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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There’s not a lot of action in the NBA on Monday with just six games on the schedule. However, with several teams battling injuries, there are still a lot of great cheap value play options. Let’s highlight a couple at each position that could prove to be profitable. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

Tim Frazier, NO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,900

With the trade deadline coming up this week, the Pelicans aren’t going to push any of their best players to rush back from injury. Elfrid Payton (ankle) will sit out once again, leaving a significant void at point guard. Frank Jackson has started three straight games with Payton sidelined, but Frazier has also seen an expanded role off the bench. Frazier averaged 7.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 8.7 assists and one steal across those three contests and is a great option despite this matchup against a tough Pacers’ defense.

Patty Mills, SA at SAC
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,100

Derrick White (heel) is going to sit out Monday, leaving the starting point guard spot up for grabs on the Spurs. Even if Mills doesn’t get the nod, he is going to see added playing time either way. The majority of Mills’ contributions come from the scoring column, which isn’t bad news for his prospects in this game considering the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.2 possessions per game) and are tied for the fourth-most points allowed per game (114.9) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

Monte Morris, DEN at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,000

Morris has started each of the last three games for the Nuggets with Jamal Murray (ankle) on the sidelines. To say he’s made the most of those starts would be an understatement considering he averaged 18.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.7 steals. If Murray is out again Monday, Morris makes for a great option despite his increasing price tag.

Malik Beasley, DEN at DET
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,500

Murray hasn’t been the only injured member of the Nuggets’ backcourt with Gary Harris (groin) also sidelined their last two games. However, unlike Murray, Harris has already been ruled out Monday. That should leave plenty of playing time for Beasley, who has averaged 14.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 35 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes this season. His upside isn’t as high as Morris’ if Murray is out, but at his reduced price, Beasley is also an appealing option.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

Mikal Bridges, PHO vs. HOU
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,400

The Suns have a lot of wing players, but their positional log jam has been freed up a bit with T.J. Warren (ankle) and De’Anthony Melton (ankle) on the shelf. Elie Okobo has been starting in place of Melton at point guard, but Bridges has logged at least 35 minutes in all four games since Melton went down. Bridges has been extremely productive during that stretch, averaging 14.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.3 steals.

Darius Miller, NO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800

Miller is another player who has benefited from the massive amount of injuries on the Pelicans. He’s been forced to start four of their last five games, leaving him to average 15.3 points, four rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals across those four contests. Considering the Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.1) in the league, Miller should receive enough opportunities to provide value based on his expanded role.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

Jeff Green, WAS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900

This is an extremely appealing game from a DFS perspective. Both the Wizards and Hawks are in the top-nine in pace of play and both allow at least 115.6 points per game. Keeping those stats in mind, you want to try and target a couple of the cheaper options in this game for your lineup. Not only is Green averaging 15.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists across his last 10 games, but he also averaged 17 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists in two previous meeting with the Hawks this year.

Kenrich Williams, NO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Things are so bad on the injury front for the Pelicans that their undrafted rookie Williams has been forced to log extended minutes. It’s hard to argue with the results, though, since he has averaged 13.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one block across their last three games. With so few healthy options to push him for playing time, taking a chance on him continuing his recent run of success is not a crazy idea in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/4/19

Brook Lopez, MIL at BKN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,400

Targeting centers who face the Nets is usually a wise strategy since they allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to the position. Lopez exploded for 24 points the first time these two teams met this season, which was a game played in Milwaukee. Look for him to shine once again in his return to his old stomping grounds in Brooklyn.

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at WAS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600

Dedmon is playing well heading into this contest with averages of 13.3 points, seven rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over his last seven games. This is another great matchup for him, especially with the Wizards’ lack of size up front. The only cause for concern with Dedmon is that the Hawks are likely shopping him with the trade deadline approaching Thursday. Just be sure to monitor the news leading up to this game to make sure he hasn’t been dealt yet.

