Monday’s six-game slate will have the Raptors, Celtics, Rockets, Thunder and Jazz all in action, which means there are plenty of top-tier options in DFS. In order to fit them into your entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value plays.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/21/19
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 2/5/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Tuesday’s eight-game schedule in the NBA brings plenty of cheaper value play options, especially with teams like the Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Clippers and Celtics all battling injuries. Let’s highlight a couple of players 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
Jerryd Bayless, MIN at MEM
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400
Well, Derrick Rose’s (ankle) return from injury was certainly brief. He played 20 minutes against the Nuggets on Saturday but has already been ruled out for this game against the Grizzlies. Tyus Jones (ankle) is out, as well, and Jeff Teague (foot) is listed as doubtful, so expect Bayless to once again receive all of the playing time that he can handle. He’s cashed in his added minutes lately, averaging 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, eight assists and one steal across his last six games.
Patrick Beverley, LAC at CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200
The Clippers will once again be without the services of Danilo Gallinari (back), although it appears his return is on the horizon. Beverley has played well filling in for him in the starting five, averaging 11 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals across his last nine games. With the Clippers playing at the ninth-fastest pace (102.1 possessions per game) in the league, the added playing time should once again leave Beverley with value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,800
The Thunder still don’t have a very deep roster, but the addition of Schroder over the summer has been huge for them. A fixture of the Hawks starting five the last two seasons, Schroder is averaging 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game despite coming off of the bench for the majority of this year. The key is that he’s still averaging 29 minutes a game to go along with the third-highest usage rate (25.1 percent) on the team. Schroder had plenty of success when these two teams squared off last week, scoring 21 points to go along with three rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes.
Jaylen Brown, BOS at CLE
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900
The first name that likely comes to mind whenever Kyrie Irving (hip) is out is Terry Rozier. He’s certainly a great option since Irving won’t play in this game, but he’s not overly cheap. Brown, on the other hand, has a juicy price tag on both sites. Across the last five games that Irving has missed, Brown has averaged 20.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and one steal. That included a matchup with these same Cavaliers when he scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds in 25 minutes. He stands out as one of the best value plays of the night.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL at OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,300
Isaac is finally starting to show signs of why the Magic think so highly of him. He’s seen a slight increase in playing time lately, which has helped him average 10.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks across his last seven games. The Magic don’t play at a fast pace, but they’ll need to speed things up Tuesday to keep up with the Thunder, who play at the third-fastest pace (103.9). The last time these two teams met, Isaac had a nice all-around line with 11 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,100
Batum has been more involved offensively, of late, which helped him average 12.5 points across his last eight games. The increase in scoring leaves him with upside considering he also averaged 5.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 steals and one block during that stretch. His value could be impacted significantly if the Hornets make any moves leading up to the trade deadline, but for Tuesday, he’s at least someone to consider in DFS.
POWER FORWARDS
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. BOS
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,800
The Cavaliers won’t have much depth up front for this game with Kevin Love (toe), Tristan Thompson (foot) and Cedi Osman (ankle) all out. They also suffered a blow to their offense when Rodney Hood was traded to the Blazers over the weekend. With so little talent around him, Nance, who is coming off of consecutive double-doubles, has a chance to shine despite this being a tough matchup against the Celtics.
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Williams hasn’t been shy about shooting from behind the arc, which has resulted in him averaging a career-high 5.2 three-point attempts per game. He’s made an average of two of them per contest, which has provided a significant boost to his offensive upside. He’s no slouch in the rebounding department, either, with 5.5 boards a night. The first time these two teams met, Williams scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him provide similar production in their rematch.
CENTERS
Ivica Zubac, LAL at IND
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600
Zubac (finger) is listed as probable for this game with the only caveat being his name has been mentioned in trade rumors. With how aggressive the Lakers plan to be on that front, it will be important to monitor for news throughout the day. If no deal is made and Zubac does play Tuesday, he does make for an intriguing option. His price has actually come down a bit lately, but he was still just one rebound shy of a double-double in his last game Saturday against the Warriors.
