Thursday brings a difficult two-game slate in the NBA. Not only are we looking at limited options in DFS, but a key injury could also have a significant impact.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 9 2019
We’ll have plenty of action across the NBA with nine games on the schedule Monday. We do have some key injuries to monitor and a few players who could be rested on the second leg of a back-to-back set.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/16/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
After an eventful summer that saw stars like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard change teams, the NBA season tips off with a two-game slate Tuesday. Normally we highlight cheaper sleeper plays that could help you cash in DFS. However, since there are only two games to select from, we’ll take a look at some of the better options available across the entire price scale. 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
Stephen Curry, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $9,600
DraftKings = $8,600
The Warriors made a big splash in free agency by signing DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has traditionally been among the league leaders in usage rate, but he’s obviously never been surrounded by such elite scoring talent. It will be interesting to see how his addition impacts the rest of the All-Stars on the team, but that’s of no concern Tuesday as Cousins continues to work his way back from a torn Achilles. Curry’s 30.6% usage rate was 10th-highest in the league last season and the Warriors played a the fifth-fastest pace (100.4 possessions per game), so expect him to have plenty of opportunities to contribute in their opener.
Markelle Fultz, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Fultz’s rookie campaign was nothing short of a disaster. The top pick in the draft played only 14 games due to injury and worked extensively to try and correct his shooting woes. In something you don’t really see in the NBA, the Sixers used Fultz in the starting lineup to begin games during the preseason but brought him off the bench in the second half. They have confirmed they will also deploy this strategy Tuesday, so expect Fultz to play somewhere around the 23 minutes per game that he averaged across the preseason. His upside isn’t very high, but if you want to go cheap at point guard, he’s at least someone to consider based on his new role.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,300
The addition of Schroder could prove to be significant for the Thunder. He was stellar for the Hawks last year, averaging 19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. Expect those numbers to decline playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but Westbrook might not play in this contest as he recovers from knee surgery. If he indeed sits, George is going to need all the help he can get to keep up with the Warriors high-scoring offense, so expect Schroder to be productive.
Andre Iguodala, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000
The Warriors could be forced to play a lot of small lineups Tuesday. Not only is Cousins out, but Draymond Green is likely going to be on a minutes limit as he battles a knee injury. The Warriors don’t have much size behind Green, so expect Iguodala to be heavily involved. Although Iguodala likely won’t be counted on to provide much scoring, that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $8,000
The star trio of George, Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony didn’t work for the Thunder last year. With Anthony now a member of the Rockets, George and Westbrook will have to shoulder even more of the scoring load. George was already extremely productive last year by averaging 21.9 points per game, but his 25.7% usage rate was his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He’s going to get all the shots he can handle if Westbrook is sidelined, but he’s a great option even if Westbrook manages to take the floor.
Robert Covington, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $4,700
Covington sometimes gets lost behind Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, but his ability to shoot three’s and play defense are critical for the Sixers. His offensive ceiling is capped playing with those two stars, but he did average 12.6 points and 2.5 three-pointers per game last season. The Sixers are going to be somewhat thin at small forward with Wilson Chandler out due to a hamstring injury, which opens up the door for Covington to provide added value.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Saric made significant improvements offensively last season. After shooting 41.1% from the field and 31.1% from behind the arc during his rookie season, he shot 45.3% from the field and 39.3% on three-pointers last year. His ability to create spacing is key, especially with Simmons’ limited range. He averaged 30 minutes a night and should have a similar role this season, leaving him one of the better options at possibly the thinnest position of the night.
Jerami Grant, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
The loss of Anthony has created a hole at power forward for the Thunder that will be filled by the combination of Grant and Patrick Patterson. Neither played heavy minutes consistently last year, but Grant possessed the better per-36 minutes averages of 14.9 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He may be better suited in this game to play against the lengthy, athletic wings for the Warriors and won’t cost much more than the minimum on both sites, so he might be worth taking a flier on.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $10,400
DraftKings = $8,800
Embiid only played in 63 games during the regular season last year, but he was a monster when he was on the court. His 33.5% usage rate was not only the highest on the team, but it was the third-highest in the league behind only James Harden and Westbrook. He wasn’t just about scoring, though, averaging 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest. The Celtics are a tough defensive team, but Embiid averaged 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game against them in the playoffs last year.
Steven Adams, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,800
The Thunder had very little size outside of Adams last year, leading to him averaging a career-high 33 minutes per contest. He cashed in his opportunity, averaging 13.9 points, nine rebounds, 1.2 steals and one block. His 55.9% free-throw percentage left a lot to be desired if you played in a season-long league, but that’s of no concern in DFS. This could be a matchup to exploit against the Warriors with Green potentially limited and few quality options behind him at center, although you will need to monitor Adams’ status since he is listed as questionable with a stiff lower back. If he doesn’t play, pivot to Nerlens Noel.
