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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays |Stay Aways |The Bargain Bin, April 8th

Just six days left in the NBA’s regular season and Friday marks the second busiest day remaining with ten games on the slate. Somebody from last weeks article goes right back into the stay away section while the must plays won’t break the bank.

Must Plays

Nikola Vucevic – C ($7,100) vs Miami Heat

Don’t be alarmed that Nikola Vucevic is coming off of the bench. Coach Scott Skiles realizes that Vucevic is one of his best offensive weapons and has been deploying him as such. The best part about taking Vucevic tonight against the Heat is his track record against them. Earlier this season he posted a monster stat line of 22 points, 10 boards, 6 assists and 3 steals. Miami gives up an average of over 20 points to opposing centres so the big man should have a big day against the Heat.

Julius Randle – PF ($6,000) @ New Orleans Pelicans

Julius Randle is coming off of a career high 20 rebounds against the Clippers. He’s had 10 or more rebounds in four straight including two double doubles along the way. I love his matchup against Alexis Ajinca who isn’t a particularly strong rebounder. I’ll be very shocked if Randle doesn’t finish the night with a big double double.

Stay Aways

Giannis Antetokounmpo – SF ($9,700) @ Boston Celtics

The most expensive player on the slate tonight is also the biggest trap of the night. The Boston Celtics are a top 15 defensive team and they guard the small forward position particularly well. Antetokounmpo has run into this three times already this year, being limited to an average of 14.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. At $9,700, there’s no way he hits value tonight.

LaMarcus Aldridge – PF ($7,800) @ Denver Nuggets

Denver might not be a very good team this year but that hasn’t stopped LaMarcus Aldridge from struggling against them. In three games this year, he’s averaged just 10 points to go with eight rebounds. He’s shown some crazy inconsistency this year and only has four trips to the free throw line against the Nuggets as well.

The Bargain Bin

Norman Powell – SG ($3,800) vs Indiana Pacers

As long as Norman Powell keeps getting starts, you should keep pumping him into your lineup. In his last game against the Hawks he averaged 31 minutes, the third most on the team. Minutes equals production and Powell keeps on producing

Tyler Ennis – PG ($3,600) @ Boston Celtics

Tyler Ennis is playing for next year. With all the injuries to the Bucks, Ennis has seen his playing time over the last two games average at 29 minutes. In what should be a fast paced game versus the Celtics, Ennis has potential to get 25 or more DraftKings points.

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any NBA DFS or season long questions, feel free to contact me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, April 1st

Draft all of the 76ers. All. Of. Them. April Fools! Seriously, don’t do that. 10 games in the association tonight and below I’ll outline the biggest must plays, stay aways and who you should scoop up from the bargain bin.

Must Plays

Hassan Whiteside – C ($8,700) @ Sacramento Kings

While DeMarcus Cousins is off serving a one game suspension thanks to getting his 16th technical foul because of this, the paint becomes Hassan Whiteside’s to rule. I was already going to get some exposure to this game (Sacramento cannot play defence) but this further solidifies it. Whiteside was able to put up 30 DraftKings points against the Kings the last time they played…. in 18 minutes. Whiteside is a must play in GPP’s and cash formats.

Carmelo Anthony – SF ($8,500) vs Brooklyn Nets

The continued absence of Kristaps Porzingis only means Carmelo Anthony’s production goes up. Out of ‘Melos last four games, he’s only had less than 43 DraftKings points once. Out of his last six games, the fewest shot attempts he’s had in a single match was 17. Carmelo is firing away and you shouldn’t hesitate to put him in your lineup. Oh and by the way… Brooklyn is the fourth worst team in the NBA.

Stay Aways

Giannis Antetokounmpo – SF ($9,100) vs Orlando Magic

Giannis Antetokounmpo has found himself under the stay away category for the second week in a row. He’s starting to regress into his early season form and has only scored 18 points in his last two games. He’s shot the ball 14 times in that span and has only sunk six shots. In order to hit value, the Greek Freak needs to hit at least 45 points in cash games. It won’t happen.

