NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on October 17, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Wednesday brings the first full day of NBA action with 11 games on the schedule. Let’s examine some cheaper value plays who could help lead you to a winning entry. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Trey Burke, NY vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600

Burke’s tenure with the Knicks last season was a pleasant surprise, posting 12.8 points, 4.7 assists and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He also shot a staggering 50.3% from the field, but expect that to drop this season based on his 40.4% shooting percentage for his career. The Knicks named him their starting point guard for opening night and they’ll be searching for scoring with Kristaps Porzingis still recovering from a torn ACL. Burke had a 25.1% usage rate last year and could start of the season on a high note.

Patty Mills, SA vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600

The Spurs have been decimated at point guard. First, Dejounte Murray was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Then, Derrick White went down with a heel injury. Rookie Lonnie Walker IV is also injured and Tony Parker is now in Charlotte, leaving Mills with the potential for significant playing time. Last season, Mills averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.3 three-pointers across 19 games in which he logged at least 30 minutes. His upside isn’t off the charts, but he’s cheap enough to be worth considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Caris LeVert, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,800

The Nets are dealing with their own injury concerns with Allen Crabbe, DeMarre Carroll and Shabazz Napier all ruled out for Wednesday. To make matters worse, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is questionable with a hip injury. Even if Hollis-Jefferson does play, the door is open for LeVert to get extended run. Over nine games in which LeVert logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and six assists.

Jeremy Lamb, CHA vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,700

The Hornets dealt away Dwight Howard over the summer, which left a significant hole in their offense since he had the third-highest usage rate (24.2%) on the team last year. Although he doesn’t play Howard’s position, Lamb will be one of the players tasked with filling the scoring void created by his departure. Lamb will also move into the starting lineup this year, which is great news considering he averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers across 18 starts last year.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Tauren Prince, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,100

This matchup between the Hawks and the Knicks might be one of the least exciting ones on the slate. These are both two bad teams working their way through a rebuilding process. Neither team has a lot of potent scorers, but don’t overlook Prince’s potential. He came on strong after the All-Star break last year, averaging 19 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.2 three-pointers across 23 games.

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,000

The sixth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac was limited to 27 games last year due to injury. Although he only averaged 20 minutes per contest, he showed his incredible defensive upside by averaging 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. He still has a ways to go offensively, evident by the fact that he shot 37.9% from the field last year. With that being said, he could do enough defensively and on the boards in this game to warrant consideration.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,100

The Heat are dealing with plenty of injuries Wednesday with Justise Winslow, James Johnson, Wayne Ellington and Dion Waiters all listed as either doubtful or out. The Magic have a talented frontcourt made up of Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, Mohamed Bamba, and Isaac, so the Heat are likely going to rely heavily on Olynyk in this game. In 12 games in which Olynyk logged at least 30 minutes last year, he averaged 16.8 points, eight rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 steals.

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,900

The Rockets roster has a lot of big names, including James Harden, Chris Paul, and Carmelo Anthony. One player who doesn’t always get the credit that he deserves is Tucker, whose ability to defend multiple positions and shoot three’s goes a long way towards helping them be successful. He’s expected to open the season as a member of the starting five with Anthony and Eric Gordon set to come off the bench. The Rockets will also be somewhat shorthanded up front with Marquese Chriss out with an ankle injury. Tucker might not score a ton of points, but he could provide enough in other areas to be an option at near the minimum price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/17/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700

The Nets need Allen to make significant improvements this season. They were one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers last year despite Allen averaging 1.2 blocks in only 20 minutes per game. With Ed Davis and Kenneth Faried as his backups, expect Allen to see more playing time if he can stay out of foul trouble. Facing Andre Drummond is no easy task, but the potential for increased playing time certainly works in Allen’s favor.

