With only a couple games left in the regular season, there are only a couple of more shots left at hitting a nice score in DFS NBA. Tonight there is a six game slate and the options are scarce, but nevertheless there are still some good value plays and studs available. The Warriors are the only team I’m concerned about, because they don’t have anything to play for at this point as they’ve clinched the west and could end up resting some of their starters. With that said, if Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green play tonight they are in play. However if you decided to roll with any of them, I strongly suggest that you keep an eye on their statuses. Below I’ll go over some of my picks for the NBA Daily Plays.
Point Guards
The Clippers have a big game tonight against the Grizzlies as they still have a chance to move up to the number two seed. Therefore, my top play at point guard is Chris Paul, because I’m not concerned in any way about him being rested. On paper this doesn’t appear like a good matchup because the Grizzlies are a good defending team, but Paul has managed to do just fine against them. In three games played against Memphis, he’s averaging 50.3 fantasy points per game which is six more points than his yearly average. He should be able to continue his strong play again tonight in a very important game for the Clippers. Damian Lillard and Elfrid Payton are the two next guards to consider if you don’t want to pay up for Paul. Of the two, I’d lean more on Lillard despite having the tougher matchup. The Blazers too have something to play for and with Aldridge out, Lillard could see a higher than normal usage rate. Not to mention, he hasn’t struggled against the Jazz. He’s averaging 40 fantasy points in three games against them.
The next player on my radar is Zach LaVine. He’s stepped into the starting role ever since Rubio has been out and has done well. He’s double his season average in points per game in the last 10 games as he is averaging 18.3 real points per game in that span. He’s topped 30 fantasy points in each of the last three games. Keep an eye on what the Warriors decide to do with their starters. Shaun Livingston could end up being a great value play if he gets the start. The Timberwolves allow the fourth most fantasy points per game to point guards and Livingston is just about the minimum salary, so it can potentially be a steal if he is going to play more minutes than the norm.
Shooting Guard
There aren’t many great value plays at shooting guard tonight so paying up for one of the top shooting guards may be your best bet. The two that stand out the most are Dwayne Wade and Victor Oladipo. Wade hasn’t been playing well as of late and had a terrible outing in his last game. However, tonight he faces a team that he has had plenty of success against this season. He’s averaging 42.3 fantasy points per game against the Raptors and with the season on the line, I’m expecting him to come out and give it his all. Most people will likely avoid him because of his recent performances, so he may even be a contrarian play. Oladipo also makes a great play tonight as he has a favorable matchup against the Knicks. In the last 10 games, Oladipo has topped 35 fantasy points in six games. He should be able to continue his strong play tonight.
If you don’t want to pay up for either of the two, J.J. Reddick is a tad cheaper and has also being playing well. He has topped 35 fantasy points in four of the last six games and has scored 25 or more real points four times in that span as well. This is also a game with a lot on the line so I’m expecting him to come out ready to play. A tournament option to consider is Lou Williams. He’s been fairly consistent as of late, but is always capable of that bad game. However, he hasn’t scored less than 20 fantasy points in any of his last 10 games and has topped 30 fantasy points twice in the last four games. If you’re looking for some cap room cushion and a player who has a decent size ceiling in comparison to his salary, he can provide that.
Small Forward
Andrew Wiggins is my favorite small forward tonight. He has scored more than 20 real points in nine of the last 10 games and has scored 29 points in consecutive games. In the last 10 games, he’s topped 40 fantasy points five times, including a 50+ fantasy point game against the Lakers last night. The rookie is really shining bright lately and should finish this season on a high note. I’ll ride the hot hand so long as I can. If you don’t want to roll with Wiggins, I’d look into Luol Deng, Rodney Hood, or Mike Dunleavy. Deng has posted 30 fantasy points in two consecutive games on DraftKings. Like I mentioned with Wade, the Heat’s season is on the line, so I’m expecting Deng to come out strong. At his price he should be able to hit value and also provide you with some wiggle room to spend elsewhere. Hood has put together some solid performances in the last four games. In each of those games, he has topped 25 fantasy points, including two 30+ fantasy point games. His price is low enough where it’s not difficult to hit value. I’d give him a go if you’re intentions are to be frugal at small forward.
Power Forwards
I’m rolling with the player who leads the NBA in double-doubles. Pau Gasol has a favorable matchup tonight against the Sixers. He has dominated them this season as he is averaging 22 points and 14 rebounds against in both games they’ve played, as well as 45 fantasy points per game. He has the best matchup of all high-end power forwards and isn’t the most expensive one. Another solid option is Zach Randolph. He’s struggled as of late as he’s been dealing with a back injury, but has now posted a double-double in consecutive games, so this could mean that he’s feeling better. The matchup is also one that favors him as the Clippers surrender the third most fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards. At his price on DraftKings of $6,600, it’s almost impossible not to plug him into your lineups.
Robert Convington and Tyler Hansbrough are two value plays. Convington is getting the start at shooting guard for the Sixers, but is listed as a small forward on Fan Duel and a power forward on DraftKings. He’s cheaper than $5,400 on both sites. In the last three games he’s topped 22 fantasy points in each of the games, including a 30+ fantasy point game in his last game. He’s only played the Bulls once this season. In that game he played 20 minutes and scored 18 fantasy points, so I’d say if he plays the 27+ minutes he’s been averaging lately he should easily hit value. Hansbrough continued his strong play against the Magic last night. He’s expected to get the start again tonight and remains at a low price. He’s $4,000 on DraftKings and $3,800 on FanDuel, but has topped 30 fantasy points in three straight games. He’s the best value at this position so long as he remains in the starting lineup.
Centers
With most of the top centers playing tough opponents, I’d say that Nikola Vucevic is the best option at this position. In three games this season versus New York, he’s averaging 27 points, 16 boards, and 51.6 fantasy points. The Knicks surrender the fourth most fantasy points per game against centers. He should be able to continue his dominance against the Knicks and crush under boards against them as he’s done all season. My value play at center is Andrew Bogut. This is a great matchup for him as he plays the Timberwolves who surrender the second most fantasy points per game to opposing centers. The only concern I have is the fact that the Warriors could rest some starters, including Bogut. Assuming he plays, he’s a safe bet to continue producing solid numbers. He has topped 25 fantasy points in four of the last six games. The minutes aren’t consistent, but his production has been. He’s affordable and in play.
Good luck to all tonight!
