There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Wednesday with nine games on the schedule.
Read MoreNBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Recommendations for January 2 2020
There will be no shortage of action in the NBA on Thursday with nine games on the schedule. Injuries will once again play a key role, creating some interesting opportunities in DFS.
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 1/31/19
*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
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
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
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
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
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 1/29/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Tuesday’s seven-game slate in the NBA is once again loaded with cheap value play options due to injuries. Let’s get right down to business and highlight two players at each position that could help lead you to a profitable night. 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
Derrick White, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,700
DeMar DeRozan (knee) will be out again Tuesday, forcing other players on the Spurs to help make up for some of his production. Across the last three games that DeRozan has missed, White has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and one steal. This is an excellent matchup for him against a Suns team that allows the second-most FanDuel points per game and the fourth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing point guards.
Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $5,100
DraftKings = $4,900
Napier stepped up for the Nets again Monday, scoring 20 points to go along with two rebounds, five assists and two steals against the Celtics. He logged 26 minutes and attempted 16 shots, leaving him with 29 shot attempts across two games since Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) went down. There’s no reason to believe he won’t play a prominent role again Tuesday, which sets him up as a cheap option to target against a horrible Bulls team.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Marco Belinelli, SA vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,200
Another player who will be tasked with filling the void created by DeRozan’s absence is Belinelli. Over the previous three games that DeRozan missed, Belinelli averaged 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. This is a great matchup for him against the Suns, who allow the third-most points per game (115.5) in the league, so don’t hesitate to add him to your entry.
Wayne Selden, CHI at BKN
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $4,200
The Bulls seem hellbent on not playing Jabari Parker. They lost yet another key part of their rotation in Chandler Hutchinson (toe), who will be out for at least the next four weeks. In the first game that Hutchinson missed Sunday against the Cavaliers, Parker logged just 11 minutes off of the bench. Selden is the one who replaced Hutchinson in the starting five and he was productive with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. The key is he played 38 minutes. If you want to go really cheap in tournament play, Selden is a viable option, especially on FanDuel.
SMALL FORWARDS
Cedi Osman, CLE vs. WAS
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,200
Osman has cranked up his game of late, averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals across his last three contests. That’s especially impressive when you consider two of those games came against the Celtics and Heat, both of which are inside the top-four in the league in terms of fewest points allowed per game. He’s someone to target Tuesday in a much easier matchup against a Wizards team that allows the second-most points per game (115.9) and plays at the eighth-fastest pace (102.2 possessions per game) in the league.
Darius Miller, NO at HOU
FanDuel = $4,200
DraftKings = $3,700
The Pelicans will be playing with a short bench for this game with Anthony Davis (finger), Nikola Mirotic (calf) and E’Twaun Moore (rest) all out. To make matters worse, Julius Randle (ankle) is listed as questionable and could miss his third straight games. Over the previous two games with Davis, Mirotic and Randle all out, Miller averaged 16 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. If Randle does indeed sit, Miller has plenty of upside.
POWER FORWARDS
Richaun Holmes, PHO at SA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,700
The Suns should once again be without Deandre Ayton (ankle), who is listed as doubtful for Tuesday. Holmes had missed some time recently with a foot injury, but he returned Sunday and posted 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks across 27 minutes against the Lakers. Dragan Bender has been playing well for the Suns, but he only logged 13 minutes Sunday. It’s pretty clear that Holmes is their preferred option in the middle.
Ed Davis, BKN vs. CHI
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,100
Davis grabbed 11 rebounds against the Celtics on Monday and has now reached double-digit boards in three of his last four games. Considering he’s averaging three offensive rebounds a game for the season, that helps him contribute enough in the scoring department to not be a liability in that area. Even though he’s not starting, don’t shy away from him in this matchup against a Bulls team that allows the second-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Of note, Davis is only eligible at power forward on FanDuel since he is listed at center on DraftKings.
