The NBA is finally back! With the All-Star break firmly in our rearview mirror, we have six games to choose from for Thursday’s DFS slate. Let’s dive right in and discuss a couple of cheaper value plays at each position that could provide significant returns.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/13/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We have plenty of action in the NBA on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. That also means a lot of cheap value players to wade through. Le’ts highlight a couple at each position who stand out as having favorable matchups. 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
Landry Shamet, LAC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000
Shamet hasn’t started in either of his first two games with the Clippers, but he’s certainly made an impact off of the bench by averaging 16 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals. The key is that he logged 27 and 33 minutes, respectively, in those contests. Considering the Suns allow the third-most points per game (115.8) in the league, Shamet stands out as a tournament play option with upside to target at point guard.
Kadeem Allen, NY vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100
With Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Frank Ntilikina (groin) out, there has still been significant playing time available for Allen despite the addition of Dennis Smith Jr. at the trade deadline. Allen has cashed in his minutes by averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals over his last two games. The Sixers play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, so Allen could provide value once again in this contest based on his increased role.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dion Waiters, MIA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300
After the Heat traded away Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington, Waiters has found his way into the starting five. The role has suited him so far with him averaging 15.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and four assists. He’s not just a token starter, either, since he logged at least 30 minutes in all three contests. He’s never one to shy away from taking shots, so he’s intriguing in DFS as long as he remains a starter.
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,100
The key here will be if Kyrie Irving (knee) plays or not. He sat out Tuesday’s game against the Sixers and with the All-Star break approaching, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sits this one out. If he does, Brown should see an increase in scoring opportunities. Across the previous six games that Irving has missed, Brown has averaged 18.3 points, six rebounds and one steal. Even though his performance against the Sixers was underwhelming Tuesday, his track record indicates he could provide value.
SMALL FORWARDS
Mikal Bridges, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800
The Suns will remain shorthanded with T.J. Warren (ankle) and De’Anthony Melton (ankle) still sidelined. Tyle Johnson (ankle) is also listed as questionable. Bridges has been thriving with added playing time, averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals over his last seven games. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.2), leaving Bridges with the potential for another valuable stat line.
Joe Harris, BKN at CLE
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,600
The Nets remain in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference as they currently occupy the sixth seed. Harris is not a flashy name, but he’s been a key reason for their success. He’s a lethal three-point shooter, which has propelled him to averaging 16.8 points across his last six games. The Cavaliers allow the second-highest three-point shooting percentage (37 percent) in the league, so Harris has the potential to go off in this contest.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, MIN vs. HOU
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600
Saric has finally overtaken Taj Gibson as the starter at power forward. Gibson was a favorite of former coach Tom Thibodeau’s, but Saric has a higher upside at this stage of his career. In a start Monday against the Clippers, Saric scored 19 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals across 33 minutes. The previous game in which he logged at least 30 minutes, Saric scored 22 points and had seven rebounds and five assists. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of his new role by deploying him at this reasonable price.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500
DeMarcus Cousins (rest) will not play in this game, which should make things easier for Aminu and the Blazers’ frontcourt. Aminu hasn’t provided eye-popping stats in three previous meetings against the Warriors this season, but he’s played well with averages of 9.3 points and 8.7 rebounds. It also helps his cause that the Warriors play at the 10th-fastest pace (101.8), so don’t be surprised if he at least approaches a double-double.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
DeAndre Jordan was averaging 31 minutes a game as a member of the Mavericks. He’s remained a starter for the Knicks, but he’s only averaging 27 minutes a night since joining the team. That’s partly because of the Knicks’ desire to develop Robinson. Robinson has certainly earned the right to stay in the rotation, averaging 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks across his last eight games. If this game gets out of hand, he could see even more minutes in garbage time.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
Zubac has had mixed results in his first two games with the Clippers. He stormed out of the gate with 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks Saturday against the Celtics. He followed that up with a dud against the Timberwolves on Monday in which he scored three points and grabbed just one rebound. The difference was he played 23 minutes against the Celtics and just 15 against the Timberwolves. Considering how cheap he is, it might be worth taking a chance on him receiving more minutes Wednesday, especially since the Suns allow the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (39.3) to opposing centers.
