Are you getting ready for conference championship weekend in the NFL? Do the weekend’s many great college basketball games have your attention? If so, great! But there’s time to kill before Saturday’s and Sunday’s festivities. This Friday, you can overwhelm yourself with NBA games and FanDuel wagering.
The NBA’s five-game slate provides plenty of players to craft a winning DFS lineup. Nailing that perfect lineup requires careful consideration, but finding the balance between expensive, elite players and affordable, productive players is key.
Before you go big-game hunting for the stars, let us help you spot all of the inexpensive players that’ll add value to your lineup.
All prices via FanDuel.com
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Point Guards
Cole Anthony – Orlando Magic ($5,700)
Anthony has moved to a reserve role but is still a good enough player to make things happen when he gets in the game. He’ll have a few highlight plays, and before you know it, he may have put together a 14-point, six-assist type of performance. I like his upside as a momentum changer off the bench.
Victor Oladipo – Miami Heat ($6,100)
If you had to list the best-performing guards on the Miami Heat this season from top to bottom, you probably wouldn’t name many folks before getting to Victor Oladipo. He’s healthy, playing well and productive in the extended minutes he’s seeing. Oladipo will probably end up in double-figure points, but whether or not he’s able to come up with steals will determine what kind of fantasy impact he has on Friday.
Shooting Guards
Dillon Brooks – Memphis Grizzlies ($5,400)
The Grizzlies are reeling at the moment and could really use a spark. That spark could come from the always-competitive Dillon Brooks, who’s on the court for 30 or more minutes on a nightly basis. He’s never been a model for consistency, but with his volume, there’s always a chance he could rack up a bunch of points. I’d take a swing on Brooks for the price.
Jalen Williams – Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,900)
Lu Dort is out, so expect the impressive rookie guard to continue leaving his mark on games and making his presence felt in DFS lineups.
Small Forwards
Khris Middleton – Milwaukee Bucks ($6,000)
Khris Middleton is back on the court, but he’s not back to being himself yet (hence the low price tag). But he will be at some point as the minute restrictions and rust fade away. If you think that’s Friday night against Indiana, take a flier.
Benedict Mathurin – Indiana Pacers ($6,200)
Speaking of Indiana, the Pacers’ rookie Bennedict Mathurin has found himself again after slowing up a bit following his hot start to the season. He scored 23 or more points in each of the last three games and 32 or more fantasy points over that same period.
Don’t be afraid to roll the dice on the rookie.
Power Forwards
As Steven Adams will be on the sidelines for some weeks with a PCL sprain, Brandon Clarke has never been more important to the Memphis Grizzlies. He will play quite a bit until Adams returns, which opens up the door for him to use his athleticism to impact both ends of the floor. He’s a potential steal on Friday night at $5,600.
Precious Achiuwa – Toronto Raptors ($5,500)
I’m impressed with how quickly Achiuwa has gotten comfortable after returning to the lineup from a long injury absence. His performances on the court are reflected in his recent few games. If Achiuwa can keep on playing how he’s been, make sure you get him at this good deal ahead of Friday’s slate.
Centers
Brook Lopez – Milwaukee Bucks ($6,500)
Lopez might not consistently be at the Defensive Player of the Year level that he was playing at to begin the season, but he can still reach that level on any given night. That night could be tonight, which would complement his scoring and added usage well, as Bobby Portis’s new injury will open up more minutes from Lopez.
Kevon Looney – Golden State Warriors ($6,000)
Looney is just that ol’ reliable player you can count on to go out there and be solid. Hey, sometimes he’ll be more than solid, which should give FanDuel players like yourself a little extra to think about.