Karl-Anthony Towns – C ($8,600) @ Utah Jazz

The Timberwolves have been exciting to watch as of late. Their young roster has a great offence. How does the old adage go? “Defence wins games”. For Utah, they’ve got the defence part down pat (they give up the second least points per game at 96.2). Karl-Anthony Towns has to go up against Rudy Gobert tonight who has been a rebounding machine lately, picking up 18 and 19 boards in his last two games. Not only do I not like Towns tonight, but I’m just not a fan of the whole T-Wolves roster against the Jazz.

The Bargain Bin

Cody Zeller – C ($4,000) vs Philadelphia 76ers

I have to keep picking on the 76ers. It makes no sense to me why Cody Zeller is $4,000. He just picked up a double double against the 76ers on the 29th of March and his pricing only went up by $300. When Carl Landry is the opposing center, most players will have a field day. Expect Zeller to go off again.

Terrence Ross – SF ($3,400) @ Memphis Grizzlies

Terrence Ross has scored 13 points in three straight games. Tonight the Raptors play a banged up Grizzlies squad. This game could easily get out of hand which would lead to more minutes to bench players. Kyle Lowry is dealing with an elbow injury so you can bet Dwayne Casey will do anything to rest his starters once Toronto builds a lead. Ross is currently in Coach Casey’s good books so look for Ross to get 25 or more minutes.

Thanks for reading! If you have any NBA DFS or season long questions, feel free to contact me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays-Stay Aways-Bargain Bin-March 25th

Nine games in the NBA tonight and not one team is on the latter end is of a back-to-back. Do fresh legs for one star mean he’s worth his lofty price of $9,600? Teams are also getting ready to head into the playoffs so your value now lies in not only who’s starting, but also who is still getting a ton of minutes. Below I’ll break down all the must plays, stay aways and who’s in the bargain bin for tonights slate in the association.

Must Plays

Klay Thompson – SG ($6,800) vs Dallas Mavericks

Klay Thompson priced this low is something that needs to be exploited. After having a .571% field goal percentage last night (While throwing up 21 shot attempts), I expected his price to go up by more than $100. Over the last five games, the Mavericks have given up the 5th most DraftKings points to opposing shooting guards per game (48.9). Thompson has also been heating up beyond the arc, hitting 12 of his last 15 over the previous two games. Three pointers in DraftKings give you a nice little bonus too. Thompson is a no-brainer tonight.

DeMar DeRozan – SG ($7,800) @ Houston Rockets

Playing whoever James Harden is supposed to guard in DFS is almost automatic every time. It’s more automatic now more than ever. James Harden simply does not play defence. DeMar DeRozan has had success against the Rockets before, too. In their last matchup, 19 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists and two steals – he stuffed the stat sheet. Look for him to do the same thing tonight.

 

Stay Aways

Giannis Antetokounmpo – SF ($9,600) @ Atlanta Hawks

Price-wise, Giannis Antetokounmpo represents the “best SF” on the board. He should be the biggest fade tonight. At his price, he needs about 58 points in order for him to hit value while placing in a GPP. Atlanta does an admirable job guarding opposing small forwards, giving up the 21st most DraftKings points per game over the last five (40.1). Fade off of the highly-owned Antetokounmpo.

LaMarcus Aldridge – PF ($7,100) vs Memphis Grizzlies

Everyone is going to own LaMarcus Aldridge tonight in cash and GPP’s. You need to fade off of him. There’s a good chance he only gets about 25 minutes against a beaten up Grizzlies squad after the Spurs get a 10+ point lead. His production has started to dip as well, only scoring eight points and pulling down five boards against the Heat on Wednesday. At $7,100, I don’t see Aldridge hitting value.

The Bargain Bin

Omri Casspi – SF ($4,200) vs Phoenix Suns

Sacramento players are great for DFS, awful if you expect them to win a lot. They score a ton. 106.4 points per game, good for third most in the league. They also give up a ton of points. 109.2 points against per game, the most in the league. Who’s second worst? The Suns at 107.6 points against per game. This game is going to be an absolute shootout where points are going to come from everywhere. Get in on the action by taking Casspi who has been getting fed constant minutes regardless if he’s starting or not.

