Thursday’s nine-game slate in the NBA will be loaded with star power since the Rockets, Celtics, Sixers and Thunder are all scheduled to take the floor. In order to fit some of those top-tier options into your DFS entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheaper value players.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/12/19
There will be a lot of bad teams taking the floor during Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA. There is the potential for a few blowouts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a winning DFS lineup.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 3/7/19
With only two games in the NBA on Thursday, viable cheap value play options are few and far between. We’ll have to go a little higher up the price scale to find quality options to fill out your entry.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/25/19
The NBA starts off the final week of February with 11 games on the schedule Monday. That leaves us with plenty of cheaper value play options to wade through in DFS. We’ll make that task a little easier for you by highlighting a couple of players at each position with particularly appealing matchups.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/22/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/22/18
Thursday brings a small slate in the NBA with only six games. With fewer options than usual, 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 E’Twaun Moore and Cheick Diallo.
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POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Thomas, LAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,700
Thomas has had a couple of quiet offensive performances, scoring a total of 16 points in his last two games. He was a combined 0-for-7 from behind the arc, so it was mostly a matter of him being cold from the field. Before that, he had scored at least 20 points in three straight contests. Thursday brings a great matchup against a Pelicans team that plays at the third-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) and allows the second-most points per game (110.8) in the league, so look for Thomas to have a better offensive showing.
J.J. Barea, DAL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,500
This is not a good matchup on the surface against a tough Jazz defense. However, the Mavericks will be without Wesley Matthews (leg) and Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) on Thursday, which is going to leave Barea with a significant role. He logged 29 minutes with both players out Tuesday, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, and eight assists. Barea has also played well against the Jazz in two previous games this season, averaging 17 points, 2.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and two three-pointers. There aren’t a lot of great cheap options at point guard, so Barea might be worth the risk.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, LAL at NO
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $6,200
Like Thomas, Caldwell-Pope is in a bit of an offensive slump, shooting just 5-for-16 (31.3%) in his last two games. He’s been able to contribute in other areas though, recording a combined 16 rebounds, five assists and two steals in those contests. He’s played at least 36 minutes in nine of his last ten games, so the heavy playing time helps to give him a high floor. Considering the Pelicans struggles on defense, Caldwell-Pope is another Lakers guard that is a viable option for your entry.
Luke Kennard, DET at HOU
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000
Kennard has provided an offensive spark of late, scoring at least 10 points in five of his last six games. He played at least 24 minutes in all five of those games, each of which ended in lopsided scores. The Pistons have struggled down the stretch and the Rockets are rolling, so this game could get out of hand early as well. Kennard can provide value with added playing time, so he might be worth taking a chance on at this cheap price Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300
Moore had one of his best offensive performances of the season Wednesday, scoring 23 and hitting three three-pointers against the Pacers. He might not be one of the focal points of the Pelicans’ offense, but he has still managed to score at least 10 points in seven straight games. He gets a lot of time on the floor as well, logging at least 32 minutes in five of his last six games. Not only do the Pelicans play at a fast pace, but the Lakers play at the fastest pace (103.1) in the league. With added scoring possibilities possibly on tap Thursday, Moore is a nice value play once again.
Stanley Johnson, DET at HOU
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
Johnson is not a steady scorer, providing nine points or fewer in six of his eight games in March. However, he’s back in the starting lineup now, averaging nine points, five rebounds, and 2.7 steals in his last three games. He’s also been heavily involved in the offense but shot just 10-for-31 (32.3%) during that three-game stretch. If he can get a few more shots to fall Thursday, he could provide significant value when you combine that with his defensive abilities.
POWER FORWARDS
Nikola Mirotic, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500
March has not been a good month for Mirotic as he is shooting just 38.9% from the field in 11 games. His usage rate was 21.9% during that stretch, so he’s still been heavily involved in the offense despite his struggles. He can score points in a hurry when he’s hot though, giving him upside considering his role in the offense. This has the makings of a high scoring game with how fast both of these teams play, making Mirotic a viable option for your entry.