CENTERS
Ivica Zubac, LAL vs. PHI
FanDuel = $5,800
DraftKings = $5,600
The Lakers would be wise to stick with Zubac as their primary center. He demolished the depleted Suns on Sunday, scoring 24 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four blocks in 35 minutes. This is a much tougher matchup for him against Joel Embiid, but Zubac’s expanded role of late still leaves him with enough upside to warrant consideration at this price. If this game becomes a blowout, that also should help him receive more playing time.
Brook Lopez, MIL at DET
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Bucks don’t have a ton of quality size up front, so look for them to rely heavily on Lopez in this matchup against Andre Drummond. Lopez has been productive over the first three games these teams have faced off this season, averaging 11.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and a whopping 3.3 blocks per contest. If you’re choosing between the two, I’d go with Zubac over Lopez since they are so close in price. However, if you want a lower owned player in tournament play, Lopez might be your man.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/28/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
Monday doesn’t bring a ton of action in the NBA with only five games on the schedule. However, with so many teams dealing with injuries, there are actually a lot of cheaper value plays worth considering. Here are a couple at each position who could provide value. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Shabazz Napier, BKN at BOS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = $4,600
The Nets are in a tough spot with Caris LeVert (foot) and Spencer Dinwiddie (thumb) on the shelf. To make matters worse, Joe Harris (hip) is listed as questionable for Monday. They don’t have much of a choice but to give Napier more playing time. He logged 28 minutes against the Knicks on Friday and he finished with 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. His final line could have been even better if he wasn’t just 3-for-13 from the field. This isn’t a great matchup against a good Celtics’ defense, but Napier’s increased role warrants adding him to your lineup.
Trey Burke, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,200
The Knicks are dealing with their own injury issues. Emmanuel Mudiay (shoulder) is already hurt and now Frank Ntilikina (groin) went down Sunday. With such a quick turnaround, don’t expect him to play in this contest. Burke is one of the few healthy point guards they have left, so expect him to receive more playing time in this matchup. He’s already scored at least 16 points in both games since Mudiay went down, so he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Allonzo Trier, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,300
Recommending players on the Knicks can be tricky. They change their rotations so often that it’s hard to get a gauge on what they are going to do on a nightly basis. However, the injuries to Mudiay and Ntilikina help to provide a bit of stability because, frankly, they are running out of options. Trier has shown he can be productive when given added playing time by averaging 14.3 points, four rebounds and 2.3 assists across 23 games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes.
Avery Bradley, LAC vs. ATL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $3,700
The Clippers will likely be shorthanded again Monday with the expectation that Danilo Gallinari (back) will remain on the sidelines. That’s good news for Bradley, who has averaged 13 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 0.8 steals across the first five games that Gallinari missed. His upside might not be off the charts, but he’s priced really cheap on both sites and has a great matchup against a Hawks team that plays at the fastest pace (105.2 possessions per game) in the league.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. GS
FanDuel = $5,700
DraftKings = $5,600
The Pacers are a good defensive team, but this game could get ugly against the Warriors. The loss of Victor Oladipo (knee) puts them in a huge hole offensively, especially since they are already averaging just 108.9 points per game. To put that into perspective, the Warriors are averaging 118.8 points per contest. Bogdanovic is going to need to fire away to keep this game close and should get plenty of opportunities to do so. He already scored 21 points against the Grizzlies on Saturday and averaged 19.4 points per game earlier this season when Oladipo missed 11 straight games.
Nicolas Batum, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,900
Batum is having an off year with averages of 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He’s shooting 46.4 percent from the field, but it’s not easy to provide a lot of offense when you have a 13.2 percent usage rate. On a positive note, Batum is averaging 14.5 points, five rebounds and 3.3 assists over his last four games. That’s even more impressive when you consider two of those games came against tough defensive teams in the Pacers and Grizzlies. He likely won’t be met with the same resistance Monday since the Knicks allow the fourth-most points per game (115.3) in the league.
