The NBA brings eight games and plenty of playoff implications to the table Thursday. With it comes another opportunity to win some money in DFS. Let’s highlight some of the cheaper value plays at each position who could provide value.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/28/19
Thursday’s are usually pretty quiet in the NBA, but tonight brings some added action with six games on the schedule. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper value play options at each position who could be in for a productive evening.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/26/19
It’s going to be a quiet Tuesday in the NBA with only three games on the schedule. That doesn’t leave us with many viable cheap value play options, so we’ll have to move a little higher up on the price scale than normal to find some players with value..
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/14/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There isn’t much to get excited about in the NBA on Thursday with just three games on the schedule. That also makes for fewer cheap value plays than normal, so we’ll have to extend our price range a bit in an effort to come up with a winning 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
Dennis Smith Jr., NY at ATL
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $6,500
Smith is shooting an unsightly 39.8 percent from the field across six games with the Knicks, but his 28.1 percent usage rate has still enabled him to average 16.7 points. With how gutted the Knicks roster is at this point, expect him to continue to receive all of the shots that he can handle. He hasn’t just been a scorer, either, with averages of 5.8 assists and 1.8 steals during that stretch. The Hawks play at the fastest pace (104.7 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Smith with another great opportunity to be productive.
Kadeem Allen, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,200
Smith’s backup has been Allen since Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Frank Ntilikina (groin) have been sidelined with injuries. Allen has certainly made the most of his opportunity, averaging 17.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and two steals across his last three games. If both Mudiay and Ntilikina are unable to play in this game, Allen could provide excellent value considering the Hawks’ up-tempo pace and defensive struggles.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Terrence Ross, ORL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,200
Ross threw up a dud of a performance Tuesday against the Pelicans, scoring just three points on 1-of-7 shooting. However, he only played 18 minutes due to the lopsided score, so it’s hard to be too worried about one bad performance. Before that, he had averaged 19.4 points and 4.9 rebounds across his previous nine games. Even though he doesn’t provide many defensive stats, his scoring prowess leaves him with upside at this price.
Deonte Burton, OKC at NO
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,600
The Thunder are going to be shorthanded again Thursday with Dennis Schroder (personal) and Jerami Grant (ankle) listed as out. That’s not good news for a team that doesn’t have a ton of depth, to begin with. With both players sidelined Monday against the Blazers, Burton played 26 minutes and scored 18 points to go along with three blocks. At near the minimum price on both sites, he might be worth taking a chance on in tournament play since both of these teams are in the top-six in pace of play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. CHA
FanDuel = $6,800
DraftKings = $5,800
Isaac is rolling as we head into the break, averaging 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.3 blocks across his last 12 games. He’s a big part of the Magic’s future, so it’s no surprise that he averaged 29 minutes a game during that stretch. With his ability to contribute on the defensive end, he can provide a lot of value when he’s contributing as many points and rebounds as he has been lately, as well.
Kevin Knox, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,900
After playing at least 34 minutes in six straight games, Knox only spent 19 minutes on the floor Wednesday against the Sixers. The reason was not due to poor play, but due to foul trouble as he racked up five of them in his limited playing time. He’s one of the best offensive weapons the Knicks have left, so as long as he can stay on the floor Thursday, this is a great spot for him to provide a bounce-back performance against the Hawks.
POWER FORWARDS
John Collins, ATL vs. NY
FanDuel = $8,200
DraftKings = $7,700
Collins is certainly not cheap, but I’m not overly excited about the majority of cheap options at power forward. Therefore, it might be worth paying up to get him into your entry. He’s thrived in the Hawks style of play, averaging 19.9 points and 8.3 rebounds over his last 15 games. This is a great matchup for him against a Knicks team that allows the second-most rebounds per game (48.1) in the league.
Marvin Williams, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Williams can be a bit of a volatile option. Case in point, he scored 27 points against the Hawks on Saturday, but that was sandwiched between two five-point performances. The good news is that he gets plenty of playing time and is averaging a career-high two three-pointers per game this season. He’s also a solid source for rebounds, making him one of the few cheaper players to consider at power forward.
