Who’s ready for a busy nine-game Friday in the NBA? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the options in DFS, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper value plays worth targeting at each position.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Thursday’s six-game slate in the NBA has a chance to turn on a dime with the trade deadline set for 3:00 PM EST. If there was ever a day to be glued to Twitter for news, this is it. As things currently stand, here are a couple of cheap value plays at each position that are worth considering for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Jerryd Bayless, MIN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,800
It will be slim pickings at point guard again for the Timberwolves on Thursday with Derrick Rose (ankle) and Tyus Jones (ankle) out and Jeff Teague (foot) listed as doubtful. Bayless had a rough scoring night against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, scoring five points on just 2-for-10 shooting from the field. On the bright side, he did still dish out eight assists. This is a much easier matchup against the Magic and D.J. Augustin, so look for Bayless to have a nice bounce-back performance.
Patrick Beverley, LAC at IND
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,500
The Clippers shook things up this week by trading Tobias Harris to the Sixers. Even though they currently occupy the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they are trying to free up cap space and acquire draft picks to pursue elite players. With Harris no longer in the fold, Beverley should retain his starting job even when Danilo Gallinari (back) does return, which could be as early as this game. Across his last 10 starts, Beverley is averaging 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100
As odd as this sounds, the Magic could probably make a push for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference if they made a couple of moves. Their record sits at 22-32, but they are only four games out of the final spot. However, the more likely route they take is to trade away some players with the hopes of gaining draft picks. Ross could be on the trade block since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. If the Magic don’t move him, he’s certainly someone to consider for your lineup based on his averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists across his last 15 games.
Justin Holiday, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200
The Grizzlies could be one of the busiest teams at the deadline. They are reportedly looking to move Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Gasol already won’t play in this game and the Grizzlies are also dealing with several other injuries. The ones that impact Holiday the most are Garrett Temple (shoulder) and Kyle Anderson (shoulder). If both players can’t take the floor, Holiday should receive plenty of playing time. They have actually both missed each of the previous three games, which allowed Holiday to average 17 points, six rebounds and one steal during that stretch.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400
One player who it would be shocking to see moved Thursday is Isaac. He’s one of the building blocks for the Magic after being selected sixth overall in the 2017 Draft. That security alone helps his stock in DFS. Add in the fact that he’s averaging 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks across his last eight games and he’s an even more appealing option to consider.
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
Bogdanovic has stepped up offensively with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 22.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists across his last four games. He’s averaging 12 field goal attempts per game for the season, but he averaged 16.5 attempts per contest during that four-game stretch. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102 possessions per game) in the league, so Bogdanovic could be in line for another significant offensive performance in this matchup.
POWER FORWARDS
Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,100
With Gasol already ruled out, Rabb should see an increase in playing time. The Grizzlies could really have to lean heavily on him if JaMychal Green (knee) and Joakim Noah (heel) are both forced to miss their second straight game. With all three players out Tuesday against the Timberwolves, Rabb scored 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds, two steals and a block across 33 minutes.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,500
Morris (knee) is expected to return for this matchup with the Lakers after sitting out Tuesday against the Cavaliers. This is certainly a spot where he could shine considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.7). Morris is also averaging 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists across his last four games. The only real concern here is if the Lakers pull off a blockbuster move, their roster could be left in shambles while they wait for their new players to join the team. That could lead to a blowout, which might limit Morris’ playing time. If the Lakers remain largely in tack, Morris is a strong option to consider.
CENTERS
Myles Turner, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,500
If you’re playing on FanDuel, the cheap center options are not very appealing for this slate. With that being said, I’ll have to go a little higher up on the price scale to find an appealing option. Turner stands out as having a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Turner has also stepped up since Oladipo went down, averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks over his last seven games.
JaVale McGee, LAL at BOS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500
Of all the names bantered around in trade rumors for the Lakers, you don’t hear McGee come up that often. The more appealing option for teams is the younger Ivica Zubac. If Zubac gets traded, McGee would be in line for a significant increase in playing time. Even if he doesn’t, McGee might be worth considering in tournament play against a banged up Celtics’ frontcourt that will be without Aron Baynes (foot) and could also be missing Robert Williams (back), who is listed as questionable.