Cheick Diallo, NO vs. LAL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800
Diallo has been a valuable contributor off the bench for the Pelicans, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds in his last three games. Averaging only 10 minutes per game this season, Diallo played at least 20 minutes in all three of those contests. The Pelicans are playing their third game in three nights Thursday, so expect Diallo and the rest of their bench to see added minutes as they try not to burn out their starters. He could end up being one of the better value plays for the evening at any position.
CENTERS
Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
Dedmon had a surprisingly strong performance against Rudy Gobert and the Jazz on Tuesday, finishing with 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Even with the Hawks playing for nothing but a high pick in the draft, Dedmon has still logged at least 27 minutes in six of his last seven games. John Collins (ankle) is scheduled to miss his second straight game, freeing up even more minutes in the Hawks frontcourt. The Kings allow the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers, giving Dedmon some upside Thursday.
Mike Muscala, ATL at SAC
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
Muscala started at power forward with Collins out Tuesday, scoring eight points to go along with five rebounds, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 30 minutes. He’s been dialed in from behind the arc, shooting a combined 13-for-25 (52%) on three-pointers in his last six games. The Hawks struggle to defend power forwards as well, allowing the seventh-most FanDuel points per game and the third-most DraftKings points per game to the position. If you want to go really cheap at center, Muscala is someone to consider.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 16
*Mike Barner*
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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 16
It’s important to know the intricacies of the NBA schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head fantasy league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are some moves you might want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors
There are 16 teams with four games each this week, likely giving you a solid base to work off of in your league. If you do need help rounding out your lineup though, consider adding the players below who are still available in the majority of leagues.
Marcus Morris, Boston Celtics
The Celtics are not a good offensive team and place a heavy amount of the scoring burden on Kyrie Irving. Morris is one of their best secondary scorers and his 22.8% usage rate is actually second-highest on the team. He’s currently having his best month of the season, averaging 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 three-pointers per game in January. It doesn’t matter if he starts or comes off the bench as he plays about the same amount of minutes in both roles. If you need help at forward, go pick up Morris, who is still available in 61% of Yahoo! leagues.
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been decimated by injuries this season, leaving Brooks to average 28 minutes per game in his rookie campaign. He’s taken advantage of the added playing time, averaging 13.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers and 1.1 steals in his last eight games. He’s been very efficient as well, shooting at least 50% from the field six of those seven contests. Although his scoring upside isn’t very high, he can provide significant value in three-pointers with four games this week. He’s still available in 88% of Yahoo! leagues.
Jarell Martin, Memphis Grizzlies
Martin has also seen increased playing time due to all of the Grizzlies injuries, logging at least 31 minutes in three of his last five games. He has played at least 30 minutes in a game five times this season, averaging 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals in those contests. The Grizzlies don’t appear to be getting any reinforcements soon, so Martin could be in line for a big week. He’s still available in 95% of Yahoo! leagues and is someone to consider picking up, especially if you need help with rebounds and blocks.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers
With only two teams playing two games each this week, players on both the Bulls and Clippers will take a hit in value. As a result, consider benching the players below who you may normally start most weeks.
Nikola Mirotic, Chicago Bulls
Mirotic got off to a hot start when he came back from injury for the Bulls, but has now scored 15 points or less in four of his last five games. He doesn’t provide much in the way of assists, steals, or blocks, so he’s far less valuable when he’s not scoring. Considering he only has two games this week, it might be a good time to put him on your bench. Taking a chance he turns things around offensively just isn’t worth the risk based on his other contributions.
Justin Holiday, Chicago Bulls
Holiday has provided significant value from behind the arc this season, averaging 2.4 three-pointers per game. To put that into perspective, that is higher than Garry Harris, Kevin Love and Carmelo Anthony. He’s been atrocious from the field in general though, shooting just 37.5%. He’s averaging just 4.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game this season, leaving him with little value in a week with only two games. If you’ve relied on Holiday’s three-point shooting this season, see if you can pick up Brooks.
