We’ll have plenty of action across the NBA with nine games on the schedule Monday. We do have some key injuries to monitor and a few players who could be rested on the second leg of a back-to-back set.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for November 18 2019
Monday starts off the week with a busy night in the NBA, giving us nine games to choose from in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Thursday’s six-game slate in the NBA has a chance to turn on a dime with the trade deadline set for 3:00 PM EST. If there was ever a day to be glued to Twitter for news, this is it. As things currently stand, here are a couple of cheap value plays at each position that are worth considering for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Jerryd Bayless, MIN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,800
It will be slim pickings at point guard again for the Timberwolves on Thursday with Derrick Rose (ankle) and Tyus Jones (ankle) out and Jeff Teague (foot) listed as doubtful. Bayless had a rough scoring night against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, scoring five points on just 2-for-10 shooting from the field. On the bright side, he did still dish out eight assists. This is a much easier matchup against the Magic and D.J. Augustin, so look for Bayless to have a nice bounce-back performance.
Patrick Beverley, LAC at IND
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,500
The Clippers shook things up this week by trading Tobias Harris to the Sixers. Even though they currently occupy the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they are trying to free up cap space and acquire draft picks to pursue elite players. With Harris no longer in the fold, Beverley should retain his starting job even when Danilo Gallinari (back) does return, which could be as early as this game. Across his last 10 starts, Beverley is averaging 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100
As odd as this sounds, the Magic could probably make a push for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference if they made a couple of moves. Their record sits at 22-32, but they are only four games out of the final spot. However, the more likely route they take is to trade away some players with the hopes of gaining draft picks. Ross could be on the trade block since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. If the Magic don’t move him, he’s certainly someone to consider for your lineup based on his averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists across his last 15 games.
Justin Holiday, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200
The Grizzlies could be one of the busiest teams at the deadline. They are reportedly looking to move Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Gasol already won’t play in this game and the Grizzlies are also dealing with several other injuries. The ones that impact Holiday the most are Garrett Temple (shoulder) and Kyle Anderson (shoulder). If both players can’t take the floor, Holiday should receive plenty of playing time. They have actually both missed each of the previous three games, which allowed Holiday to average 17 points, six rebounds and one steal during that stretch.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400
One player who it would be shocking to see moved Thursday is Isaac. He’s one of the building blocks for the Magic after being selected sixth overall in the 2017 Draft. That security alone helps his stock in DFS. Add in the fact that he’s averaging 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks across his last eight games and he’s an even more appealing option to consider.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
Bogdanovic has stepped up offensively with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 22.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists across his last four games. He’s averaging 12 field goal attempts per game for the season, but he averaged 16.5 attempts per contest during that four-game stretch. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102 possessions per game) in the league, so Bogdanovic could be in line for another significant offensive performance in this matchup.
POWER FORWARDS
Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,100
With Gasol already ruled out, Rabb should see an increase in playing time. The Grizzlies could really have to lean heavily on him if JaMychal Green (knee) and Joakim Noah (heel) are both forced to miss their second straight game. With all three players out Tuesday against the Timberwolves, Rabb scored 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds, two steals and a block across 33 minutes.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,500
Morris (knee) is expected to return for this matchup with the Lakers after sitting out Tuesday against the Cavaliers. This is certainly a spot where he could shine considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.7). Morris is also averaging 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists across his last four games. The only real concern here is if the Lakers pull off a blockbuster move, their roster could be left in shambles while they wait for their new players to join the team. That could lead to a blowout, which might limit Morris’ playing time. If the Lakers remain largely in tack, Morris is a strong option to consider.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,500
If you’re playing on FanDuel, the cheap center options are not very appealing for this slate. With that being said, I’ll have to go a little higher up on the price scale to find an appealing option. Turner stands out as having a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Turner has also stepped up since Oladipo went down, averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks over his last seven games.
