Showing posts with label Derrick Favors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derrick Favors. Show all posts

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for April 6th

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Sunday's games, Thunder SF Kevin Durant ($11,900) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Sunday (April 6th) FanDuel leagues:

PG - Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks (at IND), $6,500: Teague has put up 35-plus fantasy points in back-to-back outings while averaging 20.5 points and 10.0 assists. While the Pacers have been excellent at defending point guards this season, they have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards over the past 15 days.

PG - Darren Collison, Los Angeles Clippers (vs. LAL), $6,200: While Chris Paul is a must-start as a stud with a great matchup, Collison should be considered here as well especially if Jamal Crawford misses another game. Collison has scored at least 30 fantasy points in four consecutive games and has averaged 21.0 points, 4.5 assists, 3.25 rebounds and 2.75 steals during that stretch.

PG - Reggie Jackson, Oklahoma City Thunder (at PHO), $6,000: Since missing two games, Jackson has averaged 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists in his past two games. In addition, Jackson has now scored at least 25 fantasy points in six consecutive games.

PG - Ray McCallum, Sacramento Kings (vs. DAL), $5,500: With Isaiah Thomas sidelined, McCallum has averaged 45 minutes and 31.15 fantasy points per game over his past six. During that span, he has averaged 15.33 points, 7.17 assists, 3.67 rebounds and 1.17 steals per game.

PG - Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat (vs. NYK), $5,100: Chalmers is coming off one of his best games (24 points, six assists and six rebounds) against the Timberwolves in double-OT. Since missing a couple of games, he has averaged 29.7 fantasy points per game over his past three.

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SG - Randy Foye, Denver Nuggets (at HOU), $5,700: Foye has scored more than 30 fantasy points in two of his past three games. During that span, he is averaging 14.33 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. This season, the Rockets have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards.

SG - Jodie Meeks, Los Angeles Lakers (at LAC), $5,700: Meeks had a cold shooting night on April Fool's Day, but he has scored at least 21 (real) points and 25.1 fantasy points in three of his other four most recent games.

SG - Anthony Morrow, New Orleans Pelicans (at POR), $4,400: Morrow has scored 20 or more (real) points in four of his past six games and 30 or more fantasy points three times during that stretch.

SG - Devin Harris, Dallas Mavericks (vs. SAC), $4,100: Harris has averaged close to 20 fantasy points per game over his past two games and he gets a favorable matchup on Sunday. Only the Lakers have allowed more fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season.

SF - Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets (vs. DEN), $7,000: Parsons has scored at least 31.6 fantasy points in five consecutive games and in seven of his past eight. During that eight-game span, he has averaged 18.63 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.25 assists and 1.25 steals per game. The Nuggets have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards this season.

SF - Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (vs. UTA), $4,900: Green had a double-double (10 points and 10 rebounds) on Friday while adding four assists, two blocks and two steals for 35 fantasy points. A multi-category contributor, Green has scored 30-plus fantasy points in two of his past three and has at least 26.6 fantasy points in each of those three games.

SF - Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors (vs. UTA), $3,500: Provided David Lee misses another game, Barnes and Green could both be in store for big games. Barnes has played at least 36 minutes in each of his past two games and he scored 27.1 fantasy points on Friday.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (at GS), $6,700: Favors has scored at least 28 fantasy points in seven consecutive games. During that stretch, he has averaged 13.71 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.57 blocks and 1.14 steals per game.

PF - Jordan Hill, Los Angeles Lakers (at LAC), $5,600: After sitting out on April 1st, Hill has scored 43.0 and 32.5 fantasy points in his past two games. Playing in eight of the team's past nine games, Hill has 31-plus fantasy points in five games and less than 19 fantasy points three times.

PF - Marreese Speights, Golden State Warriors (vs. UTA), $3,800: With Lee out, Speights has started and produced in his past two outings. He followed up a 22/9 outing with a double-double (12 points and 10 rebounds) on Friday.

C - Robin Lopez, Portland Trail Blazers (vs. NOP), $5,900: With back-to-back double-doubles and three of them in his past six games, Lopez has averaged 33.82 fantasy points, a double-double (13.5 points, 10.33 rebounds) and 3.0 blocks per game during that stretch.

C - Omer Asik, Houston Rockets (vs. DEN), $5,100: Asik has scored at least 25 fantasy points in four consecutive games and he's averaging 10.5 points and 15.25 boards per game during that stretch. Only the Lakers and 76ers have allowed more fantasy points to opposing centers than the Nuggets this season.