POWER FORWARDS
Marvin Williams, CHA vs. NY
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
The Knicks have started to use Lance Thomas at power forward, so their shift to a small lineup could prove beneficial for Williams. Williams has really improved from behind the arc during his tenure in the league and is averaging a career-high two three-pointers per contest this season. He’s also had some access in two previous matchups against the Knicks with averages of 16.5 points, five rebound and one steal.
Marcus Morris, BOS vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $4,900
Morris’ shot was off again Saturday as he hit just three of his 12 attempts against the Warriors. That performance has left him 26-for-77 (33.8 percent) from the field across his last seven games. The good news is that he’s still getting plenty of shot attempts and averaged 6.1 rebounds per game during that stretch. If he can correct his shot Monday, he could prove to be valuable. Avoid him in cash games, but deploying him in tournament play might not be a crazy idea.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at CHA
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,100
Enes Kanter’s days with the Knicks appear to be numbered. He hasn’t played in any of their last three games and he hasn’t been shy about voicing his displeasure with that. Since Luke Kornet (ankle) is out, that has left a more secure role off the bench for Robinson. Even though he still isn’t playing a ton of minutes, he’s managed to average eight points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 2.8 blocks across his last four games. This is a great opportunity to roster him against the Hornets, who allow the sixth-most DraftKings points per game and the 10th-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Mason Plumlee, DEN at MEM
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $3,900
Whether he starts or comes off of the bench, Plumlee is not someone to ignore in DFS. After scoring 16 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal in a spot start for Nikola Jokic on Friday against the Suns, he followed that up with 17 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block coming off of the bench Saturday against the Sixers. This game has some blowout potential, which could lead to more minutes for Plumlee. At an even cheaper price than Robinson, he is also someone to consider at center.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleeper Lineup Picks for 1/25/19
*Mike Barner — @rotomikebarner*
The NBA rebounds from a quiet Thursday with 10 games on the schedule Friday. The combination of so many games and the increasing amount of injuries across the league have made for a lot of cheap value play options to consider. Here are a couple that stand out at each position. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our NBA Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.
POINT GUARDS
Jerryd Bayless, MIN at UTA
FanDuel = $4,000
DraftKings = $3,600
The Timberwolves are running out of healthy point guards. Jeff Teague (foot) and Tyus Jones (ankle) have already been on the shelf and then Derrick Rose (ankle) went down Thursday. With all three of them very much in doubt for this contest, Bayless could find himself with plenty of playing time. He played well after Rose left Thursday, scoring 16 points to go along with two rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 30 minutes.
Shabazz Napier, BKN vs. NY
FanDuel = $3,800
DraftKings = $3,600
The Nets are dealing with their own injury issues. Spencer Dinwiddie is being evaluated for a thumb injury and could be out awhile if it’s determined that he is indeed dealing with torn ligaments. Losing him could be devastating with Caris LeVert (foot) and Allen Crabbe (knee) still out, as well. If Dinwiddie doesn’t take the floor Friday, expect Napier to receive more playing time. Across 10 games in which Napier has played at least 20 minutes, he’s averaged 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Eric Gordon, HOU vs. TOR
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,300
Chris Paul (hamstring) appears to be nearing a return, but reports seem to indicate he might sit out Friday despite being listed as questionable. If he does indeed sit, Gordon would remain a great option in DFS. He’s been an excellent running mate for James Harden, averaging 19.5 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists over four games since returning from injury. However, once Paul does return, expect Gordon to see a decline in scoring opportunities.
Josh Okogie, MIN at UTA
FanDuel = $4,500
DraftKings = $4,400
With the Timberwolves depleted at guard, Okogie is another player who with the potential for added playing time. He logged a whopping 40 minutes against the Lakers on Thursday and finished with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. It should be noted that he was only 2-for-14 from the field. If he can get close to that many shot attempts again Friday, he could provide value at his cheap price on both sites.