JaVale McGee, LAL at BOS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500
Of all the names bantered around in trade rumors for the Lakers, you don’t hear McGee come up that often. The more appealing option for teams is the younger Ivica Zubac. If Zubac gets traded, McGee would be in line for a significant increase in playing time. Even if he doesn’t, McGee might be worth considering in tournament play against a banged up Celtics’ frontcourt that will be without Aron Baynes (foot) and could also be missing Robert Williams (back), who is listed as questionable.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Friday isn’t particularly busy with seven games in the NBA, but there are a lot of great expensive options available in DFS. In order to fit a few studs into your lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Here are some players to consider when creating your lineup. 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
Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,800
The Timberwolves star trio is Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins, but the loss of Jeff Teague (knee) has left them with a significant hole to fill at point guard. Coach Tom Thibodeau has turned to a familiar face in Rose to take on the role and he certainly hasn’t let him down. Not only did Rose have a monster 50-point performance against the Jazz, but he’s scored at least 21 points in both of his last two games. The Kings are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (118.8) in the league, leaving Rose with the potential for another offensive outburst.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500
Although it’s not an ideal fit, Augustin continues to start for the Magic. After coming off of the bench for the majority of his career, Augustin is averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per contest in his new role. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) and have allowed the most points per game (120.5), so Augustin and the offensive-challenged Magic could have one of their higher scoring performances of the year.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700
With this matchup against the Wizards, just about everyone on the Magic gets a boost in value. Ross has carved out a significant role off the bench, posting the third-highest usage rate (23.4 percent) on the team, behind only Evan Fournier (26.2 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (24.7 percent). The Magic will also be a little shorthanded with Jonathan Isaac (ankle) out, which could leave Ross with some added playing time. Across the last three games with Isaac out, Ross is averaging 15.7 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 three-pointers.
Malik Monk, CHA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
The Hornets don’t exactly play at a neck-breaking speed, but they might be forced to Friday against a Sixers team that plays at the sixth-fastest pace (104.7). If the Hornets are going to keep up offensively, Monk will need to be a big part of their success off the bench. He’s already been one of their most potent shooters from behind the arc, averaging 13.4 points and 2.3 three-pointers per contest. At his cheap price on both sites, he’s worth considering in tournament play, even if you can’t count on him to provide much in other categories.
SMALL FORWARDS
Justise Winslow, MIA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600
The Heat will continue to have depth issues with James Johnson (sports hernia), Dwyane Wade (personal), Dion Waiters (ankle) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) already ruled out Friday. Things could be even worse if Goran Dragic (ankle) is forced to miss his second straight game. Winslow should get plenty of time on the floor against the Pacers, and although he doesn’t excel in any one area, he can still provide value since he is averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.7 three-pointers.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400
Unlike the Heat, the Pacers are fortunate to enter this game healthy. Although he’s not one of their flashiest players, Bogdanovic is averaging 30 minutes a game as a member of the starting five. He’s been extremely efficient in the early going, shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 49 percent from behind the arc. Both of those numbers are likely to regress as the season wears on, but Bogdanovic did average 14.3 points and 1.9 three-pointers a game last season. If you want to go really cheap at small forward, Bogdanovic is a viable target.
POWER FORWARDS
Taj Gibson, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900
Gibson might fly under the radar due to all of the talent that the Timberwolves have in their starting five but don’t sleep on him in DFS. Not only is he a strong rebounder and defender, but he’s averaging 11.2 points per game with teams having to focus their defensive attention elsewhere. With the Kings defensive deficiencies already detailed, Gibson is another Timberwolves player to target for your entry.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5.000
DraftKings = $4,700
Lyles has played well when given extended playing time, averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 steals across nine games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. He’s also coming off one of his best performances so far, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. That’s probably towards the top of Lyles’ upside, but he’s priced low enough to possibly be worth the risk in tournament play. There is also some potential that this game becomes a blowout, which could lead to a few added minutes for Lyles.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,800
Turner’s price is falling as his minutes continue to be limited with Domantas Sabonis playing so well off of the bench. Turner’s 4.8 rebounds per game are disappointing for a starting center, but his 11.3 points and 2.4 blocks per contest still leave him with some upside. There is the possibility that he gains a few extra minutes in this game with the Pacers needing him to defend Hassan Whiteside. If that’s the case, his price has come down enough to warrant consideration.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,800
Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league. Even though he’s only playing 18 minutes a game, he’s still averaging 7.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest. His playing time isn’t going to increase anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored in tournament play. The Nets have been one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so Plumlee could still do some damage off the bench.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
It’s been a busy week in the NBA and Wednesday doesn’t get any quieter with seven games on the schedule. There are a couple of games that have blowout potential, but it should be a fun evening, overall. Let’s take a look at some cheap value plays that could pay off for your entry. 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
Frank Ntilikina, NY vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,100
Ntilikina’s numbers haven’t been great, averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 three-pointers per game. The good news is that he’s averaging 30 minutes a contest and has scored at least 16 points in both of his last two games. With the Knicks searching for offense without Kristaps Porzingis (knee), Ntilikina could continue to get added scoring opportunities Wednesday. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s still a viable option at this price.