Danilo Gallinari, Los Angeles Clippers
Gallinari has been out for well over a month, so you haven’t been starting him anyways. However, with the news that he is planning to return to action Tuesday, fantasy owners who have been patiently waiting for him might think about putting him back into their lineup this week. That’s not a good idea though as he is likely going to be on a minutes limit when he returns. The good news is he’ll have extra rest with only two games this, so you can get him back on your radar the following week.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/17/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers for 1/17/18
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There are 10 games in the NBA on Wednesday, so there are a lot of options to wade through for your DFS entry. We took a look at some excellent options across the price scale in today’s article on Sports Illustrated. Now let’s dive even deeper into the schedule and see which cheap value plays can hopefully help you bring home some money.
POINT GUARDS
Ish Smith, DET at TOR
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800
Smith continues to do an excellent job filling in for Reggie Jackson (ankle), averaging 13.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals in nine starts. He’s not a good three-point shooter, but he does only have six turnovers in his last seven games combined. With Jackson likely sidelined through the All-Star break, Smith’s playing time should be secure for the immediate future. At this reasonable price, he should be able to provide valuable production Wednesday.
Milos Teodosic, LAC vs. DEN
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200
The Clippers continues to deal with injuries to their backcourt, leaving added minutes on the table for Teodosic. His numbers might not jump off the page, but he’s averaged a respectable 11.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 3.0 three-pointers in his last three games. Wednesday brings a favorable matchup against the Nuggets, who allow the third-most points per game to opposing point guards on both FanDuel and DraftKings. There is plenty of potential here to consider Teodosic for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Bogdan Bogdanovic, SAC vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200
The Kings have changed up their starting lineup and deployed inconsistent rotations throughout the season, making many of their players a risky play in DFS. Bogdanovic has seen increased playing time lately, logging at least 30 minutes in five of his last six games. The good news is, the Kings recently announced they are going to start resting their veterans to open up minutes for their young players. That’s encouraging for Bogdanovic, who is averaging 14.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.9 three-pointers in the 11 games that he has played at least 30 minutes this season. With secure minutes likely on top again Wednesday, Bogdanovic could provide significant value.
Zach LaVine, CHI vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,100
If you’ve watched LaVine play in the last two games, it’s hard to believe he missed almost a year with a knee injury. He shot a combined 12-for-21 from the field and 5-for-8 from behind the arc in those two contests. He’s still on a minutes restriction and is not expected to play more than 20 minutes again in this game. However, he has shown he can score even in limited minutes and the Bulls are going to need plenty of offense to keep up with the Warriors. His price is especially cheap on FanDuel, but he is priced low enough of both sites Wednesday to warrant consideration.
SMALL FORWARDS
Josh Richardson, MIA at MIL
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $6,200
The Heat have been decimated by injuries this season, the latest of which is Tyler Johnson (ankle) being listed as doubtful for Wednesday. Richardson has seen his playing time increase as a result, averaging 37 minutes in his last eight games. He’s made the most of the opportunity, averaging 14.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.9 three-pointers over that same stretch. He could be one of the safest cheap options at small forward to provide value in this game.
Denzel Valentine, CHI vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,600
The return of LaVine has moved Valentine to the bench, but he still managed to score 12 points to go along with seven rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes Monday against the Heat. His value will likely take a significant hit once LaVine’s minutes restriction is lifted, but you don’t have to worry about that Wednesday. This should be a high scoring game considering the Warriors play at the fourth-fastest pace (102.4 possessions per game) in the league, making Valentine someone to consider at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
Montrezl Harrell, LAC vs. DEN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $4,500
DeAndre Jordan (ankle) will be out again Wednesday, opening up added minutes for Harrell. Harrell has played at least 21 minutes in both of the last two games with Jordan out, averaging 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. In the last six games that Harrell has played at least 20 minutes, he is averaging 16.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 block. His price is especially appealing on DraftKings with increased playing time likely coming again Wednesday.
