Thursday brings the customary quiet night in the NBA with only four games on the schedule. Still, there is money to be won in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 31 2019
With a few early games in the NBA on Tuesday, only four games will make up the main evening slate in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball 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 12/3/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA starts off the week with seven games Monday, including a great matchup between the Nuggets and Raptors. Let’s dive right in and highlight some cheap value plays that could be difference makers for 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
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500
This is a game to target tonight with both the Clippers and the Pelicans in the top-eight in the league in pace of play. Gilgeous-Alexander might not have the highest offensive upside, but his usage rate has increased from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench to 18.9 percent since entering the starting five. He’s also been an asset defensively by averaging 1.1 steals and one block across his 13 starts.
Tim Frazier, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,700
The Pelicans don’t have much of a choice but to play Frazier. The injury to Elfrid Payton (finger) has opened up an opportunity for him to take the floor and an injury to E’Twaun Moore (calf) has only made things worse for the Pelicans. Frazier isn’t much of a scoring threat, but he has averaged 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10 assists over his last three games. His price is climbing, but he’s still a great cheap tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Damyean Dotson, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500
It’s hard to get a grasp on what the Knicks will do on a nightly basis. They have constantly changed up their rotations, making them a nightmare in DFS. Things could be a little less murky Monday with Trey Burke (knee) already ruled out. Dotson was already starting to find his way back into the rotation and even scored 21 points to go along with five rebounds and a steal across 33 minutes on Saturday against the Bucks. He’s certainly risky, but the absence of Burke leaves Dotson with some appeal.
Alec Burks, CLE at BKN
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800
Burks was only averaging 16 minutes a game with the Jazz earlier this season, but he’s been able to average 25 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers. They are short on offensive options, so it’s not out of the question that he could continue to see this type of run. Not only did he score at least 13 points in both of his games with the Cavaliers, but he also grabbed 12 total rebounds. Dotson probably has the higher upside, but Burks is also someone to at least consider.
SMALL FORWARDS
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Will Barton (groin) is making positive steps towards a return, but he won’t be back for this contest. Hernangomez has helped stabilize the small forward position with Barton out, averaging 11.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a game as a starter. This might not be a high-scoring contest between two of the better defenses in the league, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on Hernangomez if you want to save money at small forward.
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at NY
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Oubre has been extremely frustrating. He’s scored at least 18 points in a game six times, but also has 12 contests with nine points or fewer. He was starting recently with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but the Wizards moved him back to the bench Saturday against the Nets. Rolling with Oubre is risky since the Wizards are still trying to figure out what works best without Howard, but his upside makes him an intriguing option.
POWER FORWARDS
Noah Vonleh, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Vonleh had never averaged more than 17 minutes a game during his career, but he’s averaging 25 minutes per contest in his first year with the Knicks. His usage rate is a minuscule 13.4 percent, but he’s a nightly threat for a double-double with averages of 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. With the Wizards dealing with depth issues up front, this could be a situation for Vonleh to thrive.
Jonas Jerebko, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
The Warriors are running out of bodies up front. Draymond Green (toe) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will remain out Monday and will now be joined on the sidelines by Damian Jones, who recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle. Jerebko isn’t going to get many shot attempts sharing the floor with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, but he is averaging 7.6 rebounds across his last eight games. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.9 possessions per game) in the league, which could afford Jerebko with even more opportunities to provide value.
CENTERS
Mason Plumlee, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league, but that doesn’t really help him garner much playing time considering the Nuggets also have Nikola Jokic. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game, Plumlee has still managed to salvage some value by averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s really stepped up his defensive contributions of late, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks across his last seven games.