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 2/11/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday brings a busy night in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. Without further ado, let’s dive in and highlight a couple of cheap value plays at each position that stand out as having favorable matchups. 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
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The Cavaliers have wasted no time getting Sexton involved in his rookie season, resulting in him averaging 30 minutes a game. Expect that number to be on the rise after the trade deadline saw them ship away Rodney Hood and Alec Burks. He’s averaging 23.3 points, four rebounds and 3.7 assists across his last three games and has an excellent opportunity to be productive again Monday versus a Knicks team that has their own depth chart problems at guard.
Patrick Beverley, LAC at MIN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
With Tobias Harris no longer in town, Beverley is lined up to remain in the starting five. It’s a role that has suited him since he’s averaged 11.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 12 games. With the Clippers playing at the ninth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, don’t hesitate to add Beverley to your entry based on his reasonable price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Not only are the Cavaliers thin at guard without Hood and Burks, but they were also two of their better offensive players. That leaves Clarkson with even more scoring responsibilities. With averages of 19 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists across his last six games, Clarkson is an intriguing option despite his lack of defensive contributions.
Luke Kennard, DET vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Things were looking up for Kennard when the Pistons traded away Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson. However, even without them on the roster, Kennard came off of the bench Friday against the Knicks. The good news is that he attempted 13 shots across 29 minutes. Unfortunately, he made just four of them. To complicate matters, the Pistons have now signed Wayne Ellington after he was bought out by the Suns. That’s not encouraging for Kennard’s long-term value. On the bright side, the Wizards play at the eighth-fastest pace (102.4) and Kennard should still see added playing time Monday. He’s someone to at least consider in tournament play, especially at his cheap price on DraftKings.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800
The Pacers have picked themselves up after losing Victor Oladipo (knee) for the season, winning five straight games. Bogdanovic has been on fire during that stretch, averaging 24.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals. The key to his offensive explosion is that he averaged 16.8 shot attempts per game in those contests compared to 12.2 for the season, overall. As long as he’s putting up shots at this rate, he’s going to provide increased value.
Jabari Parker, WAS at DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,600
Talk about two contrasting prices. Parker isn’t all that cheap on DraftKings, but he’s close to the minimum price on FanDuel. He’s finally getting to play again after being traded away from the Bulls and has shown he can still be very productive. He could receive even more playing time Monday if Jeff Green (hip) is unable to take the floor. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel, but don’t shy away from him on DraftKings, either.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Aminu has had plenty of success against the Thunder this season, averaging 10 points, 14 rebounds and three assists across their first two meetings. Things should be even easier for him in this game with Jerami Grant (ankle) already ruled out. That could leave him with a very favorable matchup against Patrick Patterson, who hasn’t been productive even in the few games in which he has seen added playing time this season.
Dario Saric, MIN vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400
This game might favor Saric over Taj Gibson. The Clippers play at a fast pace and play small with Danilo Gallinari starting at power forward. Gibson is a good defender, but chasing Gallinari around the three-point arc is not exactly ideal for him. Saric has had a couple of strong stat lines of late, including a 22-point performance against a tough Grizzlies’ defense last week. Stay away from Saric in cash games, but he could be worth the risk in tournament play, especially at his price on FanDuel.
CENTERS
Dwight Powell, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is huge for the Mavericks’ future, but the trade left them extremely thin up front for the rest of this season. The trade of Harrison Barnes to the Kings further complicated matters. Powell is now left as one of the key players to help hold down the fort. He’s managed to turn his increased playing time into averages of 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals and one block across his last five games. The Rockets don’t have much size up front, so this could be a matchup to take advantage of.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,000
The Clippers clearly prefer to bring Montrezl Harrell off of the bench. Considering how well he’s playing, that’s not a bad thing. Zubac started in his first game since being acquired from the Lakers and scored 12 points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks over 23 minutes. Harrell should continue to see the bulk of the playing time at center, but Zubac shouldn’t be overlooked at this cheap price.