Jerryd Bayless – PG ($3,800) @ Atlanta Hawks

The Bucks have a very shorthanded backcourt. No OJ Mayo, no Michael Carter-Williams, no Greivis Vasquez. Enter Jerryd Bayless. He’s the only experienced option left for Milwaukee and they’re forced to give him a ton of playing time. In 33 minutes against the Cavs in their last game, he put up 15 points and five rebounds. If he can get you anywhere between 19-23 points, that’s value for his price.
Thanks for reading! If you have any NBA DFS or season long questions, feel free to contact me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, March 18th

Friday is an exciting night for some of the top players in the NBA. Unfortunately in DFS, I’m off of three of the biggest names. They just won’t hit value. Tonight I found a pair of players from the same team in the bargain bin that should get an extended run. I’ll also breakdown the biggest must plays for tonight’s slate including a player that has been thriving since the trade deadline.

 

Must Plays:

Tobias Harris – SF ($6,300) vs Sacramento

Tobias Harris has been loving life as a Piston. He has a more defined role under head coach Stan Van Gundy and is shooting the ball a ton. Take away a dud versus the Wizards on the 14th and he hasn’t had less than 30 DraftKings points in five games. Against a Sacramento Kings defence that is downright terrible, Harris is an absolute must in your lineup tonight.

Toney Douglas – PG ($5,100) vs Portland

New Orleans’ backcourt is seriously banged up. That’s bad news for Pelicans fans but great news for DFS players. Toney Douglas has been reaping the benefits of being a starter and has recently torched the Warriors by putting up a line of 22 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Against a Trail Blazer team who struggles at defending guards, Douglas is in for a big night.

Stay Aways:

Russell Westbrook – PG ($10,500) @ Philadelphia
Stephen Curry – PG ($10,300) @ Dallas
Damian Lillard – PG ($9,200) @ New Orleans

Your eyes are reading this correctly. I’m telling you to stay away from the three best point guards in the NBA tonight. Why? It’s simple. They won’t hit value. In a cash game you need about 275 points on an average night. That means Westbrook needs about 58 DraftKings points, Curry 57 & Lillard about 51. That’s just in cash. In GPP’s you need about 300 points or more to even place and that means you need much more production from this trio. Westbrook also carries the possibility to get some rest tonight in Philly if the score gets out of hand. Curry always packs that possibility no matter the opponent and Lillard is on the latter half of a back-to-back after spending last night in New Orleans.

The Bargain Bin:

Bismack Biyombo – C ($4,600) vs Boston

I will play Bismack Biyombo until one of two things happens. First – his price exceeds $5,500. Second – Jonas Valanciunas returns as the starter. Until then, keep pumping the big man into your lineup. During his last game vs Indiana he set a Raptors franchise record by hauling down 25 rebounds. At this point, playing Biyombo is a no-brainer.

Cory Joseph – PG ($3,800) vs Boston

It’s been widely speculated that Kyle Lowry will get some rest heading into the playoffs. He didn’t sit last night against Indiana which leads many to believe he will tonight against Boston. If he does, the only other true point guard the Raptors have not named Delon Wright is Cory Joseph. He’ll log a ton of minutes if Lowry isn’t active and we all know that minutes = opportunity and opportunity = DraftKings points!

BUT… if Kyle Lowry does play

Larry Nance Jr. – PF ($3,300) vs Phoenix

Larry Nance Jr. might not be starting for the Lakers but he’s still getting playing time. He hasn’t had less than 20 minutes in four straight contests. Phoenix gives up an average of 52 DK points to opposing power forwards per game over the last five. In a battle of two of the leagues worst teams, Larry Nance Jr. should get a chance to produce.

 

Thanks for reading DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, March 18th! If you have any NBA DFS or season long questions, feel free to contact me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, March 11th

Friday night is basketball night! The association is packed with ten games for you to choose from. I’ll breakdown the must plays of tonight, the stay aways and who you should dive into the bargain bin for.