Alex Len, ATL at NY
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,600

The Hawks are the walking wounded up front. Not only will they be without one of the keys to their future in John Collins, but Dewayne Dedmon will also sit out Wednesday. The door is open for Len to log plenty of minutes after seeing inconsistent playing time with the Suns last year. Len shined when given an opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over three games in which he played at least 30 minutes.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on March 8, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

There are only five games in the NBA on Thursday, leaving limited options to choose from in daily fantasy basketball. There will be some elite players in action, but it’s key to find the right cheap 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 Rudy Gay and Jarrett Allen.

Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<

POINT GUARDS

Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200

Johnson has provided an offensive spark for the Heat lately, scoring at least 16 points in three of his last four games. He was efficient from the field during those three contests, shooting a combined 20-for-37 (54.1%). Johnson has had some success in three previous meetings with the Sixers this season, averaging 12.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 three-pointers. The expected return of Wayne Ellington (quad) on Thursday adds further depth to the Heat, but Johnson should still get enough playing time to warrant consideration for your entry.

Raymond Felton, OKC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,400

Felton played just nine minutes in a close game between these same two teams last week, but still scored five points and dished out four assists. Considering the Suns play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) and allow the most points per game (113.3) in the league, it’s not surprising that Felton put up those numbers in such limited minutes. If he gets more minutes Thursday, there is a good chance he provides value at this price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

Dwayne Wade, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,400

Wade has stepped up offensively lately, scoring at least 22 points in three of his last five games. Although he’s coming off the bench and playing limited minutes still, Wade has a 31.6% usage rate with the Heat compared to a 24.3% usage rate during his time in Cleveland. He lit up the Sixers for 27 points in their last meeting, making him a viable option at a reasonable price again Thursday.

Malik Monk, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,000

Monk played 16 minutes in the Hornets last game Tuesday, scoring nine points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) did not play in that contest and will be out Thursday, which should mean more minutes for Monk once again. The Nets play at the seventh-fastest pace (101) and allow the third-most points per game (110) in the league, leaving Monk with a promising matchup. His ceiling is not high by any means, but he could be worth the risk in tournament considering how little he will impact your budget.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

DeMarre Carroll, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900

Carroll is off to a great start in March, averaging 20.3 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 assists, one steal and 3.7 three-pointers through three contests. He’s had a resurgent season in general for the Nets and since they don’t own their first round pick next year, he should still get plenty of minutes despite their poor record. Even if he can’t keep up with his recent offensive pace Thursday, he can still provide enough production across the board to justify this price.

Rudy Gay, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $5,600

Gay injured his eardrum Monday against the Grizzlies but is expected to play Thursday against the Warriors. He was off to a great start in that game before suffering the injury, scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds in just 14 minutes. He had played at least 24 minutes in both of his previous two contests, averaging 17 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two blocks. The Warriors like to use a lot of small lineups and play at the second-fastest pace (102.6) in the league, making Gay an excellent option Thursday. His price is reasonable on DraftKings, but it’s really low on FanDuel, making him an even better option if you are playing on that site.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

Marcus Morris, BOS at MIN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,400

Morris is only averaging 25 minutes per game in his first season with the Celtics, but he has logged at least 30 minutes in four of his last seven games. The added playing time is significant for his value because his 22.2% usage rate is third-highest on the team. The Timberwolves have not played well defensively of late, allowing an average of 112.1 points over their last seven games. If Morris can get extra minutes again in this contest, look for him to take advantage of their struggles.

Davis Bertans, SA at GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600

The Spurs will be shorthanded up front Thursday with Pau Gasol (shoulder) sidelined. While Joffrey Lauvergne could also see some added playing time, this is not a great matchup for him considering the small lineups the Warriors like to deploy. Their style of play is better suited for Bertans’ skillset, so don’t be surprised if he sees more action than Lauvergne. If you want to go really cheap at power forward, Bertans could be worth the risk in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at CHA
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

Don’t panic over Allen’s last two bad games. One of them came against a good defender in DeAndre Jordan and the other was a bad matchup against the Warriors. He had averaged 13 points, eight rebounds and 1.4 blocks in his five previous games. One of those contests was against these same Hornets when he finished with nine points, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. The Nets are going to need him to battle with Dwight Howard on Thursday and I expect him to fair much better than he has in his last two games.

