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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA starts off 2019 with just five games on the schedule Tuesday. That leaves fewer value play options to choose from than normal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a profitable evening. Let’s dig into the matchups to see where you might be able to gain an edge. 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 1/1/19

Fred VanVleet, TOR vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Raptors will once again be without the services of Kyle Lowry (back) when they take on the Jazz. He’s missed seven of the last eight games, which has allowed VanVleet to move into the starting five. VanVleet has thrived across 11 total starts this season, averaging 12.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and one steal. The Jazz are a good defensive team, but VanVleet should still receive enough playing time to consider deploying in your lineup.

T.J. McConnell, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,600

With Markelle Fultz (shoulder) still out, the Sixers really need McConnell to be a productive member of their second unit. His 14 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s still provided some offensive value due to his 56.1 percent field goal percentage. He’s also averaged 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals across his last 13 games, leaving him with some appeal in this contest between two teams in the top-eight in the league in pace of play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

J.J. Redick, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,100

Redick has remained a vital part of the Sixers’ offense despite the addition of Jimmy Butler, averaging 17.8 points and posting a 22.8 percent usage rate across his last 13 games. He’s averaging 18 points per game for the season, overall, which is even more impressive when you consider he’s only shooting 36.9 percent from behind the arc. This should be a high-scoring affair, making Redick a great option against his former squad.

Iman Shumpert, SAC vs. POR
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,300

Shumpert has not only remained in the starting five for the Kings, but he’s actually attempted at least 11 shots in three straight games. He’s also having by far his best season from behind the arc, averaging two three-pointers per game. Throw in his 1.3 steals per contest and he’s remained DFS relevant despite his lack of rebounds and assists. At his reduced price on both sites, he could be worth the risk in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Joe Ingles, UTA at TOR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

It’s hard to read too much into Ingles’ production lately since four of the Jazz’s last five games have been decided by at least 17 points. His minutes have been limited in a few of those contests, leading to some less-than-stellar stat lines. However, his overall numbers for the season are strong with averages of 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest. If the Jazz can keep this game close, which could be easier with Lowry out, Ingles could have a bounce-back performance.

Wilson Chandler, PHI at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,800

The Sixers continue to have a huge void at power forward after they traded Dario Saric to the Timberwolves. Chandler has assumed the starting role in his absence and has averaged 7.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 20 games. It’s hard to get excited about those numbers, but this is still a favorable matchup for him. Both teams play at a fast pace and the Clippers use a lot of small lineups, so there is the potential here for Chandler to have one of his more productive outings of the year.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at SAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,900

Aminu has had injury issues the last couple of years. Luckily for the Blazers, he’s started all 37 of their games this season. Although he may not grab a lot of headlines, he’s been a big part of their success with averages of 9.3 points, eight rebounds, and one steal. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (105.3 possessions per game), which should afford Aminu with even more opportunities to pad the stat sheet Tuesday.

Luke Kornet, NY at DEN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,600

I can’t figure out Kornet’s price on FanDuel. Both Zach Randolph and Michael Porter Jr., two guys who haven’t played all season, are priced $300 higher than Kornet. Kornet started the last two games for the Knicks and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists. Enes Kanter (back) is also questionable for this game, so Kornet could be in line for even more playing time. He’s a lock for me on FanDuel and his price on DraftKings also leaves him with plenty of upside.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/1/19

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. NY
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,000

The Nuggets finally received some good news on the injury front Saturday when Paul Millsap returned from his toe injury. He only played 14 minutes off the bench and might be limited once again Tuesday. His return is bad news for Plumlee, who was starting alongside Nikola Jokic during his absence. Even if Millsap returns to the starting five in this game, Plumlee might not be a bad option in DFS. This could be a blowout at home against the lowly Knicks, especially if Kanter doesn’t play. Millsap likely wouldn’t play much if that were to be the case, which would still leave a significant role for Plumlee. I’d probably avoid him on DraftKings since more players are eligible at center, but he’s at least in the discussion on FanDuel.

Brook Lopez, MIL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

The Bucks are going to need plenty of help from Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond and the Pistons. Lopez has only averaged 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across their first two meetings this season, but he blocked a total of eight shots. I prefer deploying him over Plumlee if you want to save money at center on FanDuel and his higher minute’s floor might make him a more appealing option on DraftKings, as well, despite the slightly higher price tag.

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 12/28/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/28/18

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 12/10/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Monday brings a bevy of options in DFS with 11 games on the NBA schedule. With so many choices to sift through, let’s get right down to business and highlight some of the better value plays at each position. 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 12/10/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,000

Gilgeous-Alexander has remained in the starting five, but he’s logged 24 minutes or fewer in three of the last four games. He scored eight points or fewer in each of those contests and may continue to see limited playing time with the Clippers backcourt completely healthy. However, the Suns are a mess right now and are stuck with Elie Okobo and De’Anthony Melton at point guard. Gilgeous-Alexander could receive some extra garbage time minutes in the likely event that this game becomes a blowout, making him someone to consider in tournament play.

