And so we’ve come to the end of yet another grueling work week. You know what kicks off the weekend in style? That’s right, FanDuel NBA lineups! We’ve got another loaded slate on deck, and as always, we’ll name values, studs, and fades for the day’s DFS festivities. Let’s get right to it!
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Most Value Per Dollar
There is plenty of value this evening at every position, and if you’re a high-roller, you’re in luck. There are seven players who come in with a $10K+ price tag. I’m not in favor of a stars and scrubs lineup, though. Tonight, I prefer to live in the mid-tier and pay up for one (or potentially two) star if able. The $5K – mid-$6K range is absolutely loaded this evening, so that’s where my values will focus for today’s article. There is one exception on the slate, and that’s center. While I list two centers in the mid-tier among my values, they are two of the only ones I’m targeting. Center is top-loaded as usual, but there are at least five guys at the top who are head-and-shoulders above the rest. I’d recommend paying up for one of them and looking for value elsewhere, but if you’d like to build with a low-cost center, there are enough values in this player pool to make that a great option, too.
Below is a list of the top-10 players of the day expected to generate the most value relative to their salary.
For a full list of over/unders and point spreads, visit BettingPros
Tyrese Haliburton (SG – SAC): $6,700 vs. ORL
Orlando has been absolutely crushed by shooting guards this season, and Haliburton should have no problem living up to his salary and exceeding value in this delicious matchup. Across his last four, the rookie has averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 dimes, 3.8 triples, and 1.8 steals.
Terry Rozier (PG – CHA): $6,400 vs. MIN
Back and healthy in the lineup, Rozier’s minutes and usage aren’t going anywhere. Since returning from a two-game absence, Scary Terry has scored 22.5 points per game (including four triples per contest) to go with a full line. His price is far too low for this spectacular spot against the Wolves.
Al Horford (C – OKC): $6,200 at DEN
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will sit again due to his knee, and Horford should take on another strong workload. Across his last three games played, the veteran posted 21.7 points, 6.7 boards, 6.3 dimes, and 4.0 combined blocks/steals per contest. He’ll look to strike gold in a tougher matchup with the Nuggets tonight.
Jarrett Allen (PF – CLE): $6,000 at POR
Allen’s shared frontcourt time with Andre Drummond is problematic, but the two have actually started Cleveland’s last two games together. Why can’t we be friends? In those contests, Allen has averaged 16.0 points, 7.5 boards, and 1.5 blocks across 30 minutes per game. At $6K, he’s worth a shot against a soft Portland frontcourt.
Buddy Hield (SG – SAC): $5,900 vs. ORL
Just like Haliburton mentioned above, shooting guards excel against Orlando, and Hield is certainly in play tonight. Both he and Haliburton are logging heavy minutes, and Sacramento’s propensity for deploying three-guard lineups has allowed both players to succeed.
Kemba Walker (PG – BOS): $5,500 vs. DET
I’m staying far away from Walker in cash lineups, but as long as he’s in this price range, I’m willing to take some shots in tournaments. Across his last four games, he’s shooting a woeful 31.7% from the floor, but he’s still averaging better than 30 minutes. Will tonight be the night he breaks out of his ice-cold slump?
Michael Porter (SF – DEN): $5,500 vs. OKC
In his third game back in the starting lineup, Porter posted a big 19/5/2 stat line to go with two blocks and two steals. He’s another guy I’ll shy away from in cash lineups given his high and low swings throughout the season, but the upside — especially in this matchup — is undeniable.
Carmelo Anthony (PF – POR): $5,300 vs. CLE
Melo has been scoring like the Melo of old recently, going for at least 21 points in three of his last four games. After moving into 12th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, he’ll look to keep his offense rolling in another solid matchup with Cleveland.
Kenrich Williams (SF – OKC): $5,200 at DEN
Williams has been stellar for the Thunder as of late, averaging 34 minutes across his last four games (three starts). That includes a career-high 24-point performance against the Lakers on Wednesday. Williams should be in line for big minutes tonight as the Thunder continue to deal with a bevy of injuries.
Cody Zeller (C – CHA): $5,200 vs. MIN
Since returning to the starting lineup on Jan. 27, Big Z has averaged 10.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.2 dimes. Tonight, he’ll face the most generous defense for opposing centers, and he’s a nice value at just $5.2K.
Studs Worth Their Salary
- Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) $10,100: This may be the cheapest we’ll be able to get KAT all season, so it’s time to take advantage. After a long layoff, he came back Wednesday and immediately play 30 minutes while notching an 18/10 double-double. This is a fantastic matchup with the Hornets, so the buzz around Towns is understandable.
- Luka Doncic (PG – DAL) $11,200: The Mavs/Pels game is tied for the highest over/under on the slate (233.5), and Doncic headlines a notable group of superstars playing in the contest.
- Khris Middleton (SF – MIL) $8,000: Across his last two games with Jrue Holiday out of action, Middleton has averaged 23.5 points, 11.5 dimes, 6.5 boards, and 2.0 swipes. Holiday will sit again tonight, making Middleton a juicy option at just $8K.
- Russell Westbrook (PG – WAS) $8,700: I’m hesitant to play Russ because of his up-and-down play this season, but with Bradley Beal out, Westbrook is worth mentioning. If I’m setting multiple lineups, I’ll have to get some tournament exposure at this low price, but if I’m going for a single-entry or playing solely cash games, this is a guy I’ll fade.
Notable Players to Fade
- Andre Drummond (C – CLE) $8,200: Say it ain’t so. After featuring Drummond as a value for the last week, his price has gotten too rich for my blood. At $8.2K, he can still hit value, but the difference between the floor and ceiling is too noticeable to make his salary worth while.
- Rudy Gobert (C – UTH) $8,600: Gobert is usually good for a double-double with a couple blocks, but he doesn’t have the high-scoring offense or decent assist totals that give other centers such lofty ceilings. If you want 40-45 FD points, Gobert is your guy, but at $8.6K, that’s barely scraping 5x value. I’ll pass.
- Jayson Tatum (PF – BOS) $9,500: The matchup and the over/under are underwhelming for Tatum, and there are so many quality options across the board where I’d rather spend my money.
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Zachary Hanshew is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.