Boban Marjanovic, LAC at CHA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,500
After spending a lot of time riding the pine, Marjanovic has reappeared for the Clippers. He’s taken the floor in each of their last three games and averaged 10.3 points, eight rebounds and one steal across 16 minutes per contest. We’ve seen this before, so there’s a chance he might not even play Tuesday. However, with how quickly he can fill up the stat sheet, he might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
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 1/30/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday brings eight games to the table in the NBA. There aren’t many exciting matchups, so this is a perfect time to add some juice to the night by playing DFS. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper options at each position that stand out as having favorable opportunities to provide value. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Jerryd Bayless, MIN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000
Things are already looking bleak at point guard for the Timberwolves for this contest. Jeff Teague (foot) and Tyus Jones (ankle) have been ruled out while Derrick Rose (ankle) is listed as questionable. Bayless has been forced into a more prominent role due to all of their injuries and has played well with averages of 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and one steal across his last four games. The Grizzlies are a tough defensive team, but if Rose is unable to play again, Bayless should receive enough playing time to still provide value.
Tim Frazier, NO vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
Elfrid Payton (ankle) was a late scratch for Tuesday’s game against the Rockets, which left Frank Jackson to start. Even though Frazier came off of the bench, he still logged 23 minutes and finished with 10 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and a steal. Across 19 games in which Frazier has played at least 20 minutes, he’s provided respectable averages of 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 0.9 steals, so he could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play if Payton can’t play again.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,700
The Celtics will likely be without their top offensive weapon Wednesday since Kyrie Irving (hip) is expected to miss his second straight game. Terry Rozier is usually the first name that comes to mind as someone to roster when Irving is out, but don’t sleep on Brown. He played 32 minutes Monday and finished with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. In the previous game that Irving missed against the Cavaliers, Brown scored 23 points to go along with six rebounds and a steal.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. CHI
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,500
The Heat are already playing without Goran Dragic (knee) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) and could also be missing Tyler Johnson (calf) and Dwyane Wade (knee), who are both listed as questionable for Wednesday. Ellington started with Johnson out Sunday against the Knicks and scored 19 points across 31 minutes. His contributions outside of the scoring column will likely continue to be limited, but he could be someone to take a risk on if he gets another start considering how poorly the Bulls have played defensively.
SMALL FORWARDS
Darius Miller, NO vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
With all of the injuries that the Pelicans are dealing with, Miller received another start Tuesday. He played a whopping 40 minutes, which helped him to record 14 points, one rebound, four assists and three steals. He generally makes the most of added playing time, averaging 10.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals across 12 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. If Julius Randle (ankle) is out again, Miller is someone to target.
Jabari Parker, CHI at MIA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Just when we thought Parker was in fantasy wasteland, he explodes for 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks against the Nets on Tuesday. The key was that he played 23 minutes, which was just the second time he has logged at least 20 minutes in a game since the beginning of December. It’s hard to count on him to receive added playing time again, but he has the offensive skillset to put up lines like this if given extended run. Considering how cheap he is on both sites, rostering him might be a risk worth taking.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Morris provided a well-rounded performance against the Nets on Monday, scoring 15 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks over 31 minutes. He attempted 13 shots and should continue to be relied upon offensively with Irving set to miss Wednesday’s game. He’s been in a bit of a shooting slump lately, but his role in the offense leaves him with enough upside to warrant consideration.
Derrick Favors, UTA at POR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Despite averaging just 23 minutes a game, Favors has been able to average 11 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. He’s shooting a career-high 57.1 percent from the field, which has really helped to offset his lack of playing time. After averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks across three previous games against the Blazers this year, Favors also has some appeal at his reasonable price on both sites.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600
The Hawks have to be thrilled with how well Dedmon is playing leading up to the trade deadline. Since they are in the early stages of their rebuilding process, he figures to be one of the players that they try to move. He’s averaging 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over his last four games and should continue to start moving forward. There could be even more opportunities for him to be productive Wednesday since the Hawks and the Kings are the top-two teams in the league in pace of play.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks seem to be making it clear that Enes Kanter isn’t going to play anymore. Luke Kornet (ankle) is still on the shelf, so Robinson is going to have a secure role with their second unit. Over the last four games without both players, Robinson has averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and three blocks. Expect his scoring upside to remain limited, but his defensive abilities make him an intriguing tournament option.