CENTERS
Cody Zeller, CHA at ORL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $4,800
Zeller was eased back into action after missing time with a hand injury, but he’s since returned to the starting five. Over four total games since his return from the sidelines, he’s been productive with averages of 10.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and two assists. Even though he has a tough defensive assignment trying to slow down Nikola Vucevic, Zeller still has plenty of appeal for this small slate.
Mitchell Robinson, NY at ATL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,100
With the Knicks being defeated handily by the Sixers on Wednesday, Robinson was able to log 28 minutes. He made his presence felt with 14 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and four blocks. That continued an excellent stretch for him that has seen him average 12.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks across his last five games. His role with the second unit is secure moving forward, making him a very intriguing option against the Hawks.
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 Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/13/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
We have plenty of action in the NBA on Wednesday with 11 games on the schedule. That also means a lot of cheap value players to wade through. Le’ts highlight a couple at each position who stand out as having favorable matchups. 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
Landry Shamet, LAC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,000
Shamet hasn’t started in either of his first two games with the Clippers, but he’s certainly made an impact off of the bench by averaging 16 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals. The key is that he logged 27 and 33 minutes, respectively, in those contests. Considering the Suns allow the third-most points per game (115.8) in the league, Shamet stands out as a tournament play option with upside to target at point guard.
Kadeem Allen, NY vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100
With Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) and Frank Ntilikina (groin) out, there has still been significant playing time available for Allen despite the addition of Dennis Smith Jr. at the trade deadline. Allen has cashed in his minutes by averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals over his last two games. The Sixers play at the seventh-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, so Allen could provide value once again in this contest based on his increased role.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dion Waiters, MIA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $4,300
After the Heat traded away Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington, Waiters has found his way into the starting five. The role has suited him so far with him averaging 15.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and four assists. He’s not just a token starter, either, since he logged at least 30 minutes in all three contests. He’s never one to shy away from taking shots, so he’s intriguing in DFS as long as he remains a starter.
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,100
The key here will be if Kyrie Irving (knee) plays or not. He sat out Tuesday’s game against the Sixers and with the All-Star break approaching, it wouldn’t be surprising if he sits this one out. If he does, Brown should see an increase in scoring opportunities. Across the previous six games that Irving has missed, Brown has averaged 18.3 points, six rebounds and one steal. Even though his performance against the Sixers was underwhelming Tuesday, his track record indicates he could provide value.
SMALL FORWARDS
Mikal Bridges, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $4,800
The Suns will remain shorthanded with T.J. Warren (ankle) and De’Anthony Melton (ankle) still sidelined. Tyle Johnson (ankle) is also listed as questionable. Bridges has been thriving with added playing time, averaging 13.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.6 steals over his last seven games. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102.2), leaving Bridges with the potential for another valuable stat line.
Joe Harris, BKN at CLE
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,600
The Nets remain in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference as they currently occupy the sixth seed. Harris is not a flashy name, but he’s been a key reason for their success. He’s a lethal three-point shooter, which has propelled him to averaging 16.8 points across his last six games. The Cavaliers allow the second-highest three-point shooting percentage (37 percent) in the league, so Harris has the potential to go off in this contest.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, MIN vs. HOU
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,600
Saric has finally overtaken Taj Gibson as the starter at power forward. Gibson was a favorite of former coach Tom Thibodeau’s, but Saric has a higher upside at this stage of his career. In a start Monday against the Clippers, Saric scored 19 points to go along with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals across 33 minutes. The previous game in which he logged at least 30 minutes, Saric scored 22 points and had seven rebounds and five assists. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of his new role by deploying him at this reasonable price.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500
DeMarcus Cousins (rest) will not play in this game, which should make things easier for Aminu and the Blazers’ frontcourt. Aminu hasn’t provided eye-popping stats in three previous meetings against the Warriors this season, but he’s played well with averages of 9.3 points and 8.7 rebounds. It also helps his cause that the Warriors play at the 10th-fastest pace (101.8), so don’t be surprised if he at least approaches a double-double.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
DeAndre Jordan was averaging 31 minutes a game as a member of the Mavericks. He’s remained a starter for the Knicks, but he’s only averaging 27 minutes a night since joining the team. That’s partly because of the Knicks’ desire to develop Robinson. Robinson has certainly earned the right to stay in the rotation, averaging 9.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocks across his last eight games. If this game gets out of hand, he could see even more minutes in garbage time.