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 1/22/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Tuesday brings just four games in the NBA, which doesn’t leave us with a ton of cheap value play options. However, some key injuries do help create a few more viable choices. Let’s highlight a couple of players at each position that might be worth considering for your lineup. 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
Patrick Beverley, LAC at DAL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,800
The Clippers are going to be shorthanded Tuesday with Danilo Gallinari (back) out and Lou Williams (hamstring) not expected to play. Beverley started with both players out Sunday against the Spurs and cashed in his opportunity with 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block. It will be hard for him to duplicate such lofty numbers, but this matchup is favorable with both the Clippers and the Mavericks in the top half of the league in pace of play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at DAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,600
While Beverly shined Sunday, Gilgeous-Alexander laid an egg. He played 38 minutes but finished with just seven points, four rebounds, and three assists. The problem was he shot just 3-for-15 from the field. That was certainly an anomaly for him considering he’s shooting 46.8 percent from the field for the season, overall. Don’t let one bad performance scare you away, this is still a great spot to deploy Gilgeous-Alexander.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Danny Green, TOR vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,800
Green exploded with Kawhi Leonard (rest) out Saturday against the Grizzlies, scoring 24 points in just 23 minutes. He made a staggering eight three-pointers against one of the better defensive teams in the league, making the performance even more impressive. The expected return of Leonard will somewhat limit Green’s upside Tuesday, but he’s still someone to consider since he’s averaged 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals across his last seven games.
Avery Bradley, LAC at DAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,000
Bradley has been almost non-existent offensively this year, averaging only 7.7 points in 29 minutes per game. His usage rate sits at 14.4 percent and he’s shooting only 37.9 percent from the field, which isn’t exactly a recipe for success. However, he logged a whopping 41 minutes with Gallinari and Williams out Sunday and finished with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. If he can receive similar playing time in this matchup, he might actually be able to provide value based on his dirt cheap price on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,700
Despite Warren’s slight scoring average decline this season, he remains a crucial part of the Suns’ offense with his 23.1 percent usage rate. They could rely on him even more so Tuesday with Deandre Ayton (ankle) expected to miss his second straight game. Warren scored 21 points against these same Timberwolves with Ayton out Sunday while also chipping in four rebounds and two steals. His contributions will likely mostly be limited to the scoring column, but he’s still someone to consider during this limited slate.
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,600
Oubre got off to a bit of a slow start after joining the Suns, but he’s rolling right now with averages of 20.3 points, six rebounds, and 1.6 steals over his last seven games. He started to see increased playing time when Devin Booker missed a few games due to injury and hasn’t relinquished his expanded role even with Booker back on the floor. If you’re deciding between Oubre and Warren, Oubre might actually be the better play since he’s a little cheaper and playing so well right now.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at OKC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,100
Aminu sometimes gets lost behind Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic. He’s not nearly the same offensive threat that those three are, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored in DFS. He’s a nightly double-double threat with averages of 9.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and he has a high minutes floor with an average of 30 minutes per contest. The last time these two teams met, Aminu thrived with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
Dragan Bender, PHO vs. MIN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,000
With Ayton and Richaun Holmes (foot) out Sunday, Bender found his way into the starting five for the Suns. It was certainly a desperation move, but it almost paid off with the Suns losing by two points in the final seconds. Bender did his part, scoring 12 points to go along with 10 rebounds and two blocks in 29 minutes. If both Ayton and Holmes miss this contest Tuesday, Bender is going to be a very popular pick at this cheap price.
CENTERS
DeAndre Jordan, DAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,400
This stands out as a prime opportunity to deploy Jordan since the Clippers allow the most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. In his first two matchups against his former squad, Jordan averaged 13.5 points and 22.5 rebounds. Don’t expect them to be able to slow him down on the boards Tuesday.
Greg Monroe, TOR vs. SAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,400
If you’re playing on FanDuel, it’s slim pickings in terms of cheap centers with upside. If you’re looking for a dart throw in tournament play, Monroe might be your guy. The Kings have a lot of depth up front, so Monroe could be asked to log a few extra minutes. This game also has significant blowout potential with the Raptors favored by 11 points, so Monroe could even grab a few extra minutes in garbage time. Across four games in which Monroe has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he’s averaged 11.8 points and 8.5 rebounds. It’s not crazy to think he could at least approach that minute’s threshold in this contest.