SMALL FORWARDS
Kelly Oubre Jr., PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $6,000
DraftKings = $5,600
Oubre kept things rolling against the Blazers on Thursday, scoring 18 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks. He played 35 minutes and should continue to receive a heavy dosage of playing time with T.J. Warren (ankle) out for the next two-to-three weeks. When the Suns faced the Nuggets a couple of weeks ago, Oubre exploded for 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Gary Harris, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,400
DraftKings = $5,000
The Nuggets initially brought Harris off the bench after his return from injury, but he started Wednesday against the Jazz. He played 28 minutes and finished with 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and a block. Expect him to start and see more playing time again Friday. Of note, Harris is only listed at small forward on FanDuel since he is listed at shooting guard on DraftKings. His price on DraftKings isn’t all that appealing, but he’s a bargain worth considering on FanDuel.
POWER FORWARDS
Bobby Portis, CHI vs. LAC
FanDuel = $5,300
DraftKings = $5,700
With the Bulls in a free fall, they would be wise to play Portis as much as possible. He’s not shy about taking shots, which is evident by his 26.2 percent usage rate. Across nine games in which he has played at least 20 minutes, Portis has been productive with averages of 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds. Don’t expect much from him defensively, but this is still a great matchup against the Clippers, who allow the most DraftKings points per game and the fourth-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Dragan Bender, PHO at DEN
FanDuel = $4,600
DraftKings = $4,600
The Suns have been playing shorthanded up front with Deandre Ayton (ankle) and Richaun Holmes (foot) out for each of their last three games. That’s opened up a starting job for Bender, who has cashed in by averaging 14 points and 7.7 rebounds. If both Ayton and Holmes can’t play Friday, Bender is a great option to deploy in tournament play.
CENTERS
Mitchell Robinson, NY at BKN
FanDuel = $4,800
DraftKings = $4,000
The Knicks are a mess. They continue to change up their rotations, especially at center. Luke Kornet (ankle) will be out for a couple of weeks and the team seems to be souring on Enes Kanter, who didn’t play at all Wednesday against the Rockets. This could mean more minutes for Robinson, who is a shot blocking machine. He played at least 16 minutes in both of the last two games and averaged 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, one steal and 2.5 blocks. The Nets allow the third-most DraftKings points per game and the third-most FanDuel points per game to opposing centers, leaving Robinson with the potential for a productive stat line.
Mason Plumlee, DEN vs. PHO
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $3,900
This game has the potential to get ugly early. Not only do these two teams have very different records, but they are both headed in the opposite direction in terms of injuries. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a blowout, which could lead to added playing time for Plumlee. That could be huge considering the Suns allow the most FanDuel points per game and the fifth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing centers.
Author Bio:
Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on ESPN Radio and DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/5/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 4/5/18
Thursday brings six games in the NBA that will be loaded with playoff implications. Not many of the tanking teams will be in action, which might leave fewer value plays than we are accustomed to of late. 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 Shabazz Napier and John Henson.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package<
POINT GUARDS
Tyus Jones, MIN at DEN
FanDuel = #3,800
DraftKings = $5,000
Jeff Teague (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday after missing Sunday’s game against the Jazz. Jones started in his place and played well, scoring 15 points to go along with four assists, four steals, and two three-pointers. The Nuggets allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing point guards, making Jones a viable option for your entry if Teague is ruled out again.
Shabazz Napier, POR at HOU
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $5,300
The Blazers look poised to be the third seed in the West, leaving them with little to play for at this point in the season. Damian Lillard (ankle) is not likely to play Thursday as a result, which should move Napier into the starting five. Napier has played well in nine starts this season, averaging 15.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. His price is especially appealing on FanDuel, but he can provide value on both sites based on his likely expanded role.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Andrew Wiggins, MIN at DEN
FanDuel = $6,400
DraftKings = $6,700
The Timberwolves are clinging to one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference and might be getting reinforcements soon with Jimmy Butler (knee) closing in on a return. He’s listed as doubtful for Thursday, so expect Wiggins to continue to have an expanded offensive role against the Nuggets. With Butler sidelined for the entire month of March, Wiggins averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers and 1.2 steals per contest.
