
Barea is playing well right now, averaging 13.0 points, 8.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.8 three-pointers over his last five games. Although he hasn’t played more than 29 minutes in any of those games, he’s still provided value because his 25.6% usage rate is inside the top-4o in the league. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, so look for Barea to have an opportunity to provide value again at this reasonable price.
Jarrett Jack, NY at WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Jack is not a flashy option, but we’re not looking for flashy at this price. One of the keys to look for in a cheap option is reliable playing time. Jack gets just that as he continues to start for the Knicks, averaging 26 minutes per game this season. He’s playing well right now, scoring at least 20 points on both FanDuel and DraftKings in each of his last four games. Though Frank Ntilikina is making strides in his rookie season, Jack is still getting enough minutes to be a viable option Wednesday.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allen Crabbe, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400
The Nets have been bitten by the injury bug and things could be even worse Wednesday with Caris LeVert (groin) listed as doubtful and DeMarre Carroll (rib) listed as questionable. Crabbe is already averaging 29 minutes per game this season but could be counted on for heavy minutes if both LeVert and Carroll sit out this game. Even if one of them is able to play, Crabbe still has value, averaging 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 three-pointers over his last nine games. Of note, Crabbe is only shooting guard eligible on DraftKings. He is listed at small forward on FanDuel.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The Bucks and coach Jason Kidd can throw out some strange rotations at times, but Brogdon has still managed to play at least 30 minutes in seven of his last nine games. He averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.2 three-pointers over those nine games, which is valuable at this price. The Pacers will be depleted at guard with Victor Oladipo (knee) out again, so Brogdon could thrive against a thin second unit. The price is right to take a chance on him in this game.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kyle Anderson, SA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,300
Anderson was solid filling in for the injured Kawhi Leonard to start the season but has seen his playing time and scoring opportunities decrease since his return. That might not be an issue Wednesday as not only is Leonard likely to rest on the second night of a back-to-back, but Danny Green (groin) might not play either. Anderson has played at least 30 minutes in a game eight times this season, averaging 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals in those games. An added bonus is that he gets to face the Sixers, who play at the second-fastest pace (103.3) in the league. The stars may be aligning for Anderson in this contest.
Joe Harris, BKN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Harris has been a valuable member of the Nets bench this season, averaging career-highs in points (9.8), rebounds (2.9), assists (1.4) and three-pointers (1.9) per game. The problem is he only gets limited playing time, averaging 24 minutes per contest. If LeVert and/or Carroll are unable to play Wednesday, Harris would likely be one of the main beneficiaries of their minutes. Keep an eye on their status throughout the day and get Harris into your lineup if they can’t go.
POWER FORWARDS
Michael Beasley, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,800
Beasley can explode offensively any given night and has done so of late, scoring at least 18 points in five of his last nine games. He’s only averaging 18 minutes per game this season but has averaged 25 minutes over those nine games. He’s going to be productive more often than not when given extended playing time because his 29.2% usage rate is second-best on the team. The Knicks score the tenth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league, so they need Beasley’s offense. Don’t be surprised if he gets another opportunity to provide value Wednesday.
Marquese Chriss, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns have been one of the most frustrating teams in the league this season when it comes to their frontcourt rotations, especially at center. They appear to have finally started to settle things down, holding out Greg Monroe for each of the last five games. Chriss has thrived at power forward over those five games, averaging 12.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 27 minutes per game. He gets a nice matchup Wednesday as the Nuggets allow the eighth-most points per game on FanDuel and the ninth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing power forwards. As long as the minutes are there again, he could be one of the better value plays of the night.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Valanciunas is a tricky option in DFS because he just doesn’t get consistent playing time. He needs everything to fall right in a matchup to provide value, which is the case Wednesday. Valanciunas has dominated the Bulls this season, averaging 22.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in their first two games. The key was he played at least 24 minutes in both contests. He should get added minutes matching up against Robin Lopez, making him an excellent option for your entry.
Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,800
Sixers center Joel Embiid (hand) is listed as doubtful Wednesday, leaving Holmes with an opportunity for added playing time. The Sixers are always cautious with Embiid, which is not good for his chances of playing in this game. In the last seven games Embiid has missed, Holmes has averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. The Spurs have a lot of size up front, so expect the Sixers to lean heavily on Holmes if Embiid doesn’t suit up. While I prefer to go with Valanciunas, Holmes is also a viable cheap option at center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/16/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/16/17
Use Code “LLNBA17” at checkout for 10% off Seasonal PackagePOINT GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. GS
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $8,100
Irving has actually seen his averages decrease almost across the board this season, except for an improvement in steals (1.9 per game). The main culprit has been his playing time as he is only averaging 31 minutes per game after playing 35 minutes per game last season. The Celtics are going to need big minutes from him to keep pace with the Warriors and his 29.7% usage rate (tied for 12th best in the NBA) suggests he should be up for the task.
Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Ulis has started the past two games over Mike James, playing at least 26 minutes in both contests. While he only scored a total of four points, he did take 12 total shots, so there is an opportunity for better production. He was able to average 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals over those starts, so he could provide value at this price if his shot is falling. Considering the limited amount of games on the schedule tonight and the Rockets uptempo offense, Ulis might be worth the risk at this price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $12,500
DraftKings = $12,700
Harden has been out of this world of late as he is averaging 34.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 4.5 three-pointers over his last four games. He has been one of the safest DFS plays on most nights, even considering his hefty price tag. Chris Paul is expected to play in his first game this season Thursday, but he is only expected to play around 20 minutes. While Paul’s return may reduce Harden’s value down the road, it shouldn’t tonight.
Eric Gordon, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,200
Gordon is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career as he is averaging 22.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.7 three-pointers per game. His value is also expected to take a hit with the return of Paul, but again it should only be a minimal impact with Paul on a minutes limit Thursday. Gordon hasn’t really seen a huge jump in playing time even when Paul was out though as he is averaging 33 minutes per game this season compared to 31 minutes per game last year. The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so roll with Gordon Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS at BOS
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $9,700
Durant has been a model of consistency as he has scored at least 20 points in all but one game this season. Not only is he averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists as well, but he is averaging a career-high 2.2 blocks per game. They need his defense when they go small and move Draymond Green to center, so don’t be surprised if he continues to block shots at close to that rate. The Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league but don’t expect them to be able to slow Durant down Thursday.
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,500
Warren has stepped up his game of late as he is averaging 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 three-pointers over his last three games. The key for Warren has been increased opportunities in the offense as he is averaging a career-high 15.5 shot attempts per game. The Rockets score a ton and play at a fast pace, which could mean another great stat line from Warren Thursday. He could provide tremendous value at this price.
POWER FORWARDS
Marquese Chriss, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
With so many elite DFS options available in only a two-game slate, it’s important to find a few dirt cheap options that will then allow you to stack your lineup with studs. Power forward presents that cost-saving position Thursday. Chriss has played at least 25 minutes in three of the last four games as he is starting to see his role expand for the Suns. His ability to both defend and hit three’s could prove very valuable against a Rockets team that likes to use small lineups. Take a risk on Chriss in tournament play.
Tarik Black, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,500
As we continue to look for ways to save money while squeezing out some value, we come to Black. Nene Hilario is considered doubtful to play in this game with a foot injury, which will open up minutes for Black. Nene missed the Rockets last game, which enabled Black to record 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes. The Suns are horrible defensively, making Black your other top cheap option at power forward for the evening.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,200
Capela has posted a double-double in three of his last four games and has grabbed at least 11 rebounds in seven of his last nine games. With power forward Ryan Anderson spending most of his time around the three-point line, there are going to be plenty of chances for Capela to rack up rebounds. Don’t be surprised if he is the most productive center in DFS when the evening is all said and done.
Alex Len, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,400
Suns starting center Tyson Chandler is questionable heading into this game with an illness. If he were to miss the game, Len would take over the starting duties. Even if Chandler is able to play, he may see limited minutes. Despite only making two starts and averaging 23 minutes per game this season, Len is still averaging 8.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. If you need to save money at center, Len is an option in tournament play. If Chandler does miss the game, he could provide significant value.