There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games on the schedule.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 30 2020
Thursday brings a lot of star power in the NBA despite there being only six games. In order to fit some of those stars into your DFS entry, you’ll also need to find some cheaper options who can help balance out your budget.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/11/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday brings a busy night in the NBA with nine games on the schedule. Without further ado, let’s dive in and highlight a couple of cheap value plays at each position that 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
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The Cavaliers have wasted no time getting Sexton involved in his rookie season, resulting in him averaging 30 minutes a game. Expect that number to be on the rise after the trade deadline saw them ship away Rodney Hood and Alec Burks. He’s averaging 23.3 points, four rebounds and 3.7 assists across his last three games and has an excellent opportunity to be productive again Monday versus a Knicks team that has their own depth chart problems at guard.
Patrick Beverley, LAC at MIN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
With Tobias Harris no longer in town, Beverley is lined up to remain in the starting five. It’s a role that has suited him since he’s averaged 11.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 12 games. With the Clippers playing at the ninth-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, don’t hesitate to add Beverley to your entry based on his reasonable price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Not only are the Cavaliers thin at guard without Hood and Burks, but they were also two of their better offensive players. That leaves Clarkson with even more scoring responsibilities. With averages of 19 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists across his last six games, Clarkson is an intriguing option despite his lack of defensive contributions.
Luke Kennard, DET vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $3,900
Things were looking up for Kennard when the Pistons traded away Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson. However, even without them on the roster, Kennard came off of the bench Friday against the Knicks. The good news is that he attempted 13 shots across 29 minutes. Unfortunately, he made just four of them. To complicate matters, the Pistons have now signed Wayne Ellington after he was bought out by the Suns. That’s not encouraging for Kennard’s long-term value. On the bright side, the Wizards play at the eighth-fastest pace (102.4) and Kennard should still see added playing time Monday. He’s someone to at least consider in tournament play, especially at his cheap price on DraftKings.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800
The Pacers have picked themselves up after losing Victor Oladipo (knee) for the season, winning five straight games. Bogdanovic has been on fire during that stretch, averaging 24.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals. The key to his offensive explosion is that he averaged 16.8 shot attempts per game in those contests compared to 12.2 for the season, overall. As long as he’s putting up shots at this rate, he’s going to provide increased value.
Jabari Parker, WAS at DET
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $5,600
Talk about two contrasting prices. Parker isn’t all that cheap on DraftKings, but he’s close to the minimum price on FanDuel. He’s finally getting to play again after being traded away from the Bulls and has shown he can still be very productive. He could receive even more playing time Monday if Jeff Green (hip) is unable to take the floor. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel, but don’t shy away from him on DraftKings, either.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Aminu has had plenty of success against the Thunder this season, averaging 10 points, 14 rebounds and three assists across their first two meetings. Things should be even easier for him in this game with Jerami Grant (ankle) already ruled out. That could leave him with a very favorable matchup against Patrick Patterson, who hasn’t been productive even in the few games in which he has seen added playing time this season.
Dario Saric, MIN vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,400
This game might favor Saric over Taj Gibson. The Clippers play at a fast pace and play small with Danilo Gallinari starting at power forward. Gibson is a good defender, but chasing Gallinari around the three-point arc is not exactly ideal for him. Saric has had a couple of strong stat lines of late, including a 22-point performance against a tough Grizzlies’ defense last week. Stay away from Saric in cash games, but he could be worth the risk in tournament play, especially at his price on FanDuel.
CENTERS
Dwight Powell, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The addition of Kristaps Porzingis (knee) is huge for the Mavericks’ future, but the trade left them extremely thin up front for the rest of this season. The trade of Harrison Barnes to the Kings further complicated matters. Powell is now left as one of the key players to help hold down the fort. He’s managed to turn his increased playing time into averages of 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals and one block across his last five games. The Rockets don’t have much size up front, so this could be a matchup to take advantage of.