Ivica Zubac, LAC vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
Zubac has had mixed results in his first two games with the Clippers. He stormed out of the gate with 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks Saturday against the Celtics. He followed that up with a dud against the Timberwolves on Monday in which he scored three points and grabbed just one rebound. The difference was he played 23 minutes against the Celtics and just 15 against the Timberwolves. Considering how cheap he is, it might be worth taking a chance on him receiving more minutes Wednesday, especially since the Suns allow the sixth-most Yahoo points per game (39.3) to opposing centers.
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 Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/30/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Wednesday brings eight games to the table in the NBA. There aren’t many exciting matchups, so this is a perfect time to add some juice to the night by playing DFS. Let’s highlight a couple of cheaper options at each position that stand out as having favorable opportunities to provide value. 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 vs. MEM
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000
Things are already looking bleak at point guard for the Timberwolves for this contest. Jeff Teague (foot) and Tyus Jones (ankle) have been ruled out while Derrick Rose (ankle) is listed as questionable. Bayless has been forced into a more prominent role due to all of their injuries and has played well with averages of 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 6.5 assists and one steal across his last four games. The Grizzlies are a tough defensive team, but if Rose is unable to play again, Bayless should receive enough playing time to still provide value.
Tim Frazier, NO vs. DEN
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,200
Elfrid Payton (ankle) was a late scratch for Tuesday’s game against the Rockets, which left Frank Jackson to start. Even though Frazier came off of the bench, he still logged 23 minutes and finished with 10 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and a steal. Across 19 games in which Frazier has played at least 20 minutes, he’s provided respectable averages of 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 0.9 steals, so he could be someone to take a chance on in tournament play if Payton can’t play again.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jaylen Brown, BOS vs. CHA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,700
The Celtics will likely be without their top offensive weapon Wednesday since Kyrie Irving (hip) is expected to miss his second straight game. Terry Rozier is usually the first name that comes to mind as someone to roster when Irving is out, but don’t sleep on Brown. He played 32 minutes Monday and finished with 21 points, six rebounds and two assists. In the previous game that Irving missed against the Cavaliers, Brown scored 23 points to go along with six rebounds and a steal.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. CHI
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,500
The Heat are already playing without Goran Dragic (knee) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) and could also be missing Tyler Johnson (calf) and Dwyane Wade (knee), who are both listed as questionable for Wednesday. Ellington started with Johnson out Sunday against the Knicks and scored 19 points across 31 minutes. His contributions outside of the scoring column will likely continue to be limited, but he could be someone to take a risk on if he gets another start considering how poorly the Bulls have played defensively.
SMALL FORWARDS
Darius Miller, NO vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,800
With all of the injuries that the Pelicans are dealing with, Miller received another start Tuesday. He played a whopping 40 minutes, which helped him to record 14 points, one rebound, four assists and three steals. He generally makes the most of added playing time, averaging 10.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.9 steals across 12 games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes. If Julius Randle (ankle) is out again, Miller is someone to target.
Jabari Parker, CHI at MIA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Just when we thought Parker was in fantasy wasteland, he explodes for 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks against the Nets on Tuesday. The key was that he played 23 minutes, which was just the second time he has logged at least 20 minutes in a game since the beginning of December. It’s hard to count on him to receive added playing time again, but he has the offensive skillset to put up lines like this if given extended run. Considering how cheap he is on both sites, rostering him might be a risk worth taking.
POWER FORWARDS
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300
Morris provided a well-rounded performance against the Nets on Monday, scoring 15 points to go along with eight rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks over 31 minutes. He attempted 13 shots and should continue to be relied upon offensively with Irving set to miss Wednesday’s game. He’s been in a bit of a shooting slump lately, but his role in the offense leaves him with enough upside to warrant consideration.
