Thursday brings only four games in the NBA, which doesn’t leave us with the busiest of DFS slates. Still, injuries have created several value plays to consider.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for November 13 2019
Get ready for a wild ride Wednesday. While there aren’t a ton of games, injuries and team’s resting star players are going to have a significant impact on the slate.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/7/18
Wednesday brings seven games in the NBA with several elite players taking the floor. We all know the studs, but 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 De’Aaron Fox and Ben McLemore.
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POINT GUARDS
De’Aaron Fox, SAC vs. NO
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
Fox hasn’t provided many assists lately, totaling just six in his last three games. The good news is that he is still heavily involved in the offense, attempting at least 12 shots in seven of his last nine contests. His usage rate has increased each of the last two months and is at a season-high 27.1% through three games in March. Wednesday’s opponent in the Pelicans plays at the second-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) and allows the second-most points per game (111.7) in the league, so Fox could be in line for a valuable performance at this price.
D.J. Augustin, ORL at LAL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,000
His numbers don’t jump off the page, but Augustin is averaging a respectable 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.7 assists in 18 starts this season. With Elfrid Payton now in Phoenix, that should be a role that Augustin holds on to for the rest of the year. Wednesday could be a high scoring game with both the Magic and the Lakers in the top eight in the league in pace of play. Augustin might not have a huge upside, but he’s priced low enough to still warrant considering for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Ben McLemore, MEM at CHI
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,500
The Grizzlies will have very little depth at guard Wednesday with Tyreke Evans (ribs), Andrew Harrison (wrist) and Mario Chalmers (hamstring) all ruled out. McLemore missed Monday’s game due to a personal matter, but he is expected to play against the Bulls. He had played at least 30 minutes in both of his previous two games, averaging 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals. The Bulls allow the seventh-most points per game (109.4) in the league, leaving McLemore as an excellent inexpensive option with upside.
Kobi Simmons, MEM at CHI
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,100
Simmons is another player who should see added playing time in the Grizzlies’ backcourt Wednesday. He played at least 20 minutes in both of their last two games, averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and one steal. Expect him to log fewer minutes and have a lower upside than McLemore, but he’s also priced very cheap. Going with the duo of McLemore and Simmons could open up a significant portion of your budget to spend at other positions and might be a strategy to deploy in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Dillon Brooks, MEM at CHI
FanDuel =$4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Brooks is another player who has seen more playing time due to all of the Grizzlies injuries, logging at least 30 minutes in seven of his last eight games. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game 27 times this season, averaging 11 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 three-pointers in those contests. Most of his value is tied to his scoring, but that might not necessarily be a bad thing considering how bad the Bulls are on defense.
C.J. Miles, TOR at DET
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,800
Miles has seen a slight increase in his role with OG Anunoby (ankle) sidelined the last three games, averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and four three-pointers in 22 minutes per contest. Like Brooks, Miles value is mostly dependent on his ability to score. However, he’s been excellent from behind the arc, averaging a career-high 2.5 three-pointers per game this season. At near the minimum price on both sites, Miles could be worth the risk Wednesday.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $6,100
Draft Kings = $6,100
Brandon Ingram’s (groin) injury has opened up added playing time for Kuzma, who has started each of the last two games. He played well in both contests, averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals, one block and two three-pointers. With this likely to be an up-tempo, high scoring game, it fits well with Kuzma’s style of play. Don’t be surprised if he has a big offensive performance Wednesday.
Skal Labissiere/Zach Randolph, SAC vs. NO
FanDuel = $6,100/$5,900
DraftKings = $5,500/$5,800
Willie Cauley-Stein (back) is out again Wednesday, opening up some minutes in the Kings frontcourt. Labissiere has been seeing added playing time and performing well lately, so he would be my choice to add to your lineup Wednesday. However, he’s listed as questionable with a knee injury. If he is also unable to play, that could open up big minutes for Randolph. Randolph has the highest usage rate (27.5%) on the Kings, so he’s likely to produce if given added playing time. Keep your eye out for updates as the day progresses. If Labissiere plays, I’d get him in your lineup. If he doesn’t, I’d roll with Randolph.