Ivica Zubac, LAC at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,000
The Clippers clearly prefer to bring Montrezl Harrell off of the bench. Considering how well he’s playing, that’s not a bad thing. Zubac started in his first game since being acquired from the Lakers and scored 12 points to go along with nine rebounds and three blocks over 23 minutes. Harrell should continue to see the bulk of the playing time at center, but Zubac shouldn’t be overlooked at this cheap price.
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 12/28/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Friday brings plenty of action in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Injuries continue to be a common theme throughout the league, creating even more value plays to consider for your DFS entry. Let’s highlight a couple at each position who could thrive based on their matchups. 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
J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
The Mavericks could be extremely thin in their backcourt Friday with Wesley Matthews (foot) already ruled out and Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) listed as questionable. That should open up added minutes for Barea, who has the highest usage rate (28 percent) on the team. When these two teams squared off Wednesday, Barea shined with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $6,000
Goran Dragic (knee) will be out for at least two months, which has left the Heat with a significant void at point guard. They’ve decided to have Justise Winslow take over for him in the starting five but Johnson is also in line for an expanded role. He’s made the most of his added playing time heading into this contest, averaging 15.8 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last six games. His price has jumped up significantly on DraftKings, but he could be a real bargain on FanDuel.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at MIA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,000
Clarkson continues to be one of the offensive leaders for the Cavaliers, averaging a career-high 17.1 points per game and posting a 29.4 percent usage rate. He should receive even more scoring opportunities with Rodney Hood (Achilles) out Friday. In the last two games that Hood missed, Clarkson scored 17 and 24 points, respectively. His 24-point showing was especially impressive considering it came against the stout Grizzlies’ defense.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,200
The Lakers depth is currently being tested with LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (finger) on the shelf. Hart moved into the starting five with both players sidelined Thursday and scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block. The key was that he logged 33 minutes. With a similar role likely in the cards for Friday, Hart could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play since both the Lakers and the Clippers are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,800
The Nuggets have been one of the teams impacted the most by injuries this season. It appears that they might get a couple of players back soon, but they still won’t have much depth Friday. Hernangomez has excelled since being moved into the starting five, averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. These two teams just faced off Wednesday and the Spurs couldn’t slow him down in that contest, leaving Hernangomez to score 27 points to go along with 13 rebounds.
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
Oubre had a hard time finding significant playing time with the Wizards, but he’s averaged 30 minutes a game since joining the Suns. The added playing time has paid off, helping Oubre average 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and one block. Even though he will likely continue to come off of the bench, that shouldn’t scare you away from deploying him in DFS at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, OKC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
The Thunder are clearly led by the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams. However, don’t underestimate the value that Grant brings to the team. They don’t have much depth, which has helped Grant average a career-high 31 minutes a game. He’s been productive, overall, but he’s been even better with averages of 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.6 blocks across his last seven games.
James Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Johnson might not be a flashy player, but he entered this year having averaged at least 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in back-to-back seasons. Injuries derailed the start of his current campaign, but he’s come on lately by averaging 10.8 points, five rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals across his last four games. He might continue to be asked to help facilitate the offense more with Dragic out, so don’t sleep on him at this price.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Get ready to see a heavy dose of Dedmon on Friday with Alex Len (back) and Miles Plumlee (knee) set to sit this one out. Dedmon logged 37 minutes with both players out Wednesday against the Pacers, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. The added playing time is an even greater benefit to his upside when you consider that the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
Cody Zeller continues to start for the Hornets, but he’s logged 22 minutes or fewer in four of their last five games. Hernangomez has seen an expanded role in all four of those contests, which led him to average 12 points and 8.3 rebounds. The Nets are one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so it’s not all that surprising that Hernangomez recorded seven points and 11 rebounds across just 14 minutes against them Wednesday. If you want to deploy a really cheap center in tournament play, Hernangomez is an intriguing 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 11/30/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We’ve got a massive slate with 11 games Friday, leaving plenty of viable value play options. Here are a couple who stand out 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
Tim Frazier, NO at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,200
The loss of Elfrid Payton (finger) has created a significant void for the Pelicans. To make matters worse, Frank Jackson (ankle) was unable to play Wednesday. Frazier moved into the starting lineup and thrived, scoring 12 points to go along with six rebounds, 12 assists an two steals across 37 minutes against the Wizards. Jackson is listed as doubtful for Friday, which could leave Frazier with another start. If that were to be the case, Fraizer could be a steal at this price.