Elie Okobo, PHO vs. SA
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,700
The Suns were already without Devin Booker (hamstring) on Sunday against the Thunder, but then Isaiah Canaan (ankle) went down in the first quarter. The Suns entered the year thin at point guard, so they had no choice but to turn to Okobo. He certainly didn’t disappoint, scoring 18 points go to along with five rebounds and seven assists across 31 minutes. Booker is considered doubtful to play Wednesday and Canaan is listed as questionable, so if they are both sidelined, Okobo is someone to consider adding to your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wesley Matthews, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,000
This could be a good game to load up on Mavericks players with the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (106.4 possessions per game) and allowing the most points per game (122.4) in the league. Matthews is second on the team with 18.3 points per game, making him one of the options that stand out. Don’t count on him for significant contributions in other areas, but that doesn’t mean that Matthews won’t score enough to provide value at this price.
Monte Morris, DEN at CHI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300
The Bulls are a trainwreck on defense. Not only did Klay Thompson and the Warriors embarrass them by scoring 149 points Monday, but the Bulls have allowed the third-most points per game (119.9), overall. While the Nuggets aren’t as good as the Warriors, they are still one of the better teams in the NBA. If this game gets out of hand early, their bench players could get significant playing time. Morris would be one player likely to benefit if that were to happen. In the three games in which Morris has played at least 20 minutes this year, he’s averaging 11.8 points, three rebounds, five assists, and 1.8 steals.
SMALL FORWARDS
Harrison Barnes, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500
Barnes missed some time at the beginning of the season due to injury but he’s logged at least 34 minutes in both of his last two games. He was impressive Monday against the Spurs, scoring 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks made significant additions over the summer by bringing in Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan, but Barnes is still an important part of the team. If he keeps playing well, he won’t be this cheap for much longer.
Jae Crowder, UTA at MIN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Derrick Favors (knee) didn’t play Sunday against the Mavericks and is listed as questionable for Wednesday. Crowder started in his absence, scoring 15 points to go along with six rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes. Although Crowder is dealing with an ankle injury, he’s deemed as probable to play in this game. If Favors can’t take the floor, Crowder should again get plenty of playing time. Even if Favors does play, Crowder is a key part of the Jazz’s second unit and worth considering if you want to save money at small forward.
POWER FORWARDS
Noah Vonleh, NY vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Enes Kanter got off to a great start with a double-double in each of the Knicks first four games. However, after a bad performance in a blowout loss to the Heat, the Knicks moved Kanter to the bench and Vonleh into the starting five. While he hasn’t been as productive as Kanter, Vonleh still averaged a respectable 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and one block across those two games. If he starts again Wednesday, there’s no reason to doubt he can’t provide similar numbers.
Trey Lyles, DEN at CHI
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300
The injury to Will Barton (groin) has resulted in Lyles logging at least 20 minutes in four straight games. Although he hasn’t been overly productive, Lyles still managed to average 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds. 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals during that stretch. He would also likely be in line for added playing time if this game gets out of hand early, so don’t sleep on him in tournament play.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at NY
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900
Turner seems to be a trendy breakout candidate just about every year, but he hasn’t come through, at this point. The Pacers have depth up front, which has limited Turner to averaging 27 minutes per contest. That puts a cap on his ceiling for points and rebounds, but he’s still recording 2.1 blocks per game. With the Knicks struggling to start the year and still trying to figure out their best rotations, this might be a matchup to exploit, even with Turner’s limited playing time.