Kevon Looney, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700
Another player who should benefit from all of the injuries to the Warriors is Looney. He, Jerebko and Jordan Bell are pretty much all they have left up front, although they can also play Kevin Durant there when they want to go small. The Hawks are an awful team, but they do have some size with Dewayne Dedmon, Alex Len, and John Collins. This game could also turn into a route early that leaves the Durant and the rest of the Warriors stars on the bench in the fourth quarter, which could lead to even more minutes for Looney.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/29/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, leaving us with very few value options to choose from. That being said, there are still some players to highlight who have favorable matchups that are still worth considering. 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
Darren Collison, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,700
It looks like the Pacers will be without Victor Olaipo (knee) once again. Collison hasn’t seen a significant increase in playing time, but he is averaging 7.6 assists across five games with Oladipo out compared to 4.8 assists for the season, overall. His 16.6 percent usage rate isn’t all that appealing, but Collison might be able to contribute enough across the board Thursday in this matchup against a Lakers team that plays at the fifth-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
An injury to Avery Bradley opened up a starting spot for Gilgeous-Alexander that he has yet to relinquish. Don’t expect him to lose the job anytime soon, either, since he is averaging 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 11 games. His usage rate is also 19.7 percent as a starter, up from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench. Both the Clippers and the Kings are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, which could leave Gilgeous-Alexander with a few more opportunities to provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Buddy Hield, SAC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700
Hield was limited to 25 minutes a game last year, but the Kings are giving him a chance to shine this season with 31 minutes a night. He hasn’t let them down, averaging 18.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. His usage rate of 24.4 percent has remained largely unchanged from last year, but it’s the second-highest on the team behind Harry Giles (26.7 percent). This game could be a shootout with Hield right in the center of it all.
Aaron Holiday, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,700
Holiday was awful against the Suns on Tuesday, going 1-for-6 from the field for two points and two assists across 15 minutes. Prior to that, he had averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two assists across four games with Oladipo out. There is certainly risk involved with putting Holiday into your entry, but it might be one worth taking based on his price. Of note, he is only eligible at shooting guard on FanDuel as he is listed at point guard on DraftKings.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
If you’re looking for an efficient scorer, look no further than Bogdanovic. His 19.2 percent usage rate is nothing to write home about, but he’s shooting 54.2 percent from the field and 53.5 percent from behind the arc. Strangely enough, he is shooting a career-low 79 percent from the charity stripe, but he’s still averaging 15.6 points per game. He’s taken on more offensive responsibilities with Oladipo out, making him another Pacer to target Thursday.
Doug McDermott, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,500
McDermott has not been able to live up to the hype of being the 11th-overall pick in the 2014 Draft and is now on his fifth team. He’s mostly a three-point specialist, shooting 40.5 percent from behind the arc for his career. Normally he doesn’t get many shot attempts, but he’s been more involved due to the absence of Oladipo. Across his last five games, McDermott is actually averaging 13.8 points. At near the minimum price on both sites, McDermott could provide some value in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500
With the Warriors lack of size up front, this would appear to be a game in which Ibaka will receive significantly more playing time than Jonas Valanciunas. Across five games in which Ibaka has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 17.6 points, six rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He’s not overly cheap, but this could still be a matchup to exploit.
Thaddeus Young, IND at LAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,500
Young had a minuscule 15.7 percent usage rate through his first eight games but has been more involved with an 18.1 percent usage rate across his last 13 contests. He’s another one of the players on the Pacers to see a bump in productivity with Oladipo out, averaging 11.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across the last five games. His upside isn’t nearly as high as Ibaka’s, but he also provides a little more savings for your budget, leaving him in the discussion at power forward.
CENTERS
Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,900
Cauley-Stein has hit a rough patch, averaging 9.4 points and 6.8 rebounds over his last five games. However, it should be noted that two of those contests were blowouts in which he logged 18 and 23 minutes, respectively. The Clippers have allowed the fifth-most DraftKings points per game and the eighth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, so this might be just what the doctor ordered to get Cauley-Stein back on track.
Boban Marjanovic, LAC at SAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,500
Marcin Gortat (back) was a late scratch for Wednesday’s game against the Suns, opening up a spot start for Marjanovic. He recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds and is now averaging nine points and nine rebounds across four starts this season. He’s clearly not going to log as many minutes as Montrezl Harrell even if he starts Thursday, but Gortat being out again would make Marjanvic a great option in tournament play.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, but there will be plenty of high-end talent available with the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, and Spurs all in action. There is also a surprisingly decent amount of cheap value plays with upside. Let’s dive into the slate 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
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300
Avery Bradley (ankle) is listed as questionable for this contest, but even if he does return, it would be a surprise to see him back in the starting five. Gilgeous-Alexander has done a great job across four games in that role, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should continue to leave Gilgeous-Alexander as a great option for your entry.
