Thursday will be a tricky night in NBA DFS with only three games on the schedule. That doesn’t leave us with a lot of cheap value play options, but let’s highlight those who are on the board that could be viable targets.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
As far as Thursday’s go, we have a fairly busy slate in the NBA tonight with six games. There aren’t as many great cheap value plays as we’ve seen the last couple of days, but there are still a couple that stand out at each position that could prove to be profitable. 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
Patrick Beverley, LAC vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300
Beverley is set to start again Thursday with Danilo Gallinari (back) ruled out. Across the first six games that Gallinari has missed, Beverly has averaged 11 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He’s only averaging 26 minutes per game for the season, but he averaged 37 minutes a contest during that six-game stretch. Since both of these teams are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, the added playing time could really benefit Beverley once again.
Shabazz Napier, BKN at SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,300
How lucky are the Nets that they have Napier? They were already shorthanded with Caris LeVert (foot) and Allen Crabbe (knee) out and have now lost Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb). Napier has stepped up in their absences, averaging 20.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals over his last three games. He has a secure role moving forward, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry despite his climbing price tag.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Avery Bradley, LAC vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700
Bradley isn’t a lock to play Thursday since he is listed as questionable with knee soreness. He’s had a little extra time to rest considering the Clippers haven’t played since Monday, so hopefully, he can take the floor. If he does, he makes a lot of sense at this price based on the uptempo pace at which this game will likely be played. He’s also played well without Gallinari, averaging 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists across his last six games.
Aaron Holiday, IND at ORL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,900
Not only is Victor Oladipo (knee) gone for the season, but Tyreke Evans has missed the last two games with a back injury. If he can’t play again Thursday, Holiday should receive a boost in playing time. His numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, but Holiday has averaged 11.7 points, four rebounds and 2.6 assists over seven games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Considering how cheap he is on both sites, Holiday might be worth a look in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
J.J. Redick, PHI at GS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500
This should be a fun, high-scoring game. Both teams come into this matchup mostly healthy, so we’ll see if the Sixers’ star trio can hang with the fearsome fivesome that the Warriors have put together. Redick might not be on the same level as Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be productive in this contest. He’s averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game this year and should continue to receive more open looks with opposing defenses having to focus their efforts on the other stars for the Sixers.
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400
For the most part, Isaac has been a disappointment this year with averages of 8.1 points, five rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. However, he still has a secure role with the team and has actually averaged 29 minutes across his last six games. He’s even stepped things up as a passer, averaging two assists per contest during his last six games. His overall numbers don’t leave him with a very high ceiling, but his contributions across the board could leave him with some value at this price.
POWER FORWARDS
Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,200
Despite Siakam not being overly cheap, he still has the potential to provide plenty of value. Across three previous games against the Bucks this year, he’s averaged 23 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and two blocks. That’s not all that surprising since the Bucks play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league and don’t possess a ton of size up front. Don’t expect them to be able to slow him down in this game, either.
Ed Davis, BKN at SA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
The rebounding machine that is Ed Davis is in prime form right now with an average of 10.7 boards across his last six games. That’s especially impressive considering he’s only averaged 22 minutes a game during that stretch. Even though his scoring upside isn’t great, his ability to crash the offensive glass enabled him to average 7.5 points in those six contests. If he can approach a double-double again Thursday, that could be excellent value considering how his cheap price tag can help free up the rest of your budget. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
Ivica Zubac, LAL at LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,100
Just when we thought Zubac was on a roll, he ran into Joel Embiid and the Sixers on Tuesday. Even though Zubac started once again, he scored only seven points and grabbed two rebounds in 17 minutes. However, this is a favorable spot for him to bounce back considering the Clippers allow the most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
JaVale McGee, LAL at LAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,500
While Zubac struggled against the Sixers, McGee shined with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes. Don’t count on him to replicate that type of stat line Thursday, but he had averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across his previous six games despite losing his starting job. With how poorly the Clippers have defended against centers, rostering McGee could be a risk worth taking in tournament play.
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 1/1/19
*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
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
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
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
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
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 11/1/18
*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
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
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
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
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
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 10/18/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA takes a step back from the 11-game slate Wednesday with only three games on the schedule Thursday. Even with so few options, there are still some great value plays to consider. 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
Goran Dragic, MIA at WAS
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,000
The Heat were extremely shorthanded Wednesday with James Johnson, Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters, and Wayne Ellington all sidelined. Dragic was one of the players who stepped up in their absence, scoring 26 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists and one block in 32 minutes versus the Magic. There is a chance that all four players will sit again Thursday, which would again leave Dragic with an added role in the offense. He might lose a few assists without as many quality players around him, but he should make up for that with added scoring.
