After a busy Monday, we don’t have a ton of action Tuesday with only four games in the NBA.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 25 2019
The NBA’s star-studded Christmas Day slate should bring plenty of excitement once again this year. There are several big games on the docket and there will be no shortage of star power taking the floor, either.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 16 2019
Monday’s seven-game slate in the NBA will be impacted heavily by injuries to some big names. That opens up several value play options in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for December 11 2019
Get ready for a crazy night in DFS with 11 games on the NBA schedule Wednesday.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for November 20 2019
It’s going to be a busy night in the NBA on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. That leaves us with a lot of great options at various price points, so let’s try to narrow the focus down and discuss a couple of the better players to target at each position
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 30 2019
Buckle up for a wild Wednesday with 11 games on the NBA schedule.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 2/15/18
Thursday brings just two games in the NBA, but there are still great players taking the floor and money to be won in DFS. Sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and find the players to hopefully help you win some money like Eric Bledsoe and Kyle Kuzma.
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POINT GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,100
Bledsoe is in the midst of one of his best stretches since being traded to the Bucks, averaging 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 three-pointers in his last five games. He has the second-highest usage rate (27.1%) on the team and should continue to be one of the focal points of their offense moving forward. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Bledsoe an excellent option at a reasonable price Thursday.
Jeff Teague, MIN vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,200
Teague’s scoring average is down at just 12.9 points per game this season, but that was to be expected playing for a team that includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler, and Andrew Wiggins. He’s still managed to provide value though by averaging 7.1 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. He gets a favorable matchup Friday as the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103 possessions per game) in the league. His ceiling isn’t off the charts, but he can still provide value for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Will Barton, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,800
Barton is getting a ton of playing time for the Nuggets, logging at least 34 minutes in 10 of his last 11 games. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds. 4.6 assists and 2.1 three-pointers in those 10 contests. The Nuggets have moved Barton into the starting lineup as they push towards the playoffs, giving him a significant boost in value. On a night with limited options, Barton stands out as a great choice at shooting guard.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,100
The Lakers are still thin at guard with Lonzo Ball (knee) injured, leaving Caldwell-Pope to play at least 31 minutes in three straight games. Even though his usage rate is only 17.2% this season, the pace at which the Lakers play and the added playing time helps give Caldwell-Pope value. The Timberwolves have struggled on defense at times this season, making Caldwell-Pope someone to consider at this price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $11,700
DraftKings = $10,700
On a night with so few games, you want to make sure you get at least one elite player into your lineup. Giannis might be that player Thursday, with his 31.8% usage rate that ranks fifth-highest in the league. He’s much more than just a scorer though, averaging 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He will eat up a significant portion of your budget, but he should be worth it Thursday.
Brandon Ingram, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,700
DraftKings = $6,300
Ingram continues to provide an offensive spark for the Lakers, averaging 20 points in his last six games. He’s been asked to help facilitate the offense with Ball out as well, averaging 5.7 assists over that same stretch. Even with Isaiah Thomas now on the Lakers, Ingram should still see an increase in assists until Ball returns. Ball is expected back after the All-Star break, so take advantage of Ingram’s added value Thursday while you can.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,000
Kuzma has shown he can provide tremendous value when given the opportunity but has seen limited minutes when the Lakers are healthy up front. However, the trade that sent Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers has now freed up playing time for Kuzma. He’s been excellent in the three games since Nance was traded, averaging 17.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.3 three-pointers. Power forward is especially shallow on FanDuel with only two games, leaving Kuzma as one of the better options Thursday.
Trey Lyles, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,400
Lyles has been a valuable member of the Nuggets’ bench, averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and a block in six games in February. His playing time is down a bit from the previous two months, but his usage in February is a season-high at 23.8%. The Bucks are a tough defensive team, but Lyles significant role and cheap price make him worth considering for your entry.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN at MIL
FanDuel = $10,000
DraftKings = $9,800
Jokic’s ability to contribute across the board leaves him tremendous upside, evident by the fact that he has two triple-doubles in his last six games. Things couldn’t shape up much better for him Thursday as the Bucks allow the fifth-most points per game on FanDuel and the fourth-most points per game on DraftKings to opposing centers. He and Karl-Anthony Towns stand out at the position Thursday, but Jokic could finish with the best numbers, especially if the Timberwolves get a big lead on the lowly Lakers.
