We have plenty of action in the NBA on Wednesday with 10 games on the schedule. That leaves us with a ton of cheaper value play options to wade through. Here are a couple that stand out at each position as having particularly favorable matchups.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Friday brings plenty of action in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Injuries continue to be a common theme throughout the league, creating even more value plays to consider for your DFS entry. Let’s highlight a couple at each position who could thrive based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
The Mavericks could be extremely thin in their backcourt Friday with Wesley Matthews (foot) already ruled out and Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) listed as questionable. That should open up added minutes for Barea, who has the highest usage rate (28 percent) on the team. When these two teams squared off Wednesday, Barea shined with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $6,000
Goran Dragic (knee) will be out for at least two months, which has left the Heat with a significant void at point guard. They’ve decided to have Justise Winslow take over for him in the starting five but Johnson is also in line for an expanded role. He’s made the most of his added playing time heading into this contest, averaging 15.8 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last six games. His price has jumped up significantly on DraftKings, but he could be a real bargain on FanDuel.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at MIA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,000
Clarkson continues to be one of the offensive leaders for the Cavaliers, averaging a career-high 17.1 points per game and posting a 29.4 percent usage rate. He should receive even more scoring opportunities with Rodney Hood (Achilles) out Friday. In the last two games that Hood missed, Clarkson scored 17 and 24 points, respectively. His 24-point showing was especially impressive considering it came against the stout Grizzlies’ defense.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,200
The Lakers depth is currently being tested with LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (finger) on the shelf. Hart moved into the starting five with both players sidelined Thursday and scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block. The key was that he logged 33 minutes. With a similar role likely in the cards for Friday, Hart could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play since both the Lakers and the Clippers are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,800
The Nuggets have been one of the teams impacted the most by injuries this season. It appears that they might get a couple of players back soon, but they still won’t have much depth Friday. Hernangomez has excelled since being moved into the starting five, averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. These two teams just faced off Wednesday and the Spurs couldn’t slow him down in that contest, leaving Hernangomez to score 27 points to go along with 13 rebounds.
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
Oubre had a hard time finding significant playing time with the Wizards, but he’s averaged 30 minutes a game since joining the Suns. The added playing time has paid off, helping Oubre average 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and one block. Even though he will likely continue to come off of the bench, that shouldn’t scare you away from deploying him in DFS at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, OKC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
The Thunder are clearly led by the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams. However, don’t underestimate the value that Grant brings to the team. They don’t have much depth, which has helped Grant average a career-high 31 minutes a game. He’s been productive, overall, but he’s been even better with averages of 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.6 blocks across his last seven games.
James Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Johnson might not be a flashy player, but he entered this year having averaged at least 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in back-to-back seasons. Injuries derailed the start of his current campaign, but he’s come on lately by averaging 10.8 points, five rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals across his last four games. He might continue to be asked to help facilitate the offense more with Dragic out, so don’t sleep on him at this price.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Get ready to see a heavy dose of Dedmon on Friday with Alex Len (back) and Miles Plumlee (knee) set to sit this one out. Dedmon logged 37 minutes with both players out Wednesday against the Pacers, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. The added playing time is an even greater benefit to his upside when you consider that the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
Cody Zeller continues to start for the Hornets, but he’s logged 22 minutes or fewer in four of their last five games. Hernangomez has seen an expanded role in all four of those contests, which led him to average 12 points and 8.3 rebounds. The Nets are one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so it’s not all that surprising that Hernangomez recorded seven points and 11 rebounds across just 14 minutes against them Wednesday. If you want to deploy a really cheap center in tournament play, Hernangomez is an intriguing option.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There’s not a ton of action with just four games in the NBA on Tuesday. That doesn’t leave us with many value play options, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some great ones to consider. Here are some players at each position that stand out for the slate. 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
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,400
The Heat will be without Goran Dragic (knee) on Tuesday, marking the fifth game in which he has missed this season. Across the previous four contests, Johnson averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. The key is that he logged at least 32 minutes in three of those contests. Don’t expect him to start against the Nets, but he’s still likely going to receive enough playing time to be a great option at this price.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Augustin has racked up at least seven assists in each of his last three games as he continues to run the point for the Magic. He hasn’t just been stockpiling assists, either, scoring at least 12 points in back-to-back contests. His overall upside is limited based on his 15.5 percent usage rate, but the Magic have little choice but to give him the bulk of the minutes at point guard, making him a viable option for such a small slate.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks are trying anything and everything right now in terms of rotations. In their last game against the Magic, they started Trier, Kevin Knox, Emmanuel Mudiay and Mitchell Robinson alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. It was a disaster, which led to Enes Kanter, Noah Vonleh and Trey Burke logging significant minutes off the bench. Trier only had seven points and two rebounds across his 13 minutes after logging at least 32 minutes in back-to-back contests. He’s shown the ability to score when given the opportunity, making him a risk worth considering at this price.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400
Johnson isn’t the only player on the Heat who has benefited from Dragic missing time this year. In those four games that Dragic was previously unable to play, Johnson scored at least 19 points twice. It’s hard to count on Ellington for much outside of points and steals, but he can get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. The return of Dwyane Wade (personal) does hurt Ellington’s upside some, but he should still receive added playing time.