C - Miles Plumlee, Phoenix Suns (vs. OKC), $3,700: Plumlee has scored at least 23.9 fantasy points in three of his past four games. The Thunder are one of the better teams in the league at defending centers, but Plumlee has been productive and he's priced barely above the contest minimum.

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Monday, March 17, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for March 17th

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Monday's games, Thunder SF Kevin Durant ($11,800) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Monday (March 17th) FanDuel leagues:

PG - George Hill, Indiana Pacers (vs. PHI), $5,100: For the second time in three games, Hill will face the 76ers, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. On the 14th against the Sixers, Hill finished with 14 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals for 35.7 fantasy points.

PG - Shaun Livingston, Brooklyn Nets (vs. PHO), $4,300: Livingston has scored 20-plus fantasy points in four consecutive games. The Suns have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season.

PG - Phil Pressey, Boston Celtics (at DAL), $3,500: With Rajon Rondo not ready to play back-to-backs, Rondo will sit tonight after playing yesterday. That means, Pressey should get another start. In his last start (Mar. 12th vs. NYK), Pressey had 21.5 fantasy points (nine points, five assists and five rebounds).

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SG - Gary Neal, Charlotte Bobcats (vs. ATL), $3,900: In three consecutive games played, Neal has scored at least 18 points and more than 21 fantasy points. The Hawks have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season.

SG - Willie Green, Los Angeles Clippers (at DEN), $3,600: If Darren Collison and Jamal Crawford both sit tonight, Green could be a sneaky start. With both out last night, Green played 36 minutes and scored 16.8 fantasy points. He has scored in double digits in three consecutive games and the Nuggets have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards.

SF - Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Clippers (at DEN), $5,600: In seven of his past eight games, Barnes has scored more than 20 fantasy points and he has a nice matchup on Monday. The Nuggets have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards this season.

SF - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte Bobcats (vs. ATL), $3,900: Kidd-Gilchrist had a three-game low of 18.3 fantasy points yesterday, but he had scored 24-plus fantasy points in his previous two games. MKG has played at least 25 minutes in three straight games. The Hawks have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards.

PF - Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets (vs. LAC), $7,200: In nine games this month, The Manimal has averaged 37.34 fantasy points per game and has scored at least 29.6 fantasy points in eight of those games. Faried is averaging 21.89 points, 9.78 boards and a steal per game this month. The Clips have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards.

PF - David West, Indiana Pacers (vs. PHI), $6,800: Like Hill, West gets his second Philly matchup in three games. In their first matchup, West had 31.9 fantasy points and he has averaged 32.83 fantasy points per game over his past three.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (at HOU), $6,200: Against the Spurs yesterday, Favors had a double-double (career-high 28 points, 10 rebounds), three steals and scored 47.5 fantasy points. Favors has now scored at least 25 fantasy points in five consecutive games. The Rockets have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season.

PF - Kris Humphries, Boston Celtics (at DAL), $5,000: Over his past five games, Humphries has scored a minimum of 26 fantasy points in each game and has two games with 42-plus fantasy points including yesterday's game. With three double-doubles in that span, he has averaged 15.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

PF - Josh McRoberts, Charlotte Bobcats (vs. ATL), $4,900: Like Humphries, McBob was on yesterday's list and he scored 25.2 fantasy points against the Bucks with nine points, six boards and six assists. He has now scored 20-plus fantasy points in four straight games and in six of his past seven. The Hawks have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season.

C - J.J. Hickson, Denver Nuggets (vs. LAC), $5,500: Over his past three games, Hickson has averaged 14.0 points, 9.33 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. The Clippers have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to centers this season.

C - Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers (vs. PHI), $5,000: Tonight's matchup is great and Hibbert is worth consideration due to it. That said,Hibbert had only four points and three rebounds against the Sixers on Friday, but he blocked five shots. In his past five games, Hibbert has scored 18.0 to 23.8 fantasy points.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for March 12th

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Wednesday's games, Heat SF LeBron James ($11,100) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Wednesday (March 12th) FanDuel leagues:

PG - Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers (vs. SAC), $7,100: Only the 13th-highest priced point guard, MCW had a triple-double on Monday against the Knicks. While he may not score 53.6 fantasy points again on Wednesday, he has a favorable matchup against the Kings, who have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season.