Tyler Zeller, MIL vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
The Bucks will be without starting center John Henson (hamstring) on Thursday, marking the third straight game that he has missed. Zeller played at least 22 minutes in each of the previous two games without Henson, averaging 9.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With Jokic and Towns being by far the best options at center Thursday, it might be wise to pay up to get one of them into your lineup. However, if you need to save money at the position, Zeller is a cheap option to consider.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/15/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/15/17
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Damian Lillard, POR at ORL
FanDuel = $9,500
DraftKings = $9,400
Lillard only scored 18 points in his last game Wednesday against the Heat, but he was rolling before that with at least 29 points in four straight games. He’s been dealing with a sore ankle of late, but hasn’t missed any time and is expected to play Friday. This is a great matchup against the Magic as not only do they play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.2) in the league but they also really struggle to defend point guards. Look for Lillard to get back to his scoring ways in this game, providing an excellent option for your entry.
Milos Teodosic, LAC at WAS
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $4,500
Teodosic is still rounding into form after missing 22 games due to injury but did manage to get up to 25 minutes in his last game Wednesday against the Magic. He made the most of his playing time, scoring eight points to go along with six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. The Clippers will be without Austin Rivers (concussion) on Friday, which could lead to more minutes for Teodosic if the club feels he is ready. If you are looking for a cheaper point guard option with upside, Teodosic might be your man.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC at WAS
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $7,600
The Clippers have been decimated by injuries this year, leaving them to count on Williams more than they expected. Even though he has only started five games, he’s averaging a career-high 31 minutes per contest. Never one to shy away from shots, Williams is averaging 14.8 attempts per game, resulting in a career-high 20.0 points. With Rivers and Danilo Gallinari (hip) out Friday, Williams is primed for another big scoring night against the Wizards.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. NO
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,400
Harris showed why he is one of the main offensive weapons for the Nuggets by scoring 36 points Wednesday against the Celtics. He’s averaging the most minutes per game (34) on the team, giving him an added opportunity to produce. The Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (102.3) and allow the second-most points per game (111.5) in the league, which is good news for the offensive-minded Harris. If you don’t want to pay up for Williams, look no further than Harris for excellent upside.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. CHI
FanDuel = $12,500
DraftKings = $11,600
Giannis may have the highest floor of any player in DFS. Playing time is never a problem as he’s averaging 38 minutes per game and his 33.5% usage rate is fifth-best in the NBA. While he has some talented players around him in Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton, they compliment his game well without taking away any scoring opportunities. Few teams in the NBA have someone who can match up with him defensively, but the Bulls don’t have anyone close to being capable of slowing him down. Get ready for a huge performance.
Rudy Gay, SA at HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,700
It’s no surprise that Gay has seen a decrease in production since joining the Spurs as they brought him in to be more of a supporting piece as opposed to a leading scoring. Not only is Gay averaging a career-low 24 minutes per game, but his average of 12.8 points per game is the lowest since his rookie season. He’s played better than that lately though, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds over his last six games. The Rockets like to use a lot of small lineups, which could mean a few extra minutes for Gay. He’s priced low enough to be a viable option Friday.
POWER FORWARDS
Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,100
Ibaka has turned back the clock lately, averaging 18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers over his last six games. He gets to play the Nets Friday, a team that doesn’t have a ton of quality depth up front. The Nets also play at the second-fastest pace (104.2) in the league, so Ibaka is going to get extra chances to keep his recent hot streak alive. With a significant role on tap for this game, get Ibaka in your lineup.
John Collins, ATL at MEM
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,500
After missing six straight games, Collins returned to play 19 minutes Thursday against the Pistons. He made the most of his limited minutes, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds, one steal, and one block. Despite playing only 23 minutes per game this season, the talented rookie has still managed to average 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest. The Hawks are thin up front with Dewayne Dedmon (leg) out and really need Collins to produce. Although he may again see limited minutes in the second night of a back-to-back Friday, he’s priced low enough to warrant consideration.
CENTERS
Andre Drummond, DET at IND
FanDuel = $9,400
DraftKings = $9,100
Drummond is in a scoring slump, averaging only 7.8 points over his last four games. He still provides value even when he’s not scoring though as he also averaged 15.3 rebounds over that same stretch. Friday will mark his third game of the season already against the Pacers, a team that allows the second-most DraftKings points per game and the most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Drummond was no outlier, averaging 12.5 points, 18.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in those two games. He’ll cost you a lot, but should be worth it based on his opponent.
Marcin Gortat, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Gortat shouldn’t be confused with a high-upside play as he just doesn’t score enough to be in that class. He still hovers around a double-double though, averaging 9.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game this season. The Wizards are going to need him Friday because although the Clippers have a ton of injuries, DeAndre Jordan is healthy and logging 33 minutes per game. Gortat finished with nine points and eight rebounds when these same two teams met Saturday, so he can provide value at this cheap price.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/30/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/30/17
Use Code “LLNBA17” at checkout for 20% off Seasonal Package
POINT GUARDS
Eric Bledsoe, MIL at POR
FanDuel = $7,500
DraftKings = $6,800
Bledsoe has played well since being traded to the Bucks as he’s averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game with his new squad. Now the second best offensive weapon on the team, he’s posting a 27.9% usage rate. His numbers are going to continue to get better as he gets accustomed to his new teammates and he’s already showing signs of that as he has averaged 23.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists over his last three games. On a night with only five games on the schedule, Bledsoe presents an excellent option for your entry.