SMALL FORWARDS
Joe Harris, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Harris has started all 17 games for the Nets this season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 29 minutes a game. He’s one of their most lethal three-point shooters, averaging 2.5 a game while shooting 50.6 percent from behind the arc. This could be an opportunity for him to shine against a Heat team that has allowed the third-highest three-point shooting percentage (37.9 percent) in the league.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200
The Wizards have certainly dug themselves an early hole at 5-11. The locker room appears to be a mess and there are already rumors of them looking to make trades. One player who has quietly performed well is Green, who is averaging 10.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The Wizards could be without Dwight Howard (back) for this game, which would likely force them to play a lot of small lineups. Green would likely see added minutes in that scenario, so keep an eye on Howard’s status leading up to tip-off.
POWER FORWARDS
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,900
Another player who would benefit greatly if Howard can’t play is Morris. With Howard sidelined for the first six games of the season, Morris averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Over nine games since Howard made his debut, Morris has averaged just 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks. Both of these teams are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so any added role could provide significant returns for Morris.
Ed Davis, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,900
If there is one thing you can count on from Davis, it’s that he’s going to attack the glass. He only averaged 19 minutes a game last year with the Blazers, but still grabbed 7.4 rebounds a night. Despite logging just 17 minutes a game since joining the Nets, he’s actually been even better with 8.3 rebounds per contest. The Nets are going to need Davis to battle with Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, making him a viable target at this price.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,300
Kanter played 38 minutes off the bench Sunday against the Magic, posting 21 points and 19 rebounds. The Knicks continue to play him with their second unit, but they’ve lost five straight, so it’s fair to question why he isn’t starting. Luckily, his 25.9 percent usage rate off the bench has still enabled him to average 15 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in that role. Look for him to at least be a double-double threat again Tuesday.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Robinson is certainly someone you only want to consider in tournament play. Even then, he’s awfully risky. He had five fouls in just nine minutes against the Magic, leaving him with 14 fouls across his last three games. His offensive game is still very raw, but he can pile up rebounds and blocks in a hurry due to his athleticism. With so few quality cheap centers on the board, Robinson should at least be in the discussion if you want to save money at the position.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/29/18
*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
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
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
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
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 3/16/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/16/18
Friday brings a fairly limited slate with only six games in the NBA. Injuries to key players continue to crop up across the league, so 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 Corey Brewer and Wayne Ellington.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Tyler Johnson, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,300
The Heat are going to be shorthanded in their backcourt again Friday with Dwyane Wade (hamstring) out and Josh Richardson (foot) listed as doubtful. Both players didn’t play in the Heat’s last game Wednesday against the Kings, a contest where Johnson scored 14 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and four-three-pointers in 28 minutes. He has actually scored at least 12 points in nine of his last 10 games, making him a viable option for your entry.
Shane Larkin, BOS at ORL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings – $3,800
The Celtics are going to have limited depth Friday with Marcus Smart (thumb), Jaylen Brown (concussion) and Kyrie Irving (knee) all out. Larkin played 24 minutes with them sidelined Wednesday, finishing with 11 points, one rebound, four assists, two steals and one three-pointer. Celtics coach Brad Stevens said he was on a minutes restriction in that game, which does limit his value. However, the Magic allow the second-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, so Larkin is someone to still consider.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Nick Young, GS vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,000
The Warriors are also dealing with injuries at guard and will be without Stephen Curry (ankle) and Klay Thompson (thumb) on Friday. Both players sat Wednesday against the Lakers as well, leaving Young to play 31 minutes. He didn’t disappoint, scoring 18 points to go along with three rebounds, two assists, one steal and three three-pointers. He’s never one to shy away from taking shots and with the Warriors playing at the fourth-fastest pace (102.5 possessions per game) in the league, he could be in for another valuable scoring night against the Kings.
