Wednesday will be action-packed in the NBA with 11 games on the schedule. That leaves us with a ton of cheap value play options to wade through. Without further ado, here are a couple that stand out as great options at each position.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/25/19
The NBA starts off the final week of February with 11 games on the schedule Monday. That leaves us with plenty of cheaper value play options to wade through in DFS. We’ll make that task a little easier for you by highlighting a couple of players at each position with particularly appealing matchups.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a bevy of value play options to choose from Wednesday with 12 games on the schedule. Let’s dive right in and highlight a couple at each position that could hopefully help you win some cash. 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
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Rozier shined filling in last season when the Celtics were dealing with several key injuries, but he’s been limited to just 23 minutes a game this year with Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back in the fold. However, there are a couple of factors that could work in his favor Wednesday. First, Jaylen Brown (hand) is listed as questionable, so if he doesn’t take the floor, that could open up some added minutes for Rozier. Second, this game could get out of hand early with how poorly the Suns have played and this game being played in Boston. Rozier would also gain some added garbage time minutes in that scenario, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Tyus Jones, MIN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves will be without Jeff Teague (ankle), which will move Derrick Rose into the starting five. Rose is a great DFS option, as a result, but his price doesn’t exactly make him a cheap value play. Jones, on the other hand, isn’t too far off from the minimum price on both sites. He ended up playing 24 minutes in a blowout win over the Kings on Monday, scoring 10 points to go along with three rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals. This game figures to be closer, but that doesn’t mean Jones won’t play enough to be worth considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Like Rozier, Smart has seen a significant reduction in his playing time this season. However, if Brown doesn’t play, Smart will likely move into the starting five. Across nine previous starts, Smart has averaged 8.8 points. 3.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. His scoring upside won’t be high whether he starts or comes off the bench, but his contributions in other areas would still make him a viable target with the added playing time.
Jamal Crawford, PHO at BOS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600
In a bit of an odd move, the Suns have waived Austin Rivers after acquiring him from the Wizards. They don’t have much depth at point guard, so Rivers could have been a valuable addition. Maybe they really like the production that they have received from Crawford, who is averaging nine points, 2.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists across his last three games. Crawford will continue to be relied on to help play point guard Wednesday, so he could provide value despite this matchup against a tough Celtics defense.
SMALL FORWARDS
Nemanja Bjelica, SAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Monday’s game was pretty much worst-case scenario for the starters on the Kings. They were pulled early after digging a deep deficit and never returned to the game. Bjelica only played five minutes, but don’t get scared away from him because of one oddball game. Marvin Bagley III (knee) will be out again Wednesday, setting Bjleica up for the opportunity for heavy playing time if the Kings can keep this game close.
E’Twaun Moore, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600
Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, things are looking ugly for the Pelicans for this game. Elfrid Payton (finger), Julius Randle (ankle) and Nikola Mirotic (ankle) will all be out, leaving a ton of available minutes. Randle and Mirotic are also two of their best offensive options, so expect Moore to be one of the players that they look to for adding offense. That could leave him as a great option in DFS since both the Pelicans and Bucks are in the top-five in the league in pace of play.
POWER FORWARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600
Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined with an injury to start the season and then he was stuck behind Jared Dudley when he was able to return. He’s finally reclaimed his starting spot, which is key because he’s averaged eight minutes more per game as a starter than when he comes off of the bench. The added playing time has helped him average 12.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across his 13 starts and he’ll get a great opportunity to build on those numbers against the struggling Bulls.
Cheick Diallo, NO at MIL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,500
With Randle and Mirotic out, Anthony Davis is going to have to carry even more of the load up front for the Pelicans. However, someone is going to have to help fill Randle’s and Mirotic’s minutes. Diallo is likely one of the prime candidates to spend more time on the floor. While opportunities have been few and far between for him this year, he had 10 points and 10 rebounds in the lone game in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. That’s obviously not a great sample size to be working with, but he might still be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Allen is averaging seven more minutes a game this year compared to his rookie season with the Nets viewing him as a key part of their future. His production has increased along with his playing time, boosting him to averages of 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The Bulls allow the second-most FanDuel and DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, leaving Allen with a prime opportunity to shine.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Zeller has battled injuries throughout his career, but he’s been able to play 28 games already this season. He’s not logging heavy minutes despite his starting role, but he’s still put up respectable numbers with 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per contest. The Cavaliers are thin at center with Kevin Love (toe) and Tristan Thompson (foot) out, so don’t sleep on Zeller.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/22/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/22/18
Thursday brings a small slate in the NBA with only six games. With fewer options than usual, it’s key to find the right cheap daily fantasy basketball sleepers to hopefully help create a winning entry. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the value players that are low-owned on FanDuel and DraftKings like E’Twaun Moore and Cheick Diallo.