Caris LeVert, BKN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,500
The Nets don’t own their first-round pick in the 2018 draft, leaving them as one of the few bad teams in the league with no incentive to tank down the stretch. They have continued with their normal rotations as a result but will be without DeMarre Carroll (hip) on Thursday. Carroll is averaging 30 minutes per game this season, so that should open up added playing time a few Nets players, LeVert being one of them. In nine games that LeVert has played at least 30 minutes this season, he is averaging 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, six assists and 1.7 steals. Don’t be surprised if he at least approaches that minutes threshold Thursday.
SMALL FORWARDS
Bojan Bogdanovic, IND vs. GS
FanDuel = $4,900
DraftKings = NA
Bogdanovic is a streaky shooter, but he has scored at least 15 points in five of his last six games. He attempted at least 11 shots in all six of those contests, so he will likely continue to have a significant role as the regular season comes to a close. The Warriors play at the fifth-fastest pace (101.9 possessions per game) in the league, which could leave Bogdanovic with a few extra shot attempts Thursday. Of note, this game is not included in the main or late slates on DraftKings, but Bogdanovic is still someone to target on FanDuel.
Joe Harris, BKN at MIL
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,400
Harris has provided an offensive spark for the Nets lately, scoring at least 13 points in five straight games. He played at least 27 minutes in four of those five contests and should be in line for added playing Thursday as well with Carroll sidelined. He doesn’t provide much in the way of rebounds or assists, but the potential for added shot attempts makes him someone to consider at this cheap price.
POWER FORWARDS
John Henson, MIL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,000
Henson has provided solid value down the stretch, averaging 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, three assists and 1.9 blocks in his last seven games. The Bucks don’t have much depth up front, leaving Henson to play at least 27 minutes in five of those seven contests. He’s listed at power forwards on FanDuel, but he actually plays center, which is where he is listed on DraftKings. The Nets allow the most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, making Henson a viable option for your entry.
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at HOU
FanDuel = $5,400
DraftKings = $5,600
Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic might be the main scoring options for the Blazers, but Aminu is also a very important part of their team. He had one of his best months of the season in March, averaging 9.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per contest. He has three double-doubles in his last five games and could be in line for heavy playing time Thursday against a Rockets team that likes to use a lot of small lineups. His scoring upside isn’t that high, but he can provide enough production in several categories to still leave him with value.
CENTERS
Jarrett Allen, BKN at MIL
FanDuel = $5,000
DraftKings = $4,500
Allen is not a consistent option by any means, but that’s why he’s priced this low. Although he has scored at least 12 points in four of his last six games, he scored five points or fewer in both of the other two contests. He is a valuable source of defensive starts though, averaging 2.3 blocks over his last 10 games. The Bucks allow the third most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers, making Allen someone to at least consider Thursday.
Tyler Zeller, MIL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,600
Cheap centers with upside are hard to come by Thursday, especially if you are playing on FanDuel. Zeller makes his way into tournament play consideration, as a result, averaging eight points, 6.2 rebounds and one steal in his last five games. With the Nets struggles to defend centers already detailed, Zeller does have some upside at near the minimum price on both sites.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/28/18
*Mike Barner*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/28/18
There are eight games in the NBA on Wednesday as injuries and resting players continues to be something to focus on in DFS. 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 Shabazz Napier and Troy Daniels.