Wayne Ellington, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400
Ellington also saw an expanded role with Wade and Richardson sidelined Wednesday, logging 36 minutes. He took a whopping 17 three-pointers, hitting six of them on his way to 22 points. The Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.2) and are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (110.2) in the league, so Ellington could be jacking up, and hitting, a lot of shots from behind the arc again Friday. Don’t expect much from him in other categories, but he’s still worth considering for your entry.
SMALL FORWARDS
Justise Winslow, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
Winslow is off to a great start in March, averaging 12.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.6 three-pointers in eight games. He’s averaging just 24 minutes per game this season but is averaging 31 minutes this month. With all of the Heat’s injury issues, expect him to continue to play heavy minutes Friday. The Lakers allow the second-most FanDuel points per game and the third-most DraftKings points per game to opposing small forwards, so don’t hesitate to add Winslow to your lineup.
Corey Brewer, OKC vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
The Thunder have been searching for depth all season and made an important move by signing Brewer after he was bought out by the Lakers. He’s played at least 28 minutes in four straight games, averaging 15.5 points, 3,8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 three-pointers. The increased playing time brings added value Friday as the Clippers play at the sixth-fastest pace (101.2) in the league. At this cheap price, it’s hard to pass him up considering his upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Kelly Olynyk, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,000
The Heat will be without another key contributor Friday with Hassan Whiteside (hip) set to miss his four straight games. In the first three games that he missed, Olynyk averaged 11.7 points, eight rebounds, 4.7 assists, one block and one three-pointer. He played 31 minutes Wednesday against the Kings and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play a similar total Friday against the uptempo Lakers. His price is climbing, but it’s still low enough where he can provide value.
James Johnson, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,200
Johnson had one of his best games of the season Wednesday, scoring 18 points to go along with 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block in 34 minutes. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 15 times this season, averaging 13.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.9 blocks and 0.9 three-pointers in those contests. The Lakers may be going with smaller lineups if Kyle Kuzma (ankle) is unable to play, which would benefit Johnson’s skill set. Even if Kuzma does take the floor, Johnson should have enough opportunities to provide value.
CENTERS
Greg Monroe, BOS at ORL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,100
Monroe excelled in Wednesday’s double-overtime loss, posting 16 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and two blocks. He only played 25 minutes, but with the team’s second-highest usage rate of 22.6%, he doesn’t necessarily have to play a lot in order to put up numbers. Al Horford (illness) is expected to return Friday, so that will likely hamper Monroe’s value to an extent. With the Magic playing at the ninth-fastest pace (100.4) and allowing the sixth-most points per game (109.6) in the league though, Monroe is still a viable cheap option at center.
Zaza Pachulia, GS vs. SAC
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,600
Don’t look now, but Pachulia has recorded a double-double in two straight contests. He returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Lakers, scoring 10 points to go along with 12 rebounds and five assists in 23 minutes. The Kings have size and depth up front, so it wouldn’t be surprising for Pachulia to see similar playing time Friday. The Kings allow the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, making Pachulia an intriguing option.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/8/18
*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
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
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
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
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 Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/29/17 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/29/17 – Value Plays
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
Friday’s schedule in the NBA is packed with nine games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. Let’s take a deep dive and look at only the cheaper value plays that could help make you a winner.
POINT GUARDS
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,000
The Heat have been one of the most injured teams in the league of late, leaving Johnson to average 36 minutes over his last five games. He hasn’t let that opportunity go to waste, averaging 16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 three-pointer per game. While Goran Dragic is back healthy, now the Heat have lost Dion Waiters (ankle). The Nets play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.8) in the league, leaving Johnson with the potential to provide excellent value Friday.