Cameron Payne, CHI at PHI
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,600
Payne enters this season as the backup at point guard to Kris Dunn. Payne had a few decent games last year when given extended playing time, but a lot of those performances came when Dunn was injured. Even though his playing time will be somewhat limited, the Bulls are extremely thin at point guard outside of him and Dunn. In 23 minutes per game last year, Payne averaged 8.8 points, 4.5 assists, one steal and 1.4 three-pointers per contest. His upside isn’t great, but if the Bulls get down big on the road against the far superior Sixers, Payne could be productive in garbage time.
SHOOTING GUARDS
J.J. Redick, PHI vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,100
The Sixers are going with an odd strategy of using Markelle Fultz as the starting shooting guard to begin games, but then starting Redick there for the third quarter. Fultz ended up playing 24 minutes under that arrangement in their season opener, but he didn’t play well. Redick, on the other hand, scored 16 points and hit two three-pointers in 29 minutes. Fultz is going to have his growing pains, so expect Redick to edge him out in playing time, at least for now. The Bulls are not a good defensive team, so Redick might be able to light them up from behind the arc.
Justin Holiday, CHI at PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
The Bulls entered the preseason with the intention of starting Jabari Parker at small forward and Lauri Markkanen at power forward. Once Markkanen went down with an elbow injury, it opened the door for Parker to slide to power forward and for Holiday to enter the starting five. Parker has since been moved to a sixth man role off the bench, but Holiday remains a member of the starting unit. He won’t get a ton of shots playing alongside Zach LaVine and Bobby Portis, but he should get enough playing time to be worth considering at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Josh Richardson, MIA at WAS
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $6,200
Not only did Dragic benefit from the Heat’s lack of depth Wednesday, but Richardson finished the game with 21 shot attempts. He wasn’t very efficient and was only 2-for-10 from behind the arc, but he still scored 21 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Should the Heat have the same injury concerns Thursday, look for Richardson to play a vital role in their offense.
Otto Porter Jr., WAS vs. MIA
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,600
Porter doesn’t get a lot of headlines playing with John Wall and Bradley Beal, but he’s a fine player in his own right. He doesn’t always get a lot of shot attempts, but he’s been efficient with a field goal percentage of at least 50.3% in both of the last two seasons. Not only does he provide added value on the glass, but he also averaged 1.5 steals last year and has recorded at least 1.4 steals per contest in each of the last three seasons. Don’t count on him to provide as much scoring as Richardson, but Porter is still a viable option for your entry.
POWER FORWARDS
Bobby Portis, CHI at PHI
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
The Bulls made a somewhat surprising decision late in the preseason to start Portis ahead of Parker. Portis was ticketed to provide a ton of energy off their bench, but the Bulls decided to move Parker to a bench role after they struggled mightily on the defensive end at the start of the preseason. Portis is instant offense, posting the second-highest usage rate (26%) on the team last year. LaVine is going to take a ton of shots, but Portis might be the second best offensive weapon among their starters.
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000
The Wizards added Dwight Howard over the summer, but he’s battling a back injury and is listed as questionable for this contest. Even if he does take the floor, he may not be completely healthy. The Wizards don’t have a ton of quality size up front behind Howard and Morris with their backups including Jeff Green, Ian Manhimi and Jason Smith. Morris might be forced to spend some additional time at center in this game, giving him added opportunities to provide value. He’s going to take a back seat offensively to Wall, Beal, and Porter, but he still chipped in 11.5 points and 5.6 rebounds across 27 minutes per game last year.
CENTERS
JaVale McGee, LAL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500
The Lakers made several additions during the offseason, one of which was adding McGee to their very shallow group of centers. McGee is expected to start, but he likely won’t see traditional starter’s minutes. Expect the Lakers to deploy a lot of small lineups. With that being said, McGee is still going to play more than the 10 minutes a game he averaged last year with the Warriors. He also has the opportunity for a lot of easy buckets catching passes from LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Lonzo Ball. McGee is also a great source for blocks, making him someone to target in tournament play at this cheap price.
Bam Adebayo, MIA at WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,900
The Heat were a bit of a mess at center last season. Hassan Whiteside was expected to be their anchor in the middle, but he averaged only 25 minutes a game. That opened up the door for Adebayo to get extra minutes. Whiteside did play 33 minutes in their opener Wednesday, but Abebayo still logged 22 minutes due to all of their injuries. He chipped in nine points, eight rebounds, and a steal, helping him stay in the discussion as a value play option Thursday. However, I do prefer McGee to Adebayo if you want to save money at center.