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 1/28/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday doesn’t bring a ton of action in the NBA with only five games on the schedule. However, with so many teams dealing with injuries, there are actually a lot of cheaper value plays worth considering. Here are a couple at each position who could provide value. 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
Shabazz Napier, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600
The Nets are in a tough spot with Caris LeVert (foot) and Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Joe Harris (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday. They don’t have much of a choice but to give Napier more playing time. He logged 28 minutes against the Knicks on Friday and he finished with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. His final line could have been even better if he wasn’t just 3-for-13 from the field. This isn’t a great matchup against a good Celtics’ defense, but Napier’s increased role warrants adding him to your lineup.
Trey Burke, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
The Knicks are dealing with their own injury issues. Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) is already hurt and now Frank Ntilikina (groin) went down Sunday. With such a quick turnaround, don’t expect him to play in this contest. Burke is one of the few healthy point guards they have left, so expect him to receive more playing time in this matchup. He’s already scored at least 16 points in both games since Mudiay went down, so he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
Recommending players on the Knicks can be tricky. They change their rotations so often that it’s hard to get a gauge on what they are going to do on a nightly basis. However, the injuries to Mudiay and Ntilikina help to provide a bit of stability because, frankly, they are running out of options. Trier has shown he can be productive when given added playing time by averaging 14.3 points, four rebounds and 2.3 assists across 23 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes.
Avery Bradley, LAC vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700
The Clippers will likely be shorthanded again Monday with the expectation that Danilo Gallinari (back) will remain on the sidelines. That’s good news for Bradley, who has averaged 13 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 0.8 steals across the first five games that Gallinari missed. His upside might not be off the charts, but he’s priced really cheap on both sites and has a great matchup against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.2 possessions per game) in the league.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Pacers are a good defensive team, but this game could get ugly against the Warriors. The loss of Victor Oladipo (knee) puts them in a huge hole offensively, especially since they are already averaging just 108.9 points per game. To put that into perspective, the Warriors are averaging 118.8 points per contest. Bogdanovic is going to need to fire away to keep this game close and should get plenty of opportunities to do so. He already scored 21 points against the Grizzlies on Saturday and averaged 19.4 points per game earlier this season when Oladipo missed 11 straight games.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Batum is having an off year with averages of 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He’s shooting 46.4 percent from the field, but it’s not easy to provide a lot of offense when you have a 13.2 percent usage rate. On a positive note, Batum is averaging 14.5 points, five rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last four games. That’s even more impressive when you consider two of those games came against tough defensive teams in the Pacers and Grizzlies. He likely won’t be met with the same resistance Monday since the Knicks allow the fourth-most points per game (115.3) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
The Knicks have started to use Lance Thomas at power forward, so their shift to a small lineup could prove beneficial for Williams. Williams has really improved from behind the arc during his tenure in the league and is averaging a career-high two three-pointers per contest this season. He’s also had some access in two previous matchups against the Knicks with averages of 16.5 points, five rebound and one steal.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900
Morris’ shot was off again Saturday as he hit just three of his 12 attempts against the Warriors. That performance has left him 26-for-77 (33.8 percent) from the field across his last seven games. The good news is that he’s still getting plenty of shot attempts and averaged 6.1 rebounds per game during that stretch. If he can correct his shot Monday, he could prove to be valuable. Avoid him in cash games, but deploying him in tournament play might not be a crazy idea.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Enes Kanter’s days with the Knicks appear to be numbered. He hasn’t played in any of their last three games and he hasn’t been shy about voicing his displeasure with that. Since Luke Kornet (ankle) is out, that has left a more secure role off the bench for Robinson. Even though he still isn’t playing a ton of minutes, he’s managed to average eight points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks across his last four games. This is a great opportunity to roster him against the Hornets, who allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game and the 10th-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Mason Plumlee, DEN at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Whether he starts or comes off of the bench, Plumlee is not someone to ignore in DFS. After scoring 16 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal in a spot start for Nikola Jokic on Friday against the Suns, he followed that up with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block coming off of the bench Saturday against the Sixers. This game has some blowout potential, which could lead to more minutes for Plumlee. At an even cheaper price than Robinson, he is also someone to consider at center.