Greg Monroe, BOS at MIN
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Monroe is starting to find his groove with his new team, averaging 14 points, 6.3 rebounds and one block in his last three games. He didn’t play more than 21 minutes in any of those contests, but his 23.1% usage rate since joining the Celtics is already the second-highest on the team. He could see added playing time against a big Timberwolves frontcourt Thursday, making him a viable option for your entry.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on February 26, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.

Teams With The Most Games – 5 Games Each
Sacramento Kings

Teams With 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

The Kings get a scheduling oddity this week as they are the only team to play more than four games during any week this season. That will provide some interesting opportunities for some of their players, but that doesn’t mean there are enough viable Kings available on waivers in your league to fill any holes in your lineup. Consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

Tomas Satoransky, Washington Wizards

Satoransky makes this list for the second straight week. John Wall (knee) is still sidelined for the Wizards, leaving the starting point guard job in Satoransky’s capable hands. Satoransky has started all 10 games in February, averaging 12.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 three-pointers per contest. Not only are his counting stats great, but he also shot 59.5% from the field and was perfect from the charity stripe during that stretch. He’s still available in 63% of Yahoo! leagues, so pick him up if you still can.

Andrew Harrison, Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies didn’t trade Tyreke Evans at the deadline, but now he’s down with a rib injury. Evans didn’t play Saturday and has already been ruled out for Monday as well. Harrison will be in line for an expanded role for however long Evans is out, but he can still provide value even when Evans returns due to a four-game week. Harrison has had his best month of the season in February, averaging 15.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 three-pointers per contest. He won’t provide much defensively, but he has shot 49.5% from the field this month. Two of Harrison’s four games this week are against the Suns and the Magic, both among the worst defensive teams in the league. Still available in 81% of Yahoo! leagues, Harrison could be a wise pickup for Week 20.

Skal Labissiere, Sacramento Kings

Labissiere should really benefit from playing five games this week. He missed some time earlier this month with a shoulder injury but has logged at least 25 minutes in both games since he returned. He’s played at least 20 minutes in a game 19 times this season, averaging 11.3 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 48.8% from the field. Those numbers don’t jump off the page but can provide value in a five-game week. He’s still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues and is someone to consider adding if you need help up front.

Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are the only team with just two games in Week 20, possibly putting you in a tough spot if you have any Spurs on your roster. While they might normally be in your starting lineup, consider benching the below players as a result of their limited schedule.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 20

Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs

Gasol isn’t nearly the player that he was in his prime, but is still averaging a valuable 10.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one block per game this season. One of the main reasons for his decline in production is that he is averaging only 25 minutes per game. Gasol reportedly had this left knee wrapped after Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers and while he said it’s nothing serious, the Spurs are one of the more cautious franchises in the league. This is the week to place Gasol firmly on your bench.

Dejounte Murray, San Antonio Spurs

Murray is playing well right now, averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks in his last six games. He’s clearly established himself as the team’s starting point guard and while he doesn’t provide hardly any three-pointers, his defensive contributions have made him a valuable commodity. However, with just two games this week, he won’t be able to produce enough points, rebounds, and assists to warrant starting.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/7/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on February 7, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 2/7/18

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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Jeff Teague, MIN at CLE
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,700

Teague has not been good offensively lately, scoring nine points or less in four of his last five games. He doesn’t provide many rebounds either, leaving him with limited upside when he struggles to score. The good news is he gets to face the Cavaliers on Wednesday, who have been horrible defensively. They have been particularly poor defending points guards, allowing the second-most points per game on FanDuel and the third-most points per game on DraftKings to the position. It might be worth the risk that he rebounds offensively in this game based on his price.

Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. SA
FanDuel =$4,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Ulis started with Devin Booker (hip) injured Tuesday, scoring eight points to go along with seven assists and one rebound. The key is he played 30 minutes in the game. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game nine times this season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.7 steals per contest. Booker is not expected to play again Wednesday, so the volume of playing time alone makes Ulis someone worth considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Danny Green, SA at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,900

Green has struggled with his shot this season, shooting only 39.7% from the field. That would actually mark his third-straight season shooting under 40%. He’s made up for his offensive deficiencies lately though, averaging 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.0 blocks in his last three games. In his first meeting with the Suns this season, Green scored 14 points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two three-pointers. The Suns allow the most points per game (112.2) in the league, so Green might be worth the risk at this cheap price.

Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300

The Heat have suffered a lot of injuries this season, but their health has improved of late. As a result, Ellington has played 29 minutes or less in three of his last five games. The majority of his value comes from his ability to score and hit three-pointers, so limited playing time is going to hinder his value. However, he could see a few extra minutes Wednesday as the Rockets like to use a lot of small lineups. The Rockets also play at the ninth-fastest pace (100.7 possessions per game) in the league, so Ellington might be someone to take a chance on in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at NO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200

Bogdanovic has scored at least 18 points in four straight games, shooting 53.8% from behind the arc during that stretch. He’s not always one of the Pacers primary scoring options, but he can put up points in a hurry when he gets in a groove. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Pelicans who allow the second-most points per game (111.1) and play at the fourth-fastest pace (101.8) in the league, giving Bogdanovic excellent upside.

Reggie Bullock, DET vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600

Bullock has seen an increase in playing time since the Pistons big trade with the Clippers, logging at least 34 minutes in three straight games. He’s an excellent three-point shooter, hitting 7-of-16 shots from behind the arc during that stretch. The Nets play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.1) in the league, which is a plus for Bullock when you factor in his increased playing time. Although he might not provide much outside of scoring, Bullock is still priced low enough to warrant consideration Wednesday.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Thaddeus Young, IND at NO
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500

Young may not put up flashy numbers, but he’s averaging 12.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals in his last six games. It’s important to note that he played at least 34 minutes in four of those six contests. The heavy minutes could mean added opportunities to produce Wednesday with the Pelicans struggles on defense and their up-tempo style of play. The Pelicans allow the third-most points per game on DraftKings and the fourth-most points per game on FanDuel to opposing power forwards, making Young a viable option for your lineup.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, HOU at MIA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000

Mbah a Moute has been getting a lot of playing time for the Rockets lately, logging at least 35 minutes in three of his last four games. With Trevor Ariza (hamstring) out and Ryan Anderson (ankle) questionable for Wednesday, Mbah a Moute should see plenty of action again in this game. His limited offensive skills don’t leave him with great upside, but he could contribute enough across the board to be worth consideration at this cheap price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers

Jarrett Allen, BKN at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100

Allen has taken over as the starting center for the Nets and that should continue moving forward, especially since they just traded Tyler Zeller to the Bucks. In five starts this season, Allen is averaging 15.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. He’s playing just 24 minutes per game as a starter and doesn’t provide great defensive numbers, but he can still provide value on a night like Wednesday with only six games on the schedule.

Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,700

The Heat have been limiting Hassan Whiteside’s playing time, especially late in games. Adebayo has been one of the primary beneficiaries of that move, logging at least 24 minutes in three straight games. He’s made the most of the opportunity, recording a double-double in two of those games. This isn’t a great matchup against a Rockets team that likes to play small, but the Heat may be forced to give Adebayo plenty of playing time if Kelly Olynyk (shoulder) is unable to play. Keep your eye on Olynyk’s status throughout the day and if he is indeed ruled out, Adebayo is a viable option in tournament play.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 17

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on February 5, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 17

Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards

This is the last full week before the All-Star break, leaving 13 teams to play four games each. If you don’t have many players on these teams, consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.

NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 17

Reggie Bullock, Detroit Pistons

Bullock is playing well right now, averaging 15.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 3.2 three-pointers in his last five games. He played at least 29 minutes in all five of those contests and should continue to see extended playing time moving forward with Avery Bradley now on the Clippers. He’s not going to provide a lot defensively and isn’t a great passer, but could provide a big boost to your team in three-pointers with four games this week. He is still available in 75% of Yahoo! leagues.