PG - Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies (at NO), $6,600: Conley has scored 30-plus fantasy points in five of his past six games although the exception was a 4.1-point outing against the Nets on March 5th. That said, Conley has a favorable matchup tonight against the Pelicans, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to point guards.

PG - Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs (vs. POR), $6,600: Like Carter-Williams and Conley, Parker is another option in the mid-tier price range of talented point guards with favorable matchups. In fact, Parker's matchup is more favorable as the Blazers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing point guards this season. While Parker has 35-plus fantasy points in back-to-back outings, I do worry about his playing time since he is playing on back-to-back nights and the last thing Pop cares about is your/my fantasy team(s).

PG - Darren Collison, Los Angeles Clippers (vs. GS), $5,900: With Jamal Crawford playing 10 minutes in his return and then sitting out on Monday, the hope for Collison from a fantasy perspectivie is that Crawford misses another game. In his past six games, Collison is averaging 18.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.33 rebounds and 1.83 steals (and 28.97 fantasy points) per game.

PG - Tony Wroten, Philadelphia 76ers (vs. SAC), $5,600: Wroten has averaged 26.5 (real) points and 33.1 (fantasy) points per game in his past two games. As noted earlier, the Sixers have a favorable matchup tonight and it wouldn't surprise me if Wroten has a similar outing to his average(s) over his past couple of games.

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SG - Alec Burks, Utah Jazz (vs. DAL), $5,300: The matchup is middle of the pack, but Burks has been extremely consistent with at least 23.4 fantasy points in four consecutive games. During that four-game span, Burks has averaged 17.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.75 rebounds and 1.25 steals per game.

SG - Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs (vs. POR), $4,800: It's unclear if Danny Green (wrist) will play tonight after getting only 10 minutes last night. Considering Manu got only 21 minutes last night, I'm not sure how much it matters when it comes to Ginobili, who still managed to score 22 points last night. In his past two games, he is averaging 23.0 points (and 30.5 fantasy points) per game.

SG - James Anderson, Philadelphia 76ers (vs. SAC), $4,500: In his past three games, Anderson has averaged 17.67 points, 3.33 rebounds, 2.0 assists and a steal per game. During that stretch, his fantasy production has been consistent: 24.9 to 25.9 in each game. With a favorable matchup tonight against the Kings, who allow the third-most fantasy points to SGs, perhaps Anderson breaks above that range tonight.

SG - Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings (at PHI), $3,600: Despite scoring less than 20 fantasy points in seven consecutive games and only reaching double digits three times during that span, it is never a bad idea to start players facing the Sixers. And with a salary only $100 above the game minimum, the potential reward exceeds the risk.

SF - Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Clippers (vs. GS), $5,700: Unlike guards and power forwards, there are fewer modestly- or low-priced small forwards that I like for tonight. While he hasn't been as productive in his past two games (23.5 FPPG) as he was in the previous three games (38.77 FPPG), Barnes is a lock for at least 20 fantasy points with upside for more. In his past five games, he has averaged 17.8 points, 6.8 boards, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.

SF - Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic (vs. DEN), $4,800: Harkless has played 30-plus minutes and has scored 22-plus fantasy points in seven consecutive games, but there is a chance that streak ends with guys Victor Oladipo and Arron Afflalo back from injury. With a modest cost, he's still worth consideration. Over his past seven games, he has averaged 14.29 points, 4.86 rebounds, 1.86 steals and a block per game. The Nuggets have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards this season.

SF - Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors (at LAC), $4,400: Green played a five-game low of 18 minutes last night, but he has scored 21.7-plus fantasy points in four of his past five games.

PF - Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies (at NO), $7,000: With 10 power forwards priced higher, ZBo is an excellent option as a mid-priced player. Averaging a double-double (17.1 points and 10.3 boards) on the season, Randolph has a favorable matchup against the Pelicans, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing four's this season.

PF - Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets (at ORL), $6,900: The Manimal had a relatively quiet night in his last outing — 15 points and nine boards for 24.8 fantasy points. In his previous five games, however, he averaged 36.90 fantasy points with 20.21 points, 9.64 rebounds and 1.31 blocks per game. The Magic have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (vs. DAL), $6,100: Only seven teams have allowed more fantasy points to opposing power forwards than the Mavs have. After a three-game slump averaging 13.63 fantasy points per game, Favors has bounced back with solid outings in back-to-back games. With 33.8 fantasy points per game in those two performances, Favors has averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals per game.

