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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18

*Austyn Varney*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 2/27/18. Put the picks into our lineup optimizer and generate lineups. Also, try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter most and find the value players that are low-owned on Draftkings & Fanduel like Denzel Valentine and George Hill.



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Point Guard

George Hill
FD $4,600 DK $4,600

The point guard position is an intriguing one tonight. On the high-end, you’re looking at Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker. Both are in well above average match-ups and can be played if you have the funds. You also have some solid options in the mid-range like Dinwiddie, Murray, and Dragic. They can all be played and none of them will be overly-owned. We then get to the cheapies, who we’ll touch on. We kick it off with George Hill, who’s already made himself a huge part of this Cavs offense. He got up to just 25 minutes against the Spurs, but sat at 34 and 31 before that. You can expect another 30+ minutes out of Hill if you think this game stays close. The match-up against the Nets is obviously tremendous as a team that plays the 3rd fastest and has no defense to speak of. Hill is super cheap on both sites and you can play him in all formats.

Milos Teodosic
FD $3,600 DK $4,200

Hill is a guy that will likely fit your build, but there is a way to go even cheaper. Teodosic is always a little inconsistent with his minutes, but he should get well over 24 minutes in this one. His price is diminished on both sites and you’re only looking for 15-20 fantasy points in cash games. The match-up with Denver is certainly good, as they rank 22nd in the league against the position. When it comes down to it, we just need minutes. I’m pretty confident that we do see 25+ here, but there is a real possibility he sees just 15-17 and disappoints. For that reason, George Hill is m clear play for value at PG. I’ll have some Teodosic, but I’d rather go there in tournaments. Hill is a guy I’ll have a ton of in all formats, while Teodosic will just be sprinkled in.

Shooting Guard

Tyrone Wallace
FD $4,500 DK $4,000

We’ll stay right in Los Angeles here and take a look at Tyrone Wallace. He got up to 36 minutes against the Suns and came through with 33 fantasy points. With Avery Bradley expected to remain out, you can bank at least 30 minutes for Wallace here. If you’ve watched him play at all, he’s a very good player and is extremely active on the floor. He picks up the ball a ton and grabs a lot of minutes at PG. You then have to consider this match-up against the Nuggets, who are typically good against SG’s. Fortunately, the better defender of the bunch will be on Lou Williams. Wallace will see the Nugs’ worst defender on the team and he shouldn’t have much of an issue getting to value at just $4.5k. Let’s touch on an even cheaper option who’s in play.

Wayne Ellington
FD $3,900 DK $4,000

Wayne Ellington is a guy I find myself on a lot when looking for value at SG. When Dion Waiters went down for the year, he showed a clear initiative to create shots and make a difference. He’s still there, but the addition of Dwyane Wade has definitely hurt. The ball is going to Wade in spots where Ellington would be allowed to create with the 2nd team. He’s getting 26+ minutes every game and is extremely cheap on both sites. He needs you just 20 and gets there with ease against a Philly squad that struggles against the 3 ball. Depending on what game you like more, these 2 guys at SG are somewhat even for me. Wallace is a bit safer in cash games.

Small Forward

Chicago Bulls guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after he scored against the Washington Wizards, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017.

Denzel Valentine
FD $4,000 DK $4,200

This Bulls team is a bit weird right now. They are trying to get the younger guys some minutes, but have done it in a very weird and unorganized way. What we have seen is Denzel Valentine getting a healthy increase of minutes. He’s gotten up 25, 28, and 29 over the last 3 and it’s no surprise. He’s one of the guys they think is a future role player and they want him to get some experience under his belt. He’s always productive when on the court (1.09 FP per min) and is shooting the ball quite nicely right now. The match-up with Charlotte is average, sitting 17th against SF’s and 19th against SG’s. If you need value at SF, Valentine is the only guy I’m all that comfortable with. We’ll have to increase our salary range for this next one.

Josh Richardson
FD $6,000 DK $5,200

I guess Josh Richardson is more in the mid-range, but he’s still a value at the price. Especially on DK at $5.2k. Richardson is the 2nd best playmaker on this team behind Dragic and is not afraid in the slightest to shoot the ball. He’s been at 47 and 35 fantasy points in each of the last 2 games, despite the inconsistent minutes. He now sees a match-up against a Sixers squad that doesn’t play much defense. They play a lot faster than the Heat and it’ll definitely be an up-pace game for them. A 2016 total isn’t crazy, but a 1 point spread is nice. I suspect we see 30+ minutes tonight out of Richardson and another 30+ fantasy points. It’s going to be very hard to get off of Lebron and Giannis is those nice match-ups, but I will have a bit of ownership to Richardson in both cash games and tournaments. He does have the upside to put up 50 fantasy points and turn the entire slate on it’s head.