Jamal Murray, DEN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,000
Murray doesn’t provide much outside of scoring, but he has managed to average 13.9 points and 1.2 three-pointers in only 27 minutes per game. He still has a significant role in the offense as his 24.4% usage rate is the highest on the team. Thursday’s matchup against the Bulls is favorable for Murray as the Bulls struggle to defend point guards. They have been especially poor of late, allowing an average of 23.6 points per game to opposing starting point guards over their last three contests. At this price, Murray can provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Lou Williams, LAC vs. UTA
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $7,300
The Clippers are absolutely decimated by injuries and will be without Blake Griffin, Patrick Beverley, Danilo Gallinari and Milos Teodosic on Thursday. When you think about how much offense the Clippers were counting on from Griffin and Gallinari, that’s a lot of scoring to make up for. Enter Williams as he is never afraid to shoot the rock. He is currently averaging a career-high 13.7 shot attempts per game to go along with a 27.8% usage rate. Expect him to lead the Clippers offense Thursday, giving him value even at this expensive price.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,600
One thing you get with Harris is consistent playing time as he has played at least 30 minutes in all but three games this season, one of which he played 29 minutes. He’s not going to give you much in the way of rebounds or assists, but he makes up for it by averaging 1.8 steals to go along with 14.3 points per game. He has actually had at least three steals in three of his last four games. With plenty of minutes and shots on tap for Thursday’s matchup against a bad Bulls defense, consider adding Harris into your lineup.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at POR
FanDuel = $11,800
DraftKings = $11,100
Not much needs to be said to make a case to start Giannis on Thursday. His 33.5% usage rate is fifth-best in the NBA, which is even better when you take into consideration he leads the league with 37 minutes per game. He also crushed the Trail Blazers earlier this season when he scored 44 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. He and LeBron James are the two best options at small forward for the evening, but I’d lean towards Giannis as this game should be more competitive than the Cavaliers taking on a bad Atlanta Hawks team.
Juan Hernangomez, DEN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,700
While the Nuggets aren’t as injury-riddled as the Clippers, they are dealing with problems of their own with Paul Millsap out for three months and Wilson Chandler already ruled out for this game with a back injury. Chandler missed the Nuggets last game Tuesday, leading to a start for Hernangomez. He came through with seven points, 10 rebounds and one block in 28 minutes, marking his best game of the season. With the expectation that he will see increased minutes again Thursday, he could provide significant value at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Derrick Favors, UTA at LAC
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $6,600
Favors is in the midst of his best stretch this season as he is averaging 19.4 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks over his last five games. With so little depth behind him up front due to Rudy Gobert’s injury, he is going to continue to see extended playing time. This should be a fun matchup against DeAndre Jordan, one of the few quality big men still healthy on the Clippers. With Jordan likely to get heavy minutes, the Jazz will need Favors to come through again. Without a lot of great options at power forward for your entry, Favors provides one of the safer bets to produce.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,700
Morris has taken a big step backward in terms of playing time as his 24 minutes per game is his lowest average since the 2013-14 season. With the talent Boston has up front, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The good news is that he has done more with less as his 23.9% usage rate is the highest of his career. With Joel Embiid resting for the Sixers Thursday, they could use some smaller-than-usual lineup combinations. The Sixers play at the fourth-fastest pace (104.8) in the NBA already, so this could be one of the more uptempo games you see the Celtics play. Take a chance on Morris to have a big game based on his opponent and his reasonable price.
CENTERS
Nikola Jokic, DEN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $9,500
DraftKings = $9,100
With Embiid resting Thursday, Jokic becomes the center with the highest upside. While his scoring is slightly down, his overall numbers are even better than last year as he’s averaging 15.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 three-pointers per game. One of the best passing centers in the league, his ability to contribute in multiple categories gives him the potential to provide massive production any given night. With a matchup against the Bulls on the slate, this could be one of those evenings when Jokic leads you to some money in DFS.
DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs. UTA
FanDuel = $7,400
DraftKings = $7,100
With Jordan approaching last-man-standing status in the Clippers frontcourt, he could put up some big numbers going forward. His scoring is down at 10.0 points per game, but he may get a few extra shot attempts with Griffin now on the sidelines. Always a valuable contributor on the glass, he should get all the minutes he can handle Thursday. If you can’t pay up for Jokic, Jordan can provide value at a more budget-friendly price.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/15/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 11/15/17
Use Code “LLNBA17” at checkout for 10% off Seasonal PackagePOINT GUARDS
Kemba Walker, CHA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $7,400
Walker posted his second double-double of the season Friday against the Boston Celtics and has at least 20 points, five rebounds, seven assists and one steal in both of his last two games. Not only does his 26.7% usage rate lead the Hornets, but it ranks Walker 33rd in the NBA. The Cavaliers have one of the worst defenses in the league and have struggled to guard point guards all season. Look for Walker to put up big numbers in this contest.
Frank Ntilikina, NY vs. UTA
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Ntilikina doesn’t provide much offense as he has only scored at least 10 points in a game once this season. He provides tremendous value defensively though as he is averaging 2.0 steals in only 21 minutes per game. The Knicks have played him more of late as he has logged at least 23 minutes in each of the last five games. He finished with five assists in four of those five games, so he can provide value at this cheap price even if he isn’t providing much offense.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Tyreke Evans, MEM vs. IND
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $6,600
Evans has been one of the best players coming off the bench in the league as he is averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.0 three-pointers per game. He has played even better lately as he is averaging 24.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 three-pointers over his last six games. The Pacers are allowing the seventh-most points per game (109.1) in the NBA, so Evans is primed for another big performance Wednesday.
Jordan Clarkson, LAL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,800
Clarkson scored a season-high 25 points in his last game Monday against the Phoenix Suns and has been a sparkplug off the bench for the Lakers by averaging 15.5 points per game on the season overall. While he is playing fewer minutes this year, he has become a much more efficient player as he is shooting 51.2% from the field and 40.0% from behind the arc, both career-highs. The Sixers are allowing the sixth-most points per game (109.5) in the league, so Clarkson could outproduce his price point Wednesday.
SMALL FORWARDS
Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL vs. DET
FanDuel = $12,200
DraftKings = $11,300
Giannis is in the midst of an MVP-type season for the Bucks as he is tied for the fourth-best usage rate (33.6%) in the league. While he’s not a good three-point shooter, that still hasn’t stopped him from averaging 31.3 points per game. Throw in averages of 10.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.8 blocks per game and you get someone worthy of his lofty price Wednesday. He’s a slightly better value on FanDuel where he would cost 20.3% of your budget as opposed to a commitment of 22.6% of your budget on DraftKings.
Denzel Valentine, CHI at OKC
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,300
The Bulls will be without Justin Holiday Wednesday after the birth of his child and it is expected that Kris Dunn will take his place in the starting lineup. While Dunn would be replacing him in the starting five, it likely will also lead to more minutes for Valentine. When the Bulls faced the Thunder earlier this season, Valentine scored eight points go to along with nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and two three-pointers in 31 minutes. He was only 3-for-12 from the field in that game, so he could have had a really big night if he wasn’t ice cold from the floor. At this price, Valentine could be a great value play.
POWER FORWARDS
LaMarcus Aldridge, SA at MIN
FanDuel = $8,300
DraftKings = $8,200
If there has been one benefit to Kawhi Leonard having yet to play this season due to injury, it’s that Aldridge has been able to re-establish himself as an elite talent. He enters Wednesday averaging 22.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game. This is a promising matchup against the Timberwolves as Aldridge scored 25 points to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks against them earlier this season. He is very reasonably priced on both sites based on his production potential.
Bobby Portis, CHI at OKC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $6,300
Portis has come off suspension to thrive on a Bulls team with a serious lack of talent as he is averaging 19.3 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games this season. Playing time has not been an issue and he played a season-high 30 minutes in his last game Saturday against the Spurs. The Thunder are lacking size up front and will likely be without Steven Adams due to injury as well, meaning plenty of small lineups. Portis could also steal some minutes at the five from Robin Lopez as a result. Get him in your lineup.
CENTERS
Hassan Whiteside, MIA vs. WAS
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,000
Whiteside is a nightly threat for a big double-double as he is averaging 15.9 points and 13.0 rebounds per game this season. He continues to be an excellent defender as well, averaging 1.9 blocks per contest. There are a lot of elite DFS options at the center position taking the floor Wednesday, but Whiteside may provide the most value based on his price on both sites. He won’t bust your budget while providing you with a high floor option.
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL vs. SAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,100
Dedmon is in the midst of his most productive stretch of the season as he is averaging 14.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks over his last five games. Given his first chance to play extended minutes in his career, Dedmon is currently averaging career-highs pretty much across the board. Wednesday brings a great matchup against the Kings as they are one of the worst teams at defending the center position in the league. If you need to save money at center, look no further than Dedmon.