Ed Davis, BKN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,600
The Pistons certainly have plenty of size up front with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. When the Nets first faced the Pistons this year, they countered by playing Davis for 18 minutes off the bench. Davis produced eight points and seven rebounds in what turned out to be a close contest. Davis has proven he can rack up rebounds throughout his career, averaging 6.5 rebounds in just 21 minutes per contest. At near the minimum price on both sites, Davis is an intriguing option to consider.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/24/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday’s NBA schedule is jam-packed with 11 games. There are a ton of value plays to consider, as a result. Let’s get right down to business and examine some to target for your entry. 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
Derrick Rose, MIN at TOR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Tom Thibodeau loves him some Derrick Rose. The two have a long-standing relationship since their days with the Bulls and Thibodeau clearly plans to play him a lot this season, or, at least for as long as Rose is healthy. Rose is averaging 28 minutes per contest, helping him post 14.8 rebounds, 3.8 rebounds, and five assists. Rose is not a good three-pointer shooter, but his 23.5% usage rate is encouraging for his scoring upside. Look for him to get enough time on the floor Wednesday to provide value at this price.
Isaiah Canaan, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300
With the ugliness that is the Suns’ point guard position, Canaan has started each of their first three games. Devin Booker is also helping to facilitate their offense, but Canaan has still been able to log 30 minutes per contest. Canaan can go damage from behind the arc, so the added playing time has helped him average 10 points and two three-pointers per contest. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (108.7 possessions per game) in the league, so Canaan could be in line for even more opportunities to score in this contest.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,800
Chris Paul will be out due to his suspension again Wednesday, leaving Gordon with another opportunity to start. He excelled without Paul on Sunday against the Clippers, scoring 21 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and five three-pointers. Across 30 starts last year, Gordon averaged 21.5 points. 2.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. His usage rate also increased from 22% in a reserve role to 27.8% when he started.
Wesley Matthews, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Matthews may not get a ton of publicity, but he’s an important part of the Mavericks. He’s averaged at least 34 minutes per game in every season that he’s been with the team, including through the first three games this year. His field goal percentage usually isn’t great, but he’s still managed to average 13.8 points and 2.2 three-pointers per game for his career. The Hawks have allowed 122.7 points per game, making Matthews a strong option to consider based on his minutes floor.
SMALL FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
Warren started all 65 games that he played in last year, but he’s moved to the bench this season. His playing time has dropped from 33 minutes to 23 minutes per game, but his usage rate has increased from 24.9% to a whopping 29.6%. He should continue to see the bulk of the scoring opportunities with the Suns’ second unit, making him a great option in what should be a high-scoring contest versus the Lakers.
Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800
This game sets up really well for Crowder. The Rockets like to play a lot of small lineups and will have their depth challenged with both Paul and James Ennis (hamstring) out. They also play at the eighth-fastest pace (105) in the league. Crowder plays a crucial role within the second unit for the Jazz, helping him average 30 minutes per contest. He’s cashed in the added playing time by averaging 15 points, 6.7 rebounds and two three-pointers.
POWER FORWARDS
Markieff Morris, WAS at GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
Speaking of dealing with limited depth, the Wizards frontcourt is hurting entering play Wednesday. Dwight Howard (back) will be out yet again and has yet to play a game this season. Fill in starter Ian Mahinmi is listed as questionable with a back injury of his own. Even if he does play, this is not a good matchup for him considering all the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy. Morris is averaging 16.3 points, seven rebounds, one steal, 1.7 blocks and three three-pointers across 27 minutes per game this year and should at least see similar playing time in this contest, if not more.
Dwight Powell, DAL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Powell is only averaging 17 minutes a game, but his 26.3 percent usage rate has helped him average 15.7 points. Both numbers are likely to decline over the course of the season, but he’s proven the Mavericks can rely on him for however long it takes Dirk Nowitzki to return from injury. The Hawks will again be without John Collins (ankle) on Wednesday, leaving Powell with a chance to thrive against their weak frontcourt.
CENTERS
JaVale McGee, LAL at PHO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300
McGee isn’t going to last as a value play for much longer. His price is steadily climbing because he’s averaging 15 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three blocks through three games. Having excellent passers around him like LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball is going to help him get a lot of easy buckets and he’s proven to be a force when it comes to blocks. Facing Deandre Ayton might not be an easy task, but McGee is still in line for valuable performance.