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POINT GUARDS
Trey Burke, NY at PHI
FanDuel = $6,300
DraftKings = $5,800
The Knicks tried Emmanuel Mudiay as their starting point guard, but his struggles with Denver followed him to New York. It’s now Burke’s turn to see what he can do and the early returns have been promising. He scored 19 points in his first start Sunday, then dominated with 42 points, 12 assists, and three three-pointers Tuesday against the Hornets. The game went into overtime, but those are still lofty totals. He attempted 31 shots in that game and should continue to get plenty of scoring opportunities moving forward. The Sixers also play at the fifth-fastest pace (101.7 possessions per game) in the league, leaving Burke with value even with his climbing price tag.
Shabazz Napier, POR at MEM
FanDuel = $3,500
DraftKings = $3,800
Damian Lillard will be out Wednesday due to the birth of his child, which should allow Napier to start at point guard. Napier excelled when filling in for Lillard previously, averaging 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.9 three-pointers in eight games. The news that Lillard would be sidelined came after last night’s game against the Pelicans, which was already too late for Napier’s price to be increased in DFS. Make sure to take advantage and get him into your lineup.
SHOOTING GUARDS
Wayne Selden Jr., MEM vs. POR
FanDuel = $4,400
DratfKings = $4,100
The Grizzlies are one of the more prominent tanking teams, sitting several players due to injuries and for rest down the stretch. Wednesday will be no different with Tyreke Evans (personal) already ruled out. Selden has seen a significant increase in scoring as a result, averaging 16.3 points and 2.5 three-pointers in his last six games. He doesn’t provide much outside of offense, but he still has enough upside in that department to warrant considering for your entry Wednesday.
Troy Daniels, PHO vs. LAC
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $4,400
The Suns could be without their two best scorers Wednesday with T.J. Warren (knee) and Devin Booker (hand) still dealing with injuries. Daniels has helped shoulder the load with both players out, scoring at least 18 points in three of his last four games. He attempted a total of 36 three-pointers in his last three contests, so he has the potential to put up plenty of points. Both the Suns and the Clippers are in the top six in the league in pace of play, giving Daniels an excellent opportunity to provide value for your entry if Warren and Booker can’t play.
SMALL FORWARDS
Mario Hezonja, ORL vs. BKN
FanDuel = $5,600
DraftKings = $5,300
Speaking of teams who will be shorthanded Wednesday, the Magic will be without Evan Fournier (knee), Jonathon Simmons (wrist) and Jonathan Isaac (foot). All three players sat out the Magic’s last game against the Suns on Saturday as well, resulting in Hezonja scoring 14 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in 39 minutes. He gets to play another team who struggles defensively in the Nets on Wednesday, giving him upside based on his likely expanded role.
Evan Turner, POR at MEM
FanDuel = $3,600
DraftKings = $3,600
Not only will the Trail Blazers be without Lillard on Wednesday, but Maurice Harkless (knee) will also be sidelined. Harkless did not play Tuesday against the Pelicans either, leaving Turner to play 36 minutes. In the 20 games that Turner has logged at least 30 minutes this season, he is averaging 11.8 points, four rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals. He doesn’t cost much, possibly making him worth the risk in tournament play.
POWER FORWARDS
Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at MEM
FanDuel = $6,500
DraftKings = $6,100
Aminu is coming on strong down the stretch for the Trail Blazers, averaging 12 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.9 three-pointers in his last seven games. While he only has a 14.6% usage rate this season, he could get a few more shot attempts with Lillard out Wednesday. Even with his limited offensive upside, he provides enough on the boards and defensively to make him a viable option for your entry.
Larry Nance Jr., CLE at CHA
FanDuel = $5,500
DraftKings = $5,000
Kevin Love left Tuesday’s game against the Heat in the first half and did not return after being evaluated for a concussion. Nance only scored four points in that game but managed to grab 10 rebounds and block one shot in just 18 minutes. If Love is deemed to have a concussion, don’t expect him to be on the floor Wednesday. As a result, Nance could see a significant role against a Hornets team that plays at the eighth-fastest pace (100.6 possessions per game) in the league.
