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NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Thursday’s six-game slate in the NBA has a chance to turn on a dime with the trade deadline set for 3:00 PM EST. If there was ever a day to be glued to Twitter for news, this is it. As things currently stand, here are a couple of cheap value plays at each position that are worth considering for your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

Jerryd Bayless, MIN at ORL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,800

It will be slim pickings at point guard again for the Timberwolves on Thursday with Derrick Rose (ankle) and Tyus Jones (ankle) out and Jeff Teague (foot) listed as doubtful. Bayless had a rough scoring night against the Grizzlies on Tuesday, scoring five points on just 2-for-10 shooting from the field. On the bright side, he did still dish out eight assists. This is a much easier matchup against the Magic and D.J. Augustin, so look for Bayless to have a nice bounce-back performance.

Patrick Beverley, LAC at IND
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,500

The Clippers shook things up this week by trading Tobias Harris to the Sixers. Even though they currently occupy the eighth seed in the Western Conference, they are trying to free up cap space and acquire draft picks to pursue elite players. With Harris no longer in the fold, Beverley should retain his starting job even when Danilo Gallinari (back) does return, which could be as early as this game. Across his last 10 starts, Beverley is averaging 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,100

As odd as this sounds, the Magic could probably make a push for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference if they made a couple of moves. Their record sits at 22-32, but they are only four games out of the final spot. However, the more likely route they take is to trade away some players with the hopes of gaining draft picks. Ross could be on the trade block since he will be a free agent at the end of the season. If the Magic don’t move him, he’s certainly someone to consider for your lineup based on his averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists across his last 15 games.

Justin Holiday, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,200

The Grizzlies could be one of the busiest teams at the deadline. They are reportedly looking to move Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Gasol already won’t play in this game and the Grizzlies are also dealing with several other injuries. The ones that impact Holiday the most are Garrett Temple (shoulder) and Kyle Anderson (shoulder). If both players can’t take the floor, Holiday should receive plenty of playing time. They have actually both missed each of the previous three games, which allowed Holiday to average 17 points, six rebounds and one steal during that stretch.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,400

One player who it would be shocking to see moved Thursday is Isaac. He’s one of the building blocks for the Magic after being selected sixth overall in the 2017 Draft. That security alone helps his stock in DFS. Add in the fact that he’s averaging 10.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks across his last eight games and he’s an even more appealing option to consider.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600

Bogdanovic has stepped up offensively with Victor Oladipo (knee) out, averaging 22.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, three assists across his last four games. He’s averaging 12 field goal attempts per game for the season, but he averaged 16.5 attempts per contest during that four-game stretch. The Clippers play at the ninth-fastest pace (102 possessions per game) in the league, so Bogdanovic could be in line for another significant offensive performance in this matchup.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

Ivan Rabb, MEM at OKC
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,100

With Gasol already ruled out, Rabb should see an increase in playing time. The Grizzlies could really have to lean heavily on him if JaMychal Green (knee) and Joakim Noah (heel) are both forced to miss their second straight game. With all three players out Tuesday against the Timberwolves, Rabb scored 19 points to go along with 11 rebounds, two steals and a block across 33 minutes.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,500

Morris (knee) is expected to return for this matchup with the Lakers after sitting out Tuesday against the Cavaliers. This is certainly a spot where he could shine considering the Lakers play at the fourth-fastest pace (103.7). Morris is also averaging 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists across his last four games. The only real concern here is if the Lakers pull off a blockbuster move, their roster could be left in shambles while they wait for their new players to join the team. That could lead to a blowout, which might limit Morris’ playing time. If the Lakers remain largely in tack, Morris is a strong option to consider.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 2/7/19

Myles Turner, IND vs. LAC
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings = $6,500

If you’re playing on FanDuel, the cheap center options are not very appealing for this slate. With that being said, I’ll have to go a little higher up on the price scale to find an appealing option. Turner stands out as having a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the second-most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Turner has also stepped up since Oladipo went down, averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks over his last seven games.

JaVale McGee, LAL at BOS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,500

Of all the names bantered around in trade rumors for the Lakers, you don’t hear McGee come up that often. The more appealing option for teams is the younger Ivica Zubac. If Zubac gets traded, McGee would be in line for a significant increase in playing time. Even if he doesn’t, McGee might be worth considering in tournament play against a banged up Celtics’ frontcourt that will be without Aron Baynes (foot) and could also be missing Robert Williams (back), who is listed as questionable.

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 1/31/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

As far as Thursday’s go, we have a fairly busy slate in the NBA tonight with six games. There aren’t as many great cheap value plays as we’ve seen the last couple of days, but there are still a couple that stand out at each position that could prove to be profitable. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19

Patrick Beverley, LAC vs. LAL
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,300

Beverley is set to start again Thursday with Danilo Gallinari (back) ruled out. Across the first six games that Gallinari has missed, Beverly has averaged 11 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He’s only averaging 26 minutes per game for the season, but he averaged 37 minutes a contest during that six-game stretch. Since both of these teams are in the top-eight in the league in pace of play, the added playing time could really benefit Beverley once again.