Derrick Favors, UTA at POR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Despite averaging just 23 minutes a game, Favors has been able to average 11 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest. He’s shooting a career-high 57.1 percent from the field, which has really helped to offset his lack of playing time. After averaging 9.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks across three previous games against the Blazers this year, Favors also has some appeal at his reasonable price on both sites.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,600
The Hawks have to be thrilled with how well Dedmon is playing leading up to the trade deadline. Since they are in the early stages of their rebuilding process, he figures to be one of the players that they try to move. He’s averaging 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks over his last four games and should continue to start moving forward. There could be even more opportunities for him to be productive Wednesday since the Hawks and the Kings are the top-two teams in the league in pace of play.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks seem to be making it clear that Enes Kanter isn’t going to play anymore. Luke Kornet (ankle) is still on the shelf, so Robinson is going to have a secure role with their second unit. Over the last four games without both players, Robinson has averaged 8.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and three blocks. Expect his scoring upside to remain limited, but his defensive abilities make him an intriguing tournament 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 1/28/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday doesn’t bring a ton of action in the NBA with only five games on the schedule. However, with so many teams dealing with injuries, there are actually a lot of cheaper value plays worth considering. Here are a couple at each position who could provide value. 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
Shabazz Napier, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600
The Nets are in a tough spot with Caris LeVert (foot) and Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Joe Harris (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday. They don’t have much of a choice but to give Napier more playing time. He logged 28 minutes against the Knicks on Friday and he finished with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. His final line could have been even better if he wasn’t just 3-for-13 from the field. This isn’t a great matchup against a good Celtics’ defense, but Napier’s increased role warrants adding him to your lineup.
Trey Burke, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
The Knicks are dealing with their own injury issues. Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) is already hurt and now Frank Ntilikina (groin) went down Sunday. With such a quick turnaround, don’t expect him to play in this contest. Burke is one of the few healthy point guards they have left, so expect him to receive more playing time in this matchup. He’s already scored at least 16 points in both games since Mudiay went down, so he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
Recommending players on the Knicks can be tricky. They change their rotations so often that it’s hard to get a gauge on what they are going to do on a nightly basis. However, the injuries to Mudiay and Ntilikina help to provide a bit of stability because, frankly, they are running out of options. Trier has shown he can be productive when given added playing time by averaging 14.3 points, four rebounds and 2.3 assists across 23 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes.
Avery Bradley, LAC vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700
The Clippers will likely be shorthanded again Monday with the expectation that Danilo Gallinari (back) will remain on the sidelines. That’s good news for Bradley, who has averaged 13 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 0.8 steals across the first five games that Gallinari missed. His upside might not be off the charts, but he’s priced really cheap on both sites and has a great matchup against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.2 possessions per game) in the league.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Pacers are a good defensive team, but this game could get ugly against the Warriors. The loss of Victor Oladipo (knee) puts them in a huge hole offensively, especially since they are already averaging just 108.9 points per game. To put that into perspective, the Warriors are averaging 118.8 points per contest. Bogdanovic is going to need to fire away to keep this game close and should get plenty of opportunities to do so. He already scored 21 points against the Grizzlies on Saturday and averaged 19.4 points per game earlier this season when Oladipo missed 11 straight games.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Batum is having an off year with averages of 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He’s shooting 46.4 percent from the field, but it’s not easy to provide a lot of offense when you have a 13.2 percent usage rate. On a positive note, Batum is averaging 14.5 points, five rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last four games. That’s even more impressive when you consider two of those games came against tough defensive teams in the Pacers and Grizzlies. He likely won’t be met with the same resistance Monday since the Knicks allow the fourth-most points per game (115.3) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
The Knicks have started to use Lance Thomas at power forward, so their shift to a small lineup could prove beneficial for Williams. Williams has really improved from behind the arc during his tenure in the league and is averaging a career-high two three-pointers per contest this season. He’s also had some access in two previous matchups against the Knicks with averages of 16.5 points, five rebound and one steal.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900
Morris’ shot was off again Saturday as he hit just three of his 12 attempts against the Warriors. That performance has left him 26-for-77 (33.8 percent) from the field across his last seven games. The good news is that he’s still getting plenty of shot attempts and averaged 6.1 rebounds per game during that stretch. If he can correct his shot Monday, he could prove to be valuable. Avoid him in cash games, but deploying him in tournament play might not be a crazy idea.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Enes Kanter’s days with the Knicks appear to be numbered. He hasn’t played in any of their last three games and he hasn’t been shy about voicing his displeasure with that. Since Luke Kornet (ankle) is out, that has left a more secure role off the bench for Robinson. Even though he still isn’t playing a ton of minutes, he’s managed to average eight points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks across his last four games. This is a great opportunity to roster him against the Hornets, who allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game and the 10th-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Mason Plumlee, DEN at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Whether he starts or comes off of the bench, Plumlee is not someone to ignore in DFS. After scoring 16 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal in a spot start for Nikola Jokic on Friday against the Suns, he followed that up with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block coming off of the bench Saturday against the Sixers. This game has some blowout potential, which could lead to more minutes for Plumlee. At an even cheaper price than Robinson, he is also someone to consider at center.