CENTERS
Nerlens Noel, DAL at LAL
FanDuel = $5,900
DraftKings = $4,700
Noel was rested Tuesday in the first game of the Mavericks back-to-back set, which is something the team has usually done since his return from injury. Expect him to return to the lineup Wednesday with Salah Mejri possibly getting the night off. Noel doesn’t score much, but he has averaged eight rebounds, 3.7 steals and two blocks in his last three games. Keep an eye on his status leading up to tipoff as he can provide value at this reasonable price.
Boban Marjanovic, LAC at PHO
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $3,200
If you are playing in a tournament, you have to take risks. Marjanovic certainly falls into that category. He hasn’t played much lately, logging 19 total minutes in his last three games. However, the Clippers will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back set Wednesday against a terrible Suns team that could be without their two best players. The Suns also allow the fifth-most points per game on both FanDuel and DraftKings to opposing centers. With per-36 minutes averages of 24.2 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks this season, Marjanovic could pay off in a big way if he gets added minutes in a blowout.
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/27/18
*Austyn Varney*
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/27/18
NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Sleepers Lineup Picks for 3/6/18. Put the picks into our lineup optimizer and generate lineups. Find out how to create your own floors and ceilings in Mike’s new videos on our Facebook Group. If you need any help in fantasy or just want to come join in on the fun we highly recommend requesting a join. 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 George Hill and Patrick Patterson.
Use Code “LAB60” at checkout for 60% off Seasonal Package
Point Guard
Quinn Cook
FD $6,000 DK $5,900
We’ll kick things off Golden State with Quinn Cook. He struggled when first handed the starting gig, but has flipped that to the extreme and is dominating on a nightly basis. Curry is going to miss all the way through the first round of the playoffs, so Cook is going to have a cemented role on this team and it’s not going anywhere. He’s been over 34 minutes in 3 of the last 5 games and has come through with 30+ fantasy points in 5 of those 5. He now sees a match-up with the Pacers, who rank 22nd against the point guard position and haven’t improved since the break (26th). Cook is going to have another productive night and the $6k price tag isn’t a worry for me. Let’s go a little cheaper.
Yogi Ferrell
FD $3,900 DK $4,200
Maybe this isn’t the place, but I just want an explanation as to why J.J. Barea misses what seems like 40 games a season and none of them are ever for the same reason. Get yourself together, dude. Either way, he’s out again tonight and Yogi Ferrell will draw the obvious benefit. Already seeing 25 or so minutes a night, this will put him around the 35 number. His price is fair on both sites and you’re looking for 25 fantasy points in cash games. Against De’Aaron Fox defense, that really shouldn’t be so hard. Ferrell isn’t anything special when on the floor, but he’s average 1.13 fantasy points per minute. He’s a great play in all formats and I like Quinn Cook just a tad bit more with the prices considered.
Shooting Guard
Nick Young
FD $4,800 DK $4,800
Young is going to continue seeing huge minutes with Klay Thompson out. He’s been over 30 minutes in 5 of the last 6 games and has been over 36 in 4 of them. 40+ in 2 of them. He’s not the most consistent player when on the floor and he is rather reliant on his jumper, so you can’t be too comfortable in cash games. With that being said, he can go for 40 on any night and it doesn’t really matter who he’s facing. Tonight, it’s the Pacers. They rank 22nd against shooting guards and play fast. Perfect for Swaggy P. His price has risen, but he’s still a value on both sites and a good play in all formats. Let’s move up the price range a little bit.
Eric Gordon
FD $5,600 DK $7,200
Eric Gordon is a tiny bit expensive for a value article, but he’s going to be one of the more popular plays on this slate and rightfully so. He’s going to draw the start for resting James Harden and figures to grab an extra 5-10 shots and minutes. There will be plenty available and we know Gordon has no reservations about shooting a ton. He matches up with a Bulls squad that rank 25th against the position. With a 220 total, there are plenty of fantasy points to go around and we know Gordon is going to get over 30. He’s a lock in both my cash games and tournaments, but do understand the fade for other Rockets.