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POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Thomas, LAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
Thomas has had a couple of quiet offensive performances, scoring a total of 16 points in his last two games. He was a combined 0-for-7 from behind the arc, so it was mostly a matter of him being cold from the field. Before that, he had scored at least 20 points in three straight contests. Thursday brings a great matchup against a Pelicans team that plays at the third-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) and allows the second-most points per game (110.8) in the league, so look for Thomas to have a better offensive showing.
J.J. Barea, DAL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,500
This is not a good matchup on the surface against a tough Jazz defense. However, the Mavericks will be without Wesley Matthews (leg) and Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) on Thursday, which is going to leave Barea with a significant role. He logged 29 minutes with both players out Tuesday, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. Barea has also played well against the Jazz in two previous games this season, averaging 17 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and two three-pointers. There aren’t a lot of great cheap options at point guard, so Barea might be worth the risk.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,200
Like Thomas, Caldwell-Pope is in a bit of an offensive slump, shooting just 5-for-16 (31.3%) in his last two games. He’s been able to contribute in other areas though, recording a combined 16 rebounds, five assists and two steals in those contests. He’s played at least 36 minutes in nine of his last ten games, so the heavy playing time helps to give him a high floor. Considering the Pelicans struggles on defense, Caldwell-Pope is another Lakers guard that is a viable option for your entry.
Luke Kennard, DET at HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000
Kennard has provided an offensive spark of late, scoring at least 10 points in five of his last six games. He played at least 24 minutes in all five of those games, each of which ended in lopsided scores. The Pistons have struggled down the stretch and the Rockets are rolling, so this game could get out of hand early as well. Kennard can provide value with added playing time, so he might be worth taking a chance on at this cheap price Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Moore had one of his best offensive performances of the season Wednesday, scoring 23 and hitting three three-pointers against the Pacers. He might not be one of the focal points of the Pelicans’ offense, but he has still managed to score at least 10 points in seven straight games. He gets a lot of time on the floor as well, logging at least 32 minutes in five of his last six games. Not only do the Pelicans play at a fast pace, but the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.1) in the league. With added scoring possibilities possibly on tap Thursday, Moore is a nice value play once again.
Stanley Johnson, DET at HOU
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Johnson is not a steady scorer, providing nine points or fewer in six of his eight games in March. However, he’s back in the starting lineup now, averaging nine points, five rebounds, and 2.7 steals in his last three games. He’s also been heavily involved in the offense but shot just 10-for-31 (32.3%) during that three-game stretch. If he can get a few more shots to fall Thursday, he could provide significant value when you combine that with his defensive abilities.
POWER FORWARDS
Nikola Mirotic, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500
March has not been a good month for Mirotic as he is shooting just 38.9% from the field in 11 games. His usage rate was 21.9% during that stretch, so he’s still been heavily involved in the offense despite his struggles. He can score points in a hurry when he’s hot though, giving him upside considering his role in the offense. This has the makings of a high scoring game with how fast both of these teams play, making Mirotic a viable option for your entry.
Cheick Diallo, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800
Diallo has been a valuable contributor off the bench for the Pelicans, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds in his last three games. Averaging only 10 minutes per game this season, Diallo played at least 20 minutes in all three of those contests. The Pelicans are playing their third game in three nights Thursday, so expect Diallo and the rest of their bench to see added minutes as they try not to burn out their starters. He could end up being one of the better value plays for the evening at any position.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
Dedmon had a surprisingly strong performance against Rudy Gobert and the Jazz on Tuesday, finishing with 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Even with the Hawks playing for nothing but a high pick in the draft, Dedmon has still logged at least 27 minutes in six of his last seven games. John Collins (ankle) is scheduled to miss his second straight game, freeing up even more minutes in the Hawks frontcourt. The Kings allow the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, giving Dedmon some upside Thursday.
Mike Muscala, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Muscala started at power forward with Collins out Tuesday, scoring eight points to go along with five rebounds, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 30 minutes. He’s been dialed in from behind the arc, shooting a combined 13-for-25 (52%) on three-pointers in his last six games. The Hawks struggle to defend power forwards as well, allowing the seventh-most FanDuel points per game and the third-most DraftKings points per game to the position. If you want to go really cheap at center, Muscala is someone to consider.