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 ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/14/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The two top options for Monday’s six-game slate in the NBA are James Harden and Anthony Davis. Both are costly, so if you want to add them to your DFS lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value plays. Here are a couple of options at each position to consider. 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
Derrick White, SA vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400
This is a great matchup for the Spurs. They are a much better team at home and the Hornets are an ugly 5-15 on the road. The Hornets’ defense has also been awful since Cody Zeller (hand) went down, allowing an average of 119.5 points across their last six games. That could lead to a productive offensive showing from White, who enters this contest having averaged 17.1 points across his last seven games.
Terry Rozier, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700
The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving. Irving is dealing with a right quadriceps bruise and is considered a game-time decision. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely assume his spot in the starting five. Over four starts this season, Rozier has averaged 14 points, 5.3 rebounds. 5.3 assists and two steals. He would be a lock for me at this dirt cheap price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Austin Rivers, HOU vs. MEM
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700
Rivers had another strong offensive showing for the Rockets on Sunday by scoring 25 points against the Magic. He logged 37 minutes in that game and hit four three-pointers. With all of the injuries that the Rockets have in their backcourt, Rivers has averaged 37 minutes per game since joining the team. Couple his increased playing time with added three-point attempts and Rivers is still someone to consider in tournament play despite having to face a tough Grizzlies’ defense Monday.
Kyle Korver, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800
The Jazz are basically playing without a point guard right now due to injuries. With three point guards currently on the sidelines, it’s opened up added playing time for a couple of players on the roster. Korver is one of them and is coming off of a productive game Saturday against the Bulls when he scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds and a block in 26 minutes. He’s not going to be someone who helps facilitate the offense, but the added playing time makes him someone to target at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Royce O’Neale, UTA vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,700
The other player who has seen a significant increase in playing time lately is O’Neale, who has logged at least 37 minutes in both of the last two games. To say he’s come through for the Jazz is an understatement. Friday, he scored 17 points to go along with seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in a blowout win over the Lakers. He followed that up Saturday with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal, and two blocks against the Bulls. Don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.
Evan Turner, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
The Blazers don’t have nearly the injury issues that the Jazz have, but they could be missing a key part of their rotation in Maurice Harkless (knee). He’s missed each of their last three games and might not be able to take the floor again Monday. If he can’t, that could leave Turner with added playing time. That’s key considering he doesn’t excel in any one particular category. It also helps Turner’s cause that the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,800
Another player who could potentially benefit from the absence of Irving is Morris. Despite the Celtics’ stellar depth across the roster, Morris is averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game. Even though Morris doesn’t provide hardly any defensive stats, he has chipped in another career-high with an average of six rebounds a night. The Nets are dealing with some injuries to their frontcourt, so look for Morris to have an opportunity to thrive. He’s is still worth considering if Irving plays, but his upside is likely higher if Irving can’t take the floor.
JaMychal Green, MEM at HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Grizzlies lost Kyle Anderson (ankle) over the weekend and could be without his services for up to four weeks. The Grizzlies do have Justin Holiday to step into a larger role, but Jaren Jackson Jr. could also see some playing time at small forward. The trio of Jackson, Green and Marc Gasol actually shared some time on the floor Saturday against Heat. Green is averaging 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in only 23 minutes a game this year, so any added playing time could provide him with a boost in value.
CENTERS
Al Horford, BOS at BKN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200
Horford’s value comes from his ability to contribute in multiple areas. His production has been capped lately, though, due to a minute’s restriction after missing time with a knee injury. That restriction was increased to 30 minutes Saturday against the Magic and he responded with 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and one block. The Nets allow the most DraftKings points per game and the second-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so the added playing time makes Horford a great target for your entry.