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*Mike Barner*
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POINT GUARDS
Stephen Curry, GS at HOU
FanDuel = $9,800
DraftKings = $8,400
Curry has wasted no time since returning from an ankle injury, averaging 35.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 8.0 three-pointers in two games. He’s averaging 4.0 three-pointers per game this year, but believe it or not, that mark could be even higher as he is shooting a career-low 40.6% from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring game with both the Warriors and the Rockets in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so take full advantage of Curry at this reasonable price.
Milos Teodosic, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,100
The Clippers have been decimated by injuries at guard throughout this season, the latest being Austin Rivers (Achilles). Rivers has missed both of the team’s last two games and is questionable to play Thursday. Even if he does manage to play, his minutes could be monitored. While not flashy numbers, Teodosic did average 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers in the two games that Rivers missed. There aren’t many great cheap options available at point guard with only two games on the schedule Thursday, making Teodosic someone to consider.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $7,200
With all the injuries the Clippers have suffered, Williams is averaging career-highs in points (21.7), assists (4.8), three-pointers (2.7) and minutes (31) per game. His usage rate stands at 28.9%, putting him inside the top-20 in the league. The return of Blake Griffin from a knee injury has actually helped Williams since teams can’t key in on him defensively anymore, resulting in Williams averaging 32.0 points over the last three games. The Thunder are a strong defensive team, but volume alone still makes Williams someone to consider.
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,500
How lucky are the Rockets to have Gordon? He started earlier this season when Chris Paul was injured and now he returns to the starting lineup with James Harden (hamstring) out of action. In 17 starts this season, Gordon is averaging 22.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.0 three-pointers. He should fit in even better with Paul running the show as Paul is more of a pass-first point guard as opposed to Harden being an elite scorer. At this reasonable price, Gordon is too good to pass up.
SMALL FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at LAC
FanDuel = $8,400
DraftKings = $7,000
It took awhile, but the Thunder appear to have finally hit their stride, winning seven of their last 10 games. George missed one of those game, but averaged 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.0 block in the other nine games. His 25.1% usage rate is his lowest since the 2012-13 season, but he’s clearly ahead of Carmelo Anthony as the second-best offensive weapon for the Thunder. He’s priced low enough to be a viable option for your entry Thursday.
Gerald Green, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000
Talk about a player making an immediate impact on his new team. Green recently signed with the Rockets to give them depth on the bench but is now thrust into a prominent role with Harden out. He came through with flying colors in the first game without Harden on Wednesday, scoring 27 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, and seven three-pointers in 28 minutes. While it will be hard for him to match that production, he should get extended minutes again Thursday in a game likely full of small lineups. He might be the best value play of the night.
POWER FORWARDS
Blake Griffin, LAC vs. OKC
FanDuel = $8,700
DraftKings = $8,200
Griffin continues to show his versatility, averaging 23.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in three games since returning from injury. He has posted a career-high 30.1% usage rate this season, which is not surprising considering the rash of injuries the Clippers have suffered. The Thunder are a strong defensive team, but they don’t have much size up front. Carmelo Anthony will likely be the one trying to slow down Griffin on Thursday, so Griffin could be primed for a big game.
Ryan Anderson, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Games between the Rockets and Warriors are what Anderson was made for. With lots of small lineups and the game being played at a fast pace, it’s a perfect compliment to Anderson’s skillset. In his first meeting with the Warriors this season, Anderson scored 13 points to go along with eight rebounds, one steal, one block and three three-pointers. Last season, he averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers in two games against them. The price is right to take a chance on him playing well in this game.
CENTERS
Clint Capela, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,800
The Rockets are going to need increased scoring from multiple players to make up for the loss of Harden, Capela included. He was up to the task Wednesday against the Magic, scoring 21 points in only 23 minutes. Centers thriving with Chris Paul running the point are nothing new, such as the success DeAndre Jordan had with him in Los Angeles. Capela has recorded a double-double in three of his last five games and could be extremely valuable if he continues to score more.