Power Forward

Frank Kaminsky
FD $4,400 DK $3,900

Nobody gets excited about Frank Kaminsky, but we’re well aware of how cheap he is here. This was a $7k player last year that was putting up 35+ fantasy points on most nights. He’s been at 35 and 30 fantasy points in the last 2 games and is still seeing an increase of minutes in each game. He’s at 1.17 FP per minute over the last 2 years, so he’s going to produce when on the floor. he faces off with a Bulls squad that ranks 23rd against the position. Markkanen and Portis are lethal on offense, but have a long way to go on the defensive side. Kaminsky only needs you about 20-23 in cash games, which should be pretty easy if the game stays close. He’ll be in most of my cash games.

Lauri Markkanen
FD $6,100 DK $5,700

We once again saw Markkanen pick up 30 minutes and Portis just 20. Markkanen should be the more expensive option, but he’s a whole $1k cheaper right now at just $6k. Markkanen can put up 40 FP with ease if he is feeling his shot and a match-up against Charlotte is nothing to be worried about. Kaminsky and Williams are poor defenders and don’t mind giving up some open 3’s (27th against 3). Markkanen is continuing to see 30+ minutes and he is the 2nd option on the offense. He’s going to put up 30+ fantasy points on most night and I’ll have a whole lot of exposure tonight in all formats.

Center

John Henson
FD $5,500 DK $4,700

If we’re being honest, I want to pay up at center tonight. I’m not here to lie to you. The top 5 priced options are all in excellent spots and at least 3 of them are going to demolish value. Personally, I’ll have most of my eggs in Jokic and Whiteside baskets, with the rest on some value. John Henson is still listed as a PF for some reason on FD, though DK has the obvious C tag that he deserves. Since coming back from injury, he’s seen 34 and 27 minutes, putting up 20 and 26 fantasy points. He’s fully healthy and can be expected to play at least 30 minutes if the game stays close. Gortat is a good defender, but the Wizards play pretty fast and give up plenty of peripherals to guys like Henson that can run the floor and get above the rim. Either pay up or drop down to Henson and hope for a close game.

 

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/5/18 – Value Plays

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/5/18 – Value Plays

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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Ish Smith, DET at PHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

Smith has made three starts since taking over for the injured Reggie Jackson (ankle), averaging 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.3 points and 1.0 steal per game. His usage rate over that stretch was 23.7%, which really increases his value when you consider he averaged 31 minutes per contest. The Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should also benefit Smith on Friday. While his price is climbing, it’s still low enough to provide value in this game.

J.J. Barea, DAL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

Barea continues to produce in limited playing time, averaging 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers over his last six games. The Mavericks have been one of the worst offensive teams in the league this season, but have shown improvement lately by scoring at least 107 points in five of their last eight games. The Bulls aren’t nearly as bad as they were at the start of the season, but they have still allowed at least 106 points in nine of their last 11 games. Barea has upside at this price for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Justin Holiday, CHI at DAL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,400

Holiday has been horrible from the field this season, shooting only 38.1%. He’s shown signs of coming out of his slump though, shooting 45% from the field over his last 10 games. Not only has he improved his shooting, but he also averaged 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists over that same stretch. With the Mavericks playing better offensively and the Bulls scoring at least 110 points in nine of their last 11 games, there might be more scoring in this game than you would expect. His ceiling isn’t very high, but Holiday is still a viable option to consider.

Marco Belinelli, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800

Belinelli continues to fly under the radar in Atlanta, but he’s averaging a solid 15.0 points and 1.9 three-pointers over his last seven games. He doesn’t provide many rebounds or assists, but he did record at least one steal in six of those seven games. His upside is limited because of his inability to contribute across the board, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this extremely cheap price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Taurean Prince, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,700

Prince is not for the faint of heart. He has shot 28.6% or less from the field in four of his last seven games, the last of which was a 2-for-14 performance Tuesday against the Suns. The good news is that it hasn’t deterred him from shooting, averaging 11.4 shot attempts per game over that stretch, which is on par with his season average. He can also contribute on the glass, grabbing at least nine rebounds in three of his last four games. He posted a double-double to go along with five assists against these same Trail Blazers on Saturday, so you may want to consider using him Friday.