Shabazz Napier, BKN at SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,300

How lucky are the Nets that they have Napier? They were already shorthanded with Caris LeVert (foot) and Allen Crabbe (knee) out and have now lost Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb). Napier has stepped up in their absences, averaging 20.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals over his last three games. He has a secure role moving forward, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry despite his climbing price tag.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19

Avery Bradley, LAC vs. LAL
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700

Bradley isn’t a lock to play Thursday since he is listed as questionable with knee soreness. He’s had a little extra time to rest considering the Clippers haven’t played since Monday, so hopefully, he can take the floor. If he does, he makes a lot of sense at this price based on the uptempo pace at which this game will likely be played. He’s also played well without Gallinari, averaging 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists across his last six games.

Aaron Holiday, IND at ORL
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,900

Not only is Victor Oladipo (knee) gone for the season, but Tyreke Evans has missed the last two games with a back injury. If he can’t play again Thursday, Holiday should receive a boost in playing time. His numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, but Holiday has averaged 11.7 points, four rebounds and 2.6 assists over seven games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Considering how cheap he is on both sites, Holiday might be worth a look in tournament play.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19

J.J. Redick, PHI at GS
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,500

This should be a fun, high-scoring game. Both teams come into this matchup mostly healthy, so we’ll see if the Sixers’ star trio can hang with the fearsome fivesome that the Warriors have put together. Redick might not be on the same level as Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be productive in this contest. He’s averaging a career-high 18.4 points per game this year and should continue to receive more open looks with opposing defenses having to focus their efforts on the other stars for the Sixers.

Jonathan Isaac, ORL vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,400

For the most part, Isaac has been a disappointment this year with averages of 8.1 points, five rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. However, he still has a secure role with the team and has actually averaged 29 minutes across his last six games. He’s even stepped things up as a passer, averaging two assists per contest during his last six games. His overall numbers don’t leave him with a very high ceiling, but his contributions across the board could leave him with some value at this price.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19

Pascal Siakam, TOR vs. MIL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,200

Despite Siakam not being overly cheap, he still has the potential to provide plenty of value. Across three previous games against the Bucks this year, he’s averaged 23 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals and two blocks. That’s not all that surprising since the Bucks play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1 possessions per game) in the league and don’t possess a ton of size up front. Don’t expect them to be able to slow him down in this game, either.

Ed Davis, BKN at SA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100

The rebounding machine that is Ed Davis is in prime form right now with an average of 10.7 boards across his last six games. That’s especially impressive considering he’s only averaged 22 minutes a game during that stretch. Even though his scoring upside isn’t great, his ability to crash the offensive glass enabled him to average 7.5 points in those six contests. If he can approach a double-double again Thursday, that could be excellent value considering how his cheap price tag can help free up the rest of your budget. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/31/19

Ivica Zubac, LAL at LAC
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,100

Just when we thought Zubac was on a roll, he ran into Joel Embiid and the Sixers on Tuesday. Even though Zubac started once again, he scored only seven points and grabbed two rebounds in 17 minutes. However, this is a favorable spot for him to bounce back considering the Clippers allow the most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.

JaVale McGee, LAL at LAC
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,500

While Zubac struggled against the Sixers, McGee shined with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes. Don’t count on him to replicate that type of stat line Thursday, but he had averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across his previous six games despite losing his starting job. With how poorly the Clippers have defended against centers, rostering McGee could be a risk worth taking in tournament play.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Monday’s holiday brings a packed slate in the NBA consisting of 11 games. With games going on throughout the day, DraftKings and FanDuel have broken things up a little differently. FanDuel’s main contests start at 3pm EST while DraftKings has a five-game contest that starts at 1pm EST and a four-game one that starts at 6pm EST. Let’s highlight some cheap value plays across all of the contests that could be worth adding to your entry. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

D.J. Augustin, ORL at ATL
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,100

Augustin is averaging 28 minutes a game this season, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. Regardless of whether or not he’s suited to be a starter at this stage of his career, his minutes aren’t going away anytime soon, barring a trade. He’s provided value with averages of 11.6 points, 4.8 assists and 1.7 three-pointers per game and has an excellent matchup Monday against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.5 possessions per game) in the league.

Shelvin Mack, MEM vs. NO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = NA

This game isn’t included in either of the contests on DraftKings, but Mack is playing so well right now that he’s not someone to overlook if you filling out a lineup on FanDuel. Across his last six games, Mack is averaging 12.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. The Pelicans play at the fifth-fastest pace (103.4), leaving Mack with the potential for even more opportunities to provide value at this cheap price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

Eric Gordon, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,900

James Harden finally has some help with Gordon healthy. Over two games since returning from a knee injury, Gordon is averaging 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists. The most encouraging part is the fact that he logged 32 minutes against the Lakers on Saturday. He’s likely going to receive plenty of scoring opportunities again Monday, especially with the Sixers playing at the seventh-fastest pace (102.9).