J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900
Although Barea is only averaging 23 minutes per game off the bench for the Mavericks this season, he is still averaging a career-high 12 points per game. The main reason for that has been his 25.8% usage rate, which is second highest on the team. Barea should have added chances to score Friday as not only do the Pelicans play at the seventh-fastest pace (101.9) in the league, but they also allow the second-most points per game (110.9). The price is right to take a chance on him in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,700
Ellington is another player benefiting from the rash of injuries on the Heat, playing at least 32 minutes in five straight games. He’s been lethal from behind the arc, shooting 20-for-44 (45.5%) during that stretch. Scoring hasn’t been his only contribution to the Heat either, grabbing at least six rebounds in three of those five games. Considering the small lineups the Nets deploy and the fast pace at which they play, Ellington is a viable option for your entry.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600
The Lakers have dealt with depth issues at guard lately, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being unable to play outside of the state of California because of legal issues and Lonzo Ball (shoulder) injured. Hart has seen an unexpected bump in playing time, as a result, logging at least 30 minutes in three straight games. While he hasn’t put up any monster performances, he’s provided value by averaging 10.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 three-pointers over that stretch. While Caldwell-Pope will be able to play Friday, Ball will still be out of action. Considering his cheap price, he is an option to consider at shooting guard.
SMALL FORWARDS
Lance Stephenson, IND at CHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
Stephenson will likely start again Friday with Victor Oladipo (knee) ruled out for the second straight game. Stephenson was fantastic in his first start filling in for Oladipo on Wednesday, scoring 16 points to go along with 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two three-pointers. Even with limited minutes outside of Wednesday’s game, Stephenson has now scored at least 10 points in four of his last five games. Look for him to be productive again in this game versus the Bulls.
Allen Crabbe, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,300
Like most starters on the Nets, Crabbe struggled in limited minutes Wednesday against the Pelicans. He had averaged 12.6 points in five games entering that contest, so chalk it up to just a bad performance by the team in general. He’s not just an offensive weapon for the Nets either, grabbing at least five rebounds in five straight games. This should be a game filled with small lineups Friday, so Crabbe might be worth the risk at this price.
POWER FORWARDS
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,800
Morris is finally starting to get consistent playing time, resulting in at least 27 minutes in five of his last six games. In those five games, he averaged 13.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.2 three-pointers per contest. The Rockets play a lot of small lineups, to begin with, but will likely really go small with Clint Capela (face) out Friday. Considering they play at the eighth-fastest pace (101.4) in the league, Morris is worth consideration for your entry.
Ryan Anderson, HOU at WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $5,100
Speaking of the Rockets going small with Capela out, Anderson played a whopping 40 minutes without Capela on Thursday against the Celtics. He didn’t have an explosive performance but managed to finish with nine points, eight rebounds, one steal, one block and two-three-pointers against a tough Celtics defense. His volume alone makes him a possible option for your lineup, but he could really be worth it if he gets hot from behind the arc.
CENTERS
Julius Randle, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100
Randle played only 11 minutes while struggling against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, but had averaged 17.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in three games prior. His struggles Wednesday shouldn’t be surprising as the Grizzlies allow the fewest points per game to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Expect him to play more minutes and fair better Friday, especially if Kyle Kuzma (quad) does not play.
Jakob Poeltl, TOR vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
Poeltl is establishing a significant role off the bench for the Raptors, averaging 22 minutes over his last seven games. He doesn’t put up gaudy numbers but did average 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks over that stretch. The Hawks don’t have much size up front, resulting in allowing the seventh-most points per game on FanDuel and the sixth most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. His ceiling isn’t very high, but Poeltl is a viable option if you want to go really cheap at center.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17
Saturday (12/23/17) features a twelve-game slate with games that may provide great value to your potential winning lineup. Many play opportunities lie beneath the $10,000+ priced players.
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS:
Kyrie Irving ($8,900 FD/$8,800 DK)
Holding about the same price tag on both platforms, Kyrie Irving has some serious upside Saturday night. Uncle Drew is averaging 42 FanDuel PPG over his last three games, as he torched opposing defenses for 30+ points each night. Although the Chicago Bulls have been hot lately, their defense remains weak as they rank top 5 worst in the league in defending point guards. This match is set to be in Boston, where Kyrie Irving is also averaging 44 FanDuel PPG over his last five home games. Kyrie should definitely cross your mind when assembling your lineup.