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 1/21/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday’s holiday brings a packed slate in the NBA consisting of 11 games. With games going on throughout the day, DraftKings and FanDuel have broken things up a little differently. FanDuel’s main contests start at 3pm EST while DraftKings has a five-game contest that starts at 1pm EST and a four-game one that starts at 6pm EST. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays across all of the contests that could be worth adding to your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
D.J. Augustin, ORL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,100
Augustin is averaging 28 minutes a game this season, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. Regardless of whether or not he’s suited to be a starter at this stage of his career, his minutes aren’t going away anytime soon, barring a trade. He’s provided value with averages of 11.6 points, 4.8 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game and has an excellent matchup Monday against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.5 possessions per game) in the league.
Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = NA
This game isn’t included in either of the contests on DraftKings, but Mack is playing so well right now that he’s not someone to overlook if you filling out a lineup on FanDuel. Across his last six games, Mack is averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. The Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4), leaving Mack with the potential for even more opportunities to provide value at this cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,900
James Harden finally has some help with Gordon healthy. Over two games since returning from a knee injury, Gordon is averaging 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The most encouraging part is the fact that he logged 32 minutes against the Lakers on Saturday. He’s likely going to receive plenty of scoring opportunities again Monday, especially with the Sixers playing at the seventh-fastest pace (102.9).
Josh Hart, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Injuries continue to pile up for the Lakers with Lonzo Ball (ankle) their most recent player to go down. Rajon Rondo (hand) and LeBron James (groin) are both listed as doubtful for this game, so the Lakers are going to have to try and patch things together against a Warriors team that has its’ full complement of weapons. Hart should be one of the players to receive increased minutes. Across 16 games in which the Lakers have played him at least 30 minutes this season, Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.
SMALL FORWARDS
Taurean Prince, ATL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,200
Prince has mostly started for the Hawks this season, but he’s come off of the bench in all three games since returning from an ankle injury. Kevin Huerter and DeAndre’ Bembry both played well in his absence, so Prince may not get his starting job back anytime soon. The good news is he attempted 14 shots in 23 minutes Saturday against the Celtics. With the uptempo pace at which the Hawks play, Prince should still get enough scoring opportunities to be worth considering Monday, especially at his cheap price on FanDuel.
Lance Stephenson, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,000
With Ball out, Brandon Ingram will likely be the primary ball handler for the Lakers. Stephenson will also likely have to take on some of those responsibilities, especially for the second unit. This sets up for him to see an increase in playing time, at least until Rondo and James return. He has played well when given extended playing time this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds. 3.9 assists and one steal over 12 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Of note, Stephenson is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at point guard and shooting guard on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
P.J. Tucker, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Tucker might be one of the more underappreciated players in the league. His value doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to defend multiple positions and log a ton of minutes is key for the Rockets. With Clint Capela (thumb) out, they need Tucker even more up front. He’s stepped up in a big way, averaging 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.3 steals across three games since Capela went down. Reinforcements are likely coming in the form of Kenneth Faried, but Tucker is still a great option Monday with his high minute’s floor.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,800
Morris is only averaging 7.5 points across his last four games, but don’t panic. He averaged 10.5 shot attempts during that stretch, which is almost exactly in line with his season average. He’s still one of the key offensive pieces for the Celtics, leaving him with a 21.2 percent usage rate that ranks fourth-highest on the team. His price has come down a bit due to his recent struggles, so this could be a good opportunity to take a chance on him in tournament play. If he can correct his shooting woes, he could provide excellent value.
