Thursday will be a tricky night in NBA DFS with only three games on the schedule. That doesn’t leave us with a lot of cheap value play options, but let’s highlight those who are on the board that could be viable targets.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/27/19
After Tuesday’s busy slate, the NBA quiets down with just five games on the schedule Wednesday. The good news is that despite the lack of games, there are a lot of quality cheap value plays options to choose from. Let’s discuss a couple at each position that stand out.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/26/19
Get ready for a wild night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule Tuesday. When you factor in all of the injuries across the league and teams resting players, there are a ton of viable cheap value play options. Let’s highlight a couple at each position that stand out as having favorable opportunities to be productive.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are only five games in the NBA on Tuesday, which doesn’t exactly leave for a ton of viable cheap value play options. We might have to dig a little deeper than normal, but here are a couple of players at each position that stand out as viable options. 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
Trey Burke, NY at DET
FanDuel =$6,100
DraftKings = $4,700
The Knicks sure don’t make rostering their players in DFS feel comforting. They frequently change up their rotations with Burke maybe being the poster child for this practice. He sat out three games entirely towards the beginning of November, but he’s logged at least 26 minutes in five of their last six games. It’s going to be hard for the Knicks to bench him now since he averaged 23.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and four assists over those five contests.
Cory Joseph, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600
With Victor Oladipo (knee) out the last four games, Joseph has averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest. He’s an excellent defender and the primary backup to starting point guard Darren Collison, so Joseph still has secure minutes even if Oladipo does return Tuesday. This also has the potential to be a blowout against a bad Suns team, which could afford Joseph some added opportunities in garbage time.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900
The Heat are going to be thin in their backcourt again Tuesday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) already listed as out. That should leave added playing time for a few players, including McGruder. His production has slowed down a bit since the start of the season, but he’s still averaging 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists per contest in November. Since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game) in the league, McGruder is a viable option to consider due to his high minute’s floor.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Caldwell-Pope’s playing time is down significantly this year at 21 minutes per contest. However, the injury to Rajon Rondo (hand) has allowed him to take on a more prominent role. Across five games since Rondo was injured, Caldwell-Pope has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over 27 minutes a game. His upside might not be as high as McGruder’s, but he’s also dirt cheap on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
The Pacers destroyed the Jazz on Monday with Bogdanovic once again playing a key role in their success. He only attempted nine shots, but he still scored 15 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and one steal. If Oladipo can’t play again Tuesday, Bogdanovic stands out as a great value play option. However, even if he does return, Bogdanovic is still someone to consider based on this limited slate.
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800
Hernangomez has really stepped up with Will Barton (groin) on the sidelines. He’s moved into the starting five and has thrived in the role with 12.3 points and seven rebounds per contest. The Nuggets normally play at a slow pace, but they might have to speed things up Tuesday with the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (104.2). With Hernangomez already receiving more minutes, this could be a favorable spot for him to be productive.
POWER FORWARDS
JaMychal Green, MEM vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
Power forward might be the toughest position of the night if you want to save money, especially if you play on FanDuel. Green began the season as a starter for the Grizzlies, but after missing an extended stretch due to injury, he’s lost his job to Jaren Jackson Jr. However, Green has still been productive off the bench, averaging 8.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across five games. Don’t expect eye-popping numbers from him Tuesday, but he’s still in the discussion for tournament contests.
Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,300
After the Suns moved on from Tyson Chandler, Holmes emerged as the clear backup center to Deandre Ayton. Holmes has really come into his own of late, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two blocks across his last four games. His price on FanDuel isn’t bad, but his price on DraftKings is especially appealing. The Pacers have a lot of size up front, so Holmes might even see a few added minutes, as well.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at MEM
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300
The Raptors continue to play matchups at center, which sometimes forces Valanciunas into a reserve role. That shouldn’t be the case Tuesday, though, against Marc Gasol. Valanciunas has still managed to be productive coming off the bench, but he’s been better as a starter with 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500
Adebayo had his best game of the year Sunday against the Raptors, scoring 16 points to go along with 21 rebounds and two blocks across 36 minutes. Hassan Whiteside was limited to just 12 minutes due to foul trouble, which was the main reason for Adebayo’s bump in playing time. Guessing scores can sometimes be tricky when planning your DFS lineup, but this has the potential to be a blowout win for the Heat at home against the Hawks. If that were to be the case, Adebayo could feast in garbage time.