Must Plays:

Brook Lopez – C – ($7,800) @ Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers are bad. I shouldn’t have to tell you this. They’re also pretty bad at defence in the paint. Brook Lopez should be able to have his way against Philly’s bigs. Only once in his last four games has he attempted less than 17 shots. While the 76ers have given up 65.3 DK points over the last five to opposing centres, Brook Lopez should be firmly placed in your lineup.

Damian Lillard – PG – ($9,800) @ Golden State Warriors

If the Trail Blazers have a shot at beating the Warriors (which they do), it’ll rest solely on Damian Lillard’s shoulders. Ever since the all-star snub (and releasing a song about it) he’s been on fire. Golden State doesn’t defend the point guard position well (54.9 DK points per game over the last five to opposing PG’s). Lillard has played the Warriors twice and has averaged 45.5 points against them. You didn’t read that wrong. Get him in your lineup.

Stay Aways:

James Harden – SG – ($10,600) @ Boston Celtics

James Harden is usually a safe play in cash games but tonight he’s not. He’s struggled against the Celtics strong defence this year. He only produced 21 DK points to go along with just 16 points and 3 assists. In order for Harden to hit value tonight in a cash game, he needs about 42.4 points. I just don’t see that happening. Harden is way too expensive tonight

Marvin Williams – PF – ($5,400) vs Detroit Pistons

Please fade Marvin Williams. His ownership has been through the roof because he’s been pretty consistent (minus a dud against the Pacers). Williams has been making opponents pay with his mobility and his ability to spread the floor. Someone who does that as well? Tobias Harris. Detroit looks like a way better team with Harris and Andre Drummond roaming the paint. Marvin Williams will produce a dud

The Bargain Bin:

Jason Smith – PF – ($3,500) @ Sacramento Kings

With DeMarcus Cousins taking a seat for screaming at George Karl, that leaves Jason Smith as a very good option against a banged up Kings team. Aaron Gordon would be the play here BUT he’s just way too expensive at $6,700. Smith isn’t afraid to shoot the ball. He’s thrown up 22 shots over his last two games and has hit value on his very low price. I don’t expect that to stop tonight.

Avery Bradley – SG – ($4,700) vs Houston Rockets

My favourite play. The “Whoever James Harden is Guarding” play. Avery Bradley is perfect for this category. He loves to toss up three pointers and DraftKings rewards you for drafting three point shooters. In limited time the last time Boston squared off against the Rockets, Bradley picked up 21 points on his way to a 28.3 DK point performance. He should match that and then produce more tonight.

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any NBA DFS or season long questions, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, March 4th

Very busy night in the association with ten games on the slate. That means there’s plenty of options for you to build your lineup around. Keep reading DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin for March 4th below to find out who you should use, who you should stay away from and who you should pick out of the bargain bin.

Must Plays:

Elfrid Payton – PG – ($5,200) vs Phoenix Suns

If anybody absolutely has to be in your lineup tonight, its Elfrid Payton. He has torched the Suns in the past (12 points, 10 assists, 5 steals, 40.8 DK points) and Phoenix hasn’t improved since. Even if Evan Fournier returns to the lineup tonight, the only major source of offence Orlando will have is Payton and Victor Oladipo. Fournier will need a couple games to become an effective DFS option again. At Payton’s low price, picking him is a no-brainer.

Luol Deng – SF – ($6,200) @ Philadelphia 76ers

Even though Luol Deng is listed as a small forward on DraftKings, he’s actually playing power forward for the Heat. Philadelphia can’t guard the power forward position well at all. With Chris Bosh out of the lineup, Deng has scooped up his offensive production. He’s gone eight straight games with 10 or more shot attempts in each contest. Against a bad 76ers squad, he should continue to shoot the ball a ton.

Al Horford – C – ($7,400) @ Los Angeles Lakers

Picking on bad teams is fun. Al Horford should have the paint all to himself tonight against the Lakers. Over the last five games, LA has given up an average of 61.1 DK points to opposing centers. Horford should be able to easily bully his way through Roy Hibbert and snag you some DK points.

Stay Aways:

Damian Lillard – PG – ($9,000) @ Toronto Raptors

There is almost no way that Damian Lillard reaches value tonight against the Raptors. Toronto gives up the third least points per night to point guards at 19.4 and the third lowest field goal percentage at 40.1%. At his lofty price of $9,000, you can find better value on the board instead of Lillard.

