Thursday brings a difficult two-game slate in the NBA. Not only are we looking at limited options in DFS, but a key injury could also have a significant impact.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 6 2020
The big headline Thursday in the NBA is the trade deadline. Teams are already wheeling and dealing, which could make for a fun afternoon. We also have a five-game evening slate in DFS that could be significantly impacted by trades.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 28 2019
With a busy 11-game slate in the NBA on Monday, we have a bevy of options to choose from in DFS.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for October 25 2019
We have a busy night of NBA action Friday with nine games on the schedule. That means plenty of star power will be available in DFS as well as some cheaper options that could provide value.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/6/19
We have plenty of action in the NBA on Wednesday with 10 games on the schedule. That leaves us with a ton of cheaper value play options to wade through. Here are a couple that stand out at each position as having particularly favorable matchups.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/24/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There are only four games in the NBA on Thursday, but the evening is full of star power with the Warriors, Thunder, and Blazers all set to take the floor. If you want to get some of the studs into your DFS lineups, you’ll need to find some cheaper value plays to help with your budget. Let’s examine two players are each position that fit that mold. 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
Derrick Rose, MIN at LAL
FanDuel = $6,600
DraftKings = $6,500
The Timberwolves blew out the Suns on Tuesday, leaving Rose to play just 23 minutes. He only attempted nine shots, his fewest in a game in over a month. This matchup is set up for him to have a nice rebound performance considering the Lakers play at the third-fastest pace (104 possessions per game) in the league. Jeff Teague (foot) is listed as questionable and Tyus Jones (ankle) might not be able to play again Thursday, either, which could leave Rose with plenty of playing if this game stays close.
Tomas Satoransky, WAS vs. GS
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,400
Satoransky continues to receive significant playing time with John Wall (heel) out, logging at least 30 minutes in eight of his last 11 games. That’s an important threshold for him to reach since he has averaged 12.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals across 11 games in which he’s played at least 30 minutes. This has the potential to be a high scoring game between two teams that are both in the top-10 in the league in pace of play, making Satoransky an intriguing option.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
Schroder had a lofty 30.4 percent usage rate on a bad Hawks team last year, so there was no question that number was going to decline this season playing with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. While that has come to fruition, he’s still one of the Thunder’s main scoring options with his 25.5 percent usage rate. This is another great opportunity for him to be productive with the both the Thunder and the Pelicans inside the top-six in pace of play. In his first two meetings with the Pelicans, he’s averaged 23 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
Hart returned to the starting five Tuesday, but only played 20 minutes due to the lopsided score. There’s a chance he could return to the bench for this contest if Rajon Rondo (hand), who is listed as questionable, is able to play. Even if Rondo does return, the Lakers will still be playing shorthanded without LeBron James (groin) and Lonzo Ball (ankle). There should be enough available minutes for Hart to at least be worth considering at this cheap price.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,700
Yet another injury has impacted the Suns with T.J. Warren (ankle) being their lastest player to go down. He’s already been ruled out for Thursday, which is significant considering he’s averaging 32 minutes a game and has a 22.9 percent usage rate. Oubre is one of the players who should see increased playing time as a result of Warren’s absence. Oubre is already rolling with averages of 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals across his last eight games, so any added minutes could be huge for his upside.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Otto Porter Jr. is starting to come on strong for the Wizards but they continue to bring him off the bench. Green has been the one in the starting five and has averaged 12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 22 games in that role. Based on the pace at which this game should be played, Green is a viable option at his cheap price on both sites.
POWER FORWARDS
Josh Jackson, PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
The other player who should benefit from the absence of Warren is Jackson, who could even move into the starting five. Regardless of whether he starts or not, the potential for added playing time makes Jackson very appealing. Over the nine games in which he has played at least 30 minutes, he’s been very productive with averages of 15 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Dragan Bender, PHO vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns’ frontcourt could be extremely thin in this game with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) listed as questionable. Ayton and Holmes have missed back-to-back games, which left Bender to start. He came through with a double-double in both games, so it’s hard to argue against rolling with him at this price if he starts despite the Blazers being tough on opposing centers.
CENTERS
Jahlil Okafor, NO at OKC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,900
Okafor hasn’t had many opportunities to take the floor with the Pelicans. However, they decided to move him into the starting five due to the injury to Anthony Davis (finger). To say that the experiment has gone well is an understatement. He played at least 31 minutes in both games, averaging 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. Expect him to start again Thursday, leaving him with plenty of upside if you’re looking to save some money at center.