PF - Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks (at BOS), $5,200: Over his past five games, Stoudemire is averaging 18.0 points, 6.6 boards and 1.4 blocks per game. In four of those five games, he has scored at least 29.2 fantasy points. With Tyson Chandler (personal reasons) missing a second consecutive game, Stoudemire is a worthwhile option in Fanduel leagues.

*** Note: Stoudemire won't play tonight and obviously shouldn't be in any of your lineups. ***

PF - Amir Johnson, Toronto Raptors (vs. DET), $5,200: Johnson is coming off a huge fantasy performance with 16 points, five rebounds, four blocks, two steals and two assists for 36.0 points. Johnson has scored more than 20 fantasy points in each of his past 10 games. With Patrick Patterson out for roughly a week, Johnson is in line for another quality outing.

PF - Marcus Morris, Phoenix Suns (vs. CLE), $4,100: After playing more than 25 minutes only one in his previous seven games, Morris has played at least 29 minutes in three consecutive games. With P.J. Tucker (suspension) out, it's likely that Morris extends the streak to four games. That said, he has scored less than 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games.

PF - Reggie Evans, Sacramento Kings (at PHI), $3,800: An effort guy, Evans gets to face his former team, or I should say one of his former teams, tonight. Evans has at least eight rebounds in seven of his past eight games and he has five steals in the past two games.

C - Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards (vs. CHA), $6,900: The Polish Hammer is an underrated option at center and if you disagree, he'll knock you out. All (bad) jokes aside, Gortat had a big game on Monday against the Heat with 14 points and 18 rebounds plus four assists. Gortat gets another favorable matchup against the Bobcats tonight.

C - Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors (at LAC), $5,900: Bogut played 30 minutes, a five-game high, last night and finished with a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) while scoring 29.5 fantasy points. Other than a 14-minute outing against the Suns on Sunday, Bogut has scored at least 28.6 fantasy points in three of his past four games. The Clippers have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.

C - Kyle O'Quinn, Orlando Magic (vs. DEN), $4,700: Even though he has started two games in a row, O'Quinn has played between 16 and 22 minutes in his past five games. That said, he has still performed well with more than 20 fantasy points in all five games despite the modest minutes. Denver has allowed the third-most and fourth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards and centers, respectively.

C - Miles Plumlee, Phoenix Suns (vs. CLE), $3,900: In his second game back following a two-game absence, Plumlee played 26 minutes and scored just as many fantasy points (26.8). He missed a double-double by one rebound (12 points, nine boards) and added two blocks.

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For those that play in DraftKings leagues, check out my values post from earlier today.

Keep track of our Fantasy NBA updates by following us on Twitter, "liking" us on Facebook and/or adding us to your Google+ circle.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for March 10th

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Monday's games, Miami SF LeBron James ($11,200) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Monday (March 10th) FanDuel leagues:

PG - Raymond Felton, New York Knicks (vs. PHI), $5,600: Felton has been inconsistent with 41.6, 11.9 and 29.0 fantasy points in his past three games, respectively. With the Sixers coming to MSG, however, it's certainly possible that Felton has one of his better games. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing point guards this season than the Sixers.

PG - Greivis Vasquez, Toronto Raptors (at BKN), $3,900: An even cheaper option is Vasquez, who scored 23.7 fantasy points against the T'Wolves last night with 12 points, six boards and three assists. In his past five games, Vasquez has scored 20-plus fantasy points three times and even had 38.4 fantasy points once during that span.

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SG - Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets (vs. TOR), $5,400: More than $1,200 cheaper than the average starter cost, Johnson has been on a roll recently with three consecutive games with 30-plus fantasy points. During that three-game stretch, Johnson has averaged 20.0 points, 3.67 rebounds, 3.67 assists and 1.33 steals per game.

SG - Chris Douglas-Roberts, Charlotte Bobcats (vs. DEN), $4,000: Douglas-Roberts has scored 20-plus fantasy points in three consecutive games. During that span, CDR has averaged 13.67 points, 4.33 rebounds and 2.33 steals per game. The Nuggets have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing shooting guards this season.

SG - Marcus Thornton, Brooklyn Nets (vs. TOR), $3,700: It's been a roller-coaster ride for Thornton owners in FanDuel leagues. Here are his last five point totals: 26.4, 3.0, 28.4, 15.8 and 35.1. Coming off his best fantasy outing, Thornton scored 27 points and added three rebounds, two steals and an assist. Hopefully, he finally puts together solid back-to-back games tonight.