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 1/25/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA rebounds from a quiet Thursday with 10 games on the schedule Friday. The combination of so many games and the increasing amount of injuries across the league have made for a lot of cheap value play options to consider. Here are a couple that stand out at each position. 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 UTA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves are running out of healthy point guards. Jeff Teague (foot) and Tyus Jones (ankle) have already been on the shelf and then Derrick Rose (ankle) went down Thursday. With all three of them very much in doubt for this contest, Bayless could find himself with plenty of playing time. He played well after Rose left Thursday, scoring 16 points to go along with two rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 30 minutes.
Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. NY
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,600
The Nets are dealing with their own injury issues. Spencer Dinwiddie is being evaluated for a thumb injury and could be out awhile if it’s determined that he is indeed dealing with torn ligaments. Losing him could be devastating with Caris LeVert (foot) and Allen Crabbe (knee) still out, as well. If Dinwiddie doesn’t take the floor Friday, expect Napier to receive more playing time. Across 10 games in which Napier has played at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. TOR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Chris Paul (hamstring) appears to be nearing a return, but reports seem to indicate he might sit out Friday despite being listed as questionable. If he does indeed sit, Gordon would remain a great option in DFS. He’s been an excellent running mate for James Harden, averaging 19.5 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists over four games since returning from injury. However, once Paul does return, expect Gordon to see a decline in scoring opportunities.
Josh Okogie, MIN at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
With the Timberwolves depleted at guard, Okogie is another player who with the potential for added playing time. He logged a whopping 40 minutes against the Lakers on Thursday and finished with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. It should be noted that he was only 2-for-14 from the field. If he can get close to that many shot attempts again Friday, he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600
Oubre kept things rolling against the Blazers on Thursday, scoring 18 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks. He played 35 minutes and should continue to receive a heavy dosage of playing time with T.J. Warren (ankle) out for the next two-to-three weeks. When the Suns faced the Nuggets a couple of weeks ago, Oubre exploded for 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,000
The Nuggets initially brought Harris off the bench after his return from injury, but he started Wednesday against the Jazz. He played 28 minutes and finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block. Expect him to start and see more playing time again Friday. Of note, Harris is only listed at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at shooting guard on DraftKings. His price on DraftKings isn’t all that appealing, but he’s a bargain worth considering on FanDuel.
POWER FORWARDS
Bobby Portis, CHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,700
With the Bulls in a free fall, they would be wise to play Portis as much as possible. He’s not shy about taking shots, which is evident by his 26.2 percent usage rate. Across nine games in which he has played at least 20 minutes, Portis has been productive with averages of 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. Don’t expect much from him defensively, but this is still a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Dragan Bender, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns have been playing shorthanded up front with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) out for each of their last three games. That’s opened up a starting job for Bender, who has cashed in by averaging 14 points and 7.7 rebounds. If both Ayton and Holmes can’t play Friday, Bender is a great option to deploy in tournament play.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at BKN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks are a mess. They continue to change up their rotations, especially at center. Luke Kornet (ankle) will be out for a couple of weeks and the team seems to be souring on Enes Kanter, who didn’t play at all Wednesday against the Rockets. This could mean more minutes for Robinson, who is a shot blocking machine. He played at least 16 minutes in both of the last two games and averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, one steal and 2.5 blocks. The Nets allow the third-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, leaving Robinson with the potential for a productive stat line.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,900
This game has the potential to get ugly early. Not only do these two teams have very different records, but they are both headed in the opposite direction in terms of injuries. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a blowout, which could lead to added playing time for Plumlee. That could be huge considering the Suns allow the most FanDuel points per game and the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.