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700
Zubac is heating up again. He’s played at least 20 minutes in each of the last three games, which helped him average 20.3 points and 7.7 rebounds during that stretch. Tyson Chandler is starting to see his playing time trail off, so don’t be surprised if Zubac continues to hang onto an expanded role. His upside isn’t as high as Okafor’s, but Zubac is not someone to overlook if you can’t make Okafor’s price work within your budget.
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 1/21/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday’s holiday brings a packed slate in the NBA consisting of 11 games. With games going on throughout the day, DraftKings and FanDuel have broken things up a little differently. FanDuel’s main contests start at 3pm EST while DraftKings has a five-game contest that starts at 1pm EST and a four-game one that starts at 6pm EST. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays across all of the contests that could be worth adding to 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
D.J. Augustin, ORL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,100
Augustin is averaging 28 minutes a game this season, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. Regardless of whether or not he’s suited to be a starter at this stage of his career, his minutes aren’t going away anytime soon, barring a trade. He’s provided value with averages of 11.6 points, 4.8 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game and has an excellent matchup Monday against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.5 possessions per game) in the league.
Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = NA
This game isn’t included in either of the contests on DraftKings, but Mack is playing so well right now that he’s not someone to overlook if you filling out a lineup on FanDuel. Across his last six games, Mack is averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. The Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4), leaving Mack with the potential for even more opportunities to provide value at this cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,900
James Harden finally has some help with Gordon healthy. Over two games since returning from a knee injury, Gordon is averaging 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The most encouraging part is the fact that he logged 32 minutes against the Lakers on Saturday. He’s likely going to receive plenty of scoring opportunities again Monday, especially with the Sixers playing at the seventh-fastest pace (102.9).
Josh Hart, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,200
Injuries continue to pile up for the Lakers with Lonzo Ball (ankle) their most recent player to go down. Rajon Rondo (hand) and LeBron James (groin) are both listed as doubtful for this game, so the Lakers are going to have to try and patch things together against a Warriors team that has its’ full complement of weapons. Hart should be one of the players to receive increased minutes. Across 16 games in which the Lakers have played him at least 30 minutes this season, Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.
SMALL FORWARDS
Taurean Prince, ATL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,200
Prince has mostly started for the Hawks this season, but he’s come off of the bench in all three games since returning from an ankle injury. Kevin Huerter and DeAndre’ Bembry both played well in his absence, so Prince may not get his starting job back anytime soon. The good news is he attempted 14 shots in 23 minutes Saturday against the Celtics. With the uptempo pace at which the Hawks play, Prince should still get enough scoring opportunities to be worth considering Monday, especially at his cheap price on FanDuel.
Lance Stephenson, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,000
With Ball out, Brandon Ingram will likely be the primary ball handler for the Lakers. Stephenson will also likely have to take on some of those responsibilities, especially for the second unit. This sets up for him to see an increase in playing time, at least until Rondo and James return. He has played well when given extended playing time this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds. 3.9 assists and one steal over 12 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Of note, Stephenson is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at point guard and shooting guard on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
P.J. Tucker, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Tucker might be one of the more underappreciated players in the league. His value doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to defend multiple positions and log a ton of minutes is key for the Rockets. With Clint Capela (thumb) out, they need Tucker even more up front. He’s stepped up in a big way, averaging 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.3 steals across three games since Capela went down. Reinforcements are likely coming in the form of Kenneth Faried, but Tucker is still a great option Monday with his high minute’s floor.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,800
Morris is only averaging 7.5 points across his last four games, but don’t panic. He averaged 10.5 shot attempts during that stretch, which is almost exactly in line with his season average. He’s still one of the key offensive pieces for the Celtics, leaving him with a 21.2 percent usage rate that ranks fourth-highest on the team. His price has come down a bit due to his recent struggles, so this could be a good opportunity to take a chance on him in tournament play. If he can correct his shooting woes, he could provide excellent value.
CENTERS
DeMarcus Cousins, GS at LAL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,700
Cousins only played 15 minutes in his debut with the Warriors on Friday, but that didn’t stop him posting 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Opposing defenses have always had to focus on slowing him down, but with this type of talent around him, easy scoring opportunities could pop up for him more often than ever before. Cousins could play up to 20 minutes Monday, which makes him a viable option considering both of these teams are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play.