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 1/29/19

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA is once again loaded with cheap value play options due to injuries. Let’s get right down to business and highlight two players at each position that could help lead you to a profitable night. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19

Derrick White, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700

DeMar DeRozan (knee) will be out again Tuesday, forcing other players on the Spurs to help make up for some of his production. Across the last three games that DeRozan has missed, White has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and one steal. This is an excellent matchup for him against a Suns team that allows the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.

Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900

Napier stepped up for the Nets again Monday, scoring 20 points to go along with two rebounds, five assists and two steals against the Celtics. He logged 26 minutes and attempted 16 shots, leaving him with 29 shot attempts across two games since Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) went down. There’s no reason to believe he won’t play a prominent role again Tuesday, which sets him up as a cheap option to target against a horrible Bulls team.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19

Marco Belinelli, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Another player who will be tasked with filling the void created by DeRozan’s absence is Belinelli. Over the previous three games that DeRozan missed, Belinelli averaged 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. This is a great matchup for him against the Suns, who allow the third-most points per game (115.5) in the league, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.

Wayne Selden, CHI at BKN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200

The Bulls seem hellbent on not playing Jabari Parker. They lost yet another key part of their rotation in Chandler Hutchinson (toe), who will be out for at least the next four weeks. In the first game that Hutchinson missed Sunday against the Cavaliers, Parker logged just 11 minutes off of the bench. Selden is the one who replaced Hutchinson in the starting five and he was productive with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. The key is he played 38 minutes. If you want to go really cheap in tournament play, Selden is a viable option, especially on FanDuel.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19

Cedi Osman, CLE vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200

Osman has cranked up his game of late, averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals across his last three contests. That’s especially impressive when you consider two of those games came against the Celtics and Heat, both of which are inside the top-four in the league in terms of fewest points allowed per game. He’s someone to target Tuesday in a much easier matchup against a Wizards team that allows the second-most points per game (115.9) and plays at the eighth-fastest pace (102.2 possessions per game) in the league.

Darius Miller, NO at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700

The Pelicans will be playing with a short bench for this game with Anthony Davis (finger), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E’Twaun Moore (rest) all out. To make matters worse, Julius Randle (ankle) is listed as questionable and could miss his third straight games. Over the previous two games with Davis, Mirotic and Randle all out, Miller averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. If Randle does indeed sit, Miller has plenty of upside.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19

Richaun Holmes, PHO at SA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,700

The Suns should once again be without Deandre Ayton (ankle), who is listed as doubtful for Tuesday. Holmes had missed some time recently with a foot injury, but he returned Sunday and posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks across 27 minutes against the Lakers. Dragan Bender has been playing well for the Suns, but he only logged 13 minutes Sunday. It’s pretty clear that Holmes is their preferred option in the middle.

Ed Davis, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100

Davis grabbed 11 rebounds against the Celtics on Monday and has now reached double-digit boards in three of his last four games. Considering he’s averaging three offensive rebounds a game for the season, that helps him contribute enough in the scoring department to not be a liability in that area. Even though he’s not starting, don’t shy away from him in this matchup against a Bulls team that allows the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/29/19

Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600

The Lakers would be wise to stick with Zubac as their primary center. He demolished the depleted Suns on Sunday, scoring 24 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four blocks in 35 minutes. This is a much tougher matchup for him against Joel Embiid, but Zubac’s expanded role of late still leaves him with enough upside to warrant consideration at this price. If this game becomes a blowout, that also should help him receive more playing time.

Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600

The Bucks don’t have a ton of quality size up front, so look for them to rely heavily on Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond. Lopez has been productive over the first three games these teams have faced off this season, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and a whopping 3.3 blocks per contest. If you’re choosing between the two, I’d go with Zubac over Lopez since they are so close in price. However, if you want a lower owned player in tournament play, Lopez might be your man.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA starts off 2019 with just five games on the schedule Tuesday. That leaves fewer value play options to choose from than normal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a profitable evening. Let’s dig into the matchups to see where you might be able to gain an edge. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Fred VanVleet, TOR vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Raptors will once again be without the services of Kyle Lowry (back) when they take on the Jazz. He’s missed seven of the last eight games, which has allowed VanVleet to move into the starting five. VanVleet has thrived across 11 total starts this season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and one steal. The Jazz are a good defensive team, but VanVleet should still receive enough playing time to consider deploying in your lineup.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