Nikola Mirotic, CHI vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,600
Mirotic’s name has been mentioned heavily in trade rumors coming out of Chicago, which is no surprise considering how well he has played this season. Not only has he provided a spark off the bench for the Bulls, but he showed his ability to perform when it matters the most by scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter Monday against the Heat. The Warriors play at a fast pace and use a lot of small lineups, which is perfect for Mirotic’s style of play. He already mentioned how excited he is to face them, so look for Mirotic come up big in this game.
CENTERS
Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200
Valanciunas has excellent upside, which he has shown by scoring at least 15 points and grabbing at least 13 rebounds in three of his last six games. The problem is, he’s very inconsistent, scoring no more than eight points and grabbing five rebounds or fewer in two of the other three games. He just doesn’t get enough minutes many nights, but the good news is the Raptors may be forced to play him more than normal Wednesday against Andre Drummond. At this price, he might be worth the risk in tournament play.
Marcin Gortat, WAS at CHA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Gortat is similar to Valanciunas in that his inconsistent playing time makes him a risky play in DFS. He’s shown he can be productive when given the opportunity, averaging 12.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 blocks in 13 games where he has played at least 30 minutes this season. He played 37 minutes in his first meeting with the Hornets this year, finishing with eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. He should see added playing time again Wednesday while battling Dwight Howard, making him someone to consider for your entry.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/23/17
Saturday (12/23/17) features a twelve-game slate with games that may provide great value to your potential winning lineup. Many play opportunities lie beneath the $10,000+ priced players.
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POINT GUARDS:
Kyrie Irving ($8,900 FD/$8,800 DK)
Holding about the same price tag on both platforms, Kyrie Irving has some serious upside Saturday night. Uncle Drew is averaging 42 FanDuel PPG over his last three games, as he torched opposing defenses for 30+ points each night. Although the Chicago Bulls have been hot lately, their defense remains weak as they rank top 5 worst in the league in defending point guards. This match is set to be in Boston, where Kyrie Irving is also averaging 44 FanDuel PPG over his last five home games. Kyrie should definitely cross your mind when assembling your lineup.
Tyler Johnson ($6,000 FD/$5,400 DK)
With a very appealing price, Tyler Johnson may be your go-to play to preserve some salary. Johnson has been given the starting nod the last three games to patch up Goran Dragic’s recent absence as he is dealing with elbow issues. Tyler Johnson logged 36+ minutes in each of his starts and has been thriving due to Dragic’s misfortune. Johnson evidently has seen a boost in usage and workload as he faces the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday night who rank 6th in pace of play. Averaging 32.2 FanDuel PPG in his three starts, the Pelicans will force the Heat to push up their tempo with Johnson running the offense. Johnson’s price makes him extremely valuable in this slate and has a good enough resume to take the risk on.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Khris Middleton ($7,700 FD/$7,600 DK)
Middleton and the Bucks play the Hornets Saturday night, the same team they defeated 109-104 the prior night. The Hornets rank poorly against SG’s as Middleton scored 28 points Friday night. Lately, Middleton has not disappointed DFS wise. He has scored at least 32 FanDuel points nine straight games. Ranking top 10 in the league in pace, the Charlotte Hornets will be forcing a top 10 offensive in the Milwaukee Bucks to handle more possessions. This makes Middleton immensely valuable, as the number of opportunities he could have will increase.