Nicolas Batum – SG – ($6,600) vs Indiana Pacers

Nicolas Batum has been incredibly streaky this year. He performs great in favorable matchups and then disappears into mediocrity for the rest. He’s actually playing small forward for the Hornets and that means he’s slated to go head to head against Paul George for most of the night. That’s not favorable at all.

The Bargain Bin:

Matthew Dellavedova – PG – ($3,700) vs Washington Wizards

With Mo Williams sidelined with an injury, Matthew Dellavedova immediately becomes the Cavaliers backup point guard. He’s not afraid to shoot the ball and he’s had some success versus Washington this season. In three games this year, he’s averaged about 20 DK points per contest. At his price, that’s exceeding value.

Anthony Brown – SF – ($3,000) vs Atlanta Hawks

This is a contrarian play, a bargain bin play and a “keep an eye out if Kobe Bryant is going to start” play. When Kobe is out, Anthony Brown takes all of his minutes. The problem is, he hasn’t been able to produce on the offensive side of the ball… yet. Atlanta is a middle of the pack team when it comes to guarding opposing small forwards. If Kobe is out, Brown is a great option in GPP’s.

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions regarding NBA DFS or even your season long leagues, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter (@BESTofMATT)

 

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, February 26

Eight games in the association tonight leaves you a ton of options when picking your DraftKings NBA lineup. Continue reading and find out what players you should build your lineup around and what players you should avoid.

 

Must Plays:

Kyle Lowry – PG – ($8,400) vs Cleveland Cavaliers

There’s no doubt that Kyle Lowry is the heart and soul of the Raptors on and off the court. He always seems to bring his A-game against more difficult opponents. He’s shown twice this year vs the Cavaliers that he always steps up (18-30 FGA/FGM, .455 3P%, averaging 25 points, 8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 3 steals). At $8,400, Lowry is someone you can reasonably build your lineup around.

Kristaps Porzingis – PF – ($6,500) vs Orlando Magic

This is locked in as not only the best power forward play of the night but also the contrarian play of the night. People will see Porzingis’ name next to dunk-master Aaron Gordon and flock towards him. You should stick with Porzingis. Orlando has a ton of players that love to drive to the net and that means Porzingis might have a block party. In two games played against the Magic earlier this year – Porzingis is averaging five blocks per game. Slide the big Latvian in your GPP lineups and even in some cash ones too.

Tristan Thompson – PF – ($5,400) @ Toronto Raptors

Here’s the thing. The Raptors (Specifically Jonas Valanciunas and Luis Scola) can’t play defence against big men. That bodes well for rebounding machine Tristan Thompson. While Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan throw up shots all game, Thompson will be under the net ready to gobble up all the rebounds.

Stay Aways:

Victor Oladipo – SG – ($7,000) @ New York Knicks

Victor Oladipo is dealing with a bruised thigh but is still good to play. That is terrible for fantasy value. You might peek at his game log and think I’m crazy because he’s put up 40+ DK Points in two of his last four games but look again and look at his minutes. There’s no way Oladipo plays close to 40 minutes on a bruised thigh which severely impacts his value in DFS

Bradley Beal – SG – ($6,400) @ Philadelphia 76ers

This is the classic “trap” pick. Bradley Beal looks like a great option at $6,400 against a bad 76ers squad but dig a little deeper and you’ll see that he’s just over priced. Beal has not looked like himself at all over the last three games, going a combined 18/49 from the field for a FG% of .367. He’s too cold and will be too highly owned based on his matchup. Stay away until Beal figures it out.

The Bargain Bin:

Doug McDermott – SF – ($4,000) @ Atlanta Hawks

With Derrick Rose listed as questionable going into Fridays game, Doug McDermott immediately slides up the offensive priority list. He might not be the starter but I can guarantee you he’s not only better than the 35 year-old Mike Dunleavy but will also shoot the ball a heck of a lot more.