Tomas Satoransky, WAS at IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Satoransky has started each of the last four games for the Wizards, but his value Monday will largely be determined by the status of John Wall (heel). Wall is listed as doubtful, which could open up a significant role for Satoransky if he does ultimately sit. With Wall out Wednesday against the Hawks, Satoransky logged 38 minutes and scored 14 points to go along with four rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Alec Burks, CLE at MIL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700

The Cavaliers traded away George Hill last week, Rodney Hood (foot) and David Nwaba (knee) are battling injuries, and J.R. Smith is still away from the team as they work on trading him. With so few options left to take the floor, Burks has been able to average 29 minutes a game since being acquired from the Jazz. He’s done nothing to lose any playing time moving forward, averaging 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and one steal per game. The Bucks play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.8 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Burks with even more opportunities to provide value for your entry.

Josh Hart, LAL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100

Brandon Ingram (knee) is set to miss his third straight game Monday. In the previous two games that he was sidelined, Hart logged at least 36 minutes in both contests. He couldn’t get much going in Friday’s loss to the Spurs, but he scored 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks Saturday against the Grizzlies. Considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104), the added playing time provides Hart with a significant increase in upside.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,700

There are not many healthy players left on the Nuggets. Not only has Hernangomez started each of their last 14 games as a result, but he’s logged at least 37 minutes in each of their last three contests. He came away with two double-doubles to go along with two steals and three blocks in those three games. His 13.6 percent usage rate leaves a lot to be desired, but his high minute’s floor still makes him a great option, especially at his price on DraftKings.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,700

Bogdanovic has been one of the main offensive weapons for the Pacers with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 19.1 points and 1.9 three-pointers across his last 10 games. His usage rate is up to 20 percent, which ranks him third-highest on the team among players who have played in at least 20 games. The Wizards allow the second-most points per game (116.7) in the league, leaving Bogdanovic with the potential for another strong offensive performance.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $3,700

Among the aforementioned injuries on the Nuggets is Paul Millsap (toe), who missed his first game of the season Saturday. There is no timetable for his return, which should leave Lyles in line for significant playing time moving forward. Despite shooting 2-for-13 from the field Saturday against the Hawks, Lyles still finished with nine points to go along with 10 rebounds, one steal, and one block across 38 minutes. His price on FanDuel is climbing, but he can still be had at a significant discount on DraftKings.

Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000

Holmes has established himself as a reliable backup to Deandre Ayton, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across his last 11 games. Ayton missed Sunday’s practice with an illness, so his status is something to monitor leading up to tip-off. If he doesn’t play, Holmes will likely play significant minutes. Even if Ayton does play, this is still a good spot to deploy Holmes since the Clippers allow third-most DraftKings points per game and the seventh-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18

Bam Adebayo, MIA at LAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,800

Adebayo has started both of the last two games with Hassan Whiteside (out), averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal. His success is not all that surprising since he has averaged 10.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.2 blocks across 10 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Whiteside has already been ruled out Monday, so don’t hesitate to deploy Adebayo despite his increased price tag. Of note, he is only eligible at center on DraftKings as he is listed at power forward on FanDuel.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $3,900

Lyles is the main beneficiary of Millsap’s absence, but Plumlee could also see some added minutes for the Nuggets. Across eight games in which Plumlee has logged at least 20 minutes, he has averaged 11 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks. The Grizzlies have a lot of size up front, which should also benefit Plumlee’s workload Monday. His FanDuel price isn’t terrible, but his dirt cheap price on DraftKings makes him an appealing tournament option.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Wednesday is shaping up to be an awesome night in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Not only is their a ton of top-tier talent to choose from, but there are also a lot of excellent cheap value plays. Here are a couple to consider at each position to help round out your lineup. 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 12/5/18

Jeremy Lin, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Hawks will be without Taurean Prince (ankle) for the at least the next three weeks, which is a huge loss since he has the fourth-highest usage rate (22.6 percent) on the team. There are several players who could see an increase in scoring with Prince out, including Lin. Lin actually already has a higher usage rate (23.2 percent) than Prince does, which has enabled him to maintain value despite coming off of the bench. His price is climbing, but Lin is still a viable option based on his role with the team.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

Frazier didn’t exactly shine with seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal Monday against the Clippers, but he did log 29 minutes. That marked the third time in the last four games that he has spent at least 29 minutes on the floor. The Pelicans won’t count on him to score much, but he should continue to have the ability to rack up assists with so many talented players around him. It also helps that the Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) in the league.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Kevin Huerter, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,700

Huerter had a hard time finding consistent playing time earlier in this season, but he’s started five straight games and logged at least 25 minutes in each of his last three contests. His role should be even more secure now with Prince out. His scoring numbers haven’t been stellar, but he has averaged nine points, 5.3 rebounds, four assists, and one steal across those three games. Both the Hawks and the Wizards are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, further strengthening a case to take a chance on Huerter in tournament play.