Josh Hart, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,200

Injuries continue to pile up for the Lakers with Lonzo Ball (ankle) their most recent player to go down. Rajon Rondo (hand) and LeBron James (groin) are both listed as doubtful for this game, so the Lakers are going to have to try and patch things together against a Warriors team that has its’ full complement of weapons. Hart should be one of the players to receive increased minutes. Across 16 games in which the Lakers have played him at least 30 minutes this season, Hart is averaging 11.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

Taurean Prince, ATL vs. ORL
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,200

Prince has mostly started for the Hawks this season, but he’s come off of the bench in all three games since returning from an ankle injury. Kevin Huerter and DeAndre’ Bembry both played well in his absence, so Prince may not get his starting job back anytime soon. The good news is he attempted 14 shots in 23 minutes Saturday against the Celtics. With the uptempo pace at which the Hawks play, Prince should still get enough scoring opportunities to be worth considering Monday, especially at his cheap price on FanDuel.

Lance Stephenson, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $4,000

With Ball out, Brandon Ingram will likely be the primary ball handler for the Lakers. Stephenson will also likely have to take on some of those responsibilities, especially for the second unit. This sets up for him to see an increase in playing time, at least until Rondo and James return. He has played well when given extended playing time this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.9 rebounds. 3.9 assists and one steal over 12 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Of note, Stephenson is only eligible at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at point guard and shooting guard on DraftKings.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

P.J. Tucker, HOU at PHI
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,300

Tucker might be one of the more underappreciated players in the league. His value doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his ability to defend multiple positions and log a ton of minutes is key for the Rockets. With Clint Capela (thumb) out, they need Tucker even more up front. He’s stepped up in a big way, averaging 11.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.3 steals across three games since Capela went down. Reinforcements are likely coming in the form of Kenneth Faried, but Tucker is still a great option Monday with his high minute’s floor.

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. MIA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,800

Morris is only averaging 7.5 points across his last four games, but don’t panic. He averaged 10.5 shot attempts during that stretch, which is almost exactly in line with his season average. He’s still one of the key offensive pieces for the Celtics, leaving him with a 21.2 percent usage rate that ranks fourth-highest on the team. His price has come down a bit due to his recent struggles, so this could be a good opportunity to take a chance on him in tournament play. If he can correct his shooting woes, he could provide excellent value.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/21/19

DeMarcus Cousins, GS at LAL
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,700

Cousins only played 15 minutes in his debut with the Warriors on Friday, but that didn’t stop him posting 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block. Opposing defenses have always had to focus on slowing him down, but with this type of talent around him, easy scoring opportunities could pop up for him more often than ever before. Cousins could play up to 20 minutes Monday, which makes him a viable option considering both of these teams are in the top-10 in the league in pace of play.

Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,500

The Lakers brought in Tyson Chandler to provide depth at center behind JaVale McGee, but they might have been better off just playing Zubac more. He had a productive stretch in December while filling in for McGee when he was out due to an illness. He’s been at it again the last couple of games, recording 26 points and 12 rebounds against the Thunder on Thursday and 17 points and seven rebounds against the Rockets on Saturday. There is a good chance that he receives extended minutes again Monday, especially if this game becomes a blowout. At this cheap price, he has some appeal in tournament play.

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

There are plenty of value plays to wade through Monday with eight games on the NBA schedule. Here are a couple of players at each position who stand out based on their 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Derrick White, SA at DET
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

The Spurs may have finally settled on White as their starting point guard. Not only has he started nine straight games, but he’s also logged at least 27 minutes in seven straight contests. During that seven-game stretch, he’s averaged 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. Even though those aren’t eye-popping numbers, that still brings him into the DFS discussion for Monday based on his reasonable price on both sites.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at SAC
FanDuel – $5,000
DraftKings = $4,600

The Magic are approaching the halfway point of the season and Augustin is still their starting point guard. While that might say more about the state of their roster than it does anything else, Augustin has remained DFS relevant in the role. He’s averaged 28 minutes per game, which is his highest mark since the 2011-12 season. The Kings play at the second-fastest pace (104.9 possessions per game) in the league, which should afford Augustin with a few more opportunities to provide value, as well. The Kings have also allowed the third-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Malcolm Brogdon, MIL vs. UTA
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,200

The Bucks continue to be one of the best teams in the league and Brogdon has been a key part of their success. He’s able to provide steady contributions across the board, averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per contest. His defensive contributions are limited, but he is shooting a career-high 42.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bucks also play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.1), leaving Brogdon as a viable option to consider.