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 DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/11/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/11/18
Wednesday brings the last day of the NBA regular season and with many teams having nothing left to play for, some unusual rotations might be deployed. 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 Luke Kennard and Sean Kilpatrick.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Frank Ntilikina, NY at CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Ntilikina has started to see more playing time, logging at least 30 minutes in three straight games. With Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) already ruled out for Wednesday, expect Ntilikina to see added playing time once again. He just scored 17 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block against these same Cavaliers on Monday and has upside again in their rematch.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS at ORL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,700
Satoransky has returned to a role with the second unit now that John Wall is healthy, but Wall is unlikely to play Wednesday after logging 36 minutes against the Celtics on Tuesday. Satoransky has done a great job as a member of the starting five this year, averaging 10.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and one three-pointer in 29 games. The Magic allow the second-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, leaving Satoransky as a viable option for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Luke Kennard, DET at CHI
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $4,300
Kennard has moved into the starting lineup with Reggie Bullock (knee) out for the season, averaging 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, 1.5 steals and 3.5 three-pointers in his last two games. The Bulls are tanking hard down the stretch and have struggled to defend the three-point line all season, allowing the eighth-highest three-pointing shooting percentage to opponents (36.9%) in the league. He’s not overly cheap on FanDuel, but he has a great price on DraftKings that you should try to take advantage of.
Sean Kilpatrick, CHI vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
The Bulls are without many of their primary scorers, which has led Kilpatrick to score at least 16 points in four straight games. He’s getting plenty of looks, attempting at least 13 shots in all four of those contests. He doesn’t provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but his ability to score and hit shots from behind the arc still leaves him with value, especially on a night with so many uncertain rotations.
SMALL FORWARDS
Allen Crabbe, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
Crabbe destroyed the Bulls on Monday, hitting eight three-pointers on his way to 41 points. DeMarre Carroll (hip), Caris LeVert (foot) and Joe Harris (ankle) all missed that game, leaving Crabbe to play 34 minutes. LeVert will return Wednesday, but the Nets will again be without Carroll and Harris. The Celtics are certainly a much tougher opponent than the Bulls, but the added minutes that Crabbe will likely see again Wednesday make him someone to consider for your entry.
Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS at ORL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Not only will the Wizards likely be without Wall on Wednesday, but Otto Porter Jr. (calf) is also listed as doubtful after injuring himself Tuesday. Look for Oubre to move into the starting lineup and see an increased role in the offense as a result. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 28 times this season, averaging 13.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 three-pointers per contest. Expect him to at least approach that minutes threshold Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,200
The Grizzlies won’t have many available players again Wednesday with frontcourt options including Marc Gasol (rest) and JaMychal Green (knee) already ruled out. Rabb has played at least 27 minutes in three of the last four games with the Grizzlies in full tank mode, averaging 14 points, 8.7 rebounds, and one block. His upside isn’t off the charts against a tough Thunder defense, but he could still finish with a double-double based on the amount of playing time he will likely receive.
Anthony Tolliver, DET at CHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $6,000
Tolliver has seen significant action as the season comes to a close with Blake Griffin (knee) out, logging at least 31 minutes in seven straight games. He hasn’t let the opportunity go to waste, averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 three-pointers per contest. He torched the Bulls for 25 points, six rebounds and six three-pointers in a blowout win a few weeks ago, so don’t be surprised if he excels again Wednesday.
CENTERS
Greg Monroe, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,600
The Celtics have already clinched the second seed in the East and will be playing the second night of a back-to-back, so don’t be surprised if they rest or limit the minutes of some of their starters Wednesday. Monroe’s 24.8% usage rate is the highest on the Celtics now that Kyrie Irving (knee) is out for the season, so increased playing time could give him a significant boost in value. The Nets also allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers.
Cristiano Felicio, CHI vs. DET
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
How bad are the Bulls trying to lose games? Not only is Felicio getting extended playing time, but Omer Asik has even played in three straight games. Felicio is clearly the better option between the two in DFS, averaging 8.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and one block in his last six games. The Pistons likely won’t have Andre Drummond (Achilles) on Wednesday either, making things a little easier for Felicio in the middle. His offensive ability is limited, but he could at least approach a double-double in what could be an ugly game to watch.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/6/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/6/18
Friday brings one of the last big slates of the regular season for the NBA with 20 teams in action. With so many options to choose from, 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 MarShon Brooks and Anthony Tolliver.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,900
The Suns don’t have many healthy players in their backcourt with Devin Booker (hand), Elfrid Payton (knee) and Troy Daniels (ankle) all unlikely to play. Ulis has played at least 30 minutes in five straight games due to all of the injuries on the Suns, averaging 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, eight assists and 1.8 three-pointers per contest. The Suns and Pelicans are the top two teams in the league in terms of pace of play, which should leave Ulis with plenty of opportunities to produce again Friday.
