Thursday only brings us four games in the NBA, but at least it will be highlighted by a great matchup between the Clippers and Rockets. We also have a chance to win some money in DFS, so let’s discuss a couple of players at each position to target.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for February 20 2020
The NBA finally returns from the All-Star break to bring us a six-game slate Thursday.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 1 2020
As we ring in the New Year, we have a light four-game schedule in the NBA on Wednesday. Both sites are handling things a little differently with DraftKings including all four games in their main slate while FanDuel only has the three later games in theirs.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 10/16/18
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
After an eventful summer that saw stars like LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard change teams, the NBA season tips off with a two-game slate Tuesday. Normally we highlight cheaper sleeper plays that could help you cash in DFS. However, since there are only two games to select from, we’ll take a look at some of the better options available across the entire price scale. 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
Stephen Curry, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $9,600
DraftKings = $8,600
The Warriors made a big splash in free agency by signing DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has traditionally been among the league leaders in usage rate, but he’s obviously never been surrounded by such elite scoring talent. It will be interesting to see how his addition impacts the rest of the All-Stars on the team, but that’s of no concern Tuesday as Cousins continues to work his way back from a torn Achilles. Curry’s 30.6% usage rate was 10th-highest in the league last season and the Warriors played a the fifth-fastest pace (100.4 possessions per game), so expect him to have plenty of opportunities to contribute in their opener.
Markelle Fultz, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,000
Fultz’s rookie campaign was nothing short of a disaster. The top pick in the draft played only 14 games due to injury and worked extensively to try and correct his shooting woes. In something you don’t really see in the NBA, the Sixers used Fultz in the starting lineup to begin games during the preseason but brought him off the bench in the second half. They have confirmed they will also deploy this strategy Tuesday, so expect Fultz to play somewhere around the 23 minutes per game that he averaged across the preseason. His upside isn’t very high, but if you want to go cheap at point guard, he’s at least someone to consider based on his new role.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Dennis Schroder, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $6,100
DraftKings = $6,300
The addition of Schroder could prove to be significant for the Thunder. He was stellar for the Hawks last year, averaging 19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 three-pointers per game. Expect those numbers to decline playing alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George, but Westbrook might not play in this contest as he recovers from knee surgery. If he indeed sits, George is going to need all the help he can get to keep up with the Warriors high-scoring offense, so expect Schroder to be productive.
Andre Iguodala, GS vs. OKC
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,000
The Warriors could be forced to play a lot of small lineups Tuesday. Not only is Cousins out, but Draymond Green is likely going to be on a minutes limit as he battles a knee injury. The Warriors don’t have much size behind Green, so expect Iguodala to be heavily involved. Although Iguodala likely won’t be counted on to provide much scoring, that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at this price in tournament play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Paul George, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $9,000
DraftKings = $8,000
The star trio of George, Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony didn’t work for the Thunder last year. With Anthony now a member of the Rockets, George and Westbrook will have to shoulder even more of the scoring load. George was already extremely productive last year by averaging 21.9 points per game, but his 25.7% usage rate was his lowest mark since the 2012-13 season. He’s going to get all the shots he can handle if Westbrook is sidelined, but he’s a great option even if Westbrook manages to take the floor.
Robert Covington, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $4,700
Covington sometimes gets lost behind Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, but his ability to shoot three’s and play defense are critical for the Sixers. His offensive ceiling is capped playing with those two stars, but he did average 12.6 points and 2.5 three-pointers per game last season. The Sixers are going to be somewhat thin at small forward with Wilson Chandler out due to a hamstring injury, which opens up the door for Covington to provide added value.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,500
Saric made significant improvements offensively last season. After shooting 41.1% from the field and 31.1% from behind the arc during his rookie season, he shot 45.3% from the field and 39.3% on three-pointers last year. His ability to create spacing is key, especially with Simmons’ limited range. He averaged 30 minutes a night and should have a similar role this season, leaving him one of the better options at possibly the thinnest position of the night.