Elie Okobo, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,000
With the Suns going nowhere fast, they finally decided to jettison veteran Isaiah Canaan from their roster. Even though they are extremely thin at point guard, the move made sense considering the Suns needed to give more playing time to their younger players. One of those players is Okobo, who logged 32 minutes Wednesday in the first game since Canaan’s release. He certainly stated his case for more playing time, scoring 19 points to go along with four assists and three steals. His price on FanDuel is great, but he’s an especially appealing tournament play option on DraftKings at the minimum price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at BOS
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
After attempting just five shots against the Timberwolves on Monday, Clarkson scored 25 points on 22 shot attempts Wednesday versus the Thunder. Considering his 28.9 percent usage rate, it’s not that surprising that he quickly returned to jacking up a ton of shots. Facing the Celtics defense is no easy task, but with so few offensive weapons around him, Clarkson has a relatively high floor at this price.
Marcus Smart, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Jaylen Brown (foot) was unable to play Monday against the Pelicans, opening up a chance for Smart to make his first start of the season. He logged a whopping 40 minutes in that game, recording eight points, two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block. Brown has been ruled out for Friday, likely leaving Smart with plenty of playing time once again. His offensive upside isn’t great, but he’s still someone to consider based on his minute’s floor.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600
The Wizards are going to have to get used to playing small now with Dwight Howard (lower body) likely to miss a significant amount of time. Oubre has shifted into the starting lineup due to his absence, averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. With the Sixers playing small themselves with Wilson Chandler at power forward, expect Oubre to start once again. The added playing time could provide him with a significant boost in production since both of these teams are in the top-seven in the league in pace of play.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
Speaking of teams with limited depth up front, the Hornets are in a similar position as the Wizards. It’s not due to injuries, just a lack of talent at the position. They like to use Kidd-Gilchrist a lot when they deploy small lineups, which has helped him average 8.5 points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. This won’t be easy facing Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, but Kidd-Gilchrist still warrants consideration in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $3,600
When Holmes was a member of the Sixers, he showed flashes of promise filling in whenever Joel Embiid was out. Now that Tyson Chandler is no longer on the Suns, Holmes has the backup center job all to himself. He’s proven to be productive once again, averaging 10.6 points, five rebounds, and two blocks across his last six games. His price is starting to climb, but he could still provide excellent value, especially on DraftKings.
JaMychal Green, MEM at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Green has played well off the bench since returning from injury, averaging 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across his last six games. Marc Gasol (foot) is said to be a game-time decision for Friday, which could have a significant impact for Green. If Gasol is out, Green could see extended run in his absence. Even if Gasol does play, Green has a large enough role off the bench to make him a viable option in tournament play.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Zeller is coming off of arguably his best game of the season Wednesday against the Hawks, scoring 19 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Facing Rudy Gobert is a completely different animal, but the Hornets might have to throw a few extra minutes Zeller’s way due to the depth the Jazz have in their frontcourt.