With Markelle Fultz (shoulder) still out, the Sixers really need McConnell to be a productive member of their second unit. His 14 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s still provided some offensive value due to his 56.1 percent field goal percentage. He’s also averaged 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 13 games, leaving him with some appeal in this contest between two teams in the top-eight in the league in pace of play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

J.J. Redick, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,100

Redick has remained a vital part of the Sixers’ offense despite the addition of Jimmy Butler, averaging 17.8 points and posting a 22.8 percent usage rate across his last 13 games. He’s averaging 18 points per game for the season, overall, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s only shooting 36.9 percent from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring affair, making Redick a great option against his former squad.

Iman Shumpert, SAC vs. POR
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Shumpert has not only remained in the starting five for the Kings, but he’s actually attempted at least 11 shots in three straight games. He’s also having by far his best season from behind the arc, averaging two three-pointers per game. Throw in his 1.3 steals per contest and he’s remained DFS relevant despite his lack of rebounds and assists. At his reduced price on both sites, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Joe Ingles, UTA at TOR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

It’s hard to read too much into Ingles’ production lately since four of the Jazz’s last five games have been decided by at least 17 points. His minutes have been limited in a few of those contests, leading to some less-than-stellar stat lines. However, his overall numbers for the season are strong with averages of 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. If the Jazz can keep this game close, which could be easier with Lowry out, Ingles could have a bounce-back performance.

Wilson Chandler, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

The Sixers continue to have a huge void at power forward after they traded Dario Saric to the Timberwolves. Chandler has assumed the starting role in his absence and has averaged 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 20 games. It’s hard to get excited about those numbers, but this is still a favorable matchup for him. Both teams play at a fast pace and the Clippers use a lot of small lineups, so there is the potential here for Chandler to have one of his more productive outings of the year.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Aminu has had injury issues the last couple of years. Luckily for the Blazers, he’s started all 37 of their games this season. Although he may not grab a lot of headlines, he’s been a big part of their success with averages of 9.3 points, eight rebounds, and one steal. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game), which should afford Aminu with even more opportunities to pad the stat sheet Tuesday.

Luke Kornet, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,600

I can’t figure out Kornet’s price on FanDuel. Both Zach Randolph and Michael Porter Jr., two guys who haven’t played all season, are priced $300 higher than Kornet. Kornet started the last two games for the Knicks and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists. Enes Kanter (back) is also questionable for this game, so Kornet could be in line for even more playing time. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel and his price on DraftKings also leaves him with plenty of upside.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,000

The Nuggets finally received some good news on the injury front Saturday when Paul Millsap returned from his toe injury. He only played 14 minutes off the bench and might be limited once again Tuesday. His return is bad news for Plumlee, who was starting alongside Nikola Jokic during his absence. Even if Millsap returns to the starting five in this game, Plumlee might not be a bad option in DFS. This could be a blowout at home against the lowly Knicks, especially if Kanter doesn’t play. Millsap likely wouldn’t play much if that were to be the case, which would still leave a significant role for Plumlee. I’d probably avoid him on DraftKings since more players are eligible at center, but he’s at least in the discussion on FanDuel.

Brook Lopez, MIL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

The Bucks are going to need plenty of help from Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. Lopez has only averaged 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across their first two meetings this season, but he blocked a total of eight shots. I prefer deploying him over Plumlee if you want to save money at center on FanDuel and his higher minute’s floor might make him a more appealing option on DraftKings, as well, despite the slightly higher price tag.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are few days in the NBA season as exciting as the Christmas Day slate of games. The league uses this day to showcase some of their best teams, which also means a lot of the top players will be in action. That means plenty of elite options in DFS will be taking the floor. In order to fit some of those players into your entry, here are some cheaper value plays to consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Emmanuel Mudiay, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,900