Austin Rivers, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

The Rockets are on a roll right now despite not having Chris Paul (hamstring) or Eric Gordon (knee) on the floor. It turned out adding Rivers has been crucial for their depth. He’s averaged a whopping 38 minutes per game with the Rockets, recording 13.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a night. With both players out once again Monday, Rivers should receive all the playing time that he can handle.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

DeMarre Carroll, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300

Speaking of teams dealing with injuries, the Nets will likely be without the services of Allen Crabbe (knee) and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) for this contest. Carroll hasn’t played a ton this season, but he’s logged at least 27 minutes in all three games since both players went down. With averages of 19.7 points, five rebounds, and 2.7 assists during that stretch, Carroll still has some upside despite facing a stingy Celtics’ defense. In fact, he scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds against an equally tough Grizzlies’ defense on Friday.

Danuel House, HOU vs. DEN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,200

Another beneficiary to all of the injuries on the Rockets is House, who has started each of their last seven games. He’s done nothing to make the Rockets remove him from that role, averaging 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers. With no reinforcements coming Monday, House will once again be a cheap option in tournament play who could provide some upside.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,900

Morris (neck) did not play Friday against the Mavericks, but with a few days off, he’s listed as probable for this matchup with the Nets. Kyrie Irving (eye) should also return, so this could be a tough task for the red-hot Nets. Morris is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, six rebounds, and 2.3 three-pointers. That’s saying something considering the depth that the Celtics have. If Morris plays, he makes a lot of sense in tournament play, especially based on his price on FanDuel.

Ed Davis, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,600

Davis is a rebounding machine. He’s only averaging 18 minutes a game this season, but that hasn’t stopped him from averaging 8.5 boards per contest. The Nets have relied on him to log more minutes since Hollis-Jefferson went down, which has propelled Davis to averages of 6.3 points and 11.3 rebounds across his last three contests. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/7/19

JaVale McGee, LAL at DAL
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $5,500

The Lakers have turned into the walking-wounded with LeBron James (groin), Rajon Rondo (hand) and Kyle Kuzma (back) all dealing with injuries. Even if Kuzma makes his return Monday, James and Rondo will still be sidelined. McGee normally doesn’t receive a lot of scoring opportunities, but he has attempted at least 14 shots in two of his last three games. It’s hard to rely on him to be an offensive force, but even a couple of extra shot attempts per game makes a big difference when combined with his ability to rebound and block shots.

Al Horford, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $6,200
DraftKings = $5,600

The one thing I don’t like about Horford is his lack of playing time since returning from a knee injury. He hasn’t logged more than 25 minutes in any of his last five games. However, three of those games were decided by at least 13 points, so it might not have made much sense to push Horford in those outings. The Nets are terrible at defending opposing centers, so even if Horford is somewhat limited Monday, he could still be productive.

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 11/28/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

The NBA brings a loaded slate Wednesday with 10 games. The Pelicans, Rockets, Bucks, and Sixers are among the teams in action, leaving a ton of the top talent as options for your DFS lineup. In order to fit those in, you’ll also need the right mix of cheap value plays. Below are two players at each position that stand out as having matchups to possibility capitalize on. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

J.J. Barea, DAL at HOU
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $5,000

Barea is only averaging 20 minutes a game, but that hasn’t stopped him from being extremely productive. His 27.1 percent usage rate is actually the highest on the team, helping him average 10.9 points per contest. He also does a great job of facilitating the offense for their second unit with 5.8 assists per night. Both Dennis Smith Jr. (wrist) and Luka Doncic (illness) are listed as questionable, so Barea could be in line for a significant increase in playing time if either or both of them were unable to play. Even if they do take the floor, Barea is an appealing option at this price.

D.J. Augustin, ORL at POR
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,300

Augustin’s 15.4 percent usage rate isn’t great, but he’s still been able to average 10.3 points per game in large part because he is logging 27 minutes a night. The Magic don’t have any other viable options to start at point guard, which has also resulted in Augustin averaging 5.4 assists per contest. His upside isn’t great, but Augustin has a secure enough role to be worth considering in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Eric Gordon, HOU vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,800

The key to this game is the status of Chris Paul (hamstring). If he is forced to miss his third straight game, Gordon will once again be a part of the starting five. He’s thrived in that role this season, averaging 19.9 points and 3.4 rebounds across seven games. His usage rate is 25.2 percent as a starter, which is up from 22.3 percent as a member of the second unit. Gordon’s price has jumped up after a couple of great performances, but he’s still worth adding to your lineup if Paul sits.

Jordan Clarkson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,100

Clarkson had a strange performance against the Timberwolves on Monday where he scored just four points on five shot attempts. Clarkson has a 28.6 percent usage rate and hadn’t attempted fewer than 10 shots in any previous game this year, so chalk it up as just one off night. The Cavaliers are going to need him to score in bunches to keep this game close against Russell Westbrook and company, so don’t be surprised if Clarkson has a bounce-back scoring effort.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

E’Twaun Moore, NO vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

Moore was already an important part of the Pelicans success, but he became even more vital after they lost starting point guard Elfrid Payton (finger). Jrue Holiday has been assuming the point guard duties with Payton out, shifting Moore over to shooting guard. Although he might not get a lot of headlines, Moore is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. The last time these two teams met Saturday, Moore scored 19 points. Since both of these teams are in the top-six in the league in pace of play, expect Moore to have plenty of opportunities to score again during their rematch.