Aron Baynes, BOS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
The Celtics will be resting Al Horford for this game, which makes a lot of sense with them playing an inferior opponent in the Cavaliers and having a quick turnaround Saturday on the road against the Timberwolves. When Horford sat out last week against the Hawks, Baynes started in his place and finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one block. At this dirt cheap price on both sites, it’s hard to pass up on Baynes if he starts again.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA brings a loaded slate Wednesday with 10 games. The Pelicans, Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of the top talent as options for your DFS lineup. In order to fit those in, you’ll also need the right mix of cheap value plays. Below are two players at each position that stand out as having matchups to possibility capitalize on. 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
J.J. Barea, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Barea is only averaging 20 minutes a game, but that hasn’t stopped him from being extremely productive. His 27.1 percent usage rate is actually the highest on the team, helping him average 10.9 points per contest. He also does a great job of facilitating the offense for their second unit with 5.8 assists per night. Both Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) and Luka Doncic (illness) are listed as questionable, so Barea could be in line for a significant increase in playing time if either or both of them were unable to play. Even if they do take the floor, Barea is an appealing option at this price.
D.J. Augustin, ORL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Augustin’s 15.4 percent usage rate isn’t great, but he’s still been able to average 10.3 points per game in large part because he is logging 27 minutes a night. The Magic don’t have any other viable options to start at point guard, which has also resulted in Augustin averaging 5.4 assists per contest. His upside isn’t great, but Augustin has a secure enough role to be worth considering in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800
The key to this game is the status of Chris Paul (hamstring). If he is forced to miss his third straight game, Gordon will once again be a part of the starting five. He’s thrived in that role this season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across seven games. His usage rate is 25.2 percent as a starter, which is up from 22.3 percent as a member of the second unit. Gordon’s price has jumped up after a couple of great performances, but he’s still worth adding to your lineup if Paul sits.
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
Clarkson had a strange performance against the Timberwolves on Monday where he scored just four points on five shot attempts. Clarkson has a 28.6 percent usage rate and hadn’t attempted fewer than 10 shots in any previous game this year, so chalk it up as just one off night. The Cavaliers are going to need him to score in bunches to keep this game close against Russell Westbrook and company, so don’t be surprised if Clarkson has a bounce-back scoring effort.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000
Moore was already an important part of the Pelicans success, but he became even more vital after they lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger). Jrue Holiday has been assuming the point guard duties with Payton out, shifting Moore over to shooting guard. Although he might not get a lot of headlines, Moore is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The last time these two teams met Saturday, Moore scored 19 points. Since both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, expect Moore to have plenty of opportunities to score again during their rematch.
Jeff Green, WAS at NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
The Wizards are going to be shorthanded up front again with Dwight Howard (lower body) already ruled out. While Green doesn’t play the same position, he is still in line for added playing time. Green is also one of their better rebounders, averaging 5.2 rebounds in just 25 minutes a game. His scoring upside isn’t great, but this game should be played at a fast enough pace to make him someone to at least consider if you want to go really cheap at small forward.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Williams is only averaging 25 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 31 minutes in each of his last three games. That’s especially encouraging since the Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury Monday. Across five games in which Williams has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 14 points. 8.2 rebounds, and one block. He’s also had plenty of success in two previous matchups against the Hawks, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds.
Richaun Holmes, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,400
Holmes makes this list for the second straight night after scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks Tuesday against the Pacers. Over the last five games, Holmes is now averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two blocks. His role is secure as the primary backup to Deandre Ayton and the Clippers have some size up front with Montrezl Harrell, Marcin Gortat, and Boban Marjanovic, so expect Holmes to get enough playing time to provide value at this price.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300
Thompson isn’t overly cheap, but center is usually one of the tougher positions to fill in terms of value plays, especially on FanDuel. Thompson continues to dominate the minutes in the middle for the Cavaliers and should be set there for a while with the news that Kevin Love (toe) isn’t eyeing a return until January. Facing Steven Adams isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Thompson should at least be a threat to post a double-double Wednesday.