Jeremy Lin, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
The Hawks have been a disaster this year, but Lin has actually been a bright spot off their bench. He got off to a slow start, which is understandable considering he missed virtually all of last season with a knee injury. However, he’s turned things on of late, averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last seven games. His 23.5 percent usage rate is also the third-highest on the team. This game could get ugly early against a far superior Nuggets team, which could afford Lin with a few added minutes in garbage time.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,000
Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only player who has benefited from the absence of Bradley. Across the four games that he has missed, Williams is averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 assists per contest. Williams has logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games, which is significantly higher than his average of 26 minutes a contest for the season. If Bradley does indeed miss this game, Williams could provide significant upside, even though he’s not overly cheap.
Monte Morris, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100
Isaiah Thomas (hip) is still out until at least December, which will continue to leave Morris as a significant part of their second unit. Although he’s not a consistent source for production, Morris has shown his potential by scoring at least 15 points in two of his last three games. Not only that, but he’s dished out at least six assists in back-to-back contests. If the Nuggets do get up big in this game early, Morris could see added minutes in garbage time. That makes him someone to potentially target, especially with the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107).
SMALL FORWARDS
Taurean Prince, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900
The Hawks are still in the very early stages of a rebuilding process, but Prince looks to be an important part of their future. He has the tendency to go through shooting slumps from time to time, but he gets plenty of shots with the second-highest usage rate (24.4 percent) on the team. Luckily, he’s also averaging 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, which somewhat helps make up for the nights when his shots aren’t falling. After shooting 17-for-27 (63 percent) across his last two games, he might be in the midst of a hot streak.
James Ennis III, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700
It appears the Carmelo Anthony era in Houston has quickly come to an end. Whether the Rockets trade or release him, Anthony has likely played his last game with the team. That opens up added playing time Ennis, who had 16 points, four rebounds, one steal, and two blocks across 34 minutes Tuesday against the Nuggets. Gary Clark (hip) is also listed as questionable for Thursday, so if he can’t play, Ennis could be locked in for extended action.
POWER FORWARDS
P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500
With Trevor Ariza now on the Suns, Tucker is starting and averaging a career-high 36 minutes a game. Don’t expect him to get a lot of shots playing with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela, but Tucker has been able to average 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. The Rockets surprisingly play at the 28th-fastest pace (97.5), but they might be forced to speed things up Thursday with the Warriors playing at the 12th-fastest (102.2). His upside isn’t very high, but Tucker’s extended playing time still makes him a viable target.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400
Lyles has had a couple of quiet performances lately, which has created an opportunity to roster him at a reduced price. He’s had an expanded role this season with Will Barton (groin) out and even has the second-highest usage rate (24.2 percent) on the team. If you want to go with the assumption that the Nuggets will win this game handily, taking a chance on Lyles could pay off if he gets added playing time.
CENTERS
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,400
Not much was made of it, but Nikola Jokic received x-rays for an undisclosed reason after Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. Even though he said he’s fine, the fact that he needed to get one for any reason is concerning. Whatever is ailing him, it would seem silly for the Nuggets to play him significant minutes against the lowly Hawks if he’s not completely healthy. That could potentially open up the door for Plumlee to get added run. Plumlee doesn’t play a lot, but he’s still averaged 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 17 minutes a game.