The Knicks have changed up their rotations throughout the season, which left Mudiay with little playing time at the start the year. However, he was inserted into the starting lineup in the middle of November and has yet to relinquish the role. He’s been especially hot of late, averaging 20.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 11 games in December. His price has increased significantly, but it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600

With the return of Markelle Fultz (shoulder) nowhere in site, McConnell will continue to be one of the main guards off of the bench for the Sixers. Don’t count on him to score much, but he’s provided respectable all-around contributions by averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 10 games in December. At near the minimum price on both sites, his secure role off the bench gives him some appeal in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. OKC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

Gordon is only averaging 15.3 points per game this season, which is his lowest mark since joining the Rockets. His usage rate of 22.5 percent is down over two percentage points from last season, but he has a great opportunity to be productive for at least the next couple of weeks with Chris Paul (hamstring) out. Across six games in which Paul has missed this season, Gordon has averaged 21.8 points and 4.3 three-pointers.

Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Smart has been an important part of the Celtics success in recent years, but he’s averaging a career-low 26 minutes per game this season. With the talent that they have across the board, his playing time is likely to remain limited. His scoring numbers have really suffered, but he’s remained DFS relevant with 4.2 assists and 1.9 steals per game. With the Sixers playing at the eighth-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, Smart might even receive a few more opportunities to provide value Tuesday.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Joe Ingles, UTA vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700

Ingles entered this season having made at least 44 percent of his three-point attempts in both of the last two seasons, but he’s only shooting 38.1 percent this year. Luckily, his usage rate has jumped to a career-high 17.9 percent, which has helped him to still average 12.1 points per game. He’s also chipped in 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals a game, leaving him with valuable all-around contributions.

Evan Turner, POR at UTA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

Turner’s career hasn’t gone the way some had expected after he was selected with the second overall pick in the 2010 Draft. However, he’s become a critical member of the bench for a Blazers team that has had plenty of success during his tenure with the team. He doesn’t receive a ton of scoring opportunities, which has left him to average just eight points per game. However, he’s also averaging five rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest, his highest marks in both categories since joining the Blazers. Even with his limited offensive upside, the savings he could provide your budget combined with his production in other categories leaves him with some appeal in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Kevin Knox, NY vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600

Mudiay isn’t the only Knick who has come alive of late. Knox, their promising first-round pick, has been on a scoring binge of late, averaging 20.3 points and three three-pointers across his last seven games. He’s also chipped in 6.6 rebounds per contest during that stretch, leaving him with plenty of upside despite his lack of assists or defensive stats. There is some concern that the Knicks could get down big against a far superior Bucks team, but with them looking to develop Knox, his playing time is fairly secure. Case in point, he’s logged at least 35 minutes in each of the last four games in which they have lost by at least 11 points.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,900

After sitting out two games due to a knee injury, Morris returned to log 20 minutes Sunday against the Hornets. The Celtics didn’t need to play him much in a lopsided win, but he still scored 12 points to go along with eight rebounds. Despite the Celtics’ loaded depth chart, Morris is having one of the best seasons of his career by averaging 14.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers. The Sixers are extremely thin at power forward after trading Dario Saric to the Timberwolves, leaving Morris with the potential to thrive in this contest.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/25/18

Steven Adams, OKC at HOU
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,700

Russell Westbrook and Paul George are clearly the offensive leaders for the Thunder, but Adams is no slouch himself, averaging a career-high 16.1 points per game. He’s been a terror on the glass, as well, averaging 10 boards a night. The Thunder added Nerlens Noel to provide some depth behind him, but Adams is still logging 34 minutes a game. While he’s not an overly cheap option, Adams has a high floor considering his price tag.