Alec Burks, CLE vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers don’t have a ton of talent, which has enabled Burks to immediately take on a significant role off the bench after being acquired from the Jazz. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 13.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and one steal across three games. His usage rate is also 24.4 percent, so he could jack up plenty of shots Wednesday as the Cavaliers attempt to keep pace with the high-scoring Warriors.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Not only is Will Barton (groin) still on the sidelines, but the Nuggets will also be without Gary Harris (hip) for this contest. Hernangomez likely won’t see significantly more scoring opportunities even with Harris out, but he’s still a great option in DFS. Across 11 games as a starter, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per contest.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600

The Wizards are thin up front with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but it might be better if they just leave Oubre as a member of their second unit. He’s averaging 12.9 points and 4.5 rebounds a game coming off the bench compared to 9.9 points and 4.4 rebounds when he starts. Consistency is a concern with him, but considering how poorly the Hawks play, this might be the time to take a chance on Oubre in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,800

This matchup between the Raptors and Sixers should be one of the best games of the night. They enter as the top two teams in the Eastern Conference and are separated by just three games. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler was huge for the Sixers, but it also left them with Wilson Chandler as their starting power forward. They don’t have great options behind him, either, potentially setting up Ibaka for a big performance.

Frank Kaminsky, CHA at MIN
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700

Marvin Williams (shoulder) hasn’t been overly productive for the Hornets, but he has been starting and averaging 25 minutes a game. With him out for at least a week, a few players could be in line for added playing time. Miles Bridges might see the most significant jump, but don’t forget about Kaminsky, either. He’s only played at least 20 minutes in a game twice all season, but he averaged 15 points, four rebounds, and 1.5 assists in those contests. At near the minimum price, Kaminsky could be a gamble worth taking Wednesday.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/5/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks don’t have a ton of talent, but they do have both Dedmon and Alex Len at center. They’ve eaten into each other’s fantasy value, but Len is starting to see his playing time dwindle lately. Dedmon tied his season high by playing 31 minutes Monday against the Warriors and finished with six points to go along with 10 rebounds, four steals, and one block. With Howard out of the picture for the Wizards, Dedmon could provide plenty of value if he’s given extended playing time again.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

The Raptors have been playing small lately, leaving Valanciunas to come off of the bench in each of their last four games. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the starting five for this matchup against Embiid. Valanciunas has been much more productive as a starter, averaging 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds across nine games. When these two teams met earlier this season, he scored 23 points and grabbed four rebounds over just 17 minutes.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA starts off the week with seven games Monday, including a great matchup between the Nuggets and Raptors. Let’s dive right in and highlight some cheap value plays that could be difference makers for your lineup. 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 12/3/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC at NO
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,500

This is a game to target tonight with both the Clippers and the Pelicans in the top-eight in the league in pace of play. Gilgeous-Alexander might not have the highest offensive upside, but his usage rate has increased from 15.6 percent when he was coming off of the bench to 18.9 percent since entering the starting five. He’s also been an asset defensively by averaging 1.1 steals and one block across his 13 starts.

Tim Frazier, NO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,700

The Pelicans don’t have much of a choice but to play Frazier. The injury to Elfrid Payton (finger) has opened up an opportunity for him to take the floor and an injury to E’Twaun Moore (calf) has only made things worse for the Pelicans. Frazier isn’t much of a scoring threat, but he has averaged 8.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 10 assists over his last three games. His price is climbing, but he’s still a great cheap tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Damyean Dotson, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500

It’s hard to get a grasp on what the Knicks will do on a nightly basis. They have constantly changed up their rotations, making them a nightmare in DFS. Things could be a little less murky Monday with Trey Burke (knee) already ruled out. Dotson was already starting to find his way back into the rotation and even scored 21 points to go along with five rebounds and a steal across 33 minutes on Saturday against the Bucks. He’s certainly risky, but the absence of Burke leaves Dotson with some appeal.

Alec Burks, CLE at BKN
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,800

Burks was only averaging 16 minutes a game with the Jazz earlier this season, but he’s been able to average 25 minutes in his first two games with the Cavaliers. They are short on offensive options, so it’s not out of the question that he could continue to see this type of run. Not only did he score at least 13 points in both of his games with the Cavaliers, but he also grabbed 12 total rebounds. Dotson probably has the higher upside, but Burks is also someone to at least consider.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400

Will Barton (groin) is making positive steps towards a return, but he won’t be back for this contest. Hernangomez has helped stabilize the small forward position with Barton out, averaging 11.9 points and 7.1 rebounds a game as a starter. This might not be a high-scoring contest between two of the better defenses in the league, but that doesn’t mean you should pass on Hernangomez if you want to save money at small forward.