Jeff Green, WAS at NO
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

The Wizards are going to be shorthanded up front again with Dwight Howard (lower body) already ruled out. While Green doesn’t play the same position, he is still in line for added playing time. Green is also one of their better rebounders, averaging 5.2 rebounds in just 25 minutes a game. His scoring upside isn’t great, but this game should be played at a fast enough pace to make him someone to at least consider if you want to go really cheap at small forward.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Marvin Williams, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,500

Williams is only averaging 25 minutes a game this season, but he’s logged at least 31 minutes in each of his last three games. That’s especially encouraging since the Michael Kidd-Gilchrist returned from injury Monday. Across five games in which Williams has logged at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 14 points. 8.2 rebounds, and one block. He’s also had plenty of success in two previous matchups against the Hawks, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds.

Richaun Holmes, PHO at LAC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,400

Holmes makes this list for the second straight night after scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds and two blocks Tuesday against the Pacers. Over the last five games, Holmes is now averaging 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and two blocks. His role is secure as the primary backup to Deandre Ayton and the Clippers have some size up front with Montrezl Harrell, Marcin Gortat, and Boban Marjanovic, so expect Holmes to get enough playing time to provide value at this price.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/28/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at OKC
FanDuel = $7,100
DraftKings = $6,300

Thompson isn’t overly cheap, but center is usually one of the tougher positions to fill in terms of value plays, especially on FanDuel.  Thompson continues to dominate the minutes in the middle for the Cavaliers and should be set there for a while with the news that Kevin Love (toe) isn’t eyeing a return until January. Facing Steven Adams isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Thompson should at least be a threat to post a double-double Wednesday.

Cody Zeller, CHA vs. ATL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100

If you want a cheap play with significant upside, Zeller is not your man. However, he does have a relatively high floor with averages of 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. The Hawks are not a good team by any stretch of the imagination, but they do have size up front with Dewayne Dedmon and Alex Len. When these two teams met Sunday, Zeller finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 28 minutes.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

Monday brings seven games on the NBA schedule. The Celtics, Warriors, Rockets, and Pelicans will be among the teams in action, leaving a lot of the top-tier options on the board for your DFS entry. In order to get them into your lineup, let’s examine some cheap value plays to also consider. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our Playerlab tool, where you can filter the stats that matter the most and help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

POINT GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Collin Sexton, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,800

Sexton may have run away with the starting point guard job to the point where he might not relinquish it even when George Hill (shoulder) eventually returns. He’s logging 33 minutes per game as a starter with little depth behind him, helping him to average 19.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. The Timberwolves play at the 10th-fastest pace (102.3 possessions per game) in the league, which could lead Sexton with even more scoring chances Monday.

Cory Joseph, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,500

Joseph hasn’t started a game for the Pacers this season, but he’s still averaging 26 minutes a game, just one fewer than starting point guard Darren Collison. Victor Oladipo (knee) has missed their last three games, which left Joseph to average nine points, 3.7 rebounds, six assists and two steals in his absence. If Oladipo is unable to play again Monday, Joseph is a viable option in tournament play.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Justin Holiday, CHI vs. SA
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $4,800

The Bulls have been decimated by injuries in the early going, leaving Holiday to average 35 minutes a game. He doesn’t really excel in any one area, but his high minute’s floor has helped him to average 13.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per contest in November. This might not be a high-scoring affair between two teams in the bottom half of the league in pace of play, but don’t let that shy you away from using Holiday.

Marcus Smart, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $4,100

If there is any team built to deal with injuries, it’s the Celtics with their insane depth. They are off to a disappointing 10-10 start, but some of that might be due to players getting adjusted to new roles. Smart’s playing time is down significantly, but he could be in line for an expanded role Monday with Jaylen Brown (back) listed as doubtful. The last three games in which Smart has logged at least 25 minutes, he’s averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at UTA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,700

Bogdanovic is another player who has seen a boost in production with Oladipo out, averaging 20.7 points, two rebounds, and 2.3 assists across the last three games. He’s shooting a stellar 54.9 percent from the field, overall, this season, which has been boosted by his insane 52.5 percent shooting from behind the arc. That number obviously won’t hold up throughout the entire year, but ride the hot hand while you can, especially if Olidaipo can’t play again.

Jeff Green, WAS vs. HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,000

Injuries to key players are a common theme Monday with the status of Dwight Howard (lower body) still in doubt. Even if he does play, this could be a prime opportunity for Green to take advantage of all the small lineups that the Rockets like to deploy. You might be surprised to learn that the Rockets play at the second-slowest pace (96.8) in the league, but with the Wizards playing at the sixth-fastest pace (104), Green could still thrive with the potential for added playing time.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Derrick Favors, UTA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,800

Favors came off the bench for the first time this year Sunday against the Kings, but he still logged 24 minutes, which is right in line with his season average. His production wasn’t impacted by the change, either, with him scoring 11 points to go along with seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench Monday, he is still a viable cost-effective option.