Jerami Grant, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $4,700
DraftKings = $4,300
The loss of Anthony has created a hole at power forward for the Thunder that will be filled by the combination of Grant and Patrick Patterson. Neither played heavy minutes consistently last year, but Grant possessed the better per-36 minutes averages of 14.9 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He may be better suited in this game to play against the lengthy, athletic wings for the Warriors and won’t cost much more than the minimum on both sites, so he might be worth taking a flier on.
CENTERS
Joel Embiid, PHI at BOS
FanDuel = $10,400
DraftKings = $8,800
Embiid only played in 63 games during the regular season last year, but he was a monster when he was on the court. His 33.5% usage rate was not only the highest on the team, but it was the third-highest in the league behind only James Harden and Westbrook. He wasn’t just about scoring, though, averaging 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per contest. The Celtics are a tough defensive team, but Embiid averaged 23 points, 14 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game against them in the playoffs last year.
Steven Adams, OKC at GS
FanDuel = $6,900
DraftKings = $5,800
The Thunder had very little size outside of Adams last year, leading to him averaging a career-high 33 minutes per contest. He cashed in his opportunity, averaging 13.9 points, nine rebounds, 1.2 steals and one block. His 55.9% free-throw percentage left a lot to be desired if you played in a season-long league, but that’s of no concern in DFS. This could be a matchup to exploit against the Warriors with Green potentially limited and few quality options behind him at center, although you will need to monitor Adams’ status since he is listed as questionable with a stiff lower back. If he doesn’t play, pivot to Nerlens Noel.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/4/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/4/18
After a busy night that included 13 games Tuesday, the NBA quiets down with just six games Wednesday. With fewer options to choose from, 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 Anthony Tolliver and Ersan Ilyasova.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Isaiah Taylor, ATL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,200
The Hawks are in full tank mode and dealing with several injuries, including the loss of Dennis Schroder (ankle) for the season. Taylor has stepped into a prominent role as a result, logging at least 29 minutes in five straight games. He’s made the most of his opportunity, averaging 16.4 points and 6.6 assists over that stretch. He just played the Heat on Tuesday, finishing with 15 points and nine assists in 38 minutes. He could provide significant value again in their rematch.
D.J. Augustin, ORL vs. DAL
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,800
Augustin only played 20 minutes in a blowout win Tuesday against the Knicks but he had played at least 32 minutes in four straight games. He may not be flashy, but he did average 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and 1.5 three-pointers in those four contests. The Mavericks allow the eighth-most FanDuel points per game and the sixth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards, making Augustin a viable option for your entry.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Josh Hart, LAL vs. SA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $5,600
Lonzo Ball (knee) did not play Tuesday against the Jazz and the Lakers have already said they are going to take a cautious approach with his return. Unless he is completely pain-free Wednesday, don’t expect him to play. With Isaiah Thomas (hip) also out for the season, the Lakers have turned to Hart for added minutes. Hart has logged at least 26 minutes in each of the last three games, averaging 9.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 three-pointers. He doesn’t have a lot of offensive upside, but his above-average ability to grab rebounds as a guard still makes him someone to consider.
Ben McLemore, MEM at NO
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,300
It’s going to be another skeleton crew for the Grizzlies on Wednesday with Tyreke Evans (personal), Andrew Harrison (wrist), Wayne Selden Jr. (wrist) and JaMychal Green (knee) all ruled out. McLemore has played at least 23 minutes in back-to-back contests, averaging 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and one steal. He gets a favorable matchup against the Pelicans, who play at the third-fastest pace (102.6 possessions per game) in the league, so he might be worth the risk in tournament play based on his expanded role.
SMALL FORWARDS
Robert Covington, PHI at DET
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $6,200
Covington was well on his way to a monster performance Tuesday against the Nets but only ended up playing 26 minutes with Sixers opening up a big lead. Even in limited action, he still scored 12 points to go along with six rebounds, two assists, four steals, three blocks and four three-pointers. The Sixers were without both Joel Embiid (eye) and Dario Saric (elbow) in that game and both will sit again Wednesday. Expect Covington to see increased usage as a result, giving him tremendous upside when combined with his defensive prowess.