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at NY
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300

Oubre has been extremely frustrating. He’s scored at least 18 points in a game six times, but also has 12 contests with nine points or fewer. He was starting recently with Dwight Howard (lower body) out, but the Wizards moved him back to the bench Saturday against the Nets. Rolling with Oubre is risky since the Wizards are still trying to figure out what works best without Howard, but his upside makes him an intriguing option.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Vonleh had never averaged more than 17 minutes a game during his career, but he’s averaging 25 minutes per contest in his first year with the Knicks. His usage rate is a minuscule 13.4 percent, but he’s a nightly threat for a double-double with averages of 8.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. With the Wizards dealing with depth issues up front, this could be a situation for Vonleh to thrive.

Jonas Jerebko, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200

The Warriors are running out of bodies up front. Draymond Green (toe) and Alfonzo McKinnie (foot) will remain out Monday and will now be joined on the sidelines by Damian Jones, who recently suffered a torn pectoral muscle.  Jerebko isn’t going to get many shot attempts sharing the floor with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson, but he is averaging 7.6 rebounds across his last eight games. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.9 possessions per game) in the league, which could afford Jerebko with even more opportunities to provide value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/3/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN at TOR
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $3,900

Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league, but that doesn’t really help him garner much playing time considering the Nuggets also have Nikola Jokic. Despite averaging just 17 minutes a game, Plumlee has still managed to salvage some value by averaging 6.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, two assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s really stepped up his defensive contributions of late, averaging 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks across his last seven games.

Kevon Looney, GS at ATL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

Another player who should benefit from all of the injuries to the Warriors is Looney. He, Jerebko and Jordan Bell are pretty much all they have left up front, although they can also play Kevin Durant there when they want to go small. The Hawks are an awful team, but they do have some size with Dewayne Dedmon, Alex Len, and John Collins. This game could also turn into a route early that leaves the Durant and the rest of the Warriors stars on the bench in the fourth quarter, which could lead to even more minutes for Looney.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

There are only five games in the NBA on Tuesday, which doesn’t exactly leave for a ton of viable cheap value play options. We might have to dig a little deeper than normal, but here are a couple of players at each position that stand out as viable options. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Trey Burke, NY at DET
FanDuel =$6,100
DraftKings = $4,700

The Knicks sure don’t make rostering their players in DFS feel comforting. They frequently change up their rotations with Burke maybe being the poster child for this practice. He sat out three games entirely towards the beginning of November, but he’s logged at least 26 minutes in five of their last six games. It’s going to be hard for the Knicks to bench him now since he averaged 23.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and four assists over those five contests.

Cory Joseph, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,600

With Victor Oladipo (knee) out the last four games, Joseph has averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest. He’s an excellent defender and the primary backup to starting point guard Darren Collison, so Joseph still has secure minutes even if Oladipo does return Tuesday. This also has the potential to be a blowout against a bad Suns team, which could afford Joseph some added opportunities in garbage time.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Rodney McGruder, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,900

The Heat are going to be thin in their backcourt again Tuesday with Goran Dragic (knee) and Tyler Johnson (hamstring) already listed as out. That should leave added playing time for a few players, including McGruder. His production has slowed down a bit since the start of the season, but he’s still averaging 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three assists per contest in November. Since the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game) in the league, McGruder is a viable option to consider due to his high minute’s floor.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Caldwell-Pope’s playing time is down significantly this year at 21 minutes per contest. However, the injury to Rajon Rondo (hand) has allowed him to take on a more prominent role. Across five games since Rondo was injured, Caldwell-Pope has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over 27 minutes a game. His upside might not be as high as McGruder’s, but he’s also dirt cheap on both sites.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at PHO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900

The Pacers destroyed the Jazz on Monday with Bogdanovic once again playing a key role in their success. He only attempted nine shots, but he still scored 15 points to go along with five rebounds, four assists, and one steal. If Oladipo can’t play again Tuesday, Bogdanovic stands out as a great value play option. However, even if he does return, Bogdanovic is still someone to consider based on this limited slate.

Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800

Hernangomez has really stepped up with Will Barton (groin) on the sidelines. He’s moved into the starting five and has thrived in the role with 12.3 points and seven rebounds per contest. The Nuggets normally play at a slow pace, but they might have to speed things up Tuesday with the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (104.2). With Hernangomez already receiving more minutes, this could be a favorable spot for him to be productive.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

JaMychal Green, MEM vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

Power forward might be the toughest position of the night if you want to save money, especially if you play on FanDuel. Green began the season as a starter for the Grizzlies, but after missing an extended stretch due to injury, he’s lost his job to Jaren Jackson Jr. However, Green has still been productive off the bench, averaging 8.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across five games. Don’t expect eye-popping numbers from him Tuesday, but he’s still in the discussion for tournament contests.