Steven Adams, OKC at LAC
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800
Adams gets no easy task matching up against Jordan in this game. Jordan is an elite defensive rebounder, averaging 10.7 per game this season. One of Adams’ strengths is his ability to contribute on the offensive glass, averaging 4.9 offensive rebounds per game. While this is a tough matchup indeed, it should also lead to plenty of playing time for Adams because the Thunder don’t have much size. There aren’t any great really cheap options are center Thursday, but Adams is a viable option at this price.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/22/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/22/17
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POINT GUARDS
Kyle Lowry, TOR at NY
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,200
Lowry’s scoring is down significantly this season at only 14.6 points per game, However, most of that is due to a poor start as he has scored at least 17 points in six of his last seven games. Wednesday brings a rematch against the Knicks, a team that posted 22 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and five-three pointers against last week. That should come as no surprise as the Knicks struggle to defend opposing point guards, so roll with Lowry again in this game.
Mario Chalmers, MEM vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Chalmers has played well as a member of the starting five for the Grizzlies, averaging 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 steals in four starts this season. While his usage rate is about the same whether he starts or comes off the bench, he’s averaging seven more minutes per game as a starter, leading to the added value. The Mavericks are in the top-10 in terms of most fantasy points allowed to opposing point guards this season, making Chalmers an excellent value play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Bradley Beal, WAS at CHA
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $7,800
Beal has been an offensive force again this season, averaging 24.2 points and 2.2 three-pointers per game. Throw in averages of 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game and you get an excellent all-around option. His 28.8% usage rate is the highest on the team and puts him inside the top-20 in the NBA. The Hornets are allowing the fifth-most points per game (24.6) to opposing shooting guards this season, making Beal a strong option for your entry.
Troy Daniels, PHO vs. MIL
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,300
With so many elite players in action Wednesday, you want to try and find a couple of really cheap tournament plays to help with your budget. Daniels has surprisingly been a big part of the Suns’ offense of late, averaging 15.7 points and 4.3 three-pointers over his last three games. The Suns play at the second-fastest pace (106.6) in the NBA, so Daniels has opportunities to produce even in limited minutes. He won’t cost you much, so take a chance on him in tournament play if you need to save some money.
SMALL FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC vs. GS
FanDuel = $8,500
DraftKings = $8,500
This will be a fun game to see how the Thunder’s new “big 3” hold up against the loaded Warriors. While the Thunder are only 7-9 to start the season, George is still averaging 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 steals and 3.4 three-pointers per game. The Thunder have so little depth that even with two other superstars on the team, George can still put up lofty numbers. This has the potential to be a high-scoring contest Wednesday, resulting in George having significant value.
Denzel Valentine, CHI at UTA
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,800
The rebuilding Bulls brought Valentine off the bench to start this season, but have finally moved him to the starting small forward in place of Paul Zipser. Valentine appears to have grabbed hold of the position, averaging 14.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.0 three-pointers in his last three games. Without the injured Rudy Gobert anchoring their defense, the Jazz aren’t the same team defensively. Valentine has the potential to be one of the best value plays for the evening.
POWER FORWARDS
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN at CLE
FanDuel = $7,200
DraftKings = $6,400
Hollis-Jefferson is coming off one of his best games of the season when he scored 16 points to go along with 12 rebounds, five assists and one steal Sunday against the Warriors. The Cavaliers present a similar opponent in style of play as they too tend to use a lot of small lineups, which is ideal for Hollis-Jefferson. The Nets play at the fastest pace (107) in the NBA, leaving Hollis-Jefferson with plenty of opportunities to provide production. Get him in your lineup at this reasonable price.
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at UTA
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,600
The Bulls continue to struggle this season, but Markkanen has been one of the bright spots on their depleted roster. The rookie is averaging 15.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.5 three-pointers in 31 minutes per game. The fight between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic opened up a starting spot for Markkanen and it appears he is now going to hold onto it for the rest of the season. As one of the few quality scoring options on the team, he should continue to see heavy minutes again Wednesday. Based on his production and role on the team, this is a very reasonable price for Markkanen on both sites.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at HOU
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $8,900
The Nuggets were dealt a significant blow Wednesday when it was announced Paul Millsap needs surgery on his injured wrist and will be out indefinitely. Millsap had the second-highest usage rate (23.7%) on the team, leaving a lot of opportunities for others to produce now that he is out. Jokic was already one of the focal points of the team as he had a 21.1% usage rate himself, but he could see increased production going forward. Both the Nuggets and Rockets and are in the top-12 in the NBA in terms of pace, so this could be a huge night for Jokic.
Thon Maker, MIL at PHO
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $3,300
The Bucks are going to be thin up front Wednesday as John Henson has already been ruled out for this game with an eye injury. That’s not good news because even though the Suns are horrible, they have a lot of size up front in Tyson Chandler, Alex Len, and Greg Monroe. Maker is only averaging 18 minutes per game this season but could see significantly more playing time in this contest. If you want to take a chance on a cheap center in tournament play, Maker could be in line for a decent performance.