Bismack Biyombo, CHA at SA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200
The Hornets turned to Willy Hernangomez when Zeller initially went down, but his time as a starter lasted just one game. Biyombo has started each of their last five contests and averaged 7.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. If you want to load up at other positions, rolling with Biyombo at center in tournament play could help significantly with your budget while providing modest upside.
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 ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA starts off 2019 with just five games on the schedule Tuesday. That leaves fewer value play options to choose from than normal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a profitable evening. Let’s dig into the matchups to see where you might be able to gain an edge. 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
Fred VanVleet, TOR vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500
The Raptors will once again be without the services of Kyle Lowry (back) when they take on the Jazz. He’s missed seven of the last eight games, which has allowed VanVleet to move into the starting five. VanVleet has thrived across 11 total starts this season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and one steal. The Jazz are a good defensive team, but VanVleet should still receive enough playing time to consider deploying in your lineup.
T.J. McConnell, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600
With Markelle Fultz (shoulder) still out, the Sixers really need McConnell to be a productive member of their second unit. His 14 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s still provided some offensive value due to his 56.1 percent field goal percentage. He’s also averaged 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 13 games, leaving him with some appeal in this contest between two teams in the top-eight in the league in pace of play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
J.J. Redick, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,100
Redick has remained a vital part of the Sixers’ offense despite the addition of Jimmy Butler, averaging 17.8 points and posting a 22.8 percent usage rate across his last 13 games. He’s averaging 18 points per game for the season, overall, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s only shooting 36.9 percent from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring affair, making Redick a great option against his former squad.
Iman Shumpert, SAC vs. POR
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Shumpert has not only remained in the starting five for the Kings, but he’s actually attempted at least 11 shots in three straight games. He’s also having by far his best season from behind the arc, averaging two three-pointers per game. Throw in his 1.3 steals per contest and he’s remained DFS relevant despite his lack of rebounds and assists. At his reduced price on both sites, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Joe Ingles, UTA at TOR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200
It’s hard to read too much into Ingles’ production lately since four of the Jazz’s last five games have been decided by at least 17 points. His minutes have been limited in a few of those contests, leading to some less-than-stellar stat lines. However, his overall numbers for the season are strong with averages of 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. If the Jazz can keep this game close, which could be easier with Lowry out, Ingles could have a bounce-back performance.
Wilson Chandler, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800
The Sixers continue to have a huge void at power forward after they traded Dario Saric to the Timberwolves. Chandler has assumed the starting role in his absence and has averaged 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 20 games. It’s hard to get excited about those numbers, but this is still a favorable matchup for him. Both teams play at a fast pace and the Clippers use a lot of small lineups, so there is the potential here for Chandler to have one of his more productive outings of the year.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Aminu has had injury issues the last couple of years. Luckily for the Blazers, he’s started all 37 of their games this season. Although he may not grab a lot of headlines, he’s been a big part of their success with averages of 9.3 points, eight rebounds, and one steal. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game), which should afford Aminu with even more opportunities to pad the stat sheet Tuesday.
Luke Kornet, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,600
I can’t figure out Kornet’s price on FanDuel. Both Zach Randolph and Michael Porter Jr., two guys who haven’t played all season, are priced $300 higher than Kornet. Kornet started the last two games for the Knicks and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists. Enes Kanter (back) is also questionable for this game, so Kornet could be in line for even more playing time. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel and his price on DraftKings also leaves him with plenty of upside.
CENTERS
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,000
The Nuggets finally received some good news on the injury front Saturday when Paul Millsap returned from his toe injury. He only played 14 minutes off the bench and might be limited once again Tuesday. His return is bad news for Plumlee, who was starting alongside Nikola Jokic during his absence. Even if Millsap returns to the starting five in this game, Plumlee might not be a bad option in DFS. This could be a blowout at home against the lowly Knicks, especially if Kanter doesn’t play. Millsap likely wouldn’t play much if that were to be the case, which would still leave a significant role for Plumlee. I’d probably avoid him on DraftKings since more players are eligible at center, but he’s at least in the discussion on FanDuel.