Small Forward
Joe Johnson and Gerald Green
FD $3,500 – $3,700 DK $3,800 – $4,700
These 2 guys have already been picking up 25-32 minutes a game, so this injury news on the Rockets isn’t just about minutes for these guys. I’m sure they’ll each grab a few minutes with Harden, Mbah a Moute, and Capela all out, but it’s more about the shots up for grab now. With Harden out, you know both Gerald Green and Joe Johnson are going to have some fun when the ball is in their hands. Much like a guy like Michael Beasley, they are automatic production with the ball in their hands. It’s not necessarily good for the team, but these Rockets are good enough to overcome some me-ball from Johnson and Green. I honestly love both and will have a ton of exposure in all formats. This Rockets squad is the top value on the day and these guys are right in the center of it. Still cheap on both sites, don’t be afraid to plug either of those guys into your lineup.
David Nwaba
FD $4,800 DK $4,700
Here’s what we’re working with. Nwaba is currently picking up 25 minutes a night. Denzel Valentine is questionable. If Valentine is in, Nwaba is a nominal play at 25 minutes. He’s fine in cash, but doesn’t blow anyone away. Now if Valentine sits, we’ve seen the Bulls play Nwaba upwards of 35-40 minutes. He is productive when on the floor and has the ability to put up 40 fantasy points with ease. The match-up with Houston is a great one, as it’ll be guys like Gerald Green and Joe Johnson covering him. Ariza and Paul will be on the better players. Nwaba is just under $5k on both sites and one of the top plays in all formats if Valentine is out. Pay attention on Twitter and make sure Valentine is ruled out before plugging Nwaba in everywhere.
Power Forward
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 03: Cheick Diallo #13 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Nikola Mirotic #44 of the Chicago Bulls during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 3, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Cheick Diallo
FD $4,300 DK $4,000
We start off with a very contingent Cheick Diallo at power forward. With Nikola Mirotic out last game, Diallo picked up 25 minutes and put up 34 fantasy points. 30 of those fantasy points came in 14 minutes in the 2nd half. Wow. He has a ton of upside in the right spot and is safe if given the opportunity. Tonight, Nikola Mirotic is questionable and it all depends on his status. If Miro is out, Diallo is going to pick up 25 minutes again and makes sense in all formats. If he plays, I have no interest in Diallo at all.
Tarik Black
FD $3,500 DK $3,000
Along with Harden, Clint Capela is going to take a rest tonight. He plays 26-30 minutes on most nights and is a huge interior presence for this team. The two candidates to take his minutes are Nene Hilario and Tarik Black. Hilario is where you assume they go, but he’s old and coming off of injury. The point of this game is to rest the team, not put an old man right back on the injury report. That’s why I suspect it’ll be the youngin Tarik Black, who won’t touch the floor in the playoffs. He could easily pick up 25 minutes tonight against Felicio and post a quick double-double. I’ll be way over the field at 50% and don’t hate dieing on this branch. As a worst-case scenario, he sees 20 minutes and put up 15 fantasy points. Best case is 26 minutes and 30-35 FP. He’s minimum around the industry and an elite play because of it.
Center
Kosta Koufos
FD $3,800 DK $4,400
There’s only one center I have much love for under $6k. Koufos picked up 32 and 25 minutes over the last two games and has been excellent in both. The 55 fantasy points a few nights ago is obviously lofty expectations, but that isn’t what we need. He’s around $4k on both sites and you only really need 20 to make you extremely happy. The Kings are one of the weakest interiors in all of the league and Koufos won’t have trouble when in there. Expect another 20-25 fantasy points and don’t be surprised if he gets up to that 30 mark. Good luck tonight and comment below with any questions!