CENTERS
DeMarcus Cousins, GS at LAL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,700
Cousins only played 15 minutes in his debut with the Warriors on Friday, but that didn’t stop him posting 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Opposing defenses have always had to focus on slowing him down, but with this type of talent around him, easy scoring opportunities could pop up for him more often than ever before. Cousins could play up to 20 minutes Monday, which makes him a viable option considering both of these teams are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play.
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,500
The Lakers brought in Tyson Chandler to provide depth at center behind JaVale McGee, but they might have been better off just playing Zubac more. He had a productive stretch in December while filling in for McGee when he was out due to an illness. He’s been at it again the last couple of games, recording 26 points and 12 rebounds against the Thunder on Thursday and 17 points and seven rebounds against the Rockets on Saturday. There is a good chance that he receives extended minutes again Monday, especially if this game becomes a blowout. At this cheap price, he has some appeal in tournament play.
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 1/7/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are plenty of value plays to wade through Monday with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are a couple of players at each position who stand out based on their 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
Derrick White, SA at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000
The Spurs may have finally settled on White as their starting point guard. Not only has he started nine straight games, but he’s also logged at least 27 minutes in seven straight contests. During that seven-game stretch, he’s averaged 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Even though those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that still brings him into the DFS discussion for Monday based on his reasonable price on both sites.
D.J. Augustin, ORL at SAC
FanDuel – $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Magic are approaching the halfway point of the season and Augustin is still their starting point guard. While that might say more about the state of their roster than it does anything else, Augustin has remained DFS relevant in the role. He’s averaged 28 minutes per game, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, which should afford Augustin with a few more opportunities to provide value, as well. The Kings have also allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200
The Bucks continue to be one of the best teams in the league and Brogdon has been a key part of their success. He’s able to provide steady contributions across the board, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. His defensive contributions are limited, but he is shooting a career-high 42.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bucks also play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1), leaving Brogdon as a viable option to consider.
Austin Rivers, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
The Rockets are on a roll right now despite not having Chris Paul (hamstring) or Eric Gordon (knee) on the floor. It turned out adding Rivers has been crucial for their depth. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes per game with the Rockets, recording 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night. With both players out once again Monday, Rivers should receive all the playing time that he can handle.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets will likely be without the services of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) for this contest. Carroll hasn’t played a ton this season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in all three games since both players went down. With averages of 19.7 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists during that stretch, Carroll still has some upside despite facing a stingy Celtics’ defense. In fact, he scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against an equally tough Grizzlies’ defense on Friday.
Danuel House, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200
Another beneficiary to all of the injuries on the Rockets is House, who has started each of their last seven games. He’s done nothing to make the Rockets remove him from that role, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers. With no reinforcements coming Monday, House will once again be a cheap option in tournament play who could provide some upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,900
Morris (neck) did not play Friday against the Mavericks, but with a few days off, he’s listed as probable for this matchup with the Nets. Kyrie Irving (eye) should also return, so this could be a tough task for the red-hot Nets. Morris is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. That’s saying something considering the depth that the Celtics have. If Morris plays, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.
Ed Davis, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Davis is a rebounding machine. He’s only averaging 18 minutes a game this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 8.5 boards per contest. The Nets have relied on him to log more minutes since Hollis-Jefferson went down, which has propelled Davis to averages of 6.3 points and 11.3 rebounds across his last three contests. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
JaVale McGee, LAL at DAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500
The Lakers have turned into the walking-wounded with LeBron James (groin), Rajon Rondo (hand) and Kyle Kuzma (back) all dealing with injuries. Even if Kuzma makes his return Monday, James and Rondo will still be sidelined. McGee normally doesn’t receive a lot of scoring opportunities, but he has attempted at least 14 shots in two of his last three games. It’s hard to rely on him to be an offensive force, but even a couple of extra shot attempts per game makes a big difference when combined with his ability to rebound and block shots.
Al Horford, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,600
The one thing I don’t like about Horford is his lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t logged more than 25 minutes in any of his last five games. However, three of those games were decided by at least 13 points, so it might not have made much sense to push Horford in those outings. The Nets are terrible at defending opposing centers, so even if Horford is somewhat limited Monday, he could still be productive.