CENTERS
Brook Lopez, LAL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
The Lakers already freed up their logjam up front by trading Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers, but Lopez could see even more playing time now with Kuzma assuming some of Ingram’s minutes. In the last two games with Ingram injured, Lopez has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, 1.5 steals, one block and 1.5 three-pointers. The Magic are in the bottom ten in terms of points allowed to opposing centers on both FanDuel and DraftKings, leaving Lopez with an opportunity to provide value.
Jakob Poeltl, TOR at DET
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $3,800
Poeltl doesn’t score much, recording eight points or less in five of his last six games. A lot of his value is tied to his defensive prowess as he is averaging 1.4 steals and 2.4 blocks in his last five contests. The Raptors have been winning games in a deciding fashion lately, which has opened up some added playing time late in games for Poeltl. One of those instances came against these same Pistons a little over a week ago when the Raptors won by 29 points. In that game, Poeltl played 22 minutes and finished with eight points, four rebounds, three steals and one block. If you want to take a risk on a really cheap center in tournament play, Poeltl could be an option.
NBA 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.
Use Code “LABWP50” at checkout for 50% off Seasonal Package
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 Sleepers for 1/26/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/26/18
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POINT GUARDS
Dejounte Murray, SA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400
Murray has started the last three games at point guard for the Spurs since taking over the job from Tony Parker, averaging 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game. Murray is not going to provide big assist totals and is not a good three-point shooter, but he is going to provide added value with both rebounds and steals. The Sixers play at the second-fastest pace (102.8 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Murray with added opportunities to provide value Friday.
Milos Teodosic, LAC at MEM
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
Teodosic’s first season in the league has been a struggle due to injuries and inconsistent production when he has been able to take the floor. His shot has been off for large portions of the season as he is shooting just 38.3% from the field. However, he’s shown the ability to provide value, producing at least 12 points, five assists and three three-pointers in three of his last five games. At this cheap price, he could be worth taking a chance on in tournament play.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wesley Matthews, DAL vs. POR
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Mavericks don’t have a lot of talent on their roster, which has left Matthews to average 34 minutes per game this season. That’s nothing unusual for Matthews though, who has averaged at least 33 minutes per game in each of the last eight seasons. He’s been productive of late, averaging 18.6 points, 3.4 points, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.8 three-pointers over his last five games. One of those games came against these same Trail Blazers when he scored 23 points in 38 minutes. The price is right to take a chance on him again in their rematch.
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,900
The Bulls have slowly increased LaVine’s minutes since he returned from a knee injury, topping out at 24 minutes in each of the last two games. He looked great in both contests, averaging 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 three-pointers. He could play 26-28 minutes Friday, which is significant news considering the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.2) in the league. He’s an elite offensive talent who can provide upside even in limited minutes.
SMALL FORWARDS
Brandon Ingram, LAL at CHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
Ingram has missed some time recently due to an ankle injury but looks to be healthy now, playing 33 minutes Tuesday against the Celtics. He’s struggling to find his shot, shooting a combined 9-for-31 from the field in his last three games. However, Friday brings an excellent matchup against a Bulls team that is struggling defensively. Ingram played well against them in their first meeting earlier this season as well, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks. Don’t be surprised if Ingram gets himself back on track in this game.
Dillon Brooks, MEM vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
The injury bug has bitten the Grizzlies, who will be without JaMychal Green (ankle), Chandler Parsons (knee) and James Ennis III (calf) on Friday. To make matters worse, Jarrell Martin (knee, ankle) is also listed as questionable. The Grizzlies just need healthy bodies at this point, so Brooks should see plenty of playing time. Brooks has logged at least 27 minutes in each of his last six games, posting averages of 14.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.0 three-pointers per contest. He could provide significant upside at this dirt cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at CHI
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $6,300
Kuzma can explode offensively in any game, which is exactly what he did scoring 28 points in 27 minutes Tuesday against a strong defensive team in the Celtics. He hit five three-pointers in that game and has made 15 three-pointers over his last five contests. The Bulls like to play small and have a lot of bigs who play around the perimeter, which is a perfect fit for Kuzma’s style of play. If Kuzma catches fire again in this game, he could significantly outproduce his price point.