Tyler Ennis, LAL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,900
Lonzo Ball (knee) will be out again Friday, which will open up more playing time for Ennis against the Timberwolves. Ennis has logged at last 22 minutes in back-to-back contests, averaging 10 points, 4.5 rebounds, six assists, 1.5 steals and one block. What’s even more impressive is that he accomplished that against two tough defensive teams in the Jazz and the Spurs. Although he doesn’t have a ton of offensive upside, Ennis has the potential to contribute enough across the board to warrant consideration at this cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Danuel House, PHO vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,900
With the Suns running out of healthy players, House has been able to establish a significant role for himself as the season comes to a close. He has logged at least 25 minutes in three straight games, averaging 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 three-pointers during that stretch. Not only do both of these teams play at a fast pace, but the Pelicans also allow the second-most points per game (110.7) in the league. House could provide significant value again Friday.
Malik Monk, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,400
The Hornets have been officially eliminated from the playoffs, which has resulted in more playing time for Monk. He has received exactly 24 minutes in each of the last three games, averaging 18 points, 2.7 assists and four three-pointers per contest. The Magic have nothing left to play for either and struggle to defend opposing guards, making Monk a candidate to have another productive offensive showing in this game.
SMALL FORWARDS
David Nwaba, CHI at BOS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,700
The Bulls will be shorthanded down the stretch as Kris Dunn (toe), Zach LaVine (knee) and Denzel Valentine (knee) have already been ruled out for the remainder of the season. That has opened up significant playing time for Nwaba, who has thrived when given add minutes this season. In 13 games that he has played at least 30 minutes this season, he is averaging 12.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals. The Celtics are a tough defensive matchup, but Nwaba is still a viable option at this price.
MarShon Brooks, MEM vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200
The Grizzlies are right up there for teams tanking the hardest down the stretch and will be without most of their noteworthy players again Friday. Brooks has become one of the main offensive threats that they have left, averaging 23.3 points and 3.7 three-pointers in the last three games. He took at least 12 shots in each game and should continue to be heavily involved. His price is climbing, but it’s still low enough to give him value. Of note, Brooks is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel as he is listed at shooting guard on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
Anthony Tolliver, DET vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,700
Tolliver is yet another one of the many players around the league benefiting from injuries to star players as the Pistons are currently without Blake Griffin (ankle). In the last four games with Griffin sidelined, Tolliver has averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, one steal and 3.5 three-pointers. The Mavericks are dealing with their own issues up front and will be without Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) and Nerlens Noel (suspension), leaving Tolliver with an even better opportunity to thrive against their backups.
Ivan Rabb, MEM vs. SAC
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,000
Not only are the Grizzlies missing several key players in their backcourt, but they will also be without Marc Gasol (rest), JaMychal Green (knee), Jarell Martin (ankle) and Chandler Parsons (knee) on Friday. Rabb should get all the minutes he can handle as a result. In the last five games that Rabb has played at least 20 minutes, he has averaged 10 points and 7.8 rebounds. Expect him to easily match that minute’s threshold Friday with 30 minutes not out of the question.
CENTERS
Alex Len, PHO vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,100
Len had one of his better games of the season Tuesday against the Kings, finishing with 17 points and 15 rebounds in 32 minutes. Playing time has been a concern for him, logging at least 30 minutes in a game only three times all year. He’ll have a chance to approach that much playing time Friday with both Tyson Chandler (neck) and Alan Williams (knee) already ruled out. Based on his upside, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,900
The Hornets will be without Cody Zeller (knee) for the rest of the season, which has opened up some extra playing time for Hernangomez off the bench. He has played at least 16 minutes in three straight games, averaging 12.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and one steal per contest. The Magic allow the eighth-most FanDuel points per game and the ninth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, making Hernangomez a viable option again Friday.