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 11/20/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
There’s not a ton of action with just four games in the NBA on Tuesday. That doesn’t leave us with many value play options, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some great ones to consider. Here are some players at each position that stand out for the slate. 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
Tyler Johnson, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,400
The Heat will be without Goran Dragic (knee) on Tuesday, marking the fifth game in which he has missed this season. Across the previous four contests, Johnson averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals. The key is that he logged at least 32 minutes in three of those contests. Don’t expect him to start against the Nets, but he’s still likely going to receive enough playing time to be a great option at this price.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. TOR
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
Augustin has racked up at least seven assists in each of his last three games as he continues to run the point for the Magic. He hasn’t just been stockpiling assists, either, scoring at least 12 points in back-to-back contests. His overall upside is limited based on his 15.5 percent usage rate, but the Magic have little choice but to give him the bulk of the minutes at point guard, making him a viable option for such a small slate.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks are trying anything and everything right now in terms of rotations. In their last game against the Magic, they started Trier, Kevin Knox, Emmanuel Mudiay and Mitchell Robinson alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. It was a disaster, which led to Enes Kanter, Noah Vonleh and Trey Burke logging significant minutes off the bench. Trier only had seven points and two rebounds across his 13 minutes after logging at least 32 minutes in back-to-back contests. He’s shown the ability to score when given the opportunity, making him a risk worth considering at this price.
Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,400
Johnson isn’t the only player on the Heat who has benefited from Dragic missing time this year. In those four games that Dragic was previously unable to play, Johnson scored at least 19 points twice. It’s hard to count on Ellington for much outside of points and steals, but he can get hot in a hurry from behind the arc. The return of Dwyane Wade (personal) does hurt Ellington’s upside some, but he should still receive added playing time.
SMALL FORWARDS
Joe Harris, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Harris has started all 17 games for the Nets this season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 29 minutes a game. He’s one of their most lethal three-point shooters, averaging 2.5 a game while shooting 50.6 percent from behind the arc. This could be an opportunity for him to shine against a Heat team that has allowed the third-highest three-point shooting percentage (37.9 percent) in the league.
Jeff Green, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,200
The Wizards have certainly dug themselves an early hole at 5-11. The locker room appears to be a mess and there are already rumors of them looking to make trades. One player who has quietly performed well is Green, who is averaging 10.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The Wizards could be without Dwight Howard (back) for this game, which would likely force them to play a lot of small lineups. Green would likely see added minutes in that scenario, so keep an eye on Howard’s status leading up to tip-off.
POWER FORWARDS
Markieff Morris, WAS vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,900
Another player who would benefit greatly if Howard can’t play is Morris. With Howard sidelined for the first six games of the season, Morris averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. Over nine games since Howard made his debut, Morris has averaged just 7.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks. Both of these teams are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, so any added role could provide significant returns for Morris.
Ed Davis, BKN at MIA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,900
If there is one thing you can count on from Davis, it’s that he’s going to attack the glass. He only averaged 19 minutes a game last year with the Blazers, but still grabbed 7.4 rebounds a night. Despite logging just 17 minutes a game since joining the Nets, he’s actually been even better with 8.3 rebounds per contest. The Nets are going to need Davis to battle with Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, making him a viable target at this price.
CENTERS
Enes Kanter, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,300
Kanter played 38 minutes off the bench Sunday against the Magic, posting 21 points and 19 rebounds. The Knicks continue to play him with their second unit, but they’ve lost five straight, so it’s fair to question why he isn’t starting. Luckily, his 25.9 percent usage rate off the bench has still enabled him to average 15 points and 12.1 rebounds per game in that role. Look for him to at least be a double-double threat again Tuesday.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600
Robinson is certainly someone you only want to consider in tournament play. Even then, he’s awfully risky. He had five fouls in just nine minutes against the Magic, leaving him with 14 fouls across his last three games. His offensive game is still very raw, but he can pile up rebounds and blocks in a hurry due to his athleticism. With so few quality cheap centers on the board, Robinson should at least be in the discussion if you want to save money at the position.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/5/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
With nine games in the NBA on Monday, we’ve got plenty of value play options to consider in DFS. Here are some players with favorable matchups who could help you bring home some cash. 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
Collin Sexton, CLE at ORL
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,600
Things are getting ugly in Cleveland in a hurry. Kevin Love (foot) will be out for at least six more weeks, they’ve already fired their head coach, and now there are reports that some veterans on the team think that Sexton doesn’t “know how to play.” Sexton certainly has a long way to go with his development, but he hasn’t been terrible from a fantasy perspective with 11.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across just 24 minutes per game. His upside isn’t great, but he’s still worth considering Monday against a Magic team that doesn’t exactly have good point guards in D.J. Augustin and Jerian Grant.