Tyler Johnson ($6,000 FD/$5,400 DK)
With a very appealing price, Tyler Johnson may be your go-to play to preserve some salary. Johnson has been given the starting nod the last three games to patch up Goran Dragic’s recent absence as he is dealing with elbow issues. Tyler Johnson logged 36+ minutes in each of his starts and has been thriving due to Dragic’s misfortune. Johnson evidently has seen a boost in usage and workload as he faces the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night who rank 6th in pace of play. Averaging 32.2 FanDuel PPG in his three starts, the Pelicans will force the Heat to push up their tempo with Johnson running the offense. Johnson’s price makes him extremely valuable in this slate and has a good enough resume to take the risk on.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Khris Middleton ($7,700 FD/$7,600 DK)
Middleton and the Bucks play the Hornets Saturday night, the same team they defeated 109-104 the prior night. The Hornets rank poorly against SG’s as Middleton scored 28 points Friday night. Lately, Middleton has not disappointed DFS wise. He has scored at least 32 FanDuel points nine straight games. Ranking top 10 in the league in pace, the Charlotte Hornets will be forcing a top 10 offensive in the Milwaukee Bucks to handle more possessions. This makes Middleton immensely valuable, as the number of opportunities he could have will increase.
Tyreke Evans ($8,000 FD/$7,900 DK)
With Conley still sidelined or Memphis, Tyreke Evans continues to put on a show given the boost in usage and workload. Evans has scored 22+ points in 3 of his last 4 games. His teammate, Marc Gasol is doubtful to play Saturday night as he deals with a sore hip. Evans will be the primary source to score for the struggling Grizzlies. He shouldn’t have too much of a problem considering his opponent, the Los Angeles Clippers, rank 24th in the league in defending the position.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Josh Richardson ($6,000 FD/$6,400 DK)
Alongside teammate Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson has been doing just fine handling his increased usage percentage due to Dragic’s injury. In the three games Dragic has been sidelined, Richardson posted an average of 41.8 FanDuel PPG. Dion Waiters is also questionable in this one. If he is in fact ruled out, Richardson will see another upward spike in workload and be deemed as one of the Heat’s primary scoring options. Despite his recent value, his salary price hasn’t budged much which is nothing to complain about. I would gladly spend $6,000 on a player with this much upside.
TJ Warren ($7,700 FD/$6,600 DK)
As the days go on TJ Warren continues to be the foundation of the Phoenix offense with Booker sidelined. Since Devon Booker got hurt, Warren is averaging 20.6 PPG. His fantasy numbers have been sub-par in comparison to his expectations, however, it seems he’s getting on the right track as he has provided at least 34 FanDuel points in three straight games. Warren faces the Timberwolves who he faced just a week ago, and although held to 26 FanDuel points, he seems a lot more appealing as the rematch now takes place in Arizona. Warren is an interesting play and most likely won’t be owned very much.
POWER FORWARDS:
Draymond Green ($8,700 FD/$7,200 DK) –
After returning from a four-game frame Friday night, Draymond Green took no time getting right back on track as he posted a near triple-double in 30 minutes of play. He is playing the Denver Nuggets as the tough, gritty Draymond Green has significant upside. Although he can run up your salary, Green has a great match-up against a team whose defense ranks 26th in the league in defending power forwards, allowing nearly 50 fantasy PPG to PF’s this season. The Warriors are still Curry-less and need players to take the weight off of Kevin Durant’s shoulders. Draymond Green’s return may solve this issue very shortly as he will inherit that responsibility with Klay Thompson.
Nikola Mirotic ($6,800 FD/$6,500 DK) –
Mirotic, or MiroFix? Since returning from injury, the what once was 3-20 Chicago Bulls have managed to ride a seven-game winning streak which was snapped Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who only won by three. Mirotic provides some serious help on the offensive end coming off the bench and has been a pretty good asset in DFS play. He has averaged 35.6 FanDuel PPG over his last five contests. Mirotic plays the #1 ranked defensive efficiency rated team in the NBA in the Boston Celtics. Despite overall rating, the Celtics rank 27th in the league in solely defending big men (PF/C’s). The PF position in this slate seems thin, making Mirotic a great fairly priced play.