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,500
The Lakers brought in Tyson Chandler to provide depth at center behind JaVale McGee, but they might have been better off just playing Zubac more. He had a productive stretch in December while filling in for McGee when he was out due to an illness. He’s been at it again the last couple of games, recording 26 points and 12 rebounds against the Thunder on Thursday and 17 points and seven rebounds against the Rockets on Saturday. There is a good chance that he receives extended minutes again Monday, especially if this game becomes a blowout. At this cheap price, he has some appeal 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 1/9/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday brings 10 games in the NBA, leaving a significant number of options to wade through in DFS. Let’s get right down to business and highlight a couple of cheaper players 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
T.J. McConnell, PHI at WAS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $3,900
The Sixers destroyed the Wizards on Tuesday, a contest in which McConnell scored nine points to go along with four rebounds, five assists, and two steals across 23 minutes. Those numbers are pretty typical of his production since taking on a more expanded role with Markelle Fultz (shoulder) out. With both of these teams in the top-nine in the league in pace of play, there’s no reason to believe that McConnell can’t provide similar production in their rematch Wednesday. While that might not be an overly-exciting line, it’s still valuable at his cheap price on both sites.
De’Anthony Melton, PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Melton shined without Devin Booker (back) on Tuesday, scoring 10 points to go along with four rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks. The key is that he logged 31 minutes. Across four games this season in which Melton has played at least 30 minutes, he’s averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.8 steals. If Booker can’t play again, don’t hesitate to play Melton in tournament contests.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Josh Hart, LAL vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $6,100
There are no reinforcements coming for the Lakers on Wednesday since LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (hand) are still on the shelf. Hart has stepped up in their absences, averaging 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 steals across the last seven games. Since the Lakers play at the third-fastest pace (104.3 possessions per game) in the league, the added playing time should continue to make Hart valuable.
Malcolm Brogdon, MIL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,400
Brogdon is one of the most efficient guards in the league, shooting 51.4 percent from the field, 43.2 percent from behind the arc and 98.6 percent from the charity. Add in his career-high 20.1 percent usage rate and he’s averaging 15.5 points per game. He’s more than just about scoring, too, with averages of 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest. He has a high minute’s floor for someone in this price range, so look for Brogdon to have another productive stat line.
SMALL FORWARDS
DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Carroll (knee) was unable to play Monday, but he is listed as probable to return for this contest. The Nets could certainly use him with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) and Allen Crabbe (knee) still out. Across his last five games, Carroll has taken advantage of added playing time by averaging 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. This is also a great matchup against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.5) in the league.
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,800
Oubre had been scuffling along heading into Tuesday’s game against the Kings, scoring nine points or fewer in five of his previous six contests. However, with Booker on the sidelines, Oubre exploded for 26 points on 15 shot attempts. That marked his most shot attempts in a game since joining the Suns. He wasn’t all about filling in the scoring column, either, chipping in five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. If Booker doesn’t play again Wednesday, Oubre could be a risk worth taking based on his dirt cheap price on both sites.
POWER FORWARDS
Josh Jackson, PHO at DAL
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Another player who benefited from the absence of Booker was Jackson, who replaced him in the starting five. His final line wasn’t as spectacular as Oubre’s, but he still finished with 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, and three steals. It’s important to note that Jackson played 31 minutes. Across seven games in which Jackson has logged at least 30 minutes this season, he’s averaged 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. Again, keep an eye on Booker’s status leading up to this game.
Ed Davis, BKN vs. ATL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,800
The Nets are a very appealing team to target against the Hawks. The combination of a limited depth chart and the Hawks playing at a fast pace could prove to be very profitable. Davis is playing well heading into this contest, averaging 6.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and one steal across his last five games. It’s no coincidence that Hollis-Jefferson was sidelined for four of those five contests. With him out, there are a few more minutes available up front. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE at NO
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,000
Thompson played 35 minutes against the Pacers on Tuesday, marking the most minutes he has played in a game since returning from a lengthy stretch on the sidelines with a foot injury. It’s no surprise that he played well, scoring 15 points to go along with 13 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The Pelicans play at the sixth-fastest pace (103), leaving Thompson with an excellent opportunity to provide another double-double.
