We have a busy night of NBA action Friday with nine games on the schedule. That means plenty of star power will be available in DFS as well as some cheaper options that could provide value.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/27/19
After Tuesday’s busy slate, the NBA quiets down with just five games on the schedule Wednesday. The good news is that despite the lack of games, there are a lot of quality cheap value plays options to choose from. Let’s discuss a couple at each position that stand out.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA starts off the month of November with six games on the schedule Thursday. That’s a busier than normal Thursday, but there are still a limited amount of viable value plays available. Let’s take a look at some of the options that stand out based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
George Hill, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,700
There’s going to be a point this season, possibly sooner than some might have originally thought, when the Cavaliers are going to start playing their young players more. There have already been rumors of them exploring trades to move some of their veterans. Hill is starting at point guard for now, but don’t be surprised if his minutes start to dwindle in the near future. That’s of little concern Thursday, though, which brings him into the discussion for cheap point guards. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he is averaging 13 points and 1.1 three-pointers per contest.
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
It would make a lot of sense for Sexton to eventually replace Hill in the starting lineup this year. They are actually kind of similar players in that neither is going to rack up assists as a traditional point guard would. However, Sexton has had a few impressive offensive showings, scoring at least 12 points in four of his last five games. The Nuggets are a far superior team, so if they race out to a big lead early, Sexton could get plenty of garbage time minutes. I actually think he has a slightly higher upside than Hill, making him an intriguing option in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,600
Redick is still not starting games for the Sixers, but his playing time hasn’t dropped at 30 minutes per game. His 39.5 percent shooting percentage is well below his career mark, but his 23.8 percent usage rate has still helped him average 18.5 points and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. Both of these teams are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, which could lead to even more scoring opportunities for Redick.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,400
The loss of Kevin Love (foot) and his 27.3 percent usage rate is a crushing blow for an already thin Cavaliers roster. Clarkson has been one of their other primary scoring options, leading to him averaging 16 points despite playing in only 23 minutes a night. The key has been his 27.8 percent usage rate, which would be the highest mark of his career. His other contributions are limited, at best, but Clarkson can still provide value.
SMALL FORWARDS
Evan Turner, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100
Turner doesn’t excel in any one area, but his all-around contributions still leave him with some value. Despite averaging only 24 minutes a game, Turner has averages of 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Maurice Harkless (knee) could eventually eat into some of Turner’s minutes, but he’s already been ruled out again for Thursday. With the Pelicans playing at the third-fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game), Turner could do just enough across the board to warrant consideration.
Sam Dekker, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600
The Cavaliers are a mess right now with Love out, Tyronn Lue fired and the uncertainty surrounding the status of interim head coach Larry Drew. It’s hard to read too much into how the Cavaliers plan to replace Love with their recent coaching change, but Dekker has started both of their last two games. He had his best performance of the year Tuesday against the Hawks, scoring 12 points to go along with nine rebounds, four assists and three steals across 29 minutes. Facing the Nuggets is a much tougher task, but Dekker has upside if he remains in the starting five.
POWER FORWARDS
Zach Collins, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,100
Collins has been crazy efficient to start this year, shooting 65.1 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the arc and 88.9 percent from the charity stripe. Add that to his uptick in playing time and he’s become a weapon off the bench for the Blazers. His ability to shoot three-pointers and play at a fast pace could be key for the Blazers in this matchup against the Pelicans, so don’t sleep on Collins.