Myles Turner, IND at SA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Is this finally the year that Turner breaks out? Well, it certainly doesn’t look like it through four games. With averages of just 12.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, a lot of Turner’s value on a nightly basis hinges on his ability to block shots. Luckily, he hasn’t disappointed in that department with 1.8 rejections per contest. Domantas Sabonis eats into some of Turner’s playing time, but it’s not often that you can roster Turner at this cheap of a price. It might be worth taking a chance on him in tournament play.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/22/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got nine games on the NBA schedule Monday, including an exciting matchup between the Lakers and Spurs. Let’s try to add even more fun to the evening with some winning entries in DFS. Here are some cheaper players who could provide significant returns based on their matchups. 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
J.J. Barea, DAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900
The Mavericks certainly have a lot to be excited about with two promising young players in Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. They also have some valuable veterans on this roster. One of them is Barea, who has been stalwart of their second unit for many years. This season has been no different with him averaging 10.5 points, two rebounds, 10.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 three-pointers over his first two games. Although he doesn’t log a ton of minutes, he can still be valuable based on his 20.6 percent usage rate and ability to rack up assists.
Bryn Forbes, SA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600
If it wasn’t for bad luck, the Spurs would have no luck at all this season when it comes to their point guards. Dejounte Murray (knee) is out for the year and Derrick White is still working his way back from a heel injury. Forbes has started both games in their absence, averaging 14 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, one steal, and three three-pointers. He’s not your traditional point guard in terms of his assists, but his ability to shoot from behind the arc leaves him with upside, especially against a Lakers team that plays at such a fast pace.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Josh Hart, LAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,100
The Lakers will be without two key parts of their rotation for this game with Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram both suspended. Several players will likely be in line for increased opportunities, including Hart. He’s already off to a good start, averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.5 blocks and two three-pointers per game. He’s also seen his usage rate skyrocket from 13.5% last year to 21.6% this season.
Wesley Matthews, DAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Another veteran who plays a significant role for the Mavericks is Matthews. He’s averaged 35 minutes across their first two games and has logged at least 34 minutes per contest in each of his previous three seasons with the team. His numbers aren’t off the charts, but he’s averaged at least 12.5 points per game in each of those seasons in large part because he’s also contributed at least 2.4 three-pointers per contest. The Bulls have allowed an average of 112.5 points across their first two games.
SMALL FORWARDS
Trevor Ariza, PHO at GS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100
The Suns have a lot of talented young players on their team and added Ariza over the summer to provide some veteran leadership. His first game with the team couldn’t have gone much better, posting 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and five three-pointers against the Mavericks. However, he came crashing back down to Earth with five points and three rebounds in their subsequent game against the Nuggets. The good news is he played at least 29 minutes in both contests and should have a significant role moving forward. With all the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy, look for Ariza to be heavily involved Monday.
Jae Crowder, UTA vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,700
Crowder showed a lot of promise during his tenure with the Celtics, but his brief stint with the Cavaliers in the first half of last season was a train wreck. He played much better after being dealt to the Jazz, averaging 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals and 1.8 three-pointers per contest. The Jazz have given him a significant role off the bench this year, as well, helping him post 15 points, six rebounds, one steal and two three-pointers per game. They have also played at the fifth-fastest pace (110.7 possessions per game) in the early going, making Crowder a viable option for your entry.
POWER FORWARDS
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
With the league trending towards smaller lineups, you could see the writing on the wall when it came to playing time for Jonas Valanciunas. He averaged a career-low 22 minutes per game last year and has only logged 18 minutes per contest through the first three games this season. Ibaka has been the Raptors preferred option up front when they do go small, helping him average 29 minutes a game. While he’s not putting up the gaudy block numbers like he did during his tenure with the Thunder, Ibaka has still been excellent this year with 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, one steal and 1.7 blocks per game. The Hornets like to play small, so look for Ibaka to see plenty of minutes Monday.
