NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on March 29, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

Thursday is Opening Day for baseball, but there is also still plenty of money to be won in DFS for the night’s five-game slate in the NBA. 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 Wayne Ellington and Noah Vonleh.

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

POINT GUARDS

Quinn Cook, GS vs. MIL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $6,400

Cook has done an excellent job picking up the slack for all of the injured Warriors, averaging 19 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers in his last six games. He was heavily involved in the offense, averaging 15.2 shot attempts during that stretch. Stephen Curry (knee) and Klay Thompson (thumb) will be out again Thursday, leaving Quinn with additional playing time once again. However, he might not get as many shots as he has been with Kevin Durant (ribs) and Draymond Green (illness) expected to return. Even if he is less involved, he has a high enough minutes floor that he can still provide value for your entry.

Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,400

Johnson hasn’t been consistent offensively of late, scoring eight points or fewer in four of his last six games. However, he scored at least 19 points in both of the other two games. Thursday brings a great matchup against the Bulls, who have allowed an average of 119.6 points in their last five games. His price is the lowest it’s been in awhile due to his recent struggles, so now might be the time to capitalize.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

Buddy Hield, SAC vs. IND
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,800

Hield has had his best month of the season in March, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game. He’s also averaged 28 minutes per game this month, which is higher than any previous month this season. The Kings are giving their young players more opportunities down the stretch, so expect Hield to see an expanded role again Thursday. His production outside of scoring is inconsistent, but his offensive upside is still high enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300

Although the Heat have been thin up front, their backcourt is healthy for the most part. That has resulted in Ellington logging 27 minutes or fewer in four straight games. He’s still taking plenty of shots from behind the arc though, attempting 25 three-pointers in those four contests. The Bulls have allowed opponents to shoot 37.1% from behind the arc this season, which is eighth-highest in the league. Ellington might be low owned Thursday, but he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

Denzel Valentine, CHI at MIA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,200

The Bulls should continue to have limited depth in their backcourt Thursday with Kris Dunn (toe) and Zach LaVine (knee) both likely out. Valentine has had some big offensive performances in their absence, scoring at least 18 points in three of his last six games. He continues to fire away from behind the arc, attempting at least seven three-pointers in six of his last seven contests. The Heat are one of the better defensive teams in the league, but with the Bulls missing so many key players up and down their roster, Valentine’s increased usage makes him a viable option to consider.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at SAC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,100

After a five-game stretch during the middle of March where Bogdanovic really struggled, he’s heated back up by averaging 21 points and 2.7 three-pointers in his last three games. He’s even provided value on the boards, grabbing at least six rebounds in two of those three contests. He played well in his first meeting with the Kings this season, scoring 17 points and hitting three three-pointers in only 27 minutes. On a night with so few options, Bogdanovic’s offensive upside makes him a strong cost-effective option at small forward.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

Skal Labissiere, SAC vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200

The Kings have been one of the most frustrating teams when it comes to their rotations this season. No player on the team has averaged more than 28 minutes per game this season, leaving many of them with limited upside. Labissiere is finally starting to see more minutes with the Kings playing for nothing but a high draft pick, logging 30 minutes in each of the last three games. He’s taken advantage of the playing time, averaging 14 points, 7.7 rebounds, three assists and 1.3 blocks. His ceiling likely isn’t very high against a tough Pacers defense, but he can still provide value at this price.

Noah Vonleh, CHI at MIA
FanDuel =$4,600
DraftKings = $4,700

The Bulls have already been resting Robin Lopez and will now likely be without Cristiano Felicio (back), who is listed as doubtful for Thursday. Vonleh has already played at last 20 minutes in seven straight games, averaging 8.9 points, nine rebounds, and one steal during that stretch. Even if Lopez does start Thursday, he will likely only see limited minutes and not play at all in the second half. Vonleh is not a big offensive threat, but he should still at least approach a double-double Thursday.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18

Steven Adams, OKC at SA
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,800

There aren’t a lot of great center options Thursday, especially on FanDuel. Adams is certainly not cheap, but you might need to pay up at center to have a winning entry. Adams gets a ton of playing time on a Thunder squad that lacks depth up front, averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game this season. He has posted a double-double in three of his last five games and also scored at least 24 points twice during that same stretch. He should have a high floor again Thursday, even against a tough Spurs defense that allows the fewest points per game (99.4) in the league.

Marcin Gortat, WAS at DET
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Gortat doesn’t provide much offense, scoring seven points or fewer in six of his last nine games. He’s still been able to contribute on the boards though, grabbing at least seven rebounds in five of his last six contests. He’s only averaging 22 minutes per game in March, which severely limits his upside. The Wizards are going to need him to battle with Andre Drummond on Thursday though and Gortat has had some success against the Pistons, averaging 10.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in their three previous matchups this season. If you are determined to save money at center, Gortat might be your best bet to get some value.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on March 7, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

Wednesday brings seven games in the NBA with several elite players taking the floor. We all know the studs, but 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 De’Aaron Fox and Ben McLemore.