Richaun Holmes, PHO vs. IND
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,300

After the Suns moved on from Tyson Chandler, Holmes emerged as the clear backup center to Deandre Ayton. Holmes has really come into his own of late, averaging 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two blocks across his last four games. His price on FanDuel isn’t bad, but his price on DraftKings is especially appealing. The Pacers have a lot of size up front, so Holmes might even see a few added minutes, as well.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/27/18

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR at MEM
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

The Raptors continue to play matchups at center, which sometimes forces Valanciunas into a reserve role. That shouldn’t be the case Tuesday, though, against Marc Gasol. Valanciunas has still managed to be productive coming off the bench, but he’s been better as a starter with 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.

Bam Adebayo, MIA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Adebayo had his best game of the year Sunday against the Raptors, scoring 16 points to go along with 21 rebounds and two blocks across 36 minutes. Hassan Whiteside was limited to just 12 minutes due to foul trouble, which was the main reason for Adebayo’s bump in playing time. Guessing scores can sometimes be tricky when planning your DFS lineup, but this has the potential to be a blowout win for the Heat at home against the Hawks. If that were to be the case, Adebayo could feast in garbage time.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

We’ve only got three games in the NBA on Thursday, but there will be plenty of high-end talent available with the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, and Spurs all in action. There is also a surprisingly decent amount of cheap value plays with upside. Let’s dive into the slate to see where you might be able to gain an edge. 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 11/15/18

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

Avery Bradley (ankle) is listed as questionable for this contest, but even if he does return, it would be a surprise to see him back in the starting five. Gilgeous-Alexander has done a great job across four games in that role, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, one steal, and 1.5 blocks. The Clippers play at the eighth-fastest pace (103.3 possessions per game) in the league, which should continue to leave Gilgeous-Alexander as a great option for your entry.

Jeremy Lin, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900

The Hawks have been a disaster this year, but Lin has actually been a bright spot off their bench. He got off to a slow start, which is understandable considering he missed virtually all of last season with a knee injury. However, he’s turned things on of late, averaging 13.1 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across his last seven games. His 23.5 percent usage rate is also the third-highest on the team. This game could get ugly early against a far superior Nuggets team, which could afford Lin with a few added minutes in garbage time.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Lou Williams, LAC vs. SA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,000

Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t the only player who has benefited from the absence of Bradley. Across the four games that he has missed, Williams is averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 assists per contest. Williams has logged at least 32 minutes in each of his last three games, which is significantly higher than his average of 26 minutes a contest for the season. If Bradley does indeed miss this game, Williams could provide significant upside, even though he’s not overly cheap.

Monte Morris, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,100

Isaiah Thomas (hip) is still out until at least December, which will continue to leave Morris as a significant part of their second unit. Although he’s not a consistent source for production, Morris has shown his potential by scoring at least 15 points in two of his last three games. Not only that, but he’s dished out at least six assists in back-to-back contests. If the Nuggets do get up big in this game early, Morris could see added minutes in garbage time. That makes him someone to potentially target, especially with the Hawks playing at the fastest pace (107).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Taurean Prince, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,900

The Hawks are still in the very early stages of a rebuilding process, but Prince looks to be an important part of their future. He has the tendency to go through shooting slumps from time to time, but he gets plenty of shots with the second-highest usage rate (24.4 percent) on the team. Luckily, he’s also averaging 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest, which somewhat helps make up for the nights when his shots aren’t falling. After shooting 17-for-27 (63 percent) across his last two games, he might be in the midst of a hot streak.

James Ennis III, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,700

It appears the Carmelo Anthony era in Houston has quickly come to an end. Whether the Rockets trade or release him, Anthony has likely played his last game with the team. That opens up added playing time Ennis, who had 16 points, four rebounds, one steal, and two blocks across 34 minutes Tuesday against the Nuggets. Gary Clark (hip) is also listed as questionable for Thursday, so if he can’t play, Ennis could be locked in for extended action.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

P.J. Tucker, HOU vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

With Trevor Ariza now on the Suns, Tucker is starting and averaging a career-high 36 minutes a game. Don’t expect him to get a lot of shots playing with James Harden, Chris Paul, and Clint Capela, but Tucker has been able to average 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per contest. The Rockets surprisingly play at the 28th-fastest pace (97.5), but they might be forced to speed things up Thursday with the Warriors playing at the 12th-fastest (102.2). His upside isn’t very high, but Tucker’s extended playing time still makes him a viable target.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,400