Ian Mahinmi, WAS vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,500
The Wizards were no match for the Sixers on Tuesday during a game that seemed like it was over from the start. Mahinmi ended up playing 17 minutes in the defeat, scoring 10 points to go along with seven rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two blocks. This came on the heels of a game against the Thunder where he scored nine points to go along with 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks over 25 minutes. If this is another blowout or if Thomas Bryant finds himself in foul trouble against Joel Embiid, Mahinmi could once again find himself with added playing time.
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
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Friday brings plenty of action in the NBA with 10 games on the schedule. Injuries continue to be a common theme throughout the league, creating even more value plays to consider for your DFS entry. Let’s highlight a couple at each position who could thrive based on their matchups. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
J.J. Barea, DAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100
The Mavericks could be extremely thin in their backcourt Friday with Wesley Matthews (foot) already ruled out and Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) listed as questionable. That should open up added minutes for Barea, who has the highest usage rate (28 percent) on the team. When these two teams squared off Wednesday, Barea shined with 18 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal.
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $6,000
Goran Dragic (knee) will be out for at least two months, which has left the Heat with a significant void at point guard. They’ve decided to have Justise Winslow take over for him in the starting five but Johnson is also in line for an expanded role. He’s made the most of his added playing time heading into this contest, averaging 15.8 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 assists across his last six games. His price has jumped up significantly on DraftKings, but he could be a real bargain on FanDuel.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at MIA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,000
Clarkson continues to be one of the offensive leaders for the Cavaliers, averaging a career-high 17.1 points per game and posting a 29.4 percent usage rate. He should receive even more scoring opportunities with Rodney Hood (Achilles) out Friday. In the last two games that Hood missed, Clarkson scored 17 and 24 points, respectively. His 24-point showing was especially impressive considering it came against the stout Grizzlies’ defense.
Josh Hart, LAL vs. LAC
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,200
The Lakers depth is currently being tested with LeBron James (groin) and Rajon Rondo (finger) on the shelf. Hart moved into the starting five with both players sidelined Thursday and scored 10 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block. The key was that he logged 33 minutes. With a similar role likely in the cards for Friday, Hart could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play since both the Lakers and the Clippers are in the top-nine in the league in pace of play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Juancho Hernangomez, DEN vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $4,800
The Nuggets have been one of the teams impacted the most by injuries this season. It appears that they might get a couple of players back soon, but they still won’t have much depth Friday. Hernangomez has excelled since being moved into the starting five, averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. These two teams just faced off Wednesday and the Spurs couldn’t slow him down in that contest, leaving Hernangomez to score 27 points to go along with 13 rebounds.
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO vs. OKC
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600
Oubre had a hard time finding significant playing time with the Wizards, but he’s averaged 30 minutes a game since joining the Suns. The added playing time has paid off, helping Oubre average 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and one block. Even though he will likely continue to come off of the bench, that shouldn’t scare you away from deploying him in DFS at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Jerami Grant, OKC at PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800
The Thunder are clearly led by the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams. However, don’t underestimate the value that Grant brings to the team. They don’t have much depth, which has helped Grant average a career-high 31 minutes a game. He’s been productive, overall, but he’s been even better with averages of 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, one steal, and 1.6 blocks across his last seven games.
James Johnson, MIA vs. CLE
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,400
Johnson might not be a flashy player, but he entered this year having averaged at least 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in back-to-back seasons. Injuries derailed the start of his current campaign, but he’s come on lately by averaging 10.8 points, five rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 steals across his last four games. He might continue to be asked to help facilitate the offense more with Dragic out, so don’t sleep on him at this price.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at MIN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Get ready to see a heavy dose of Dedmon on Friday with Alex Len (back) and Miles Plumlee (knee) set to sit this one out. Dedmon logged 37 minutes with both players out Wednesday against the Pacers, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. The added playing time is an even greater benefit to his upside when you consider that the Hawks play at the fastest pace (106.3 possessions per game) in the league.
Willy Hernangomez, CHA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,000
Cody Zeller continues to start for the Hornets, but he’s logged 22 minutes or fewer in four of their last five games. Hernangomez has seen an expanded role in all four of those contests, which led him to average 12 points and 8.3 rebounds. The Nets are one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so it’s not all that surprising that Hernangomez recorded seven points and 11 rebounds across just 14 minutes against them Wednesday. If you want to deploy a really cheap center in tournament play, Hernangomez is an intriguing option.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 12/10/18
*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
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
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
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
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
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.