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

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

De’Aaron Fox, SAC vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600

Fox hasn’t provided many assists lately, totaling just six in his last three games. The good news is that he is still heavily involved in the offense, attempting at least 12 shots in seven of his last nine contests. His usage rate has increased each of the last two months and is at a season-high 27.1% through three games in March. Wednesday’s opponent in the Pelicans plays at the second-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) and allows the second-most points per game (111.7) in the league, so Fox could be in line for a valuable performance at this price.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at LAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,000

His numbers don’t jump off the page, but Augustin is averaging a respectable 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 assists in 18 starts this season. With Elfrid Payton now in Phoenix, that should be a role that Augustin holds on to for the rest of the year. Wednesday could be a high scoring game with both the Magic and the Lakers in the top eight in the league in pace of play. Augustin might not have a huge upside, but he’s priced low enough to still warrant considering for your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

Ben McLemore, MEM at CHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500

The Grizzlies will have very little depth at guard Wednesday with Tyreke Evans (ribs), Andrew Harrison (wrist) and Mario Chalmers (hamstring) all ruled out. McLemore missed Monday’s game due to a personal matter, but he is expected to play against the Bulls. He had played at least 30 minutes in both of his previous two games, averaging 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals. The Bulls allow the seventh-most points per game (109.4) in the league, leaving McLemore as an excellent inexpensive option with upside.

Kobi Simmons, MEM at CHI
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,100

Simmons is another player who should see added playing time in the Grizzlies’ backcourt Wednesday. He played at least 20 minutes in both of their last two games, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal. Expect him to log fewer minutes and have a lower upside than McLemore, but he’s also priced very cheap. Going with the duo of McLemore and Simmons could open up a significant portion of your budget to spend at other positions and might be a strategy to deploy in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

Dillon Brooks, MEM at CHI
FanDuel =$4,500
DraftKings = $4,200

Brooks is another player who has seen more playing time due to all of the Grizzlies injuries, logging at least 30 minutes in seven of his last eight games. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 27 times this season, averaging 11 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 three-pointers in those contests. Most of his value is tied to his scoring, but that might not necessarily be a bad thing considering how bad the Bulls are on defense.

C.J. Miles, TOR at DET
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,800

Miles has seen a slight increase in his role with OG Anunoby (ankle) sidelined the last three games, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and four three-pointers in 22 minutes per contest. Like Brooks, Miles value is mostly dependent on his ability to score. However, he’s been excellent from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.5 three-pointers per game this season. At near the minimum price on both sites, Miles could be worth the risk Wednesday.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $6,100
Draft Kings = $6,100

Brandon Ingram’s (groin) injury has opened up added playing time for Kuzma, who has started each of the last two games. He played well in both contests, averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals, one block and two three-pointers. With this likely to be an up-tempo, high scoring game, it fits well with Kuzma’s style of play. Don’t be surprised if he has a big offensive performance Wednesday.

Skal Labissiere/Zach Randolph, SAC vs. NO
FanDuel = $6,100/$5,900
DraftKings = $5,500/$5,800

Willie Cauley-Stein (back) is out again Wednesday, opening up some minutes in the Kings frontcourt. Labissiere has been seeing added playing time and performing well lately, so he would be my choice to add to your lineup Wednesday. However, he’s listed as questionable with a knee injury. If he is also unable to play, that could open up big minutes for Randolph. Randolph has the highest usage rate (27.5%) on the Kings, so he’s likely to produce if given added playing time. Keep your eye out for updates as the day progresses. If Labissiere plays, I’d get him in your lineup. If he doesn’t, I’d roll with Randolph.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18

Brook Lopez, LAL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800

The Lakers already freed up their logjam up front by trading Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers, but Lopez could see even more playing time now with Kuzma assuming some of Ingram’s minutes. In the last two games with Ingram injured, Lopez has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals, one block and 1.5 three-pointers. The Magic are in the bottom ten in terms of points allowed to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings, leaving Lopez with an opportunity to provide value.

Jakob Poeltl, TOR at DET
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,800

Poeltl doesn’t score much, recording eight points or less in five of his last six games. A lot of his value is tied to his defensive prowess as he is averaging 1.4 steals and 2.4 blocks in his last five contests. The Raptors have been winning games in a deciding fashion lately, which has opened up some added playing time late in games for Poeltl. One of those instances came against these same Pistons a little over a week ago when the Raptors won by 29 points. In that game, Poeltl played 22 minutes and finished with eight points, four rebounds, three steals and one block. If you want to take a risk on a really cheap center in tournament play, Poeltl could be an option.