Dirk Nowitzki, DAL vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500
Nowitzki is only averaging 25 minutes per game this year and is a shell of his former self offensively, scoring less than 10 points in four of his last five games. The Mavericks have been using him at center this season, but he’s only averaging 5.5 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per contest. There is hope for playing him Friday though as he played very well against these same Trail Blazers on Saturday, scoring 21 points on 8-of-12 from the field. He can score in a hurry like that still if his shot is falling and he won’t cost much, so he could be a sneaky tournament option to consider.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, NY at PHO
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $6,900
Kanter went through a stretch where he was only seeing limited playing time, but he has logged at least 26 minutes in eight of his last nine games. He scored at least 15 points and grabbed at least seven rebounds in six of those eight games, continuing his recent success from earlier this season. The Suns have a lot of size and depth at center, so Kanter should see enough minutes again Friday to be worth considering for your entry.
Greg Monroe, PHO vs. NY
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,700
The Suns’ center rotation can be an extreme source of frustration, with really no consistency of who plays when. Monroe has managed to play both of the last two games, averaging 17.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per contest. Alex Len (ankle) did not play in the team’s last game Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Friday, so Monroe could get significant playing time again if he Len can’t play. Keep an eye on Len’s status throughout the day and get Monroe in your lineup if he does get ruled out.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/31/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/31/17
Sunday night presents the last NBA DFS slate of 2017 so let’s end the year right.
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POINT GUARDS:
Russell Westbrook ($11,900 FD/$11,600 DK) –
With Sunday being a small five game main slate, Russell Westbrook almost seems to be a necessity with very little “superstars” available and Harden coming off a poor performance. Westbrook is currently riding a very impressive 7 game streak in which he has provided 55+ FanDuel points. He will be opposing the Mavs Sunday, who rank mediocre in defending the position. Needless to say, defensive rankings don’t really matter when dealing with the animal Westbrook has been. In his last meeting with the Mavs he nearly dropped a triple double, falling one assist short. That game was in Dallas and now will be in Oklahoma City, with the cheer of thousands backing his dominance.
Jordan Clarkson ($7,200 FD/$6,500 DK) –
With Lonzo Ball sidelined with a shoulder injury for the last three games, Jordan Clarkson has been effectively filling the starting PG void that was left. In these three games Clarkson has averaged 37.5 FanDuel PPG. He has an interesting match-up Sunday against the Houston Rockets, who rank in the bottom third tier of the league in defending point guards. The Lakers and Rockets both rank top 10 in pace of play, making it seem a beneficial spot for Clarkson. One major concern is that the current line sits at Houston -15, raising concern for a blowout. With a small slate, Clarkson may be the play you need regardless of game score.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Tyreke Evans ($8,600 FD/$7,900 DK) –
Speaking of hot streaks, it’s hard to ignore what Tyreke Evans has been doing lately. He has scored 20 or more points in 7 of his last 8 games, accumulating to an average of 42.6 FanDuel PPG in those games. For this type of production, he seems to be too cheap, especially in this match-up with the struggling Sacramento Kings. Although this game is the second of a back-to-back venture for Evans, it shouldn’t be too big of an issue as he only went for 30 minutes in the first game.
Josh Hart ($3,900 FD/$4,900 DK) –
Due to legal issues, Lakers SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope cannot leave the state of California for the meanwhile, which draws Josh Hart a start whenever the Lakers are on the road. He has also been benefiting off the injury to teammate Lonzo Ball. Luckily for Hart, Lakers take a road trip with Lonzo Ball ruled out. Hart is dirt cheap, especially on FanDuel and to afford a player like Westbrook or Harden in this small slate he may be your perfect cheap play and provide you great value.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Brandon Ingram ($7,000 FD/$6,400 DK) –
The small forward options on this slate seem very thin, with no players who are active costing more than $7,600 on FanDuel. Ingram seems to be a great play to meet ends on the SF portion of your lineup. Ingram has played fairly well in his two previous meetings with the Rockets, with an average of 35.8 FanDuel points. The Rockets rank 25th in the league in defending small forwards as they allow 43.80 fantasy points per 48 minutes to SF’s. With the game having a pretty high total at 226.5 it appears Ingram will be a main source of the Lakers offense.