Shelvin Mack, MEM at GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Mack has bounced around the league in his career, but he’s found a key role as Mike Conley’s backup with the Grizzlies. He’s even been able to carve out 26 minutes a game, averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 three-pointers per contest. With the Warriors playing at the 10th-fastest pace (103.9 possessions per game) and this having the potential to be a blowout, Mack could again get enough playing time to provide value.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jordan Clarkson, CLE at ORL
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500
Clarkson struggled after being dealt to the Cavaliers at the trade deadline last year, averaging 12.6 points across 23 minutes per contest. His playing time has remained the same this season, but he’s averaging 15.8 points per game in large part because his usage rate has jumped up to 28.7 percent. His contributions are mostly limited to points, but with Love out, Clarkson should get plenty of chances to score again Monday.
Garrett Temple, MEM at GS
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700
After spending the last two seasons with the Kings, Temple has found himself with a starting job in Memphis. He’s not a token starter, either, averaging 32 minutes a game. His 16.7 percent usage rate doesn’t leave him with a ton of scoring upside, but he’s generally played well with 13.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 three-pointers per contest. This game could get out of hand early for the Grizzlies, but Temple is still someone to consider for your entry.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO at OKC
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,800
The Pelicans have some great players on their team, but their depth is actually somewhat limited, aside from Julius Randle coming off the bench, of course. They’ll be without Elfrid Payton (ankle) again Monday, which should force Jrue Holiday to play more at the point. With opposing teams having to focus on stopping Anthony Davis, Holiday and Nikola Mirotic, Moore is sometimes a forgotten man. Don’t sleep on him, though, with his averages of 14.9 points and 1.8 three-pointers game. This could also be a high-scoring contest against two teams who are both in the top-six in the league in pace of play.
Chandler Hutchison, CHI at NY
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,500
The Bulls are shorthanded right now without Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Kris Dunn (knee) and Bobby Portis (knee). Hutchison, one of their two first-round picks in last year’s draft, has been forced to play more than expected early on. His overall numbers aren’t exciting, but he’s started to play more lately and is one of the Bulls’ better defenders. That helped him stay on the floor for 27 minutes Saturday against the Rockets, finishing with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals. At this cheap price, he could be worth the risk in tournament play. Of note, Hutchison is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed as a shooting guard on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,500
Thankfully for everyone who plays fantasy basketball, it appears the Clippers are pulling the plug early on Marcin Gortat as their starting center. This is great news for Harrell and Boban Marjanovic. Although Marjanovic might get another start Monday, this isn’t necessarily a great matchup for him against Karl-Anthony Towns, who is attempting five three-pointers per game. Harrell’s athleticism might result in him playing more than Marjanovic. Across five games in which Harrell has logged at least 20 minutes, he’s averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.2 steals.
Jerami Grant, OKC vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
Another starting experiment that has been cut short is Patrick Patterson at power forward for the Thunder. Grant has taken over that role, averaging 13.6 points, five rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers across five games. His scoring will remain limited playing with Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but he has some upside Monday considering the fast pace at which this game will likely be played.
CENTERS
Boban Marjanovic, LAC vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,500
Many within the fantasy community have pined for Marjanovic to get adding playing time, including yours truly. This might finally be his opportunity. Despite only averaging 13 minutes a game this year, Marjanovic has posted nine points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per contest. In his start Friday against the Magic, he had 10 points and 11 rebounds over 23 minutes. Even though this is not a great matchup for him against Towns, his price won’t remain this cheap for long if he continues to start.
Mitchell Robinson, NY vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,400
Noah Vonleh is now starting at center for the Knicks, but he’s been plagued by foul trouble the last two games. As a result, he only logged a total of 20 minutes in those contests. That opened up some playing time for Robinson, who took advantage by averaging 11.5 points, eight rebounds, and one block. Robinson’s inconsistent playing time makes him a risky option, but there is some upside here.