Brook Lopez, MIL at NY
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bucks are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, just one-and-a-half games behind the Raptors. It might not have been a flashy pickup, but the addition of Lopez over the summer is one of the key reasons for their hot start. Giannis Antetokounmpo is a monster, but he thrives in the paint. Having Lopez on the floor alongside him provides valuable spacing since opposing big men have to guard him on the perimeter. There aren’t a lot of great cheap center options Tuesday, but Lopez’s ability to hit three’s and block shots at least makes him someone to consider.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA will be plenty busy Monday night with eight games on the schedule. The Warriors, Rockets, Thunder, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of elite talent to choose from in DFS. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays at all of the positions to try and help you squeeze a star or two into 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Derrick Rose, MIN vs. SAC
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,300

The Timberwolves didn’t have much of a choice but to trade Jimmy Butler since he no longer wanted to play for the team, but his departure left a huge hole in their offense. Karl-Anthony Towns has seen a significant increase in his usage rate since the trade, but the Timberwolves have also relied on Rose to provide a scoring punch off the bench. He hasn’t let them down and is now averaging 18.7 points and 4.4 assists per game for the season, overall. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should help Rose to continue to be productive in this contest.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at SA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

McConnell has seen his playing time decrease to 19 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 21 minutes in nine straight games with Markelle Fultz (neck/shoulder) on the sidelines. His numbers don’t stand out, but McConnell is averaging 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals across 13 games in which he has played at least 20 minutes. Jimmy Butler has dealt with a groin injury of late, but he returned to play 25 minutes on Sunday. With such a quick turnaround Monday, Butler might again receive limited playing time, which could open up even more opportunities for McConnell.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Bogdanovic started in place of Iman Shumpert (hip) on Sunday, which allowed him to log a season-high 37 minutes. He didn’t let the rare starting opportunity go to waste, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. If Shumpert can’t play again Monday, expect Bogdanovic to receive another start. Even if Shumpert does play, Bogdanovic is still a viable target since he has logged at least 30 minutes in five straight games.

Langston Galloway, DET vs. MIL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,400

The Pistons recently received a boost with Stanley Johnson and Reggie Bullock returning from injury, but they are still shorthanded with Ish Smith (groin) and Glenn Robinson III (ankle) on the shelf. Galloway is able to play multiple positions, which has resulted in him averaging 30 minutes across his last five games. With 13.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game during that stretch, Galloway should at least be on your radar in tournament play, especially with the Bucks playing at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Nemanja Bjelica, SAC at MIN
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,400

The Kings drafted who they hope will be the power forward of their future in Marvin Bagley III, but he’s currently sidelined with a knee injury. Bjelica has a clear path to significant playing time during his absence, evident by the fact that he played 35 minutes Sunday. He’s averaged 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals and two blocks across six games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes, making him very hard to pass up at this price.

Jae Crowder, UTA at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400

Crowder has mostly come off of the bench this season, but he has started more of late when the Jazz play smaller teams. He actually started when these two teams met less than two weeks ago, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a block. His upside isn’t all that high, but he is still an intriguing option based on his potential playing time and cheap price on both sites.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

Mitchell Robinson (ankle) did not play Sunday against the Pacers and might not take the floor Monday, either, which could leave Vonleh with a more reliable role. The Knicks constantly changing up their rotations can make things challenging, but Vonleh has averaged 11.5 points, 10 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks across 13 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. It should also help his cause that the Suns have allowed the seventh-most points per game (112.7) in the league.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,000

Being the backup to the top overall pick might not always be ideal, but Holmes has made it work for his fantasy value. Across his last 15 games, he’s averaged 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. His role is solidified with Tyson Chandler now on the Lakers, so he’s worth a look Monday even though his ceiling isn’t that high.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/17/18

Enes Kanter, NY vs. PHO
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,700

Kanter steamrolled a strong defensive team in the Pacers on Sunday for 20 points and 15 rebounds. That marked his fifth double-double over his last seven games, which is especially impressive when you factor in that he logged 26 minutes or fewer in three of those five contests. The Suns allow the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, so expect them to have a hard time slowing down Kanter.

Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,100

It might not have been the sexiest of moves, but the Bucks bringing in Lopez during the offseason has been one of the key reasons for their success. His 2.6 three-pointers per game have provided them with a much-needed ability to stretch the floor, but he’s also helped defensively with 1.8 blocks per contest. They’ll need his size to battle with Andre Drummond in this contest, leaving him with a secure enough minutes floor to warrant considering in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

There are no games in the NBA on Thursday because of Thanksgiving, but Wednesday brings a packed slate of 13 games. Let’s try to go into the off day on a high note with a winning DFS entry. Here are some cheap value plays that could help lead you to a successful evening. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Quinn Cook, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300

The Warriors will continue to have their depth tested Wednesday with Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe) out. Cook has played an increased role since Curry went down, but his upside really increases when Green is out, as well. Across four games that both Curry and Green have missed, Cook averaged 19 points, 3.8 rebounds, and four assists. His price has climbed since taking on a more significant role, but Cook is still cheap enough to consider for your entry.

Fred VanVleet, TOR at ATL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Raptors could have depth issues of their own Wednesday. Playing in the second game of a back-to-back set, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kawhi Leonard sit since he hasn’t played two straight days yet this season. Kyle Lowry also entered Tuesday’s game with an ankle injury and even though he played, there could be a chance he is rested against a far inferior Hawks team, as well. VanVleet started with Leonard out Saturday against the Bulls and scored 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. This could be a great opportunity for him to shine.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,200

The Cavaliers are not only running out of healthy players but now J.R. Smith is away from the team as they work on trading him. They don’t have many offensive weapons left, resulting in them averaging the fourth-fewest points per game (103.3) in the league. Clarkson does a lot of the heavy lifting on offense with a 28.5 percent usage rate, which is by far the highest mark of his career. The Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game), so Clarkson could receive even more opportunities to fill up the scoring column Wednesday.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC at UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100

After missing the start of the season due to injury, Bogdanovic has come off of the bench in all six games since his return. After a quiet couple of first performances, Bogdanovic is averaging 16 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across his last four games. He hasn’t played more than 25 minutes in any of those contests, but the Kings play at the second-fastest pace (106.5), which provides a boost to his upside.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Victor Oladipo (knee) was unable to play Monday against the Jazz, which helped Bogdanovic tie his season high with 14 shot attempts. Oldaipo is listed as questionable for this contest, so if he is ruled out, Bogdanovic could be a steal at this price. Even if Oladipo does play, Bogdanovic is worth considering since he is averaging 15.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals for the season, overall.

Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800

Injuries are the theme of the day Wednesday with the Mavericks being no exception. Wesley Matthews (hamstring) has already been ruled out, marking the third straight game that he will miss. Finney-Smith started the first two games with Matthews sidelined, logging at least 34 minutes in both contests. His numbers didn’t jump off the page, but he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals in those starts, making him an option in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MIL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,500

If there’s one thing you can count on with Aminu, it’s that he’s going to gobble up rebounds. He has at least seven rebounds in six of his last seven games and is averaging 8.4 boards for the season, overall. His 12 percent usage rate illustrates how few opportunities he receives to score, but he’ been able to average 8.7 points per game because of his ability to shoot from behind the arc. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.1), which should work in his favor Wednesday.

Jonas Jerebko, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,100

Not only will the Warriors be without Green, but Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will miss his third straight game Wednesday. Jerebko started both of the first two contests, averaging 6.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Don’t expect Jerebko to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price, especially when the other options the Warriors have up front are Kevon Looney, Jordan Bell and, Damian Jones.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/21/18

Brook Lopez, MIL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300

The Bucks needed a boost in perimeter shooting and a center heading into this season and brought in Lopez to fill both of those voids. He’s been stellar from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.9 three-pointers per contest. Although he might not provide the traditional rebounding numbers that we expect from centers, Lopez is averaging 1.8 blocks per contest. After scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds and one block when these two teams met earlier this season, Lopez is someone to also consider for their rematch.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100

The Hornets like to deploy a lot of small lineups, but there are two factors working against that Wednesday. First, the Pacers have a lot of size and depth at center. Second, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle), who they like to play up front when they go small, will be missing his fourth straight contest. Across the previous three games that he missed, Zeller averaged 8.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. That’s not overly impressive, but it at least brings him into the discussion if you want to go really cheap at center.