MarShon Brooks, MEM at NO
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,600
Brooks (ankle) is nursing his own injury and is listed as questionable for Wednesday. He didn’t play Sunday due to the injury but averaged a surprising 22.5 points, two assists, 1.5 steals and three three-pointers in his previous two games. If he can play Wednesday, he should get plenty of minutes with the Grizzlies’ laundry list of injured players. Keep an eye out for updates leading up to the game and get him into your lineup if he suits up. Of note, Brooks is only small forward eligible on FanDuel as he is listed as shooting guard on DraftKings.
POWER FORWARDS
Anthony Tolliver, DET vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,200
DraftKings = $5,500
Blake Griffin (ankle) has missed the last three games for the Pistons and isn’t scheduled to even be re-evaluated until Friday. Tolliver has taken on a prominent role in his absence, playing at least 31 minutes in all three contests. He’s provided valuable production, averaging 13.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.3 three-pointers per contest. His price is climbing, but it’s still low enough to warrant consideration for your entry.
Ersan Ilyasova, PHI at DET
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $5,600
Ilyasova is another player who benefits from the injuries to Embiid and Saric as he now moves into the starting lineup for the Sixers. Although he was only needed for 28 minutes Tuesday, he still managed to finish with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two three-pointers. The Pistons will be playing small with Griffin out, which fits well with Ilyasova’s skillset. He and Tolliver present two excellent value opportunities facing off against each other Wednesday.
CENTERS
Mike Muscala, ATL vs. MIA
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,300
The Hawks tanking has led to significant playing time for Muscala, who has logged at least 25 minutes in six straight games. He played 33 minutes with Dewayne Dedmon (ribs) out Tuesday, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and three three-pointers. Dedmon was a late scratch for that game and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Hawks held him out again Wednesday. If they do, Muscala could get plenty of minutes again.
Richaun Holmes, PHI at DET
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $4,300
Amir Johnson has been starting in place of Embiid, but Holmes has still played at least 22 minutes in three of the last four games. His numbers aren’t off the charts, but he averaged a respectable 11 points and five rebounds in those three contests. This certainly won’t be an easy matchup against Andre Drummond, but with only six games on the schedule Wednesday, Holmes is still someone to consider using in tournament play.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 12
*Mike Barner*
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NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 12
Let’s dive into Week 12 of the NBA to make sure you start off the New Year with a winning week for your season-long fantasy league. It’s important to know the intricacies of the schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are the moves you want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
There are only eight teams with four games each in Week 12, giving a big boost in value to players on those squads. Here are some players on those teams widely available in most leagues that could give you a winning edge.
Tyus Jones, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jones has stepped into a starting role for the Timberwolves with Jeff Teague (knee) injured. While the injury for Teague isn’t as bad as initially feared, he is expected to be out at least through Week 12. Jones has played well in five starts this season, averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.8 steals and 1.0 three-pointer per game. His scoring is not great, but that amount of steals alone can help win you the category in your league. Three of his games in Week 12 come against the Lakers, Nets and Pelicans, all teams that are in the top-six in the league in terms of pace of play. Still available in 69% of Yahoo! leagues, go pick up Jones.
John Henson, Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have three great players in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton, but are extremely thin at center. Henson is averaging 24 minutes per game as a result, the most he has since the 2013-14 season. His numbers don’t jump off the page, averaging just 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. However, when you add that to his 1.5 blocks per game average and 61.1% field goal percentage, you get a viable fantasy option when playing four games. He’ll play the Wizards, Pacers and the Raptors twice in Week 12, all teams with big centers. He’s available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues and is worth considering if you need help at center.
Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks
The Knick’s rookie point guard is only averaging 21 minutes per game this season as the team has decided to use Jarrett Jack as their starter. However, Ntilikina has seen his playing time increase lately, logging at least 25 minutes in eight of his last 11 games. He took advantage of the added playing time, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 three-pointer in those eight contests. If you are in a deeper league and need assists and steals, Ntilikina is a viable option with four games who is still available in 87% of Yahoo! leagues.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
Oladipo is clearly an elite fantasy option as his 30.6% usage rate is the tenth-highest in the league. He’s averaging career-highs pretty much across the board, including a lofty 24.9 points and 2.7 three-pointers per game. The problem is that he has missed the last three games with a knee injury and his status for this week is uncertain. You’d still start him with only two games if he was healthy, but it might not be worth the risk this week. If he sits out even just one game, he could do significant damage to your squad.
Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
Covington is a valuable all-around fantasy asset, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 2.9 three-pointers per game this season. Known for his poor shooting percentage, he has improved to 42.2% this season. However, he’s in an offensive slump right now, scoring 10 points or less in four of his last five games. He’ll have to face the Spurs and Pistons in Week 12, two of the top-five teams in terms of fewest points allowed per game in the league. This might be the week to keep him out of your starting lineup.
Nicolas Batum, Charlotte Hornets
Batum has battled an elbow injury this season, limiting him to 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. Those are all the lowest averages of his three-year stint with the Hornets. He’s hurting owners in field goal percentage as well, shooting only 40.4% from the field. When healthy, his ability to contribute in multiple categories is extremely valuable. However, with his recent struggles and only two games on the schedule for Week 12, his upside is limited at best. Keep him anchored to your bench.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/21/17
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks for 12/21/17
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POINT GUARDS
Kris Dunn, CHI at CLE
FanDuel = $7,800
DraftKings = $7,300
The Bulls are red hot right now, winning seven straight games. The return of Nikola Mirotic and the improved play of their bench as a unit is a big reason for their recent success, but Dunn has also been a huge factor. Over the seven-game winning streak, Dunn is averaging 16.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. The Bulls have moved to smaller lineups and are playing at a faster pace, which will only continue to help Dunn. He has great upside again Thursday.
Mario Chalmers, MEM at PHO
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $4,300
Chalmers was given the first crack at replacing Mike Conley (Achilles) at point guard, but struggled and was ultimately moved back to the bench. He’s been serviceable in that role lately, averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 three-pointers over his last four games. The key is he played at least 22 minutes in all four of those contests. The Suns allow the second-most points on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, so Chalmers might be worth the risk based on his cheap price.
SHOOTING GUARDS
DeMar DeRozan, TOR at PHI
FanDuel = $8,800
DraftKings = $8,800
DeRozan’s scoring is down almost three points per game this season, in large part because he is averaging almost four fewer shot attempts per game. He’s still been productive though with a 30% usage rate that puts him inside the top-15 in the league. He should get plenty of chances to score Thursday as the Sixers play at the third-fastest pace (103.3) in the league. While he’s one of the most expensive guards playing tonight, but he should be worth the price.
Justin Holiday, CHI at CLE
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $5,600
Holiday’s had a hard time contributing offensively of late, scoring eight points or less in four of his last six games. He’s averaging 12.5 shot attempts per game this season overall but has taken 10 shots or less in five of his last six games. That should come as little surprise with Nikola Mirotic back in the fold. All that being said, he can contribute with more than just scoring as he’s averaging 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.4 three-pointers per game this season. This could be a high-scoring affair between two teams that use small lineups, so Holiday has some upside.
SMALL FORWARDS
LeBron James, CLE vs. CHI
FanDuel = $12,300
DraftKings = $11,900
James is the best option available at any position Thursday with so few games on the schedule. James continues to get a lot of playing time, averaging 37 minutes per game. While he’s one of the best players in the league on a team with talent, he still plays a ton because the Cavaliers struggles on defense tend to lead to close games. While the Bulls are playing well, they don’t have anyone capable of slowing down James. Pay up for him in this game and enjoy the ride.
Robert Covington, PHI vs. TOR
FanDuel = $7,000
DraftKings = $6,200
Covington is ice cold from the field right now, shooting only 26.7% from over his last three games. He can carry a team when his shot is falling but tends to go through cold streaks like this as well. Even with his struggles, he still provides value. He hit at least two three-pointers in all three of those games, helping him to build a nice scoring floor. He is also excellent defensively, averaging 2.7 steals and 1.7 blocks over those same three games. There aren’t a lot of great cheap options at small forward Thursday, so it’s not a bad idea to spend a little more money on Convington as his upside is high if he can correct his shooting woes.