Lyles has had a couple of quiet performances lately, which has created an opportunity to roster him at a reduced price. He’s had an expanded role this season with Will Barton (groin) out and even has the second-highest usage rate (24.2 percent) on the team. If you want to go with the assumption that the Nuggets will win this game handily, taking a chance on Lyles could pay off if he gets added playing time.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/15/18

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,400

Not much was made of it, but Nikola Jokic received x-rays for an undisclosed reason after Tuesday’s game against the Rockets. Even though he said he’s fine, the fact that he needed to get one for any reason is concerning. Whatever is ailing him, it would seem silly for the Nuggets to play him significant minutes against the lowly Hawks if he’s not completely healthy. That could potentially open up the door for Plumlee to get added run. Plumlee doesn’t play a lot, but he’s still averaged 6.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 17 minutes a game.

Miles Plumlee, ATL at DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,300

The Plumlee brothers might be facing each other a lot Thursday. Not only is the Jokic situation a concern for the Nuggets, but the Hawks will once again be without Dewayne Dedmon (personal). Alex Len is also battling an ankle injury and is listed as questionable. If he can’t play, Plumlee will be the last man standing for the Hawks at center. Still, don’t expect him to score much, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do enough across the board to justify being considered in tournament play.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Friday isn’t particularly busy with seven games in the NBA, but there are a lot of great expensive options available in DFS. In order to fit a few studs into your lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Here are some players to consider when creating your lineup. 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 11/9/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,800

The Timberwolves star trio is Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins, but the loss of Jeff Teague (knee) has left them with a significant hole to fill at point guard. Coach Tom Thibodeau has turned to a familiar face in Rose to take on the role and he certainly hasn’t let him down. Not only did Rose have a monster 50-point performance against the Jazz, but he’s scored at least 21 points in both of his last two games. The Kings are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (118.8) in the league, leaving Rose with the potential for another offensive outburst.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

Although it’s not an ideal fit, Augustin continues to start for the Magic. After coming off of the bench for the majority of his career, Augustin is averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per contest in his new role. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) and have allowed the most points per game (120.5), so Augustin and the offensive-challenged Magic could have one of their higher scoring performances of the year.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700

With this matchup against the Wizards, just about everyone on the Magic gets a boost in value. Ross has carved out a significant role off the bench, posting the third-highest usage rate (23.4 percent) on the team, behind only Evan Fournier (26.2 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (24.7 percent). The Magic will also be a little shorthanded with Jonathan Isaac (ankle) out, which could leave Ross with some added playing time. Across the last three games with Isaac out, Ross is averaging 15.7 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 three-pointers.

Malik Monk, CHA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

The Hornets don’t exactly play at a neck-breaking speed, but they might be forced to Friday against a Sixers team that plays at the sixth-fastest pace (104.7). If the Hornets are going to keep up offensively, Monk will need to be a big part of their success off the bench. He’s already been one of their most potent shooters from behind the arc, averaging 13.4 points and 2.3 three-pointers per contest. At his cheap price on both sites, he’s worth considering in tournament play, even if you can’t count on him to provide much in other categories.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Justise Winslow, MIA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600

The Heat will continue to have depth issues with James Johnson (sports hernia), Dwyane Wade (personal), Dion Waiters (ankle) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) already ruled out Friday. Things could be even worse if Goran Dragic (ankle) is forced to miss his second straight game. Winslow should get plenty of time on the floor against the Pacers, and although he doesn’t excel in any one area, he can still provide value since he is averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.7 three-pointers.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Unlike the Heat, the Pacers are fortunate to enter this game healthy. Although he’s not one of their flashiest players, Bogdanovic is averaging 30 minutes a game as a member of the starting five. He’s been extremely efficient in the early going, shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 49 percent from behind the arc. Both of those numbers are likely to regress as the season wears on, but Bogdanovic did average 14.3 points and 1.9 three-pointers a game last season. If you want to go really cheap at small forward, Bogdanovic is a viable target.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Taj Gibson, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900

Gibson might fly under the radar due to all of the talent that the Timberwolves have in their starting five but don’t sleep on him in DFS. Not only is he a strong rebounder and defender, but he’s averaging 11.2 points per game with teams having to focus their defensive attention elsewhere. With the Kings defensive deficiencies already detailed, Gibson is another Timberwolves player to target for your entry.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5.000
DraftKings = $4,700

Lyles has played well when given extended playing time, averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 steals across nine games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. He’s also coming off one of his best performances so far, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. That’s probably towards the top of Lyles’ upside, but he’s priced low enough to possibly be worth the risk in tournament play. There is also some potential that this game becomes a blowout, which could lead to a few added minutes for Lyles.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Myles Turner, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,800