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
If you want a cheap play with significant upside, Zeller is not your man. However, he does have a relatively high floor with averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. The Hawks are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but they do have size up front with Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len. When these two teams met Sunday, Zeller finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/23/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Now that we’ve had the time to sleep off all that turkey and stuffing, it’s time to get back at it with 14 games in the NBA on Friday, 12 of which will make up the main slate in DFS. There will be a ton of stars taking the floor, so here are some cheap value plays that could be worth pairing with them. 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
Collin Sexton, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
Sexton has been battling a hip injury, but it hasn’t forced him to miss any time. In fact, he played 36 minutes against the Lakers on Wednesday as the Cavaliers continue to wait for George Hill (shoulder) to return. Across the first six games that Hill has missed, Sexton is averaging 17.5 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest. His lack of defensive contributions limit his upside, but his minute’s floor still makes him a viable option.
Trey Burke, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
It’s hard to figure out what the Knicks are doing on a nightly basis. They continue to change up their rotations, moving players in and out of the starting five to try and find what combinations work best. Burke is back to seeing increased minutes, which has resulted in him averaging 25.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last four games. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burke with even more scoring opportunities in this contest.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,300
Clarkson only played 27 minutes in a matchup against the Lakers on Wednesday, but he scored 20 points to go along with two rebounds and five assists. He attempted 18 shots in that game, which is no surprise considering his 28.9 percent usage rate. The Sixers play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.6), potentially setting up Clarkson for another valuable performance. If the Cavaliers are going to have any chance of keeping this close, they’ll need Clarkson to take all the shots he can handle.
Rodney McGruder, MIA at CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
The Heat will continue to play shorthanded Friday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) out. That leaves them without two of their top ball handlers. McGruder played 36 minutes in their absences Wednesday, scoring 15 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists. Even though he’s cooled off some after a torrid start, McGruder still has upside in this game against the struggling Bulls.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Another important injury to monitor Friday is the status of Victor Oladipo (knee). He’s missed the Pacers last two games and is questionable against the Spurs. During the previous two games that he missed, Bogdanovic averaged 20.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and one steal. He’s actually scored at least 16 points in each of his last six contests, so he could provide value even if Oladipo does take the floor.
Cedi Osman, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
Osman has shown promise in an expanded role, but he’s been mostly inconsistent. He recently missed a couple of game due to injury but has logged at least 30 minutes in both of his last two contests, so he should be fine moving forward. After scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds against the Lakers on Wednesday, this is another matchup against a team that plays at a fast pace that could result in a positive state line for Osman.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. BOS
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900
After missing most of the season due to injury, Collins has played in each of the Hawks last three games. They’ve taken a cautious approach with his return, but he started and logged 27 minutes against the Raptors on Wednesday. He won’t be this cheap for much longer and could be in line for even more playing time Friday, making him a great option to consider. Of note, Collins is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel as he is listed at center on DraftKings.
Noah Vonleh, NY vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300
After a two-game stint on the bench, Vonleh has returned to the starting five for the Knicks. He certainly made a case to hold onto a starting job, averaging 15 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks across his last two contests. The key is that he logged at least 30 minutes in both of those games. If he can receive similar playing time Friday, he is definitely a candidate to outproduce his price point.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at PHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
With the Cavaliers lack of depth up front, Thompson has been thrust into a significant role. It might not always be pretty, but Thompson is still averaging 10.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. The Cavaliers don’t really have anyone else capable of defending Joel Embiid, so Thompson could get all the minutes he can handle Friday.
Cody Zeller, CHA at OKC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,100
After being limited to 33 games last year due to injury, Zeller has already played in 17 games this season. His upside isn’t great, but he’s put up respectable numbers with 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest. The Hornets do like to use a lot of small lineups, but they might not be able to as much with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) out again for this matchup. They will also need Zeller to battle with Steven Adams, who logs a lot of playing time for the Thunder.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/19/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA tips off the week with nine games Monday. With so many options to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some cheaper value plays to consider when creating 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
Collin Sexton, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,100
With George Hill (shoulder) out, Sexton is starting and averaging a whopping 36 minutes a game in that role. He won’t provide traditional point guard stat lines but that doesn’t mean Sexton doesn’t have value. Across four games as a starter, he is averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. His price is climbing, but Sexton is still worth starting with Hill remaining on the sidelines.
Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200
People might not be noticing it because the Hawks are terrible, but Lin’s 24 percent usage rate is the third-highest on the team. The player with the second-highest is Tauren Prince (Achilles) at 24.3 percent, but he’s doubtful to play Monday. This could be a high-scoring contest with both the Hawks and Clippers in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, making Lin an intriguing option to consider in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Cavaliers didn’t enter the season with a lot of scoring punch, but the loss of Kevin Love (toe) has been a killer for their offense. Clarkson has stepped up to try and fill the void, averaging 15.4 points and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. Although he’s only averaging 24 minutes per contest, his 28.6 percent usage rate if by far the highest on the team with Love currently unable to play. Clarkson scored 18 points when these teams met earlier this season and should get plenty of opportunities to be productive again in their rematch.
Garrett Temple, MEM vs. DAL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Temple’s 15.6 percent usage rate is certainly nothing to write home about, but by playing 32 minutes a night, he has been able to average a career-high 12 points per game. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he’s also chipped in 3.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. There’s no reason to believe his playing time will decrease anytime soon, especially with the Grizzlies off to a 10-5 start. It’s not easy to find a player with such a high minutes floor at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000
Moore continues to struggle from the free-throw line, but his 55.7 percent shooting from the field has helped him average a career-high 15.6 points per game. With so many great scoring options around him, it’s hard for opposing defenses to key in on stopping Moore, as well. The Pelicans recently lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger), which will push Jrue Holiday into his position. Moore will likely shift over to shooting guard and is locked in for plenty of minutes based on the Pelicans lack of overall depth.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Bogdanovic is on a roll right now, averaging 15.3 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 steals across his last eight games. He’s been lethal from behind the arc this entire season, shooting 52.3 percent on three-pointers. That percentage likely won’t hold up over the course of the year, but he’s playing 31 minutes a game and is an important part of the Pacers success. His scoring upside is similar to that of Moore’s, making him a potentially intriguing option at an even cheaper price.
POWER FORWARDS
Derrick Favors, UTA at IND
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,600
Favors is averaging just 23 minutes per game, which is his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He’s made the most of his time on the floor, though, by averaging 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Pacers do have some size up front with Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, but the pairing of Favors and Rudy Gobert is a handful. Favors’ ceiling isn’t great due to his limited role, but he also has a fairly high floor for someone at this price.
Jerami Grant, OKC at SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,900
The Thunder don’t have a very deep roster, which has opened up a starting role for Grant. He didn’t have a lot of value coming off of the bench at the beginning of the season, but Grant has averaged 13 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 12 starts. Both the Kings and the Thunder are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair that leads to a few extra counting stats for Grant.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA vs. BOS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,000
Injuries have plagued Zeller throughout his career, but he’s managed to play all 15 games so far this year. He doesn’t receive traditional starters minutes, but he could be in line for added playing time again Monday with Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (ankle) out. Across 12 games in which Zeller has logged at least 20 minutes this season, he is averaging 10.2 points, six rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
Mike Muscala, PHI vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,900
The Sixers bringing in Jimmy Butler is a net positive for the team, but it’s left them thin at power forward. Wilson Chandler has taken over the starting job, but he’s still on a minutes limit as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Over the four games since the trade, Muscala is averaging 8.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and two three-pointers per contest. At near the minimum price on both sites, Muscala might be worth the risk in tournament play so you can load up elsewhere.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/13/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There’s not much to see in the NBA with only three games on the schedule Tuesday. Even though there are far fewer value play options than usual, there are still a lot of viable ones that could help you finish the evening a winner. 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
Quinn Cook, GS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,500
After shinning with Stephen Curry (groin) out Saturday, Cook had just seven points and two assists Monday against the Clippers. Draymond Green and Shaun Livingston both returned Monday, which likely ate into Cook’s production. Curry will be out again Tuesday and it wouldn’t be surprising if Green and/or Livingston played limited minutes in the second night of a back-to-back set, especially considering this matchup. If the Warriors jump out to an early lead, Cook could get plenty of shots in garbage time.
