The NBA Daily Plays for Wednesday, November 18th breaks down the best Stud, Value and GPP plays at each position for FanDuel and DraftKings daily fantasy sports contests. The Stud & Value plays should be considered relatively chalky and are ideal for cash games. The GPP plays dig a little deeper to hopefully find some low owned talent who could pay off big in a tournament. Make sure you check out our NBA projections page to help in your DFS research.
Game Lines
Point Guard
Studs
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder (FD $11,500, DK $12,200) –
It may be tough to roster Westbrook at this price point, but it’s nearly necessary, especially in cash games. He faces an atrocious Pelicans defense, and should dominate on both ends of the floor.
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers (FD $9,200, DK $8,800) –
Damian Lillard will have the pleasure of abusing Ty Lawson’s vulnerable defense tonight, and has the opportunity to put up big numbers. The Rockets are allowing 52.7 FPPG on DraftKings to opposing point guards, where Lillard is still below the $9k salary line.
Values
T.J. McConnell (FD $5,100, DK $5,400) –
George Hill has been ruled out tonight, so McConnell won’t have to deal with his shutdown defense. The rookie logged 34 minutes in his last contest, and it seems that the Sixers have no issues with giving him all the run he can handle.
GPP Plays
Rajon Rondo (FD $7,600, DK $8,700) –
Darren Collison is likely to return tonight, which will cause a lot of people to shy away from Rondo. Don’t make that mistake. Collison will likely be limited in his return, and Rondo will continue to log minutes in the upper-40’s. He has a phenomenal matchup vs. the Hawks tonight, and our spreadsheets project him going off. The point guard is a must-play on FanDuel at his low salary.
Shooting Guard
Studs
Eric Bledsoe, (FD $8,400, DK $8,600) –
Many will avoid Bledsoe due to his defensive matchup, but the Bulls have been very generous towards opposing shooting guards, allowing 52.8 FPPG on DraftKings. Bledsoe is enjoying a career-high 33.9% usage rate this season, and will possess the ball frequently vs. Chicago.
Values
Jeremy Lamb, Charlotte Hornets (FD $4,600, DK $4,500) –
I love Jeremy Lamb. He has completely transformed this year in Charlotte, and no one has taken notice. The guard is shooting the ball very well, and is rebounding at an efficient rate. It’s only a matter of time before he explodes for a 30 point game.
GPP Plays
James Harden (FD $9,900, DK $10,100) –
With many high-priced players on the market today, I believe Harden will go fairly under-owned tonight. The Rockets have been abysmal, and The Beard’s production has taken quite a hit. However, it’s important to remember that Harden can explode at any minute. The Trail Blazers commit 24.6 personal fouls per game on the road this season, a category which Harden’s game depends on.
Small Forward
Studs
Paul George (FD $9,200, DK $9,500) –
The Sixers are a bad team, and Paul George will continue his domination this season. Need I say more?
GPP Plays
Kawhi Leonard (FD $8,500, DK $8,200) –
Small Forward is a gross, barren wasteland tonight, so there aren’t many options to choose from. Paul George should be about 60% owned, so Kawhi makes for a reasonable pivot play. The Nuggets won’t be able to stop him, but the probability of a blowout makes Leonard less appealing.
Power Forward
Studs
Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks (FD $8,300, DK $8,000) –
Millsap will likely get Boogie Cousin’s lackluster defense tonight, which is very appealing. The power forward should rack up the points, but boards may be a different story. It’s almost vital for Jeff Teague to play tonight, as the entire roster of the Hawks struggles without him. Be sure to look for updates on Teague’s status before pulling the trigger on Millsap.
Values
Thaddeus Young, Brooklyn Nets (FD $5,400, DK $5,900) –
I’m a big fan of going value at power forward tonight, as there aren’t many high-priced options available. Thaddeus Young is a fantastic play tonight, as he’ll be underpriced, under-owned, and has a great matchup. The Hornets defense is a liability in the frontcourt, and Young should grab his third double-double in a row.
Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics (FD $5,900, DK $6,000) –
Jared Sullinger had a breakout ’14-15 campaign, and has built upon that success this season. Sullinger may be a bit overpriced, but his dominance on the boards is extremely valuable. He’ll face off against the Mavericks tonight, who are far from intimidating in the post.
Center
Studs
DeMarcus Cousins (FD $10,700, DK $10,300) –
There are a few names to pay up for tonight, and DeMarcus Cousins is one of them. Boogie has been dominant, and is currently on a 3-game streak riding 36 PPG along with 10 RPG. The Hawks have been a defensive sieve down low, and Cousins should continue to play like a superhuman tonight.
GPP Plays
Nikola Vucevic (FD $7,800, DK $7,400) –
Many will pay up for DeMarcus Cousins tonight, and that’ll leave Vucevic as an under-owned gem. The Orlando center has been a force this season, rebounding and scoring at will. The Timberwolves certainly won’t have an answer for him tonight, and I believe he has a great chance to match DeMarcus Cousins’ production (at a much cheaper price).