Turner’s price is falling as his minutes continue to be limited with Domantas Sabonis playing so well off of the bench. Turner’s 4.8 rebounds per game are disappointing for a starting center, but his 11.3 points and 2.4 blocks per contest still leave him with some upside. There is the possibility that he gains a few extra minutes in this game with the Pacers needing him to defend Hassan Whiteside. If that’s the case, his price has come down enough to warrant consideration.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,800

Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league. Even though he’s only playing 18 minutes a game, he’s still averaging 7.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest. His playing time isn’t going to increase anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored in tournament play. The Nets have been one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so Plumlee could still do some damage off the bench.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA starts off the month of November with six games on the schedule Thursday. That’s a busier than normal Thursday, but there are still a limited amount of viable value plays available. Let’s take a look at some of the options that stand out 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

George Hill, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,700

There’s going to be a point this season, possibly sooner than some might have originally thought, when the Cavaliers are going to start playing their young players more. There have already been rumors of them exploring trades to move some of their veterans. Hill is starting at point guard for now, but don’t be surprised if his minutes start to dwindle in the near future. That’s of little concern Thursday, though, which brings him into the discussion for cheap point guards. Don’t count on him for many assists, but he is averaging 13 points and 1.1 three-pointers per contest.

Collin Sexton, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

It would make a lot of sense for Sexton to eventually replace Hill in the starting lineup this year. They are actually kind of similar players in that neither is going to rack up assists as a traditional point guard would. However, Sexton has had a few impressive offensive showings, scoring at least 12 points in four of his last five games. The Nuggets are a far superior team, so if they race out to a big lead early, Sexton could get plenty of garbage time minutes. I actually think he has a slightly higher upside than Hill, making him an intriguing option in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

J.J. Redick, PHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,600

Redick is still not starting games for the Sixers, but his playing time hasn’t dropped at 30 minutes per game. His 39.5 percent shooting percentage is well below his career mark, but his 23.8 percent usage rate has still helped him average 18.5 points and 3.8 three-pointers per contest. Both of these teams are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, which could lead to even more scoring opportunities for Redick.

Jordan Clarkson, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,400

The loss of Kevin Love (foot) and his 27.3 percent usage rate is a crushing blow for an already thin Cavaliers roster. Clarkson has been one of their other primary scoring options, leading to him averaging 16 points despite playing in only 23 minutes a night. The key has been his 27.8 percent usage rate, which would be the highest mark of his career. His other contributions are limited, at best, but Clarkson can still provide value.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

Evan Turner, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,100

Turner doesn’t excel in any one area, but his all-around contributions still leave him with some value. Despite averaging only 24 minutes a game, Turner has averages of 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. Maurice Harkless (knee) could eventually eat into some of Turner’s minutes, but he’s already been ruled out again for Thursday. With the Pelicans playing at the third-fastest pace (106.7 possessions per game), Turner could do just enough across the board to warrant consideration.

Sam Dekker, CLE vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,600

The Cavaliers are a mess right now with Love out, Tyronn Lue fired and the uncertainty surrounding the status of interim head coach Larry Drew. It’s hard to read too much into how the Cavaliers plan to replace Love with their recent coaching change, but Dekker has started both of their last two games. He had his best performance of the year Tuesday against the Hawks, scoring 12 points to go along with nine rebounds, four assists and three steals across 29 minutes. Facing the Nuggets is a much tougher task, but Dekker has upside if he remains in the starting five.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

Zach Collins, POR vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,100

Collins has been crazy efficient to start this year, shooting 65.1 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the arc and 88.9 percent from the charity stripe. Add that to his uptick in playing time and he’s become a weapon off the bench for the Blazers. His ability to shoot three-pointers and play at a fast pace could be key for the Blazers in this matchup against the Pelicans, so don’t sleep on Collins.

Trey Lyles, DEN at CLE
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,500

The Nuggets played Wednesday against the Bulls in Chicago, winning a close game that went to overtime. Lyles played 20 minutes in that game and has logged at least 20 minutes in five straight contests. He’s shown an ability to contribute when given the opportunity, averaging 11 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across those five games. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but this is a matchup to exploit with the Cavaliers allowing 117.9 points per game.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/1/18

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500

Dedmon was in foul trouble Tuesday against the Cavaliers, resulting in him posting four points and four rebounds across just 16 minutes. He’s had his ups and downs this season and is still coming off of the bench behind Alex Len, but he could see extended minutes against the big Kings frontcourt if he can stay out of foul trouble. The Hawks and Kings play at the two fastest paces in the league, which could also help Dedmon’s bottom line.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000

The Hornets like to play small, which is one of the reasons why Zeller is averaging only 22 minutes a game despite starting all eight contests. Even with his limiting playing time, he’s still averaging a respectable 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds. Whether they like it or not, the Hornets might be forced to play Zeller more Thursday in a matchup against Steven Adams. Zeller is a significant amount cheaper than Dedmon, so he might be the way to go at center if you really want budget relief at the position.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