NBA FanDuel / Draftkings Lineup For Tonight
*Cory Hanley*
T: @Hanley_Cory
NBA FanDuel / Draftkings Lineup For Tonight
Thursday brings us a smaller slate of six games in the NBA, leaving you with the right options if you know what you’re looking for in your DFS entry. Consider using some of the players below and plugging them into our NBA Lineup Optimizer to round out your lineups. 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.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
Point Guard
Ricky Rubio, vs. Mavericks (FD: $7,400, DK: $7,100)
Projected Points: FD: 33.66, DK: 34.15
The Jazz are currently battling over the eighth playoff spot in the West versus the Nuggets and Clippers. This leaves Rubio to leave it all on the court night after night, which he continues to prove to do so. Averaging an insanely impressive plus/minus of +21.3 over the last 617 minutes, he has turned into the superstar of his team.
Dennis Schroder, vs. Kings (FD: $6,200, DK: $6,500)
Projected Points: FD: 35.61, DK: 37.03
Schroder didn’t get the memo that the Hawks are out of contention for a playoff spot. Tuesday night, in an unlikely win over the Jazz he managed a career-high 41 points. Thursday night he’ll go up against a mediocre Sacramento defense that is currently giving up 22.4 points per game and 8.27 assists to point guards, two categories that Schroder has been excelling in lately.
Shooting Guard
James Harden, vs. Pistons (FD: $11,600, DK: $11,600)
Projected Points: FD: 53.49, DK: 55.01
In USA Today, Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said it quite well when he stated, “That’s the best offensive player I’ve ever seen. They were running guys to him, and he just steps a little further back and hits a three. You know, the way he can pass and see the floor, get fouls, layups, floaters, maybe a lob, maybe out to the corner, he has so many weapons, and now he’s shooting those stepback threes, it’s impossible to guard him. It’s impossible.” Look for him to put on another show at home tonight versus the Pistons.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, vs. Pelicans (FD: $5,500, DK: $6,200)
Projected Points: FD: 32.6, DK: 32.72
The Lakers rank first in pace of play, while the Pelicans check in at third, making this Thursday’s fastest-paced matchup. It’s entirely possible that if you blink, you might miss a possession. Caldwell-Pope will receive plenty of opportunities at the shooting guard position, as the Pelicans are on the second game of a back-to-back. I like him best for FanDuel cash games, as his salary there seems perfectly priced. You should see him hit his expected floor of around 32 points.
Small Forward
Joe Ingles, vs. Mavericks (FD: $6,600, DK: $6,400)
Projected Points: FD: 27.01, DK: 28.16
If you’re looking for a hot hand on one of the hottest teams in the NBA, look no further than Ingles. The Jazz, having won 9 out of their last 10, are on a heater at the right time of the season. Each member of the team is stepping up like never before. The price is most certainly right for Ingles, as in his last 10 games he has averaged 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Don’t be surprised when you look up on the stat sheet and find him having a 6x-6.5x value game against the Mavs Thursday night.
E’Twaun Moore, vs. Lakers (FD: $4,500, DK: $4,300)
Projected Points: FD: 21.16, DK: 21.64
Even though I’ve already given you a relatively inexpensive option for small forward, I have one more, Moore. In what promises to be the fastest-paced game of the night, Moore will have more than ample opportunities to shoot the ball, which is perfect timing as he appears to be at the beginning of a heater. The Lakers are giving up 30.2 fantasy points to small forward starters, and it shows as last time out versus the Lakers, he scored 29.5 DraftKings/FanDuel points.
Power Forward
Anthony Davis, vs. Lakers (FD: $12,500, DK: $11,700)
Projected Points: FD: 61.82, DK: 61.33
In the middle of the Pelicans’ charge to the playoffs, no team has proved itself capable of stopping Davis. As a result, the Pelicans are leaning hard on him towards the end of the season. In his last ten games, he has managed to average a double-double grabbing 11.3 rebounds and 28.3 points per game. If you can afford the hefty price tag, there is undoubtedly an opportunity for him to go off against the Lakers. In their last two meetings against each other this season he has 71.25 DK points and 72.7 FanDuel points.
Aaron Gordon, vs. 76ers (FD: $7,500, DK: $7,300)
Projected Points: FD: 34.84, DK: 35.01
With Coach Frank Vogel giving Gordon 34 minutes of playing time in Tuesday nights game, you can rest assured Gordon is back and ready to play some ball. Historically, he has done quite well versus the 76ers this season, averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. If you can’t afford the sizable salary of Anthony Davis in your lineup, you can pivot toward Gordon. Being the hero of what is left of the Magic, he is unlikely to let you down.