Marcus Morris, BOS at NO
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $5,200

One player who hasn’t really seen his role change this year is Morris. His usage rate is down slightly, but he’s helped make up for that by shooting 48.2 percent from the field. He’s also been one of the Celtics best rebounders with a career-high 6.4 boards per contest. The Pelicans play at the third-fastest pace (105.1), so don’t be surprised if this ends up as one of the Celtics highest-scoring games of the season in the early going.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/26/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. MIN
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,100

Thompson has always been a great rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He’s not much of a scorer, but his 5.2 offensive rebounds a game has helped him to average 11.1 points per contest. It is a bit disappointing that he’s only averaging 0.3 blocks per contest, but he wouldn’t be priced this low based on his points and rebounds if he wasn’t struggling in that category. Even though his price is climbing, it’s still reasonable enough to warrant considering him for your entry.

Mohamed Bamba, ORL at GS
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,300

There aren’t a lot of great really cheap center options, so if you want to go that route, it will come with some risk. Bamba doesn’t play much behind Nikola Vucevic, but this could be a chance for him to get a few added minutes if the Magic get down big early. The Warriors might be missing some key players, but they are still a much better team than the Magic, especially at home. Across five games in which Bamba has played at least 20 minutes, he is averaging 8.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/20/18

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 11/14/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner* 

With 11 games in the NBA on Wednesday, many of the best players in the league will be in action. In order to fit some of them into your DFS entry, you’ll need to find the right mix with cheap value plays. Here are some of the better options to consider when crafting your lineup. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Collin Sexton, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,000

Sexton might still have a lot of developing to do, but he’s shown promise while filling in as the starting point guard with George Hill (shoulder) out. Across three games since assuming the role, Sexton is averaging 17 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. The key is that he has logged at least 34 minutes in each of those contests, something that likely won’t change Wednesday based on the limited depth behind him. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (103.4 possessions per game), so that could afford Sexton with even more opportunities to provide value.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,700

Augustin has started all 14 games for the Magic this year and isn’t going to lose that job anytime soon. Not only do they have no viable options behind him, but he’s averaged a respectable 10.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest. In his first game against the Sixers this year, Augustin finished with nine points, three rebounds and nine assists. Considering the Sixers play at the sixth-fastest pace (103.6), Augustin could be a viable option in tournament play for their rematch.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,000

Ross continues to lead the Magic’s second unit with a 24 percent usage rate. In fact, the only two players on the team with higher usage rates are both starters in Evan Fournier (26.1 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (25.3 percent). Ross is also averaging a whopping six three-point attempts per contest, which has helped him post 13.8 points and 2.3 three-pointers a night. With the potential for this game to be played at a faster pace than the Sixers are accustomed to, Ross could be in line for another valuable offensive outing.

J.R. Smith, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,000

The Cavaliers are running out of healthy players, so they’ve had to turn to a familiar face in Smith to cover some of the extra available minutes. Never one to shy away from taking shots, Smith has scored at least 13 points in four of his last five games. It hasn’t been just about scoring for Smith, though, who is also averaging 2.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals during that five-game stretch. The Wizards are allowing the most points per game (118.5), making Smith a potential bargain at this price.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Jae Crowder, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,200

Crowder continues to thrive off the bench for the Jazz, averaging 14 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His 69.6 percent shooting from the charity stripe leaves a lot to be desired, but that’s more a season-long fantasy concern than it is in DFS. In his first two games against the Mavericks this season, Crowder averaged 14.5 points and six rebounds, almost exactly in line with his overall marks for the year. His upside might not be off the charts, but he also has a relatively high floor for a player at this price.

Jeff Green, WAS vs. CLE
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200

The Wizards are finally healthy, but that hasn’t stopped Green from being a valuable part of their second unit. Actually, he’s averaging 14.6 points and six rebounds over his last five games. He may not get a ton of shots, but he’s been extremely efficient by shooting 51 percent from the floor and 96.9 percent from the charity stripe. In a matchup against his former team that is currently decimated by injuries, Green is an intriguing option in tournament play.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at LAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900

The Blazers don’t count on Aminu to score much, leaving him with a paltry 11.9 percent usage rate. However, he’s still managed to average 8.5 points per contest. Add that to his 8.7 rebounds a game and he’s a nightly threat to at least approach a double-double. This is a good matchup for him against a Lakers team that deploys a lot of small lineups and plays at the third-fastest pace (105.6). The last time these two teams met, Aminu had four points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Derrick Favors, UTA at DAL
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Favors was forced to play extra minutes last season with Rudy Gobert out for an extended period of time, but with Gobert healthy, Favors is back to playing just 23 minutes a game this year. That hasn’t stopped him from being productive, though, with averages of 11.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. The Mavericks have improved their overall roster, but Favors is a tough matchup for them at power forward. When these two teams played each other last week, Favors finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/14/18

Tristan Thompson, CLE at WAS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $5,800

With Kevin Love (toe), Sam Dekker (ankle) and Cedi Osman (back) all out, the Cavaliers have been forced to play Larry Nance Jr. more at power forward. That’s left Thompson to handle the bulk of the time at center, resulting in him playing at least 28 minutes in each of his last four games. He hasn’t let those minutes go to waste, averaging 15.5 points and 16 rebounds a contest.