Tyreke Evans ($8,000 FD/$7,900 DK)
With Conley still sidelined or Memphis, Tyreke Evans continues to put on a show given the boost in usage and workload. Evans has scored 22+ points in 3 of his last 4 games. His teammate, Marc Gasol is doubtful to play Saturday night as he deals with a sore hip. Evans will be the primary source to score for the struggling Grizzlies. He shouldn’t have too much of a problem considering his opponent, the Los Angeles Clippers, rank 24th in the league in defending the position.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Josh Richardson ($6,000 FD/$6,400 DK)
Alongside teammate Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson has been doing just fine handling his increased usage percentage due to Dragic’s injury. In the three games Dragic has been sidelined, Richardson posted an average of 41.8 FanDuel PPG. Dion Waiters is also questionable in this one. If he is in fact ruled out, Richardson will see another upward spike in workload and be deemed as one of the Heat’s primary scoring options. Despite his recent value, his salary price hasn’t budged much which is nothing to complain about. I would gladly spend $6,000 on a player with this much upside.
TJ Warren ($7,700 FD/$6,600 DK)
As the days go on TJ Warren continues to be the foundation of the Phoenix offense with Booker sidelined. Since Devon Booker got hurt, Warren is averaging 20.6 PPG. His fantasy numbers have been sub-par in comparison to his expectations, however, it seems he’s getting on the right track as he has provided at least 34 FanDuel points in three straight games. Warren faces the Timberwolves who he faced just a week ago, and although held to 26 FanDuel points, he seems a lot more appealing as the rematch now takes place in Arizona. Warren is an interesting play and most likely won’t be owned very much.
POWER FORWARDS:
Draymond Green ($8,700 FD/$7,200 DK) –
After returning from a four-game frame Friday night, Draymond Green took no time getting right back on track as he posted a near triple-double in 30 minutes of play. He is playing the Denver Nuggets as the tough, gritty Draymond Green has significant upside. Although he can run up your salary, Green has a great match-up against a team whose defense ranks 26th in the league in defending power forwards, allowing nearly 50 fantasy PPG to PF’s this season. The Warriors are still Curry-less and need players to take the weight off of Kevin Durant’s shoulders. Draymond Green’s return may solve this issue very shortly as he will inherit that responsibility with Klay Thompson.
Nikola Mirotic ($6,800 FD/$6,500 DK) –
Mirotic, or MiroFix? Since returning from injury, the what once was 3-20 Chicago Bulls have managed to ride a seven-game winning streak which was snapped Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who only won by three. Mirotic provides some serious help on the offensive end coming off the bench and has been a pretty good asset in DFS play. He has averaged 35.6 FanDuel PPG over his last five contests. Mirotic plays the #1 ranked defensive efficiency rated team in the NBA in the Boston Celtics. Despite overall rating, the Celtics rank 27th in the league in solely defending big men (PF/C’s). The PF position in this slate seems thin, making Mirotic a great fairly priced play.
CENTERS:
Nikola Jokic ($8,300 FD/$7,600 DK)
From one Nikola coming off an injury to another, we now focus on the rising star over in Denver. Jokic has regained his playing time as he has logged 36+ minutes in back-to-back games. Due to his injury and initial minute restriction, Jokic has been priced down as we once saw him in the high $9,000 range on FanDuel and DraftKings. Jokic is coming off a 48.8 FanDuel point performance against the top 5 defense the Portland Trailblazers carry. The idea of this former second-round pick getting his rhythm back is scary for competitors, but a joy for DFS users. He clashes with the Golden State Warriors Saturday night, where he seems to have some upside considering his minutes boost and recent production.
Myles Turner ($8,100 FD/$6,500 DK)
Myles Turner has a fairly big gap in salary between FanDuel and DraftKings, making him especially appealing on DK where his $6,500 salary seems way too cheap. Turner will be doing his thing at the Barclay Center Saturday night as he opposes the Brooklyn Nets for the second time in the past week. The first performance for Turner was average, posting 16 points on 7-for-11 shooting, which soon accumulated to 31 FanDuel points. This second time around may be a breakout game for Turner as the Nets rank third-worst in the league in defending centers. He is also coming off of a 40 FD point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Regardless, the price for Myles Turner is extremely fair and seems to have a great opportunity for the ones seeking to take advantage of it.