Courtney Lee, NY at MIA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

The Knicks are still without Tim Hardaway Jr. (leg), leaving Lee to log heavy minutes. Playing at least 34 minutes in six of his last seven games, there is no reason to believe this won’t continue until Hardaway returns. Lee is averaging career-highs in points (13.3), assists (2.8), steals (1.4) and three-pointers (1.7) per game as a result of his increased role. He was excellent in his first game against the Heat this season, scoring 17 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. The price is right to take a chance on him again in their rematch.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Ersan Ilyasova, ATL at POR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,300

The Hawks are in full rebuild mode and lack talent and overall depth. Ilyasova has been one of the main beneficiaries of the rebuild, especially with their lack of size up front. He’s really stepped up his game lately, averaging 17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers over his last six games. He had a decent game scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebounds against the Trail Blazers on Saturday, but it could have been even better if he didn’t shoot only 5-of-15 from the field. Expect him to get plenty of playing time again Friday, so he could provide a lot of value at this price.

Frank Kaminsky, CHA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600

Kaminsky is the primary backup at both power forward and center for the Hornets right now, which has led to an increase in playing time. He’s made the most of the opportunity, averaging 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers over his last eight games. He should have added opportunities to produce Friday because the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.8) and allow the second-most points per game (111.8) in the league. If you want to take a chance on a cheap power forward in tournament play, look no further.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Value Plays

Jusuf Nurkic, POR vs. ATL
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,300

I don’t normally like to recommend someone priced this high when talking about value plays, but I really don’t like the cheap options available at center Friday. Nurkic isn’t overly expensive and I do like his upside in this game. He’s playing well right now, averaging 15.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks over his last four games. The Hawks struggle to defend opposing centers, allowing the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. Nurkic could be in for a big night Friday.

Marcin Gortat, WAS at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600

The Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings, so this does not look like a good matchup on the surface. However, Gortat bucked the trend in their previous meeting this season, scoring 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. He played 29 minutes in that game trying to match up with Marc Gasol and could play similar minutes with the lack of quality depth at center for the Wizards. If you have your mind set on saving money at center, Gortat could be a viable option.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 10/27/17

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 10/27/17

Point Guard

John Wall
John Wall and the Wizards will head to Golden State to face off with the Warriors tonight. With a 230 over/under, Vegas expects points to be scored. We haven’t seen much of classic John Wall yet this season, but we all know it’s coming and coming very soon. This match-up with the Warriors will give him the opportunity to run as much as he wants and do it against a subpar defender in Stephen Curry. If the Wizards are able to keep this relatively close, it’ll probably end up as the most productive game stack on the board. The Warriors and Wizards both play very fast and small, so it’ll be exciting to see how rotation and minute-distribution goes. We know Wall will see 35 minutes if it stays close and give you at least 45 FP with upside for 70.

Spencer Dinwiddie
With D’Angelo Russell looking all but out, Spencer Dinwiddie will slide in there once again and give the Nets 30 minutes at a minimum. He saw 31 against the Cavs last time out and put up 38 fantasy points, even though the match-up was horrible. This one against the Knicks is far better as Dinwiddie matches up well with Sessions and the Knicks’ backup PG’s. Dinwiddie isn’t some horrible stand in the corner guy either. He will control the ball when in the game and do a great job at it. He’s an easy cash game and tournament play for me once we learn Russell is confirmed out. Point Guard is likely the deepest position on the slate. Make sure you get it right.

Shooting Guard

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Tim Hardaway Jr. - New York Knicks

Tim Hardaway Jr.
9-for-37. Hardaway Jr. is a very good scorer that is going through a really bad cold streak. We’ll see it snap any night now and when it does, expect a big night. Hardaway is a guy who put up 30 fantasy points almost every night last year for about a month. He now faces off with the Nets, which is the best possible match-up for an SG. They allowed 61 FP to them per game in 2016 and have started this campaign on a not so good note. The Nets love to play fast and it forces the other team to match, resulting in an excess of possessions and peripherals to go around. Hardaway Jr. is too cheap on both sites and I’ll have 100% exposure. I don’t see many ways around him missing value against the Nets. Even if he has a bad shooting night, he should get there with peripherals. If he has a good shooting night, it’s gravy.

Jeremy Lamb
Shooting guard isn’t the greatest, but these 2 guys I’m touching on are fairly priced and give you some real safety at a position that lacks it. With Michael Kidd-Gilchrist back, Lamb has still played productive minutes. He now faces off with James Harden and the Rockets. Lamb should be out there at least 32-35 minutes as I suppose he will draw the initial Harden match-up. Fortunately, Harden isn’t nearly as good at defense as he is on offense. Lamb should be able to get in the paint with ease and make things happen. He’s a guy who can rebound extremely well (16 career-high) when he puts his mind towards it, so you never really know what Jeremy Lamb you’ll see. We do know he’ll be out there for 32+ minutes against a fast-paced team that likes to give up points.