It’s been a busy week in the NBA and Wednesday doesn’t get any quieter with seven games on the schedule. There are a couple of games that have blowout potential, but it should be a fun evening, overall. Let’s take a look at some cheap value plays that could pay off for your 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 10/31/18

Frank Ntilikina, NY vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,100

Ntilikina’s numbers haven’t been great, averaging 9.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 three-pointers per game. The good news is that he’s averaging 30 minutes a contest and has scored at least 16 points in both of his last two games. With the Knicks searching for offense without Kristaps Porzingis (knee), Ntilikina could continue to get added scoring opportunities Wednesday. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s still a viable option at this price.

Elie Okobo, PHO vs. SA
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,700

The Suns were already without Devin Booker (hamstring) on Sunday against the Thunder, but then Isaiah Canaan (ankle) went down in the first quarter. The Suns entered the year thin at point guard, so they had no choice but to turn to Okobo. He certainly didn’t disappoint, scoring 18 points go to along with five rebounds and seven assists across 31 minutes. Booker is considered doubtful to play Wednesday and Canaan is listed as questionable, so if they are both sidelined, Okobo is someone to consider adding to your entry.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18

Wesley Matthews, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,000

This could be a good game to load up on Mavericks players with the Lakers playing at the fourth-fastest pace (106.4 possessions per game) and allowing the most points per game (122.4) in the league. Matthews is second on the team with 18.3 points per game, making him one of the options that stand out. Don’t count on him for significant contributions in other areas, but that doesn’t mean that Matthews won’t score enough to provide value at this price.

Monte Morris, DEN at CHI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,300

The Bulls are a trainwreck on defense. Not only did Klay Thompson and the Warriors embarrass them by scoring 149 points Monday, but the Bulls have allowed the third-most points per game (119.9), overall. While the Nuggets aren’t as good as the Warriors, they are still one of the better teams in the NBA. If this game gets out of hand early, their bench players could get significant playing time. Morris would be one player likely to benefit if that were to happen. In the three games in which Morris has played at least 20 minutes this year, he’s averaging 11.8 points, three rebounds, five assists, and 1.8 steals.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18

Harrison Barnes, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500

Barnes missed some time at the beginning of the season due to injury but he’s logged at least 34 minutes in both of his last two games. He was impressive Monday against the Spurs, scoring 18 points to go along with seven rebounds and a steal. The Mavericks made significant additions over the summer by bringing in Luka Doncic and DeAndre Jordan, but Barnes is still an important part of the team. If he keeps playing well, he won’t be this cheap for much longer.

Jae Crowder, UTA at MIN
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,200

Derrick Favors (knee) didn’t play Sunday against the Mavericks and is listed as questionable for Wednesday. Crowder started in his absence, scoring 15 points to go along with six rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes. Although Crowder is dealing with an ankle injury, he’s deemed as probable to play in this game. If Favors can’t take the floor, Crowder should again get plenty of playing time. Even if Favors does play, Crowder is a key part of the Jazz’s second unit and worth considering if you want to save money at small forward.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18

Noah Vonleh, NY vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,300

Enes Kanter got off to a great start with a double-double in each of the Knicks first four games. However, after a bad performance in a blowout loss to the Heat, the Knicks moved Kanter to the bench and Vonleh into the starting five. While he hasn’t been as productive as Kanter, Vonleh still averaged a respectable 7.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and one block across those two games. If he starts again Wednesday, there’s no reason to doubt he can’t provide similar numbers.

Trey Lyles, DEN at CHI
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,300

The injury to Will Barton (groin) has resulted in Lyles logging at least 20 minutes in four straight games. Although he hasn’t been overly productive, Lyles still managed to average 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds. 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals during that stretch. He would also likely be in line for added playing time if this game gets out of hand early, so don’t sleep on him in tournament play.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/31/18

Myles Turner, IND at NY
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900

Turner seems to be a trendy breakout candidate just about every year, but he hasn’t come through, at this point. The Pacers have depth up front, which has limited Turner to averaging 27 minutes per contest. That puts a cap on his ceiling for points and rebounds, but he’s still recording 2.1 blocks per game. With the Knicks struggling to start the year and still trying to figure out their best rotations, this might be a matchup to exploit, even with Turner’s limited playing time.

Ed Davis, BKN vs. DET
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,600

The Pistons certainly have plenty of size up front with Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. When the Nets first faced the Pistons this year, they countered by playing Davis for 18 minutes off the bench. Davis produced eight points and seven rebounds in what turned out to be a close contest. Davis has proven he can rack up rebounds throughout his career, averaging 6.5 rebounds in just 21 minutes per contest. At near the minimum price on both sites, Davis is an intriguing option to consider.