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
The Bucks are going to need plenty of help from Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. Lopez has only averaged 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across their first two meetings this season, but he blocked a total of eight shots. I prefer deploying him over Plumlee if you want to save money at center on FanDuel and his higher minute’s floor might make him a more appealing option on DraftKings, as well, despite the slightly higher price tag.
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 ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA 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 11/21/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are no games in the NBA on Thursday because of Thanksgiving, but Wednesday brings a packed slate of 13 games. Let’s try to go into the off day on a high note with a winning DFS entry. Here are some cheap value plays that could help lead you to a successful evening. 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
Quinn Cook, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Warriors will continue to have their depth tested Wednesday with Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe) out. Cook has played an increased role since Curry went down, but his upside really increases when Green is out, as well. Across four games that both Curry and Green have missed, Cook averaged 19 points, 3.8 rebounds, and four assists. His price has climbed since taking on a more significant role, but Cook is still cheap enough to consider for your entry.
Fred VanVleet, TOR at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900
The Raptors could have depth issues of their own Wednesday. Playing in the second game of a back-to-back set, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kawhi Leonard sit since he hasn’t played two straight days yet this season. Kyle Lowry also entered Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury and even though he played, there could be a chance he is rested against a far inferior Hawks team, as well. VanVleet started with Leonard out Saturday against the Bulls and scored 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. This could be a great opportunity for him to shine.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,200
The Cavaliers are not only running out of healthy players but now J.R. Smith is away from the team as they work on trading him. They don’t have many offensive weapons left, resulting in them averaging the fourth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league. Clarkson does a lot of the heavy lifting on offense with a 28.5 percent usage rate, which is by far the highest mark of his career. The Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game), so Clarkson could receive even more opportunities to fill up the scoring column Wednesday.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100
After missing the start of the season due to injury, Bogdanovic has come off of the bench in all six games since his return. After a quiet couple of first performances, Bogdanovic is averaging 16 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across his last four games. He hasn’t played more than 25 minutes in any of those contests, but the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.5), which provides a boost to his upside.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Victor Oladipo (knee) was unable to play Monday against the Jazz, which helped Bogdanovic tie his season high with 14 shot attempts. Oldaipo is listed as questionable for this contest, so if he is ruled out, Bogdanovic could be a steal at this price. Even if Oladipo does play, Bogdanovic is worth considering since he is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals for the season, overall.
Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
Injuries are the theme of the day Wednesday with the Mavericks being no exception. Wesley Matthews (hamstring) has already been ruled out, marking the third straight game that he will miss. Finney-Smith started the first two games with Matthews sidelined, logging at least 34 minutes in both contests. His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals in those starts, making him an option in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MIL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,500
If there’s one thing you can count on with Aminu, it’s that he’s going to gobble up rebounds. He has at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games and is averaging 8.4 boards for the season, overall. His 12 percent usage rate illustrates how few opportunities he receives to score, but he’ been able to average 8.7 points per game because of his ability to shoot from behind the arc. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.1), which should work in his favor Wednesday.
Jonas Jerebko, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100
Not only will the Warriors be without Green, but Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will miss his third straight game Wednesday. Jerebko started both of the first two contests, averaging 6.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Don’t expect Jerebko to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price, especially when the other options the Warriors have up front are Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and, Damian Jones.