Trevor Ariza ($5,200 FD/$5,600 DK) –
Ariza is a very cheap and consistent option in this slate. He has scored at least 20 or more FanDuel points in 11 of his last 12 games, averaging a healthy amount of minutes per game in that span. The last time Ariza met with the Lakers he managed to put up 48.7 FanDuel points in a double-double effort that included 4 steals. He most likely won’t produce that tonight, however, he is great cheap option you can count on to get you a mediocre amount of points or even more. Trevor Ariza is currently projected to score 28.5 FanDuel points tonight.
POWER FORWARDS:
Kyle Kuzma ($6,500 FD/$7,100 DK) –
Although not very impressive his last two games, Kyle Kuzma has great upside Sunday night. Kuzma is opposing the same team he slaughtered just about 2 weeks ago, posting 38 points and 7 rebounds. The Rockets rank poorly defending forwards this season. (Ranked 25th) For a relatively cheap price tag Kuzma seems worth the risk considering his peaks and potential he’s shown throughout this season. He’s averaging 37 minutes per game over his last 5, which most likely will uphold so expect Kuzma’s workload Sunday night to be a little heavy.
Blake Griffin ($8,500 FD/$7,600 DK) –
Griffin recently played his first game back from injury and looked as if he didn’t miss any time, posting a stat line of 24-6-6 against the Lakers in 32 minutes. Griffin could be a risky play as he isn’t guaranteed to see 30+ minutes again tonight but he has a great match-up against the Hornets who rank 22nd in defending the position. Griffin’s teammate Austin Rivers is questionable for this game and if ruled out, Griffin could see his first small boost in usage since returning. I don’t project Griffin’s ownership tomorrow to be high at all considering he is coming off an injury, which could make him very valuable in this small five game main slate.
CENTERS:
Joel Embiid ($10,500 FD/$9,900 DK) –
One of the only three players costing more than $10,000 on FanDuel is Joel Embiid in this small slate, and he seems beyond worth paying up for. The big man for the 76ers has an amazing match-up with the defensively struggling Phoenix Suns. He is also well rested as he sat last night’s game to preserve his health. For 9 straight games, Joel Embiid has scored 20 or more points when logging 30 minutes or more. With teammate Ben Simmons struggling, Joel may have an increased workload solely trying to pick up the slack, although his other teammates do a fine job at doing so also. Embiid may be the play to pay up for.
Dwight Howard ($8,400 FD/$7,400 DK) –
The Center position is one of the most stacked tonight, sporting a few solid options to play. Dwight Howard seems very appealing with his current price tag. He has been electric of late, averaging 48.4 FanDuel PPG over his last three. He exploded for 29 points and 13 rebounds in his last game accumulating to 57.1 FPTS. If there is one thing we know about modern day Dwight Howard it’s that he is inconsistent and nothing good lasts forever with him, always making him somewhat of a risk. It seems tonight will not be the night he slows down.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/20/17 – Value Plays
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/20/17 – Value Plays
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
Wednesday’s slate in the NBA is loaded with 12 games, giving you plenty of options for your DFS entry. We took a look at some of the overall excellent plays in Wednesday’s article on Sports Illustrated, but let’s now dive deeper into only the cheaper value plays that can help make you a winner.
POINT GUARDS
George Hill, SAC at BKN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800
Hill did not play Tuesday due to an illness but is expected to return for Wednesday’s game against the Nets. Fellow guard De’Aaron Fox (quad) entered Tuesday’s game with an injury and tried to play, but had to leave the game early. Considering Fox missed Sunday’s game with the same injury, it would be surprising if he plays Wednesday. That would leave Hill in line for increased minutes, giving him a boost in value. He scored 16 points to go along with five assists and one steal in 33 minutes with Fox out Sunday, making him someone to consider again for this game.