Center
Rudy Gobert, vs. Mavericks (FD: $9,500, DK: $8,300)
Projected Points: FD: 39.81, DK: 39.72
With a price of only $8,300 on Draftkings, I don’t see why you shouldn’t lock Gobert in all of your DK lineups for Thursday night. Gobert has been an unstoppable force as no player has been better than him value-wise for March. He has managed to rack up 18.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and has been getting the minutes, averaging 36.1 per game. The FanDuel price seems right, but take advantage of the low salary play on DraftKings while you have the chance.
Dewayne Dedmon, vs. Kings (FD: $5,300, DK: $5,600)
Projected Points: FD: 29.58, DK: 29.37
Dedmon has been on the receiving end of some extra minutes in place of John Collins, who has been dealing with an ankle injury. Tuesday night he went off, most impressively against one of the top defenses in the league, managing to hit 15 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, four assists and a block in 29 minutes of action on the court. He could easily crush value tonight on both websites, as last time out versus the Kings he scored 55 FanDuel points and 56 DraftKings points in only 24 minutes of play. Just imagine what he will accomplish with those few extra precious minutes.
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.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
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 Lineup Picks for 3/14/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/14/18
Wednesday is a quiet night in the NBA with only four games on the schedule. On a night with so few options, 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 Kelly Olynyk and Andre Iguodala.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at BOS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
The Wizards couldn’t have asked for more from Satoransky since John Wall (knee) went down. In 20 starts this season. Satoransky is averaging 11.3 points, four rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 three-pointers. He’ll get to face a depleted Celtics backcourt Wednesday that will be without Kyrie Irving (knee), Marcus Smart (thumb) and Jaylen Brown (concussion). Terry Rozier is a fine player and will have a big role with all of them out, but they don’t have many quality players behind him. Look for Satoransky to thrive in this matchup against the Celtics backups.
Brandon Jennings, MIL at ORL
FanDuel = Not Available
DraftKings = $4,400
Talk about a triumphant return. The Bucks signed Jennings to a 10-day contract and he made his season debut Monday, scoring 16 points to go along with eight rebounds, 12 assists, and three three-pointers. He played 24 minutes against a bad Grizzlies team, which has to be taken into consideration when you look at his numbers. Don’t expect him to be able to match that production again Wednesday, but he could approach 20 minutes again if the Bucks get up big against the lowly Magic. Of note, Jennings is not part of the player pool on FanDuel for some reason, so you’ll only have the opportunity to take advantage of his cheap price if you are playing on DraftKings.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at GS
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $6,000
Although the Lakers added Isaiah Thomas and have Lonzo Ball back healthy, the injury to Josh Hart (hand) has still left plenty of minutes to go around for their backcourt. Caldwell-Pope is actually having his best month of the season so far in March, averaging 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds. 2.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.9 three-pointers in seven games. Both the Lakers and the Warriors are in the top four in the league in pace of play, so expect Caldwell-Pope to get plenty of opportunities to keep his hot streak alive Wednesday.
Wayne Ellington, MIA at SAC
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,900
Dwyane Wade (hamstring) will be out again Wednesday, which should free up some playing time for Ellington. With Wade sidelined Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers, Ellington logged 30 minutes. Although he only scored 11 points, he was just 4-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-10 on three-pointers. If his shot is falling Wednesday, he could provide significant upside at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Justise Winslow, MIA at SAC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900
Winslow is having his best prolonged stretch of the season, averaging 13 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in seven games in March. The key is he is averaging 31 minutes per game this month after averaging no more than 25 minutes in any previous month this season. Expect that to be a trend that continues with Wade out Wednesday, making Winslow a viable option against the lowly Kings.
Andre Iguodala, GS vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Iguodala (wrist) has missed the last three games for the Warriors but is listed as probable Wednesday against the Lakers. His return couldn’t come at a better time as the Warriors will be without both Stephen Curry (ankle) and Draymond Green (shoulder) in this contest. Iguodala could have a significant role helping to facilitate the Warriors offense, which is great news considering the Lakers allow the fourth-most points per game (110.1) in the league. As long as he plays, he should be able to outproduce his price point Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at SAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Injuries continue to be the theme Wednesday as the Heat will also be without Hassan Whiteside (hip). The Heat won’t have much depth up front as a result, leaving Olynyk with an expanded role. In the last two games that Whiteside missed, Olynyk averaged 11 points, eight rebounds, 4.5 assists, one steal and one block. His offensive upside isn’t very high, but his ability to provide production in multiple categories makes him someone to consider for your entry.
Bam Adebayo, MIA at SAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Olynyk has played well with Whiteside out, but Adebayo has actually started both of the last two games. While he didn’t fare as well, he did average five points, 8.5 rebounds, and two assists. He played 25 minutes Monday against the Trail Blazers, so he should see significant minutes against Wednesday. The Kings allow the second-most FanDuel points per game (55.5) and the third-most DraftKings points per game (54.2) to opposing centers, giving Adebayo upside in this game.