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 Lineup Picks for 1/25/18

NBA Daily Fantasy

by Mike Barner on January 25, 20180 Comments

*Mike Barner*

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 1/25/18

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POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Stephen Curry, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $9,900
DraftKings = $10,400

Curry has been a model of consistency for the Warriors, largely due to his 30.9% usage rate that ranks 10th-highest in the league. Add in the fact that the Warriors play at the third-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league and he’s going to provide a high floor in DFS most nights. Over his last nine games, he’s averaging 29.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 5.3 three-pointers per game. The Timberwolves don’t defend opposing point guards particularly well, making Curry an excellent option to consider Thursday.

De’Aaron Fox/George Hill, SAC at MIA
FanDuel: $5,400/$4,500
DraftKings: $5,200/$4,500

The Kings continue to give their young players more minutes and sat Hill for rest purposes Tuesday against the Magic. Fox looked primed for a big performance but had to leave the game early due to an abdominal injury. He underwent an MRI and while the results were negative, his status is questionable for Thursday’s game. If he does play, he could provide significant value at this price. However, if he is unable to go, expect Hill to return and see added minutes. Keep an eye out for updates throughout the day and adjust with Fox and Hill accordingly.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Andrew Wiggins, MIN at GS
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $7,000

The Timberwolves have been without Jimmy Butler (knee) for the last three games, leading to a major increase in production for Wiggins. In those three games, Wiggins averaged 31.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He’s only averaging 15.9 shot attempts per game this season but averaged 22 shot attempts over those three contests. If Butler can’t go again Thursday, Wiggins is someone to strongly consider for your entry. Even if Butler does return, Wiggins can still be productive as the Timberwolves try to keep up with the Warriors high-powered offense.

Will Barton, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Barton has been in and out of the Nuggets starting lineup lately, starting four of the last six games. He’s been very productive as a member of the starting five this season, averaging 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in 12 games. His usage rate off the bench is actually 3% higher than it is when he starts, but he has averaged nine more minutes per game as a starter. He’s priced low enough to warrant consideration even if he comes off the bench Thursday, but he could have considerable upside if he does start.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Kevin Durant, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $9,900

It’s not hard to make a case to start Durant any given night. Not only does his 30.1% usage rate rank inside the top-15 in the league, but he’s also averaging career-highs in assists (5.6) and blocks (2.1) per game. Even with a lot of offensive talent around him, Durant is averaging 25.9 points per game, which would mark the tenth straight season that he has averaged at least 25 points. The Timberwolves are struggling defensively right now, allowing an average of 109.6 points in their last seven games. Don’t expect them to be able to slow down Durant on Thursday.

Nemanja Bjelica, MIN at GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500

Bjelica has started the last three games with Butler out, averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. Based on how much coach Tom Thibodeau plays his starters, it’s not surprising that Bjelica played at least 35 minutes in two of those games. If Butler is out again Thursday, there should be plenty of opportunities for Bjelica to provide value at this price. However, if Butler is cleared to play, Bjelica likely won’t see enough playing time to warrant using in your lineup. Make sure to monitor Butler’s status throughout the day.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Draymond Green, GS vs. MIN
FanDuel = $8,100
DraftKings – $7,500

Green takes a backseat offensively to the Warriors’ star scoring trio of Curry, Durant and Klay Thompson, but he still provides tremendous value due to his all-around contributions. Although he’s averaging just 11.3 points per game, he also has averages of 7.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. He’s currently in the midst of one of his best stretches this season, averaging 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 blocks in his last 10 games. With his high floor, he makes for a viable option for your entry again Thursday.

Skal Labissiere, SAC at MIA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000

Labissiere is finally seeing consistent playing time with the Kings shifting focus to their young players, averaging 11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block in his last five games. In three of those five contests, he played at least 28 minutes. His price is rising on both sites, but he’s still priced low enough to provide value in this game.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks

Steven Adams, OKC vs. WAS
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $6,600

Adams is usually one of the safer center options because the Thunder have virtually no depth behind him. He gets plenty of playing time as a result and is averaging career-highs in points (13.7), rebounds (8.9) and steals (1.2) per game. With dominant offensive players around him in Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Adams still finds a way to score in large part because he averages 5.1 offensive rebounds per game. He won’t kill your budget Thursday and has a relatively high floor based on his role on the team.

Enes Kanter, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,000

The Knicks are slumping right now and have fallen four games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They might become sellers at the NBA trade deadline as a result, which could become interesting because of their depth at center. Kanter has been one of their bright spots at the position and has kept it rolling during their struggles, averaging 15.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists over his last four games. He should see plenty of playing time against a big Nuggets frontcourt Thursday, making him worth consideration for your entry.

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