POWER FORWARDS
Dario Saric, PHI vs. TOR
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,400
Joel Embiid (back) is not expected to play Thursday, which is good news for Saric’s value. In the last five games that Embiid has missed, Saric has averaged 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers per game. Not only do the Sixers play at a fast pace, but the Raptors do as well as they play at the 10th-fastest pace (100.4) in the league. Saric should see increased usage and value with Embiid out again for this game.
Serge Ibaka, TOR at PHI
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $5,900
Ibaka missed a game Sunday with knee soreness, but that’s been his only bump in the road of late. The good news is he returned to play 27 minutes Wednesday against the Hornets. He was excellent yet again, scoring 24 points to go along with five rebounds, two blocks, and two three-pointers. He has scored at least 15 points, recorded at least one block and hit at least two three-pointers in each of his last eight games, giving him a nice base to work off of on a nightly basis. The price is right to take a chance on him continuing his recent run of success Thursday.
CENTERS
Kevin Love, CLE vs. CHI
FanDuel = $8,000
DraftKings = $8,300
The Cavaliers might be getting some scoring reinforcements with Isaiah Thomas (hip) reportedly set to return soon, but Love will continue to be James’ primary running mate at least until then. He’s been extremely efficient this season as he is shooting a career-high 47.4% from the field. His usage rate of 26.8% is also the highest it’s been since he joined the Cavaliers. The Bulls like to play small outside of Robin Lopez, which should only help Love. He will cost you a lot, but he should be productive again in this game.
Richaun Holmes, PHI vs. TOR
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,600
Like Saric, Holmes should also benefit from Ebiid sitting out Thursday. In the last five games with Embiid out, Holmes averaged 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He doesn’t have nearly the upside that Saric does, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide value at a cheaper price. There aren’t many great cheap options at center Thursday, making Holmes someone worth considering for your entry.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 9
*Mike Barner*
Use Code “CYBER30” at checkout for 30% off Seasonal Package
NBA Fantasy Basketball Schedule Analysis for Week 9
With the holidays rapidly approaching, the NBA is loaded this week with 50 games on the schedule. It’s important to know the intricacies of the schedule to gain an advantage over your opponent in a head-to-head league as starting your best players might not always give you the best chance to win. Here are the moves you want to consider for your team based on the week ahead.
Teams With The Most Games – 4 Games Each
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
With elite players such as LeBron James, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook all scheduled to have four games each this week, many of you will be starting off with an excellent foundation. If you do need help filling out the rest of your starting lineup, consider adding the below players who can all provide value based on their schedule.
Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat
The Heat are without arguably their best player in Hassan Whiteside (knee) as he has missed the last five games. Olynyk has played well in his absence, averaging 11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.8 blocks and 1.2 three-pointers in those five games. Not only did he play at least 25 minutes in each game, but he started the last two. There is a chance that Whiteside returns at some point this week, but with four games in six days, he’s likely going to see limited minutes when he does return. Olynyk is still available in 53% of Yahoo! leagues and he can provide you with solid all-around numbers.
Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets have been decimated by injuries this year, leaving LeVert to average a career-high 26 minutes per game. He’s played more than that lately, logging at least 28 minutes in six of his last seven games. He has provided balanced production by averaging 13.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.0 steals 1.0 three-pointer in those seven contests. LeVert’s 20.9% usage rate is second-best on the team among players to appear in at least 17 games this season. Still available in 62% of Yahoo! leagues, he could be a valuable addition to your squad for Week 9.
Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
The Raptors clearly don’t like what they are getting out of starting center Jonas Valanciunas as he is averaging a career-low 20 minutes per game. With minutes up for grabs, Poeltl has been able to establish a significant role off the bench. He has played at least 17 minutes in six straight games, four of which he played at least 22 minutes. He has cashed in his opportunity by averaging 11.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game. He’s not going to provide you hardly any assists, but take a look at him if you need help at center. He’s still available in 90% of Yahoo! leagues.
Teams With The Fewest Games – 2 Games Each
Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers
There are 13 teams playing at least four games this week, leaving players on the three teams that only play two each to see a significant decrease in value. Consider benching the below players who would normally be in your starting lineup otherwise.
Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers
Covington (back) missed Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Do you really want to risk putting him in your lineup with the potential that he plays only one game, or maybe none at all, this week? He’s a streaky shooter, so even if things do change quickly and he is able to play both games, it could be ugly if he’s not playing at 100%. Don’t take the risk, put him on your bench.
Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers continue to show no hesitation to pull Ball in games when he is struggling. He has played 27 minutes or less in three of his last six games, often sitting out big portions of the fourth quarter. He continues to struggle from the field and is attempting way too many three-pointers considering he’s only shooting 24.6% from behind the arc. His counting stats still give him value most weeks, but with only two games for the second straight week, keep Ball on your bench.
Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers
The move to LA has not been successful for Lopez as he is averaging a career-low 23 minutes per game. While never a great source of rebounds for a center, he is not helping fantasy owners by averaging a meager 4.5 rebounds per game this season. To put that into perspective, Trail Blazers backup center Ed Davis is averaging 7.1 rebounds in three fewer minutes per game. Lopez just doesn’t play enough anymore to be someone you want to start in a week with only two games.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/16/17
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks 12/16/17
Saturday Night’s NBA Main slate presents us an eight game mosh-pit with some interesting match-ups. Some of which provide some value plays given the injury epidemic going on recently.
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POINT GUARDS:
Russell Westbrook ($11,100 FD/$11,500 DK) –
If you’re going to pay up for somebody on FanDuel Westbrook may be the foundation to your lineup. He is cheaper on FD than The Greak Freak, LeBron and Harden. He is still very worth it on DK as the triple-double machine is coming off of a triple-overtime game where he stuffed the stat sheet of 27-18-15. He now plays the next night at Madison Square Garden, where he may just put on a show. Westbrooks opponents, the Knicks, rank 25th in defending the position. He logged 52 minutes during last night’s win, however, he should be more than fine. It’s time for the Russ show for my lineup.
Jeff Teague ($6,400 FD/$6,500/DK) –
Jeff Teague has a great match-up Saturday against struggling Phoenix Suns, who rank 28th in defending point guards this season as they allow on average 50.52 FPTS per game. Teague has not been so valuable on DFS lately, but he hasn’t had too big of a workload either with the way teammates Jimmy Butler and Karl Anthony-Towns have been playing lately. Regardless, this matchup offers Teague an ideal game to breakout to his old form.
SHOOTING GUARDS:
Donovan Mitchell ($7,800 FD/$6,900 DK) –
Donovan Mitchell is one of the most underrated rookies that has emerged in the league this year. Mitchell is slowly and steadily raising eyebrows and sparking a ROTY conversation. A bit pricey on FanDuel, Mitchell has pretty good upside in this contest, as he opposes the defense-weak Cavaliers. He has also been incredibly consistent in fantasy value. With blows to Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert in Friday night’s game, Mitchell would be reintroduced to a heavier workload if one, or both of those are sidelined.
CJ McCollum ($7,100 FD/$6,800 DK) –
McCollum has some serious upside in this slate. McCollum has scored 20+ points in four straight games averaging 33 FanDuel PPG in those contests. He appears likely to make it five in a row as he matches up with the Phoenix Suns, the 30th ranked team in defending shooting guards. His price is very fair and adds value to his projections, given his consistency as of lately. McCollum is a little more flexible on DraftKings as he is also eligible for point guard.
SMALL FORWARDS:
Jimmy Butler ($9,700 FD/$9,000 DK) –
Not many people have been hotter than Jimmy Butler lately. Holding one of the best SF match-ups of the night, Butler enters Saturday with a stretch in which out of the last 7 games, he has logged an average of 41 minutes and has scored an average of 27 points per game. One beneficial factor about Butler’s match-up against the Suns is that Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau hasn’t had much trust in his second unit lately, as his starters have been seeing serious minutes regardless of score. This helps the case for obtaining Butler as a potential blowout won’t damage his minutes too much. Butler is listed as SF on FanDuel, but SG on DraftKings.
Harrison Barnes ($6,700 FD/$6,500 DK) –
It seems as if regardless of how consistent Barnes is for the DFS community, he will never have the respect he deserves.