CENTERS
Greg Monroe, BOS vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
The Celtics don’t have a lot of great offensive players, to begin with, and will be without their best one in Irving on Wednesday. Monroe’s usage rate of 22.5% since joining the Celtics is actually the second highest on the team. Although he’s not a big name, the loss of Daniel Theis (knee) is also a big blow to the Celtics frontcourt. Monroe could be in for a monster role if Al Horford also doesn’t play Wednesday due to his illness, but he can still provide value even if Horford takes the floor.
Marcin Gortat, WAS at BOS
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,500
Gortat is slumping right now, averaging just 6.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in six games this month. However, he’s played well against the Celtics this season, averaging 10.5 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and 1.5 blocks in their previous two meetings. With the Celtics shorthanded up front Wednesday, Gortat could have his way on the boards once again. He won’t cost much, making him a viable option in tournament play.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
Thursday brings just two games in the NBA, but there are still great players taking the floor and money to be won in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the players to hopefully help you win some money like Eric Bledsoe and Kyle Kuzma.
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100
Bledsoe is in the midst of one of his best stretches since being traded to the Bucks, averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in his last five games. He has the second-highest usage rate (27.1%) on the team and should continue to be one of the focal points of their offense moving forward. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Bledsoe an excellent option at a reasonable price Thursday.
Jeff Teague, MIN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200
Teague’s scoring average is down at just 12.9 points per game this season, but that was to be expected playing for a team that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, and Andrew Wiggins. He’s still managed to provide value though by averaging 7.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He gets a favorable matchup Friday as the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103 possessions per game) in the league. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but he can still provide value for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Will Barton, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,800
Barton is getting a ton of playing time for the Nuggets, logging at least 34 minutes in 10 of his last 11 games. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds. 4.6 assists and 2.1 three-pointers in those 10 contests. The Nuggets have moved Barton into the starting lineup as they push towards the playoffs, giving him a significant boost in value. On a night with limited options, Barton stands out as a great choice at shooting guard.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
The Lakers are still thin at guard with Lonzo Ball (knee) injured, leaving Caldwell-Pope to play at least 31 minutes in three straight games. Even though his usage rate is only 17.2% this season, the pace at which the Lakers play and the added playing time helps give Caldwell-Pope value. The Timberwolves have struggled on defense at times this season, making Caldwell-Pope someone to consider at this price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $11,700
DraftKings = $10,700
On a night with so few games, you want to make sure you get at least one elite player into your lineup. Giannis might be that player Thursday, with his 31.8% usage rate that ranks fifth-highest in the league. He’s much more than just a scorer though, averaging 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He will eat up a significant portion of your budget, but he should be worth it Thursday.
Brandon Ingram, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,300
Ingram continues to provide an offensive spark for the Lakers, averaging 20 points in his last six games. He’s been asked to help facilitate the offense with Ball out as well, averaging 5.7 assists over that same stretch. Even with Isaiah Thomas now on the Lakers, Ingram should still see an increase in assists until Ball returns. Ball is expected back after the All-Star break, so take advantage of Ingram’s added value Thursday while you can.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,000
Kuzma has shown he can provide tremendous value when given the opportunity but has seen limited minutes when the Lakers are healthy up front. However, the trade that sent Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers has now freed up playing time for Kuzma. He’s been excellent in the three games since Nance was traded, averaging 17.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers. Power forward is especially shallow on FanDuel with only two games, leaving Kuzma as one of the better options Thursday.
Trey Lyles, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Lyles has been a valuable member of the Nuggets’ bench, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and a block in six games in February. His playing time is down a bit from the previous two months, but his usage in February is a season-high at 23.8%. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Lyles significant role and cheap price make him worth considering for your entry.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $9,800
Jokic’s ability to contribute across the board leaves him tremendous upside, evident by the fact that he has two triple-doubles in his last six games. Things couldn’t shape up much better for him Thursday as the Bucks allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He and Karl-Anthony Towns stand out at the position Thursday, but Jokic could finish with the best numbers, especially if the Timberwolves get a big lead on the lowly Lakers.
Tyler Zeller, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
The Bucks will be without starting center John Henson (hamstring) on Thursday, marking the third straight game that he has missed. Zeller played at least 22 minutes in each of the previous two games without Henson, averaging 9.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With Jokic and Towns being by far the best options at center Thursday, it might be wise to pay up to get one of them into your lineup. However, if you need to save money at the position, Zeller is a cheap option to consider.