Miles Plumlee, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,300
The Plumlee brothers might be facing each other a lot Thursday. Not only is the Jokic situation a concern for the Nuggets, but the Hawks will once again be without Dewayne Dedmon (personal). Alex Len is also battling an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. If he can’t play, Plumlee will be the last man standing for the Hawks at center. Still, don’t expect him to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do enough across the board to justify being considered in tournament play.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA tips off the week with nine games on the schedule Monday. With so many potential value plays to sift through, let’s get right down to business and discuss some of the best ones to consider 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
Quinn Cook, GS at LAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000
Cook couldn’t have done a better job filling in for Stephen Curry (groin) on Saturday against the Nets, scoring 27 points to go along with three rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three three-pointers. Across 18 starts last year, Cook averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers. With Curry out again Monday, Cook is a great option against a Clippers team that is playing at the eighth-fastest pace (103.5 possessions per game) in the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,200
An ankle injury to Avery Bradley opened up a starting role for Gilgeous-Alexander and he’s played so well that he will likely hold onto it even once Bradley returns. Over three games as a member of the starting five, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 13.7 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers. Bradley is listed as questionable for Monday, but even if he returns, Gilgeous-Alexander could provide plenty of value at this price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,100
The Magic have had their problems offensively, but Ross is averaging a career-high 13.2 points per contest. Even though he’s come off the bench for all 13 games, his 23.5 percent usage rate is third-highest on the team. His other contributions might not jump off the page at 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, but this is a great matchup against a Wizards team that is defensively challenged and plays at the seventh-fastest pace (103.9).
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800
The Heat have dealt with depth issues for most of the season and will be without James Johnson (sports hernia), Dwyane Wade (personal), and Dion Waiters (ankle) again Monday. Ellington battled foul troubles in a disappointing performance Friday against the Pacers, but he rebounded to score 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal Saturday against the Wizards. Ellington is only someone to consider in tournament play, but he might be worth the risk at this price based on the Sixers playing at the sixth-fastest pace (103.9).
SMALL FORWARDS
T.J. Warren, PHO at OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,500
After starting out the season coming off of the bench for the Suns, Warren has started in four the last five games in which he has played. The change in role has resulted in a significant increase in value with Warren averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two three-pointers across those starts. His usage rate has remained the same as when he was coming off of the bench, but he’s averaging 12 more minutes a game as a starter. The last time he faced the Thunder this season, he scored 18 points to go along with eight rebounds in 22 minutes.
Jae Crowder, UTA at MEM
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200
This may not exactly be a high-scoring affair between two good defensive teams. When they met earlier in the year, the Grizzlies won 110-100, although, Donovan Mitchell missed that game with an injury. Crowder had a strong performance with 18 points and six rebounds across 32 minutes off the bench. Even though he’s only started one game in the early going, that hasn’t stopped Crowder from averaging 30 minutes a night. With 14.7 points, 5.5 boards, and 2.3 three-pointers per contest, Crowder is a viable option again Monday.
POWER FORWARDS
Taj Gibson, MIN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,400
There are a few players who should see an increase in value due to Jimmy Butler being traded to the Sixers, but Gibson likely won’t be one of them. With Dario Saric coming to the Timberwolves in the deal, Gibson could be in line for a decrease in playing time and might even lose his starting job. Saric won’t play Monday, though, leaving Gibson with one last opportunity to provide increased value. Across the first 13 games, Gibson is averaging 11 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest.
Derrick Favors, UTA at MEM
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,300
Favors has started all 11 games he’s played in this season, but he’s only averaging 22 minutes per contest. That’s down considerably from 28 minutes a night last year, but he’s still managed to average 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He’s actually been very consistent of late, scoring at least 11 points and grabbing at least five boards in six straight games. At this cheap price, Favors is a viable target if you want to save money at power forward.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at MIN
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,100
Allen is averaging 26 minutes a game this season, up from 20 a night last year. The Nets plan for him to be a big part of their future, so he should continue to have an expanded role. The added playing time has benefited him so far, averaging 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. The Timberwolves have been one of the worst teams in the league at defending centers, making Allen a strong option to consider.