CENTERS:
Nikola Jokic ($8,300 FD/$7,600 DK)
From one Nikola coming off an injury to another, we now focus on the rising star over in Denver. Jokic has regained his playing time as he has logged 36+ minutes in back-to-back games. Due to his injury and initial minute restriction, Jokic has been priced down as we once saw him in the high $9,000 range on FanDuel and DraftKings. Jokic is coming off a 48.8 FanDuel point performance against the top 5 defense the Portland Trailblazers carry. The idea of this former second-round pick getting his rhythm back is scary for competitors, but a joy for DFS users. He clashes with the Golden State Warriors Saturday night, where he seems to have some upside considering his minutes boost and recent production.
Myles Turner ($8,100 FD/$6,500 DK)
Myles Turner has a fairly big gap in salary between FanDuel and DraftKings, making him especially appealing on DK where his $6,500 salary seems way too cheap. Turner will be doing his thing at the Barclay Center Saturday night as he opposes the Brooklyn Nets for the second time in the past week. The first performance for Turner was average, posting 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, which soon accumulated to 31 FanDuel points. This second time around may be a breakout game for Turner as the Nets rank third-worst in the league in defending centers. He is also coming off of a 40 FD point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Regardless, the price for Myles Turner is extremely fair and seems to have a great opportunity for the ones seeking to take advantage of it.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
*Mike Barner*
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 4
One of the important aspects of playing in a head-to-head season-long NBA fantasy league is to know the ins and outs of the schedule. Unlike in rotisserie leagues, there may be times when it makes sense to bench one of your better players because they only play a limited amount of games. Let’s take a look at the Week 4 schedule and see what moves you should consider for your squad.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns
Only six teams play four games each this week, which is great news for owners who have Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker and Hassan Whiteside. Your elite players get an added edge this week. You will also want to consider adding the players below to help gain the edge over your opponent.
Mike James, Phoenix Suns
James has taken over the starting point guard position as the team looks to trade unhappy veteran Eric Bledsoe. He has been successful so far, averaging 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in seven starts. Although he is only shooting 37.3% from the field this season, those are significant counting stats for someone you can grab off waivers in 60% of Yahoo! leagues. Three of his four games this week come against poor defensive teams in the Nets, Magic and Timberwolves.
Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
The Heat need Johnson to provide scoring off the bench and he has done just that this season, averaging 11.0 points and 1.2 three-pointers in 27 minutes per game. He has made at least three three-pointers in three of his last six games, so a four-game week with Johnson in your lineup could give you a big boost if you struggle in that category. Three of the four games the Heat play come against the Warriors, Suns and Pistons, three teams that tend to deploy small lineups. Still available in 65% of Yahoo! leagues, Johnson is someone you should consider adding if you need a guard.
Bojan Bogdanovic, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are in full rebuild mode, leaving Bogdanovic to average a career-high 29 minutes per game this season. He has not disappointed as he is averaging 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.6 three-pointers per game. His performance has been even better of late as he has scored at least 15 points and hit at least two three-pointers in four of his last five games. The Pacers get to face the Pelicans, Pistons, Bulls and Rockets this week, so Bogdanovic could be in for some big scoring numbers. He’s still available in 57% of Yahoo! leagues.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers
With only four teams playing two games this week, it can be a crushing blow if you have players on these squads. While you may normally start the players below, consider putting them on your bench this week and using someone else with a more favorable schedule.
Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
The main reason you own Wiggins is for offense as he is averaging 19.9 points and 1.6 three-pointers per game. Outside of also averaging 4.6 rebounds per game, he doesn’t provide you with much else in terms of counting stats. With only two games this week, his ability to help your team offensively will be limited. One of those games comes against a bad Suns team, so there is concern he could see limited minutes in a blowout. Proceed with caution if you have Wiggins this week.
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets
Lamb has been excellent while filling in for the injured Nicolas Batum, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game. He is also shooting a career high 48.5% from the field, so everything has come up roses for his owners so far. This might be the week to put him on your bench though as he is only playing two games, one of which comes against a Celtics team that is only allowing an NBA low 93.2 points per game.
Dwight Howard, Charlotte Hornets
Howard’s move to Charlotte has done wonders for his value as he is averaging 14.6 points and 13.6 rebounds per game. While he is playing 31 minutes a game, he’s not the defender that he once was as he is only averaging 1.3 blocks per game. His free-throw shooting also continues to be awful at 40.4%. Outside of his rebounding numbers, it’s going to be hard for him to provide enough value this week with only two games.