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
The Cavaliers are this year’s version of the 2017-18 Clippers. They have been decimated by injuries, including to point guard George Hill (shoulder). Sexton has started two games in his absence, averaging 17.5 points, three rebounds, and two assists. With plenty of minutes likely in the cards again for this contest, Sexton is a viable option in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
Clarkson is still coming off the bench for the Cavaliers, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value. His 27.9 percent usage rate is highest on the team, second only to the injured Kevin Love. That’s helped Clarkson average 15.2 points and 1.3 three-pointers despite playing just 24 minutes a game. With no reinforcements in site Tuesday, Clarkson again has the potential for a big offensive performance.
Malik Monk, CHA at CLE
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,700
The last time these two teams met, the Hornets dismantled the Cavaliers by 32 points. Monk logged 21 minutes in that contest, scoring 16 points to go along with five assists. After averaging just 14 minutes a game during his rookie season, Monk is averaging 23 minutes this year as a key part of their second unit. With how poorly the Cavaliers are playing, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Hornets win yet again in dominating fashion. The Hornets might take that as an opportunity to limit the playing time of some of their starters, potentially leaving Monk with an expanded role.
SMALL FORWARDS
Miles Bridges, CHA at CLE
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $3,700
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) has been ruled out for this game, which should leave Bridges with added playing time, regardless of the score. Across five games in which Bridges has played at least 20 minutes this year, he’s averaging 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 three-pointers. His price isn’t overly cheap on FanDuel, but he’s a great option on DraftKings.
Alfonzo McKinnie, GS vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,600
This game could really favor the players on the second unit for the Warriors. The Hawks are not only a terrible team, but they play at the fastest pace (107.5 possessions per game) in the league. Even without Curry, the Warriors should win this one going away. McKinnie could get added playing time in a blowout, bringing him onto the DFS radar. Over the five games in which McKinnie has logged at least 20 minutes, he is averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers.
POWER FORWARDS
Larry Nance Jr., CLE vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200
The Cavaliers seemed set on leaving Nance as their backup center, but they don’t have any choice but to start him at power forward with all of their injuries. In his first start against the Bulls on Saturday, Nance scored just two points but had 14 rebounds and four blocks. His scoring upside might not be great, but he’s also not going to shoot 1-for-8 from the field often, either, which he did in that contest. As long as he’s starting, he’s a viable a cheap option in tournament play.
Omari Spellman, ATL at GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,500
John Collins (ankle) appears to be nearing a return, which should end Spellman’s run as a starter. However, with Collins expected to be out again Tuesday, Spellman should again retain that role. Spellman went cold from the field Sunday against the Lakers but still hauled in nine rebounds. He had recorded a double-double in both of his previous two games, as well. Don’t’ expect the score to have an impact on his playing time either way.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. CHA
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,700
Not much has gone right for the Cavaliers, but the play of Thompson has been one of their few bright spots. His playing time has jumped up to 28 minutes a game, helping him average 10.2 points and 10.2 rebounds. He’s actually logged at least 31 minutes in each of the last three contests, averaging 17 points and 14.3 rebounds. Although he’s not overly cheap anymore, he is still someone to target on this limited slate.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA at CLE
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,500
There are few backup centers who can put up stats in a hurry as Hernangomez can. Despite playing 15 minutes a game, he’s still averaging 7.9 points and 5.4 rebounds. When the Hornets blew out the Cavaliers in their last meeting, it enabled Hernangomez to log 20 minutes off the bench. He cashed in the added playing time with 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. His minutes will likely be dependant on the score again, but he could be worth the risk at his dirt cheap price on both sites.