CENTERS
Brook Lopez, MIL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Bucks needed a boost in perimeter shooting and a center heading into this season and brought in Lopez to fill both of those voids. He’s been stellar from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.9 three-pointers per contest. Although he might not provide the traditional rebounding numbers that we expect from centers, Lopez is averaging 1.8 blocks per contest. After scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds and one block when these two teams met earlier this season, Lopez is someone to also consider for their rematch.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100
The Hornets like to deploy a lot of small lineups, but there are two factors working against that Wednesday. First, the Pacers have a lot of size and depth at center. Second, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle), who they like to play up front when they go small, will be missing his fourth straight contest. Across the previous three games that he missed, Zeller averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. That’s not overly impressive, but it at least brings him into the discussion if you want to go really cheap at center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
With 11 games in the NBA on Wednesday, many of the best players in the league will be in action. In order to fit some of them into your DFS entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheap value plays. Here are some of the better options to consider when crafting 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
Collin Sexton, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000
Sexton might still have a lot of developing to do, but he’s shown promise while filling in as the starting point guard with George Hill (shoulder) out. Across three games since assuming the role, Sexton is averaging 17 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The key is that he has logged at least 34 minutes in each of those contests, something that likely won’t change Wednesday based on the limited depth behind him. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.4 possessions per game), so that could afford Sexton with even more opportunities to provide value.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
Augustin has started all 14 games for the Magic this year and isn’t going to lose that job anytime soon. Not only do they have no viable options behind him, but he’s averaged a respectable 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. In his first game against the Sixers this year, Augustin finished with nine points, three rebounds and nine assists. Considering the Sixers play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.6), Augustin could be a viable option in tournament play for their rematch.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000
Ross continues to lead the Magic’s second unit with a 24 percent usage rate. In fact, the only two players on the team with higher usage rates are both starters in Evan Fournier (26.1 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (25.3 percent). Ross is also averaging a whopping six three-point attempts per contest, which has helped him post 13.8 points and 2.3 three-pointers a night. With the potential for this game to be played at a faster pace than the Sixers are accustomed to, Ross could be in line for another valuable offensive outing.
J.R. Smith, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000
The Cavaliers are running out of healthy players, so they’ve had to turn to a familiar face in Smith to cover some of the extra available minutes. Never one to shy away from taking shots, Smith has scored at least 13 points in four of his last five games. It hasn’t been just about scoring for Smith, though, who is also averaging 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals during that five-game stretch. The Wizards are allowing the most points per game (118.5), making Smith a potential bargain at this price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jae Crowder, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200
Crowder continues to thrive off the bench for the Jazz, averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His 69.6 percent shooting from the charity stripe leaves a lot to be desired, but that’s more a season-long fantasy concern than it is in DFS. In his first two games against the Mavericks this season, Crowder averaged 14.5 points and six rebounds, almost exactly in line with his overall marks for the year. His upside might not be off the charts, but he also has a relatively high floor for a player at this price.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
The Wizards are finally healthy, but that hasn’t stopped Green from being a valuable part of their second unit. Actually, he’s averaging 14.6 points and six rebounds over his last five games. He may not get a ton of shots, but he’s been extremely efficient by shooting 51 percent from the floor and 96.9 percent from the charity stripe. In a matchup against his former team that is currently decimated by injuries, Green is an intriguing option in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900
The Blazers don’t count on Aminu to score much, leaving him with a paltry 11.9 percent usage rate. However, he’s still managed to average 8.5 points per contest. Add that to his 8.7 rebounds a game and he’s a nightly threat to at least approach a double-double. This is a good matchup for him against a Lakers team that deploys a lot of small lineups and plays at the third-fastest pace (105.6). The last time these two teams met, Aminu had four points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Derrick Favors, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,600
Favors was forced to play extra minutes last season with Rudy Gobert out for an extended period of time, but with Gobert healthy, Favors is back to playing just 23 minutes a game this year. That hasn’t stopped him from being productive, though, with averages of 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Mavericks have improved their overall roster, but Favors is a tough matchup for them at power forward. When these two teams played each other last week, Favors finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800
With Kevin Love (toe), Sam Dekker (ankle) and Cedi Osman (back) all out, the Cavaliers have been forced to play Larry Nance Jr. more at power forward. That’s left Thompson to handle the bulk of the time at center, resulting in him playing at least 28 minutes in each of his last four games. He hasn’t let those minutes go to waste, averaging 15.5 points and 16 rebounds a contest.