Dwight Powell, DAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,100
The Mavericks desperately needed to add talent at center and they did just that by bringing in DeAndre Jordan. They still don’t have a ton of talent up front, though, and are missing Dirk Nowitzki as he recovers from an ankle injury. Powell has been extremely involved as a member of their second unit with a 29.1% usage rate. That’s not going to hold up, but he’s going to get added opportunities to produce until Nowitzki returns. Based on how poorly the Bulls have played on the defensive end, Powell could be in line to extend his hot start.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at MIN
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,000
Turner was a trendy pick for a breakout campaign last year, but he didn’t show much improvement. In fact, his 47.9% field goal percentage was the lowest mark of his young career. He’s had an inconsistent start this year, but that could be partly because the Pacers haven’t had a game yet that was decided by fewer than 17 points. Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t a great defender and Turner has the ability to contribute plenty of blocks, leaving him with upside Monday.
JaVale McGee, LAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
McGee has done a great job for the Lakers. They like to use a lot of small lineups, but McGee has averaged 21 minutes a game as their starting center. After being relegated to an extremely limited role with the Warriors, McGee has cashed in his added playing time this year for 14.5 points, seven rebounds and four blocks per contest. Even though Rondo won’t play, McGee still has LeBron James and Lonzo Ball to create scoring opportunities for him. If he keeps playing like this, he won’t be this cheap for much longer.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA enters the weekend with nine games on the schedule Friday. Not only are there plenty of elite players to choose from for your lineup, but there are also a lot of 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
De’Aaron Fox, SAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,500
The Kings didn’t have one player average at least 30 minutes per game last year but had five players log at least 30 minutes in their opener against the Jazz. Fox was one of them, finishing with 21 points, found rebounds, seven assists and three steals across 38 minutes. While it’s unlikely he’s going to play that much on a nightly basis, there is a real chance that he could see more playing time this season. This should be a high-scoring game against a Pelicans team that played at the fastest pace (101.6 possessions per game) in the league last year, potentially setting up Fox for a valuable performance.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,800
The Clippers badly needed to add depth to their backcourt over the summer and they did just that, with Gilgeous-Alexander being one of their prized acquisitions at 11th overall in the draft. It was encouraging to see him play 28 minutes in their opener against the Nuggets and he took advantage of his opportunity, scoring 11 points to go along with two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. Patrick Beverley will continue to start at point guard, but he likely won’t see a normal stater’s allotment of minutes and isn’t a great offensive player. The Clippers get to face a thin Thunder roster that could be without Russell Westbrook (knee) again, making Gilgeous-Alexander someone to consider at this cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Buddy Hield, SAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600
Hield logged 32 minutes Wednesday and should continue to see added playing time with Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) injured. He had a balanced performance, scoring 19 points and recording six rebounds, one steal, one block, and one three-pointer. Maybe the stat that is the most exciting about his prospects for Friday is the 18 shot attempts that he had in that game Wednesday. Considering the pace at which this game will likely be played, Hield could be in line for another offensive outburst.
Rodney Hood, CLE at MIN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,800
Hood played so poorly after being traded to the Cavaliers that some people forget how well he played for the Jazz at the start of last year. Across 39 games before he was traded, Hood averaged 16.8 points and 2.6 three-pointers. He attempted 14.2 shots per game with Jazz, but only 9.5 per game with the Cavaliers. Now with LeBron James in LA, Hood is in line for more scoring opportunities this season. His 12 points in their opener weren’t great, but he did attempt 13 shots and had to face a good defensive team in the Raptors. Don’t count on him for much outside of scoring, but he could still be a viable option if you want to save money at shooting guard.
SMALL FORWARDS
Cedi Osman, CLE at MIN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,400
Osman was a trendy player to take in the later rounds of season-long drafts due to his likely expanded role this season. He provided glimpses of his upside last season by averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals over the three games in which he played at least 30 minutes. The Cavaliers gave him 33 minutes Wednesday, resulting in him posting 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The fact that it came against the Raptors is even more impressive. This might be an opportunity to take advantage of by plugging him into your lineup before his price starts to climb.
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at NO
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Kings have a ton up depth up front but still decided to bring in Bjelica over the summer. They were intent on giving him extended run Wednesday and he finished the game with 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes. Their top pick in the draft Marvin Bagley only played 12 minutes and veteran Zach Randolph didn’t see the floor at all. Their rotations still appear to be very much up in the air, but it might be worth taking a chance that Bjelica sees added minutes again Friday based on this matchup.