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 1/2/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ll have our first busy slate of 2019 in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games. There is an abundance of excellent cheap value play options, so here are a couple at each position that could provide significant returns. 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
T.J. McConnell, PHI at PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600
McConnell doesn’t take many shots, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a valuable contributor. He scored 11 points to go along with two rebounds, three assists, four steals, and one block in Tuesday’s battle with the Sixers. The key is he logged 28 minutes in that game, which was up significantly from his season average of 20 minutes per contest. Expect him to continue to have an expanded role with Markelle Fultz (shoulder) out, especially in this contest since the Sixers will be playing in the second game of a back-to-back set.
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,300
The key here is the status of Kyrie Irving (eye). After suffering a scratched cornea against the Spurs on Monday, he’s listed as questionable for this contest against the Timberwolves. If he can’t play, Rozier would likely move into a starting role. Rozier has only made two starts this season, but he averaged 16 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in those games. He thrived filling in for Irving last season, as well, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry if Irving sits.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Kevin Huerter, ATL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400
The Hawks are going to be extremely thin Wednesday with Taurean Prince (ankle) and Kent Bazemore (ankle) both out. They are two of the Hawks’ top offensive players, so expect them to lean on Huerter to be more productive. With both players out Monday, Huerter set season-highs in both shot attempts (15) and points scored (22), which is even more impressive when you consider it came against a great defensive team in the Pacers. Don’t count on him for much outside of scoring, but he could still provide value.
Malik Monk, CHA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,600
Injuries continue to be the common theme Wednesday with the Hornets unlikely to have the services of Jeremy Lamb (hamstring). Losing Lamb would be significant since he is averaging a career-high 15.3 points per game. Scoring is certainly Monk’s strength, leaving him with the potential for extra playing time and shot attempts. Across 19 games in which Monk has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he’s averaged 14.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeAndre’ Bembry, ATL at WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Bembry has found himself with a more prominent role lately, logging at least 27 minutes in five of his last six games. His numbers might not jump off the page, but he’s been productive, overall, with averages of 7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, three assists, 1.4 steals and one block during that five-game stretch. Both the Hawks and the Wizards are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, leaving Bembry with some appeal in tournament play.
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,000
The Nets find themselves shorthanded for this game with Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) both ruled out. Carroll hasn’t received a ton of playing time this season, but that shouldn’t be a problem Wednesday. After Hollis-Jefferson left early Saturday, Carroll logged 35 minutes and finished with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists. This could be another productive outing for him against the Pelicans, who play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,000
They don’t play the same position, but Morris could also see a bump in production if Irving sits out this contest. Irving has the highest usage rate on the team (29.5), so his absence would create a huge offensive void. Morris has the fourth-highest usage rate (21.2 percent), so he would likely be one of the players they look to in order to take some of Irving’s shot attempts. Considering Morris is already averaging career-highs in points (15.5) and rebounds (6.1), he makes a lot of sense despite not being overly cheap on either site.
Rodions Kurucs, BKN vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Kurucs has had a couple of off games for the Nets, combining for seven points and four rebounds against the Hornets and Bucks. However, before those two duds, he had averaged 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds across three contests. With the Nets lacking depth and the Pelicans playing at such a fast pace, it might make sense to take a chance on this being a bounce-back performance for Kurucs.
CENTERS
Thomas Bryant, WAS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $4,700
Markieff Morris (back) will miss his third straight game for the Wizards, leaving them even thinner at center. Bryant has logged at least 30 minutes in both of the last two games and hasn’t wasted his opportunity with averages of 16.5 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. The Hawks allow the fourth-most Yahoo points per game (52) to opposing centers, so this could be another spot for him to thrive. He’s not that cheap on FanDuel, but his price on DraftKings is especially enticing.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $3,800
Cody Zeller fractured his hand against the Magic on Monday, which should pave the way for Hernangomez to enter the starting five. Playing time has been hard to come by for Hernangomez, who is only averaging 13 minutes per contest. However, across the three games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 14.7 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. He should reach that threshold with the Hornets needing his size to battle with DeAndre Jordan, making him one of the top cheap options for the evening at any position.
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.