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs. DET
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000

Valanciunas has bounced in and out of the starting five based on matchups, but this looks like an instance where he’ll start against Andre Drummond. Even though Valanciunas is still only averaging 22 minutes a game as a starter, he’s posted 13.2 points, eight rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per contest in that role. Thompson has the higher upside, but Valanciunas is also someone to consider who comes at an even cheaper price.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

The NBA tips off the week with nine games on the schedule Monday. With so many potential value plays to sift through, let’s get right down to business and discuss some of the best ones to consider for your entry. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

Quinn Cook, GS at LAC
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,000

Cook couldn’t have done a better job filling in for Stephen Curry (groin) on Saturday against the Nets, scoring 27 points to go along with three rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three three-pointers. Across 18 starts last year, Cook averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers. With Curry out again Monday, Cook is a great option against a Clippers team that is playing at the eighth-fastest pace (103.5 possessions per game) in the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LAC vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,200

An ankle injury to Avery Bradley opened up a starting role for Gilgeous-Alexander and he’s played so well that he will likely hold onto it even once Bradley returns. Over three games as a member of the starting five, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 13.7 points, four rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 three-pointers. Bradley is listed as questionable for Monday, but even if he returns, Gilgeous-Alexander could provide plenty of value at this price.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

Terrence Ross, ORL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $5,100

The Magic have had their problems offensively, but Ross is averaging a career-high 13.2 points per contest. Even though he’s come off the bench for all 13 games, his 23.5 percent usage rate is third-highest on the team. His other contributions might not jump off the page at 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest, but this is a great matchup against a Wizards team that is defensively challenged and plays at the seventh-fastest pace (103.9).

Wayne Ellington, MIA vs. PHI
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,800

The Heat have dealt with depth issues for most of the season and will be without James Johnson (sports hernia), Dwyane Wade (personal), and Dion Waiters (ankle) again Monday. Ellington battled foul troubles in a disappointing performance Friday against the Pacers, but he rebounded to score 16 points to go along with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal Saturday against the Wizards. Ellington is only someone to consider in tournament play, but he might be worth the risk at this price based on the Sixers playing at the sixth-fastest pace (103.9).

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

T.J. Warren, PHO at OKC
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,500

After starting out the season coming off of the bench for the Suns, Warren has started in four the last five games in which he has played. The change in role has resulted in a significant increase in value with Warren averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and two three-pointers across those starts. His usage rate has remained the same as when he was coming off of the bench, but he’s averaging 12 more minutes a game as a starter. The last time he faced the Thunder this season, he scored 18 points to go along with eight rebounds in 22 minutes.

Jae Crowder, UTA at MEM
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200

This may not exactly be a high-scoring affair between two good defensive teams. When they met earlier in the year, the Grizzlies won 110-100, although, Donovan Mitchell missed that game with an injury. Crowder had a strong performance with 18 points and six rebounds across 32 minutes off the bench. Even though he’s only started one game in the early going, that hasn’t stopped Crowder from averaging 30 minutes a night. With 14.7 points, 5.5 boards, and 2.3 three-pointers per contest, Crowder is a viable option again Monday.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

Taj Gibson, MIN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,400

There are a few players who should see an increase in value due to Jimmy Butler being traded to the Sixers, but Gibson likely won’t be one of them. With Dario Saric coming to the Timberwolves in the deal, Gibson could be in line for a decrease in playing time and might even lose his starting job. Saric won’t play Monday, though, leaving Gibson with one last opportunity to provide increased value. Across the first 13 games, Gibson is averaging 11 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per contest.

Derrick Favors, UTA at MEM
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,300

Favors has started all 11 games he’s played in this season, but he’s only averaging 22 minutes per contest. That’s down considerably from 28 minutes a night last year, but he’s still managed to average 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. He’s actually been very consistent of late, scoring at least 11 points and grabbing at least five boards in six straight games. At this cheap price, Favors is a viable target if you want to save money at power forward.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/12/18

Jarrett Allen, BKN at MIN
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $5,100

Allen is averaging 26 minutes a game this season, up from 20 a night last year. The Nets plan for him to be a big part of their future, so he should continue to have an expanded role. The added playing time has benefited him so far, averaging 11.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. The Timberwolves have been one of the worst teams in the league at defending centers, making Allen a strong option to consider.

Mohamed Bamba, ORL at WAS
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100

With Nikola Vucevic ahead of him, Bamba is only playing 19 minutes a game. Even in a limited role, Bamba is still averaging 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. When these two teams met last week, Bamba posted 15 points, two rebounds, and two blocks. His scoring upside might be limited, but his ability to provide rebounds and blocks makes him worth considering at this price.