POWER FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, OKC at LAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,100
Patrick Patterson started at power forward for the Thunder in their opener, but he only played 19 minutes and was 2-for-9 from the field. Grant wasn’t much better offensively, finishing with seven points on 2-of-7 shooting. However, he did play 29 minutes and chipped in three blocks. He’s a better defender and more athletic than Patterson is at this stage of his career, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Grant continue to get more minutes than Patterson. If he can hit a few more shots, Grant could provide value at this price based on his ability to contribute defensively.
Ersan Ilyasova, MIL vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Bringing in Ilyasova and his ability to stretch the floor was a key move for the Bucks. He didn’t start in their opener, but he played 29 minutes and finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a three-pointer. With opposing defenses focusing on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe, Ilyasova could get a lot of open looks. While Grant is also a viable cheap option, Ilyasova has the higher upside between the two.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at MIL
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,800
Turner only played 20 minutes in the Pacers first game of the season, but that was mostly because they destroyed the Grizzlies. Even with his limited playing time, Turner finished with eight points, eight rebounds and four blocks. Coming off signing a hefty contract extension, he’s clearly their main man in the middle. Expect this game to be much more competitive and for Turner to outproduce his prince point.
Alex Len, ATL at MEM
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,100
It’s hard to look as bad as the Hawks did in their first game. Playing without John Collins and Dewayne Dedmon certainly didn’t help a roster that is severely lacking talent, to begin with. They were destroyed 126-107 by the Knicks, of all teams. Len only played 21 minutes, which could partly be attributed to the score. With Collins and Dedmon both out again Friday, Len has the opportunity to get a significant workload. Across three games in which Len played at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 17.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19
*Mike Barner*
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 19
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 – 3 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards
The NBA has a short week due to the All-Star break, but players on the four teams that play three games each can give you a significant edge. Consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.
Larry Nance Jr., Cleveland Cavaliers
Nance has only averaged 23 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers but has had an immediate impact, averaging 9.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, one steal and one block. He was one rebound shy of posting a double-double in his second game and should continue to get more playing time as he gets acclimated to his new teammates. The Cavaliers have very little depth up front with Kevin Love (hand) out, furthering their need for Nance to become a significant contributor quickly. He’s still available in 51% of Yahoo! leagues and could be a valuable addition to your lineup this week.
Tomas Satoransky, Washington Wizards
The Wizards were dealt a significant blow when John Wall (knee) was injured, but Satoransky has stepped up in his absence to be a valuable fantasy contributor. In seven games in February, Satoransky is averaging 12.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.6 three-pointers. This week he faces a Sixers team that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (101.6 possessions per game) in the league, a Cavaliers team that allows the fourth-most points per game (110) in the league and a bad Hornets squad. He’s still available in 70% of Yahoo! leagues and is an excellent option if you need a point guard.
T.J. McConnell, Philadelphia 76ers
McConnell’s production is very much hit or miss. In two of his last four games, he had at least 10 points, eight assists and two steals in each contest. In the other two games, he had four points, five assists and one steal combined. The good news is the Sixers have a great schedule this week, playing the Bulls, Magic, and Wizards. The Bulls and Magic are two of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing point guards and the Wizards are without their best player at the position. McConnell is a bit risky, but he has upside with the added games. He’s still available in 87% of Yahoo! leagues and is someone to consider adding.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 1 Game Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors
With just four teams playing one game each this week, you could be at a significant disadvantage if you have any of those players on your team. Consider benching the players below who you might otherwise have in your starting lineup as a result.
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers
Turner has been a disappoint this season, averaging only 13.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. He’s still providing a lot of blocks, but he doesn’t record many steals and is shooting a career-low 48.8% from the field. With just six double-doubles this season, it will be tough to get enough production from him during a one-game week. Put him on your bench until the schedule swings back in his favor with four games in Week 20.
Dennis Schroder, Atlanta Hawks
Schroder is the best player on the rebuilding Hawks, resulting in a 30.4% usage rate that ranks inside the top-10 in the league. He hasn’t been outstanding outside of scoring though, averaging 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.1 steals this season. Based on his inability to contribute across the board, it’s hard to justify starting him on your squad with only one game this week.
Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets
Fantasy owners aren’t going to complain about the production they have received from Dinwiddie this season. He’s averaging career-highs across the board with 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.9 three-pointers per game. He continues to hold onto a starting role even with D’Angelo Russell finally healthy. His overall numbers carry value, but not enough in a week with just one game. Put him on your bench for now, but take solace in the fact that the Nets play four games in Week 20.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/14/18
Wednesday brings a packed night in the NBA with 12 games on the schedule. With so many options to choose from, selecting the correct cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers could make the difference in bringing home some money. 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 Emmanuel Mudiay and Marcus Morris.
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Fred VanVleet, TOR at CHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,500
VanVleet has been one of the most productive players off the bench for the Raptors, averaging 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 three-pointers in his last eight games. He is shooting career-highs from the field (43.5%), from the charity stripe (86.7%) and from behind the arc (41.4%), which has allowed him to be productive even in limited minutes. The Bulls allow the seventh-most points per game (109) in the league, leaving VanVleet as someone to consider for Wednesday.
Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Mudiay has had mixed results in his first two games with the Knicks, but the good news is that he played at least 19 minutes in both contests. He played more minutes than Jarrett Jack in both games and should be in line for added playing time moving forward. He showed his potential by scoring 14 points and dishing out 10 assists Sunday, which is excellent production at this price. The Wizards could be very thin at point guard Wednesday with Tim Frazier (nose) out and Tomas Satoransky (head) questionable, giving Mudiay the potential to provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,200
Batum might not be highly owned Wednesday because he averaged just 7.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in his last two games. He was very productive before those struggles though, averaging 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his previous six contests. The Magic have struggled to defend opposing shooting guards, allowing the fourth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to the position. The Magic also play at the seventh-fastest pace (100.8 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Batum with upside in this game.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at HOU
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,400
The Kings have shifted towards giving their young players more playing time, leading Bogdanovic to log at least 31 minutes in four straight games. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.3 three-pointers per game. The Rockets score the second-most points per game (114.4) in the league, so the Kings are going to need all the offense they can get from Bogdanovic to keep this game close. He is worth considering for your entry as a result.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at BKN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,600
Bogdanovic has stepped up his offensive game lately, averaging 20.0 points and 3.0 three-pointers in his last six games. He’s been extremely efficient, shooting 54.3% from the field during that stretch. He gets an excellent matchup Wednesday against the Nets, who play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.2) and allow the fifth-most points per game (109.7) in the league. He doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, but he doesn’t need to in order to have value at this price.
Reggie Bullock, DET vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Bullock continues to get extended playing time with Avery Bradley out of the picture, logging at least 34 minutes in six of his last seven games. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 20 times this season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 three-pointers in those contests. He just scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against these same Hawks on Sunday, which is not surprising considering their struggles. Bullock could be in line for a productive evening in their rematch.
POWER FORWARDS
Bam Adebayo, MIA at PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
With Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) out and the Heat benching Hassan Whiteside during the fourth quarter of games, Adebayo has gained added opportunities to produce. He has shown that he has upside, posting a double-double in three of his last six games. The Heat just played the Sixers earlier this month and Adebayo finished that game with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on him again Wednesday.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Celtics are a great team, but they have scored the sixth-fewest points per game (102.9) in the league this season. Outside of Kyrie Irving, Morris might be one of the best scoring options on their roster. His usage rate of 23.1% certainly indicates that as it is the second-highest on the team. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (100.6) in the league, so Morris could have added opportunities to provide value in this game.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND at BKN
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,800
Turner isn’t very cheap, but he certainly won’t kill your budget. He’s struggling right now, scoring 13 points or less and grabbing six rebounds or less in three of his last four games. Wednesday could be an entirely different story though because the Nets allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers. Turner has already faced them three times this season, averaging 20.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in those contests. He has tremendous upside Wednesday.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,500
Dedmon has started the last two games for the Hawks, averaging 16.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block. While it doesn’t make a lot of sense to move him back into the starting lineup instead of giving John Collins a chance to shine, it’s good news for everyone who plays DFS. If Dedmon is going to continue to play around 30 minutes per game, he’s going to be a double-double threat on a nightly basis. He just scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against the Pistons on Sunday and could provide valuable numbers again in their rematch.