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Valanciunas has bounced in and out of the starting five based on matchups, but this looks like an instance where he’ll start against Andre Drummond. Even though Valanciunas is still only averaging 22 minutes a game as a starter, he’s posted 13.2 points, eight rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest in that role. Thompson has the higher upside, but Valanciunas is also someone to consider who comes at an even cheaper price.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/8/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Thursday brings a light schedule in the NBA with only four games. There aren’t a ton of viable cheap value plays, as a result, so let’s look a little further across the price scale for some options that could help you win some money. 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
Eric Bledsoe, MIL at GS
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,700
Bledsoe is off to a horrendous offensive start, averaging just 12.8 points per game. That would be his lowest mark since he was a bench player for the Clippers during the 2012-13 season. A big reason for his decline in scoring has been his 21 percent usage rate, which is down from 26 percent during his time with the Bucks last season. Luckily he’s still averaging four rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. With both of these teams in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, this could be a chance for Bledsoe to have one of his better performances of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at POR
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,600
Avery Bradley (ankle) didn’t play Monday against the Timberwolves, which opened up a starting spot for Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s clearly not going to be one of the main scoring options for the Clippers, even in a starting role, but he did finish with six points, three rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in that contest. Bradley will sit Thursday, as well, making Gilgeous-Alexander someone to at least consider in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $7,000
Another player benefiting from an injury on his team right now is Schroder. Russell Westbrook suffered what looked to be a bad ankle injury Monday against the Pelicans, but it doesn’t appear to be as serious as initially feared. He sat out Wednesday against the Cavaliers, leaving Schroder to enter the starting five. Schroder didn’t let his teammates down, scoring 28 points to go along with seven rebounds, one steal, and one block across 34 minutes. It seems unlikely that Westbrook will play Thursday, making Schroder a great option once again.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500
Playing alongside Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, it’s no surprise that Brogdon only has a 16.7 percent usage rate. However, he is shooting 46.6 percent from the field, which has helped him average 12.1 points per contest. His contributions come from more than just in the scoring department, as well, with 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per contest. This should be an uptempo game with a lot of small lineups. making Brogdon an intriguing cost-effective option.
SMALL FORWARDS
Evan Turner, POR vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Turner hasn’t been able to live up to the hype of being the second overall pick in the 2010 Draft, but he’s become a very valuable member of the second unit for the Blazers. Despite only playing 25 minutes a game, he’s averaging 10.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. The Blazers don’t exactly play at a blistering pace, but they might be forced to Thursday with the Clippers playing at the ninth-fastest pace (103.7 possessions per game) in the league. With Turner’s ability to contribute across the board, he could provide value.
Alfonzo McKinnie, GS vs. MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,800
The Warriors are going to be thin up front with Draymond Green (toe) out. It will require a group effort to make up for his absence, with one of those players possibly being McKinnie. He’s been excellent on the boards in limited playing time, averaging 4.1 rebounds across just 15 minutes per game. The Warriors have already been playing him more, as well, with McKinnie logging at least 20 minutes in three of their last four games. During those contests, he averaged 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds. At this dirt cheap price, he might not be a crazy choice in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at POR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
The Marcin Gortat era with the Clippers seems to be over. Since removing him from the rotation, the Clippers have gone 2-0. Harrell played well in both of those games, averaging 11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks. It’s also important to note that even though he didn’t start either of those contests, he logged at least 25 minutes both times. Even in a bench role, Harrell can thrive.
Jerami Grant, OKC vs. HOU
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,900
Grant might not be a flashy name, but he’s extremely important for the Thunder. After coming off the bench for 80 of the 81 games he played in last year, he’s started seven of nine contests this season. He’s done nothing to suggest he will be removed from that role, averaging 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. The Rockets use a lot of small lineups and the Thunder play at the sixth-fastest pace (104.9), leaving this as a favorable matchup for Grant.
CENTERS
Steven Adams, OKC vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $5,800
Adams doesn’t come at much of a reduced price on FanDuel, but his price on DraftKings is appealing, especially with only four games on the schedule. He’s been a rock for the Thunder in the middle, averaging 13 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks across 34 minutes a game. Although he’s been horrible from the charity stripe, that’s more of a season-long fantasy issue than a concern for DFS. This should be a fun matchup between him and Clint Capela.
Boban Marjanovic, LAC at POR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,400
Marjanovic has flashed immense potential, but he’s never been given consistent playing time. That’s changed with him taking over the starting center job from Gortat. He’s still not playing a normal allotment of starter’s minutes, but he’s averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds, and one block in that role. The Blazers have defended opposing centers well this season, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away from Marjanovic when crafting your entry.