Mohamed Bamba, ORL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
With Nikola Vucevic ahead of him, Bamba is only playing 19 minutes a game. Even in a limited role, Bamba is still averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. When these two teams met last week, Bamba posted 15 points, two rebounds, and two blocks. His scoring upside might be limited, but his ability to provide rebounds and blocks makes him worth considering at this 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.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/23/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
After a busy night with nine games Monday, there are only three games on the NBA schedule Tuesday. With their being so few options to choose from, let’s examine players across the entire price scale to consider 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
De’Aaron Fox, SAC at DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100
Fox’s improved numbers this year can be attributed to two factors in the early going. First, he’s averaging 35 minutes per game compared to 28 minutes per contest last season. Second, he’s shooting 52.5 percent from the field compared to 41.2 percent during his rookie campaign. While his shooting percentage is likely to decline, his increased playing time might stick. He’s shown he can contribute across the board by averaging 20.7 points, five rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, making him a great option Tuesday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $3,900
Like many rookies, Gilgeous-Alexander has been inconsistent to start his career. While he has chipped in exactly four assists in each of his three games, he sandwiched 11 and 12 point games around a two-point performance against the Thunder. On the bright side, he logged between 23 and 28 minutes in all three games. The Pelicans play at the second-fastest pace (108.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Gilgeous-Alexander with added opportunities to provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Markelle Fultz, PHI at DET
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,900
Ben Simmons had to leave Saturday’s game against the Magic early due to a stiff back. He’s listed as questionable for Tuesday, so his status is something to monitor as game time approaches. If he doesn’t play, Fultz could see a significant boost in value. Even if Simmons does take the floor, Fultz has averaged 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.3 steals across his first three games. His shot still has a long ways to go, but that’s enough overall production to be worth considering for your entry on such a limited slate.
Torrey Craig, DEN vs. SAC
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800
The Nuggets suffered a tough blow when they lost Will Barton to a groin injury. Craig started in his place Saturday and should remain in that role moving forward. His five points in 27 minutes were nothing to write home about, but he did chip in with nine rebounds, a steal, and a block. At near the minimum price on both sites, his minutes floor alone making him an intriguing option in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Danilo Gallinari, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,300
If only Gallinari could put together a healthy season. Since entering the league in 2008-09, Gallinari has played at least 70 games in a season only two times. He missed the entire 2013-14 season with a torn ACL and has played 63 games or fewer in all four seasons since. Last year, he only played in 21 contests. The good news is that he’s healthy now and firing on all cylinders, averaging 20.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and three three-pointers. He has a 25.8% usage rate and is playing 31 minutes per contest, so take advantage of him being healthy while you still can.
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at DEN
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,600
Bjelica has started each of the Kings first three games, which is a bit surprising considering they drafted Marvin Bagley III. Not only is Bjelica starting, but he logged at least 27 minutes in two of those three contests. He didn’t always get a lot of playing time for the Timberwolves last year, but Bjelica did average 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals across his 21 starts. Although he’s risky, he could outproduce this price point if given extended minutes again Tuesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Tobias Harris, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = $7,500
The Clippers made a franchise-altering move last year when they traded Blake Griffin to the Pistons. Harris was part of the return for the Clippers and has been one of the focal points of their offense ever since. He’s currently averaging a career-high 22.7 points per game and has chipped in eight rebounds per contest. His 50% field goal percentage is likely unsustainable, but his 24.9% usage rate is going to leave him with a high floor most nights.
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Another significant change the Clippers underwent was the departure of DeAndre Jordan. They brought in Marcin Gortat to take over the starting center job, but he’s played 20 minutes or fewer in each of their three games. Harrell and Boban Marjanovic have been rotating as his primary backup, but this game against the athletic Pelicans seems to be a contest better suited for Harrell’s skillset. He can put up numbers when given the opportunity, scoring 17 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three blocks across 24 minutes Saturday against the Rockets.
CENTERS
Julius Randle, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $6,700
The Pelicans may have lost DeMarcus Cousins to the Warriors, but Randle was a great addition to their roster. He’s wasted no time making a significant impact, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds over their first two games. Even though he’s coming off the bench, he still played at least 24 minutes in both games and has a 26.4% usage rate. Based on the pace at which the Pelicans play, expect him to continue to have plenty of chances to provide value.
Zaza Pachulia, DET vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,800
Andre Drummond missed practice with the flu Monday and is considered questionable for Tuesday. Facing Joel Embiid, this isn’t likely a situation where the Pistons can just go small should Drummond miss the game. One player who would seemingly benefit from his absence is Pachulia, who has already grabbed at least seven rebounds in both of their games. Don’t count on Pachulia to score much, but considering his bargain basement price, he’s someone to consider if Drummond sits.
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.