Monday’s slate in the NBA might only consist of six games, but it’s still a juicy one. A couple of suspensions, one star set to sit out the second game of a back-to-back and a lot of injuries make for some intriguing story lines.
Read MoreNBA 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.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/31/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/31/18
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Thomas, CLE vs. MIA
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,600
The Cavaliers suffered a significant loss Tuesday when Kevin Love went down with a hand injury. He was averaging 17.9 points per game this season, now leaving a big hole in their offense. Thomas is never one to shy away from extra shot attempts and already has the second-highest usage rate (29.5%) on the team. While Thomas leaves a lot to be desired defensively, his offensive skills are impressive. The price is right to take a chance on him for your entry Wednesday.
Terry Rozier, BOS vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,300
Marcus Smart (hand) has missed the last three games for the Celtics, leaving Rozier with a more significant role off the bench. While his numbers weren’t off the charts, he averaged a respectable 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in those three contests. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Knicks who have struggled to defend opposing point guards this season. His upside may not be as high as Thomas’, but his ability to contribute in multiple categories still makes him a viable option.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nicolas Batum, CHA at ATL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
Batum has been slowed by an elbow injury at times this season, which could be a major factor in why he is shooting a career-low 30.1% from behind the arc. Playing time has not been an issue though as he has played at least 33 minutes in seven of his last 10 games. He’s had a few big offensive games lately, scoring at least 19 points in three of his last six contests. He also played well against these same Hawks last week, finishing with 19 points, four rebounds, eight assists and three three-pointers. If his shot is falling again Wednesday, he could provide significant value when combined with his ability to contribute both rebounds and assists.
Dwyane Wade, CLE vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,700
Wade played 28 minutes Tuesday against the Pistons, the most playing time he has seen in a game in over a month. He took advantage of the opportunity, scoring 18 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. The Cavaliers have taken a cautious approach with his minutes this season, but they might need him to play more now with Love out of action. He might have some extra motivation facing his former team Wednesday as well, so he could be in line for a valuable performance.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,700
Carroll has been a bright spot for the Nets this season, averaging career-highs in points (13.0), rebounds (6.7) and assists (1.9) per game. The Nets have dealt with a lot of injuries, but Carroll has played in 46 of their 51 games. He’s not showing any signs of slowing down, averaging 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in January. The Sixers and Nets are both in the top-five in the league in pace of play, which could result in added production from Carroll on Wednesday.
Denzel Valentine, CHI at POR
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,500
Although Valentine has shifted to the bench with Zach LaVine finally healthy, he’s still logged at least 30 minutes in three of his last four games. LaVine is still on a minutes restriction, so Valentine should see similar playing time until that is lifted. The Bulls might really need Valentine to provide an offensive spark Wednesday with Lauri Markkanen (personal) out and Nikola Mirotic (leg) listed as questionable. Valentine is more than just a scorer though, averaging 4.7 assists in his last six games. He could be in line for one of his better performances of the season.
POWER FORWARDS
Jarell Martin, MEM at IND
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
The Grizzlies are decimated by injuries right now. James Ennis III (calf) and Chandler Parsons (knee) have already been ruled out for Wednesday while JaMychal Green (ankle) is doubtful and Dillon Brooks (knee), Mario Chalmers (hamstring), Deyonta Davis (knee) and Ben McLemore (knee) are all listed as questionable. With so few healthy options, Martin should get plenty of playing time in this game. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game six times this season, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers in those contests. Don’t hesitate to take a chance on him again Wednesday.
Bobby Portis, CHI at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,900
If both Markkanen and Mirotic don’t play Wednesday, Portis is going to be in line for huge minutes. Even is Mirotic does manage to play, Portis should still see a jump in playing time with Markkanen sidelined. Portis has the second-highest usage rate (25.9%) on the team, so the added playing time should give him a significant boost in value. While Portis should provide value on both sites, he could really outproduce his dirt cheap price on FanDuel.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,100
Turner was excellent in his second game back from an elbow injury Monday, scoring 22 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists and one block in just 21 minutes. He looks to be rounding back into form and is reportedly likely to rejoin the starting five Wednesday. It won’t be a cake walk considering the Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, but it’s not too often you’ll see Turner priced this low. This might be the time to take advantage of the opportunity.
Jahlil Okafor, BKN vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,600
The Nets started Jarrett Allen at center for the first time this season Tuesday, but Okafor still managed to play 25 minutes off the bench. He’s actually played at least 24 minutes in back-to-back contests, averaging 13.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block. Tyler Zeller didn’t play at all Tuesday, so it appears the Nets want to give Allen and Okafor extended looks for the time being. Okafor has the higher upside between the two and might be worth taking a chance on if you want to try a very cheap center in tournament play.