Trey Lyles, DEN at CLE
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,500
The Nuggets played Wednesday against the Bulls in Chicago, winning a close game that went to overtime. Lyles played 20 minutes in that game and has logged at least 20 minutes in five straight contests. He’s shown an ability to contribute when given the opportunity, averaging 11 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across those five games. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but this is a matchup to exploit with the Cavaliers allowing 117.9 points per game.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Dedmon was in foul trouble Tuesday against the Cavaliers, resulting in him posting four points and four rebounds across just 16 minutes. He’s had his ups and downs this season and is still coming off of the bench behind Alex Len, but he could see extended minutes against the big Kings frontcourt if he can stay out of foul trouble. The Hawks and Kings play at the two fastest paces in the league, which could also help Dedmon’s bottom line.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000
The Hornets like to play small, which is one of the reasons why Zeller is averaging only 22 minutes a game despite starting all eight contests. Even with his limiting playing time, he’s still averaging a respectable 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. Whether they like it or not, the Hornets might be forced to play Zeller more Thursday in a matchup against Steven Adams. Zeller is a significant amount cheaper than Dedmon, so he might be the way to go at center if you really want budget relief at the position.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/30/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are a lot of great value plays on tap Tuesday in DFS with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are some options to consider as you craft what will hopefully be a winning 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 vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000
The Cavaliers continue to start George Hill at point guard, but Sexton is their future at the position. He’s not your traditional point guard, though, averaging just 2.2 assists in 24 minutes per game. After getting off to a slow start, Sexton is showing some promising signs by averaging 13.3 points, 3.3 assists and one steal across his last three games. The Hawks play at the fastest-pace (108.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Sexton with a few added opportunities to provide value Tuesday.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300
The Magic have scored the fewest points per game (100.8) and some of that might be due to their lack of talent at point guard. Augustin has been starting for them, but he’s much better suited to be in a backup role at this stage of his career. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but his averages of 8.7 points, five assists and 1.5 three-pointers per contest make him someone to not completely overlook. This might be a spot to put him into your lineup against a Kings team that has played at the second-fastest pace (107.6).
SHOOTING GUARDS
Rodney McGruder, MIA at CHA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $6,200
McGruder didn’t exactly have a great performance with seven points, six rebounds, and one three-pointer Monday against the Kings. On a positive note, he did play 32 minutes. With all of the injuries the Heat suffered to start the year, McGruder found himself in an expanded role that he has yet to relinquish. With averages of 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, four assists, and 2.3 three-pointers look for him to have a bounce-back performance Tuesday.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600
With the Cavaliers loss of Kevin Love (foot), they have a gaping hole in their offense. Clarkson’s 28.8 percent usage rate is already the highest on the team, but he could be looking for even more shots moving forward. The departure of LeBron James certainly hasn’t been good for the Cavaliers, but it has benefited Clarkson, who is averaging a career-high 16.2 points per game. Considering the fast pace at which the Hawks play, this could be a big night for Clarkson.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700
The Magic have some ugly offensive numbers, but they’ve played three tough teams in a row in the Celtics, Blazers, and Bucks. Isaac actually played well during that stretch, averaging 10 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He still has a lot of improving to do offensively, but he can be a menace defensively and on the glass. With the added scoring potential facing a Kings team that has allowed the fourth-most points per game (119.3), Isaac is someone to consider in tournament play.
Jeff Green, WAS at MEM
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,400
One of the biggest disappointments of the season has to be the Wizards and their 1-5 start. They are allowing a staggering 125 points per game and they again don’t appear to be the most cohesive unit. A contributing factor for their struggles has to be injuries with Dwight Howard (back) yet to make his debut. Howard won’t play again Tuesday and the Wizards could also be without Markieff Morris, who is in the concussion protocol. If he can’t play, either, this is a prime spot for Green to get added playing time. Don’t expect lofty production, but he is averaging 11 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 26 minutes per game.
POWER FORWARDS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC at OKC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,500
Marcin Gortat might be the starting center for the Clippers, but Harrell is the player who has seen the most playing time at the position. In the three games in which Harrell has played at least 20 minutes, he’s averaging a staggering 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.3 blocks. The Thunder could be really thin at center Tuesday with both Steven Adams (calf) and Nerlens Noel (ankle) listed as questionable. If either or both of them don’t play, the Thunder will have to go small, which could mean even fewer minutes for Gortat. Even if they do take the floor, Harrell can provide value at this price.
Zach Collins, POR at HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000
Collins might only be averaging 22 minutes a game, but he’s been extremely efficient, shooting 69.4 percent from the field, 54.4 percent from behind the arc and 88.2 percent from the charity stripe. It’s going to be hard for him to continue to shoot that well, but he’s clearly made himself a fixture of the second unit for the Blazers. With the Rockets propensity to use small lineups and play at a fast pace, Collins could be set up for another valuable evening.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400
The Raptors continue to play matchups at center, which resulted in Valanciunas coming off the bench Monday against the Bucks. Expect him to be back in the starting lineup Tuesday with the Raptors set to face Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Across the three games in which Valanciunas has started, he’s averaging 13 points and nine rebounds.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,100
Even though the Hornets like to use a lot of small lineups, Zeller has started all seven of their games. He doesn’t get traditional starter’s minutes at just 22 per game, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging a respectable 9.4 points and six rebounds. The Hornets might be forced to give him more playing time against Hassan Whiteside, making Zeller someone to consider if you want to go really cheap at center.