Dejounte Murray, SA at POR
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
The Spurs have ruled out starting point guard Tony Parker (rest) on Wednesday, which should open up more playing time for Murray. Murray started the last three games that Parker missed, averaging 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. While it might be hard to replicate those numbers Wednesday, he won’t need to in order to still have excellent value at this price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Justin Holiday, CHI vs. ORL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200
Holiday has seen significant playing time of late, logging at least 38 minutes in three of his last six games. The Bulls finally have some depth with Nikola Mirotic, Bobby Portis, and David Nwaba all healthy, which is making it harder for defenses to key in on Holiday. He’s not just an offensive threat either as he is averaging career-highs in both rebounds (4.5) and steals (1.3) per game. The Magic play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.2) in the league, so look for Holiday to have a chance to make a big impact in this game.
Josh Hart, LAL at HOU
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,000
Hart is likely to receive another start Wednesday as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will be unable to play as he can’t leave the state of California due to a legal issue. Hart started on the road Thursday against the Cavaliers, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 33 minutes. Both the Lakers and Rockets are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so this could be a high-scoring affair. Hart is someone to consider based on his dirt cheap price on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
Josh Richardson, MIA at BOS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,900
The Heat are running out of healthy players. Hassan Whiteside (knee) and James Johnson (ankle) have already been ruled out Wednesday, Justise Winslow (knee) is doubtful and Goran Dragic (elbow) is going to try and play after missing Monday’s game. With so few options left, Richardson has been forced to log at least 36 minutes in three of his last four games. He has shown great upside in his last two games, averaging 27.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 2.5 blocks and 4.0 three-pointers per contest. With plenty of minutes likely available Wednesday, consider Richardson for your entry.
Mario Hezonja, ORL at CHI
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700
Injuries continue to pile up around the league as the Magic will be without Aaron Gordon (calf) on Wednesday. Hezonja has played at least 31 minutes in three of the last four games due to Gordon’s absence, averaging 17.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 3.7 three-pointers per contest. The Bulls have allowed at least 100 points in five of their last six games, so this could be another high-scoring contest based on the Magic’s pace of play. He is only shooting guard eligible on DraftKings, but should still provide value on both sites regardless of his position.
POWER FORWARDS
Kyle Kuzma, LAL at HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,800
The Lakers frontcourt is going to be a little thin going forward as Brook Lopez (ankle) has been ruled out for three weeks. While he wasn’t playing particularly well, Lopez was still averaging 22 minutes per game. Kuzma should be one of the players who benefits from Lopez’s absence, which he showed by playing 40 minutes in Monday’s overtime loss to the Warriors. The Rockets like to use a lot of small lineups, which fits well with Kuzma’s skillset. The price is right to get him in your lineup for this game.
Trey Lyles, DEN vs. MIN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Lyles did not play much earlier this year, logging at least 20 minutes in only one of the first 19 games. An injury to Nikola Jokic opened up some playing time for Lyles, and it doesn’t look like he’s planning on going back to a limited role anytime soon. He’s developed a consistent role over his last 10 games, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers per contest. He’s passed Kenneth Faried on the depth chart as Faried hasn’t even played in two of the last four games. At this price, it might be worth taking a chance that Lyles keeps things rolling Wednesday.
CENTERS
Alex Len, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Suns center position is extremely frustrating. They have been rotating DNP’s between Len, Tyson Chandler, and Greg Monroe, making it difficult to choose who to us in DFS any given night. One sliver of hope is that Len has played the last three games in a row, averaging 11.7 points, 13.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. He seems to be the more talented player between the three, it’s just a matter of getting consistent minutes. Keep an eye on his status throughout the day as he has value at this price if he takes the floor.
Bam Adebayo, MIA at BOS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600
With all the Heat’s problems with injuries already detailed, Adebayo is one of the players who has been counted on for extra minutes. His offensive upside isn’t great, but Adebayo has averaged 11.0 points and 6.2 rebounds over his last five games. This isn’t an ideal matchup against a tough Celtics defense, but there aren’t great cheap options at center Wednesday. If you want to take a chance on someone who won’t cost much, Adebayo could provide value.