Patrick Patterson – PF – ($3,900) vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Luis Scola will not play a majority of the game because the man cannot play defence. Insert Patrick Patterson. He’s already been averaging more minutes and more points than Scola over the month of February and that won’t change against the high octane offence that Cleveland has.

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions regarding NBA DFS or NBA season long leagues, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter @BESTofMATT

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DraftKings NBA DFS Must Plays, Stay Aways & The Bargain Bin, November 18

10 games on the schedule for DraftKings NBA DFS so there’s plenty of selection tonight. The trick is finding out who you can blow the bank on, who you need to avoid like the plague & who you can pull out of the bargain bin.

Must Plays:

Damien Lillard ($8,800) @ Houston Rockets

With the Trailblazers and Rockets projected point total at 211.5, it makes it the second highest projection next to the Pelicans and Thunder game. All signs are pointing to a big night from Lillard. Houston ranks 28th in the NBA giving up a whopping 108.5 points per game. They constantly let opposing point guards put up monster DraftKings points against (52.7). Not to mention that tonight will be the Rockets first game without former head coach Kevin McHale. If you can afford Lillard, slot him into your lineups.

 

Paul George ($9,500) @ Philadelphia 76ers

Projected to be the second lowest scoring game of the night, you typically would want to stay away from this matchup entirely. However; you just can’t do that with the way Paul George is playing. George has gone seven straight games with at least 26 points and hasn’t had less than 40 DK points since November 3rd. He’s been heating up from beyond the arc over his last two games (8/11) and that shouldn’t slow down against a very shorthanded 76ers squad. With George Hill, Rodney Stuckey and Myles Turner out – look for PG to get a lions share of the minutes.

Stay Aways

Rajon Rondo ($8,700) @ Atlanta Hawks

Remember the good ol’ days when Rondo was $5,800? With a price tag up to $8,700, it just doesn’t make sense to blow your budget on a streaky player like Rondo. His last game out against Toronto (with a $8,500 price tag), he struggled to put the ball in the net (TO allows opponent PG’s to only shoot 37.5% from the field). Look for the same production against the Hawks who are right behind the Raptors in that category as well (Opponent PG’s shoot just 39.1% from the field). There are much better options out there.

 

James Harden ($10,000) vs Portland Trail Blazers

No. Just don’t do it. Stay far away. Far, far away. Harden is averaging 27 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds a game but his shooting percentage is atrocious. 37% while turning the ball over nearly five times a game. With a new coach and the Rockets already in desperation mode – expect Harden to throw up way too many shots. Tonight’s not the night for the beard.

 

Bargain Bin

Ben McLemore ($3,100) @ Atlanta Hawks

McLemore has seemed to have found his shot over the last two games. What a coincidence, as he’s started the previous two matches as well. He’s up against Kyle Korver who may be rested because of Atlanta’s back to back situation. Over the last five games, the Hawks have given up the 11th most DK points to shooting guards (45.3). Want some salary relief? Get some McLemore in your lineup

 

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions for me (Last minute DFS adjustments, start/sit, what you should make for supper) feel free to reach out on Twitter (@BESTofMATT) and I’ll be more than happy to help you out.

 

 

 

 

 

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DraftKings NBA DFS Plays

DraftKings NBA DFS Plays

For October 29th 2014

Well the first big slate of NBA games is upon us and a lot of NBA DFS players are going to be surprised that DraftKings has eliminated multi-position eligibility to start the season.  The ability to fit in all of your favorite players will be greatly hampered, but it should actually help the average and beginner DFS player.  Why would this help me?  Because the better players who make a living playing this game fully understand just how thin each position is and where the best value to slot a player in would be.

My favorite plays tonight-

PG

Tony Wroten-Philadelphia 76ers- 4500-Wroten should be starting in the absence of Michael Carter-Williams and is a nice source for DFS points.  He’ll be facing a depleted Indiana Pacers and should have most of the offense run through him.  The lack of scorers and efficient shooters hurts his ceiling, but he should hit well above value.

