*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/16/17
Use Code “LLNBA17” at checkout for 10% off Seasonal PackagePOINT GUARDS
Kyrie Irving, BOS vs. GS
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $8,100
Irving has actually seen his averages decrease almost across the board this season, except for an improvement in steals (1.9 per game). The main culprit has been his playing time as he is only averaging 31 minutes per game after playing 35 minutes per game last season. The Celtics are going to need big minutes from him to keep pace with the Warriors and his 29.7% usage rate (tied for 12th best in the NBA) suggests he should be up for the task.
Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Ulis has started the past two games over Mike James, playing at least 26 minutes in both contests. While he only scored a total of four points, he did take 12 total shots, so there is an opportunity for better production. He was able to average 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals over those starts, so he could provide value at this price if his shot is falling. Considering the limited amount of games on the schedule tonight and the Rockets uptempo offense, Ulis might be worth the risk at this price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
James Harden, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $12,500
DraftKings = $12,700
Harden has been out of this world of late as he is averaging 34.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 4.5 three-pointers over his last four games. He has been one of the safest DFS plays on most nights, even considering his hefty price tag. Chris Paul is expected to play in his first game this season Thursday, but he is only expected to play around 20 minutes. While Paul’s return may reduce Harden’s value down the road, it shouldn’t tonight.
Eric Gordon, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,200
Gordon is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career as he is averaging 22.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.7 three-pointers per game. His value is also expected to take a hit with the return of Paul, but again it should only be a minimal impact with Paul on a minutes limit Thursday. Gordon hasn’t really seen a huge jump in playing time even when Paul was out though as he is averaging 33 minutes per game this season compared to 31 minutes per game last year. The Suns are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so roll with Gordon Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kevin Durant, GS at BOS
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $9,700
Durant has been a model of consistency as he has scored at least 20 points in all but one game this season. Not only is he averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists as well, but he is averaging a career-high 2.2 blocks per game. They need his defense when they go small and move Draymond Green to center, so don’t be surprised if he continues to block shots at close to that rate. The Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league but don’t expect them to be able to slow Durant down Thursday.
T.J. Warren, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,500
Warren has stepped up his game of late as he is averaging 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 three-pointers over his last three games. The key for Warren has been increased opportunities in the offense as he is averaging a career-high 15.5 shot attempts per game. The Rockets score a ton and play at a fast pace, which could mean another great stat line from Warren Thursday. He could provide tremendous value at this price.
POWER FORWARDS
Marquese Chriss, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
With so many elite DFS options available in only a two-game slate, it’s important to find a few dirt cheap options that will then allow you to stack your lineup with studs. Power forward presents that cost-saving position Thursday. Chriss has played at least 25 minutes in three of the last four games as he is starting to see his role expand for the Suns. His ability to both defend and hit three’s could prove very valuable against a Rockets team that likes to use small lineups. Take a risk on Chriss in tournament play.
Tarik Black, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $3,500
As we continue to look for ways to save money while squeezing out some value, we come to Black. Nene Hilario is considered doubtful to play in this game with a foot injury, which will open up minutes for Black. Nene missed the Rockets last game, which enabled Black to record 13 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes. The Suns are horrible defensively, making Black your other top cheap option at power forward for the evening.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU at PHO
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,200
Capela has posted a double-double in three of his last four games and has grabbed at least 11 rebounds in seven of his last nine games. With power forward Ryan Anderson spending most of his time around the three-point line, there are going to be plenty of chances for Capela to rack up rebounds. Don’t be surprised if he is the most productive center in DFS when the evening is all said and done.
Alex Len, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,400
Suns starting center Tyson Chandler is questionable heading into this game with an illness. If he were to miss the game, Len would take over the starting duties. Even if Chandler is able to play, he may see limited minutes. Despite only making two starts and averaging 23 minutes per game this season, Len is still averaging 8.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. If you need to save money at center, Len is an option in tournament play. If Chandler does miss the game, he could provide significant value.