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

by Mike Barner 0 Comments

*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*

Friday isn’t particularly busy with seven games in the NBA, but there are a lot of great expensive options available in DFS. In order to fit a few studs into your lineup, you’ll need to find the right mix of cheap value plays. Here are some players to consider when creating your lineup. 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

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Derrick Rose, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,800

The Timberwolves star trio is Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Andrew Wiggins, but the loss of Jeff Teague (knee) has left them with a significant hole to fill at point guard. Coach Tom Thibodeau has turned to a familiar face in Rose to take on the role and he certainly hasn’t let him down. Not only did Rose have a monster 50-point performance against the Jazz, but he’s scored at least 21 points in both of his last two games. The Kings are tied for the third-most points allowed per game (118.8) in the league, leaving Rose with the potential for another offensive outburst.

D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,500

Although it’s not an ideal fit, Augustin continues to start for the Magic. After coming off of the bench for the majority of his career, Augustin is averaging 10.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 three-pointers per contest in his new role. The Wizards play at the seventh-fastest pace (104.5 possessions per game) and have allowed the most points per game (120.5), so Augustin and the offensive-challenged Magic could have one of their higher scoring performances of the year.

SHOOTING GUARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Terrence Ross, ORL vs. WAS
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,700

With this matchup against the Wizards, just about everyone on the Magic gets a boost in value. Ross has carved out a significant role off the bench, posting the third-highest usage rate (23.4 percent) on the team, behind only Evan Fournier (26.2 percent) and Nikola Vucevic (24.7 percent). The Magic will also be a little shorthanded with Jonathan Isaac (ankle) out, which could leave Ross with some added playing time. Across the last three games with Isaac out, Ross is averaging 15.7 points, three rebounds, and 2.7 three-pointers.

Malik Monk, CHA at PHI
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400

The Hornets don’t exactly play at a neck-breaking speed, but they might be forced to Friday against a Sixers team that plays at the sixth-fastest pace (104.7). If the Hornets are going to keep up offensively, Monk will need to be a big part of their success off the bench. He’s already been one of their most potent shooters from behind the arc, averaging 13.4 points and 2.3 three-pointers per contest. At his cheap price on both sites, he’s worth considering in tournament play, even if you can’t count on him to provide much in other categories.

SMALL FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Justise Winslow, MIA vs. IND
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,600

The Heat will continue to have depth issues with James Johnson (sports hernia), Dwyane Wade (personal), Dion Waiters (ankle) and Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) already ruled out Friday. Things could be even worse if Goran Dragic (ankle) is forced to miss his second straight game. Winslow should get plenty of time on the floor against the Pacers, and although he doesn’t excel in any one area, he can still provide value since he is averaging 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, four assists, and 1.7 three-pointers.

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $4,400

Unlike the Heat, the Pacers are fortunate to enter this game healthy. Although he’s not one of their flashiest players, Bogdanovic is averaging 30 minutes a game as a member of the starting five. He’s been extremely efficient in the early going, shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 49 percent from behind the arc. Both of those numbers are likely to regress as the season wears on, but Bogdanovic did average 14.3 points and 1.9 three-pointers a game last season. If you want to go really cheap at small forward, Bogdanovic is a viable target.

POWER FORWARDS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Taj Gibson, MIN at SAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900

Gibson might fly under the radar due to all of the talent that the Timberwolves have in their starting five but don’t sleep on him in DFS. Not only is he a strong rebounder and defender, but he’s averaging 11.2 points per game with teams having to focus their defensive attention elsewhere. With the Kings defensive deficiencies already detailed, Gibson is another Timberwolves player to target for your entry.

Trey Lyles, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5.000
DraftKings = $4,700

Lyles has played well when given extended playing time, averaging 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 0.9 steals across nine games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. He’s also coming off one of his best performances so far, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds against the Grizzlies on Wednesday. That’s probably towards the top of Lyles’ upside, but he’s priced low enough to possibly be worth the risk in tournament play. There is also some potential that this game becomes a blowout, which could lead to a few added minutes for Lyles.

CENTERS

NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 11/9/18

Myles Turner, IND at MIA
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $4,800

Turner’s price is falling as his minutes continue to be limited with Domantas Sabonis playing so well off of the bench. Turner’s 4.8 rebounds per game are disappointing for a starting center, but his 11.3 points and 2.4 blocks per contest still leave him with some upside. There is the possibility that he gains a few extra minutes in this game with the Pacers needing him to defend Hassan Whiteside. If that’s the case, his price has come down enough to warrant consideration.

Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. BKN
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $3,800

Plumlee is one of the better backup centers in the league. Even though he’s only playing 18 minutes a game, he’s still averaging 7.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per contest. His playing time isn’t going to increase anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean he should be ignored in tournament play. The Nets have been one of the worst teams in the league at defending opposing centers, so Plumlee could still do some damage off the bench.