Russell Westbrook– OKC Thunder- 10200-  When you’re looking at playing a player with this type of price tag you have to look at their ability to hit value.  The entire offense will run through Westbrook on the absence of Kevin Durant.  Westbrook has the ability to put up a triple double even with Durant in the lineup and without him he should approach one every night.  He may lose some easy assists without Durant there, but he will also pick up scoring and rebounds.  Reggie Jackson is also sidelined tonight, so his breaks will be short.

Derrick Rose– Chicago Bulls- 7400- Rose makes his return in New York and will want to put on a show.  With Jimmy Butler sidelined he could put up a very nice line with a decent discount.  Keep an eye on him for the utility slot if you can’t fade Westbrook.

SG-

Eric Bledsoe-Phoenix Suns- 7000- Bledsoe can put up numbers in bunches and gets the Lakers on the back end of a back to back.  I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t mind watching him fly by Jeremy Lin all night.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-Detroit Pistons-3600- KCP had a big Summer League showing and looked like a solid play all preseason before he injured his knee.  With him healthy enough to play he should get decent minutes, especially with Jodie Meeks sidelined.  He will be the only outside shooter on the court for the Pistons.

SF- If you’re not going Melo at 9200 (which is a good buy) you have some nice punt options

CJ Miles- Indiana Pacers- 3800- Miles is starting at the shooting guard position and could also slide to the SF slot when Stuckey comes off the bench.  Stuckey is on a minutes limit and the Pacers starting roster looks bad to open the season, especially with George Hill sidelined.

Otto Porter Jr. – Washington Wizards- 3000-  Porter Jr. is going to see minutes at the two and the three on opening night and can contribute in a bunch of categories.  Wall needs a running mate with Beal sidelined and I like Porter Jr.’s opportunity tonight.

PF-

LaMarcus Aldridge– Portland Trailblazers-9200- The price seems a little low if you think about the numbers Aldridge puts up, but he does face an elite defender in Serge Ibaka tonight.  I don’t see a ton of upside in this play, but it’s pretty safe for a cash game.

Ed Davis-LA Lakers- 3900- Davis went for 11 ponts-6 rebounds-1 steal and 2 blocks yesterday against Houston and now will be counted on a lot more with Julius Randle going down.  Boozer isn’t getting any younger and might not be able to log that many minutes in the second game of a back to back.  Davis also gets to play the five and it doesn’t hurt him against the Suns who play small.

Marcus Morris-Phoenix Suns- 3600- The second Morris should start at the small forward position and play some four against the smallish Lakers.  Morris had a nice preseason and will want to have a good showing with the chance for him to grab a full time starting role.  He’s an interesting play with the rotation down a few players that could eat into his minutes.

C-

Al Jefferson– Charlotte Hornets- 9100- Big Al started out of the gates slowly last season, but in the second half he was one of the best DFS plays you could make, especially in cash games.  His big body should be hard to handle for the slender Larry Sanders and John Henson.

Mason Plumlee– Brooklyn Nets- 5400-  Plumlee gets the start for the injured Brook Lopez and he could play a ton of minutes if he can control the fouls.  Plumlee is a double double waiting to happen with his hustle and leaping ability, but he actually looked a lot better of the summer.  He develped a nice little jump hook and hung with the best the USA had to offer.

Samuel Dalembert-New York Knicks- 4000- Dalembert gets the nod due to heavy minutes to start the season.  The Knicks need a rim protector and Dalembert is it.  He should have a nice rebounding game and you just need 10 points form him to hit value with his ability to block shots.

Steven Adams– OKC Thunder- 3500- Kendrick Perkins is finally pushed to the bench.  Last year I compared Adams to a great dane because he has know clue just how big he is.  He is a the perfect price to take a chance on tonight, but he is another guy that can hurt you if he gets into foul trouble.  At that price his fouls should be an issue.  Big time double double potential with a few blocks and assists thrown in.

Jason Smith-New York Knicks- 3000- Smith is one to keep an eye on as far as possible starters go.  The rumor is the Knicks could start Smith next to Dalembert.  With Bargnani injured there’s one less body for the rotation.  Acy should see minutes, but Chicago is pretty tall across the back line and the Knicks won’t want to allow them to push them around at home.  He has a lot of upside if he gets the minutes tonight, but Adams is by far the safer play.

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