Small Forward

Golden State Warriors - Kevin Durant - Lineuplab.com

 

Kevin Durant
Durant is the first superstar we’ll touch on and I prefer him over KD/Harden because of the discount and similar projection. Durant has been dominant this season and has clearly surpassed Stephen Curry as the number 1 option on offense. This is kind of KD’s team, or at least on offense. He touches the ball nearly every possession and it’s worked, sitting over 50 FP in each. He now gets a very friendly match-up with the Wizards, who he’s always dominated. Kelly Oubre and Otto Porter and solid defenders on most nights, but don’t have the length or skill to stick with Durant. He averaged 61 FP against them last year and will look to put up another masterpiece. I have a lot of exposure to this game as I think it stays pretty close all the way throughout, giving all the starters 4 quarters of full playing time.

Wilson Chandler
After Kevin Durant, small forward is ugly. Not as ugly as PF, but you don’t get too many solid choices. You do have Wilson Chandler, who’s been absolutely pitiful to start the year. Like Tim Hardaway Jr., Wilson Chander is a solidified scorer that is simply going on a cold streak. We all know he’ll be putting up 20 real-life points on mist night and should be around $6.5 to $7K. The match-up with the Hawks isn’t anything special, as they’ve allowed the 9th most FP to SF since the start of 2016. Chandler is still going to see 30 minutes in this offense and he will not stop shooting. He never has. He knows more than anyone that this is variance and his shots will start going through in no time. Don’t be afraid to jump on a guy early in the season because of a couple bad games. It happens.

Power Forward

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Frank Kaminsky - Charlotte Hornets - Lineup Lab

Kristaps Porzingis
At the weakest position of the night, you have 1 very easy choice. With the Nets being fantasy gold mines, Kristaps Porzingis is a guy I want all of. He was pitiful last time out against the Celtics, but that game got away early and he didn’t ever get into a groove. He was over 45 FP in each of the other 2 games and it looks like he’s turned a corner without Melo. The offense runs squarely through him and I’m not sure who plans on stopping him here. The Nets have Trevor Booker and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Booker can battle inside, but he’ll have a lot of trouble with the length. RHJ just isn’t a PF and will have trouble with every face of POrzingis’ game. That’s what happens when you’re a 2017 PF taking on a real one. Porzingis is my favorite player on the slate and I will do everything I can to get as much ownership as possible. This is a guy who should put up 50 fantasy points without much problem if the game stays close. He’s also much cheaper than the studs and lets you pay up in an extra spot or two.

Frank Kaminsky
Cody Zeller has already been ruled out for this game, so you can lock into Frank the Tank Kaminsky for another 28-35. I personally never though Kaminsky would be good in the NBA, but I was plain wrong. He has done a good job of transition his game slowly. He probably would have flopped if thrown into the fire like a lot of guys are initially. Instead, he let himself develop and slowly grow into the solidified power forward that he is today. He has a scoring presence from any spot on the floor and is noticeable smart when out there. He does a great job of spacing the floor and communicating with guards as to PNR and GNG’s. He sees a solid match-up against a Rockets team without a real PF. Ryan Anderson does his best, but he’s a shooter. He isn’t going to do very well banging with Kaminsky back to the basket. They also have Luc Mbah a Moute, who’s a great defender, but also an SF playing big. Kaminsky is cheap enough on both sites for all contests and with PF weak, I’ll have a ton.

Center

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks - Nikola Jokic - Lineuplab.com

Jakob Poeltl
If Jonas Valunciunas is out, we now know who to target. After years of atrocious Raptors backup bigs, we may have found someone. Jakon Poeltl came out of college as a stud. He’s the best player to play for the Utah Utes in a long time and turned that team into a contender. With that being said, his style of play was always very nice for the NBA. Now that he has been given the opportunity with Jonas Valunciunas out, he’s taken advantage. In the last 3 games, he’s seen 16, 25, and 26 minutes. He’s been over 30 fantasy points in every single one of those. We now see Jonas Valunciunas and Nogueira out, which should let Poeltl get over that 30-minute mark. If he does against the Lakers, it’s not crazy to expect 35 fantasy points. The price is too cheap and POeltl will be a big help for paying up elsewhere.

Nikola Jokic
If you feel the need to pay up at center, Nikola Jokic is a great way to go. He’s still too cheap on both sites and I’ll keep playing him until he’s priced appropriately. Tonight, he sees a nice match-up with the Hawks pitiful interior. Dewayne Dedmon has absolutely no chance of slowing down Jokic, and they don’t have anyone else big enough. I guess that just means Jokic will have a huge advantage in the paint at all times tonight. He will also be able to get as many wide open looks from the outside as he could want. The Hawks simply can’t match-up with the size and savvy of the Joker. You can pencil him in for 40 fantasy points and look for 75 point upside, as he showed plenty in 2016. The Hawks have no shot at stopping him, so if this game stays close, I’ll probably wish I had more exposure here.