SG - Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks (vs. PHI), $3,600: Over his past four games, Shumpert's minutes have increased from 16 to 21 to 27 to 31 on Saturday. Since returning from injury, Shumpert not only had a high in minutes, but he had a high in fantasy production (20.5) as well. Only the Lakers have allowed more fantasy points to opposing SGs than the Sixers this season.

SF - Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks (vs. ORL), $4,900: Middleton has scored at least 23.3 fantasy points in five of his past six games including his last three games. The Magic have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards this season.

SF - Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic (at MIL), $4,600: While I like Middleton, I like Harkless more — and he's $300 cheaper. Harkless has scored a minimum of 22.1 fantasy points in six consecutive games and he has at least 29.7 fantasy points in each of his past three games. Over his past six games, Harkless has averaged 14.33 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.83 steals and 1.16 blocks in 36.17 minutes per game.

PF - Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets (at CHA), $6,500: The Manimal. His price goes up, but I don't care. And technically, he's still cheaper (by $167) than the average cost of a FanDuel starter. Over his past five games, Faried has scored at least 29.6 fantasy points and averaged 38.92 per game. With three double-doubles in that stretch, he has averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks per game over the last five.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (vs. ATL), $5,900: As expected, Favors bounced back nicely with a double-double (15 points, 14 rebounds) against the league's worst defense in Philly on Saturday. The matchup isn't as favorable tonight, but Favors' modest cost makes him a solid option for tonight.

PF - Marcus Morris, Phoenix Suns (at LAC), $4,100: Cheaper than his twin, Morris has scored in double digits in five consecutive games and he has averaged 23.4 fantasy points per game during that span. The Clips have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season, but Morris had his five-game low (15.9 fantasy points) against them on March 4th.

C - Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic (at MIL), $7,400: Aside from stud center Al Jefferson, there are several other centers that I like tonight. Vucevic and Tyson Chandler and solid mid-priced options. Vucevic has posted double-doubles and scored 33-plus fantasy points six consecutive games. While barely averaging more than 30 minutes per game (30.33), Vucevic has averaged 18.33 points, 12.83 rebounds, 2.33 assists, 1.17 steals and 1.00 blocks per game during that span. Even better, the Bucks have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season.

C - Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks (vs. PHI), $7,000: While the Bucks have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers, the Sixers have allowed the second-most. Over his past 10 games, Chandler has averaged 34.45 fantasy points and scored a minimum of 26.9 in all 10 of those games. An absolute beast on the boards, Chandler has averaged 15.0 rebounds, 12.3 points and 1.1 blocks during that stretch.

[Update: Chandler will miss tonight's game due to personal reasons.  Amar'e Stoudemire is an excellent value at $4,200.]

C - Enes Kanter, Utah Jazz (vs. ATL), $5,600: With at least 23 minutes in five consecutive games, Kanter has four consecutive games with at least 20 fantasy points. The Hawks have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing centers this season. Over his past four games, Kanter is averaging 15.0 points and 10.25 rebounds per game.

C - Kyle O'Quinn, Orlando Magic (at MIL), $4,700: As noted above, the Magic's centers have a favorable matchup tonight. Even though he has played less than 20 minutes in three consecutive games, O'Quinn has scored 20-plus fantasy points in four consecutive games. In his last game against the Bucks (Feb. 18th), O'Quinn didn't score in the game, but still managed to finish with 24.3 fantasy points in 21 minutes.

FanDuel's Daily Fantasy Basketball Championship: $1.2 million in cash prizes
>> Or find other FanDuel NBA games here

If you play in full-season leagues, check out my rest-of-season Fantasy NBA rankings.

Keep track of our Fantasy NBA updates by following us on Twitter, "liking" us on Facebook and/or adding us to your Google+ circle.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for March 8th

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Saturday's games, Knicks PF Carmelo Anthony ($10,200) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Saturday (March 8th) FanDuel leagues:

PG - Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies (vs. CHA), $6,600: Excluding a dud to the Nets on Wednesday, Conley has scored at least 30 fantasy points in three of his past four games. On the season, Conley is averaging 17.15 points, 6.21 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

PG - Trey Burke, Utah Jazz (at PHI), $5,600: The rookie out of Michigan has struggled with inconsistent fantasy production over his past six games. During that stretch, Burke has scored less than 20 fantasy points four times and has averaged a mere 17.53 per game. If there's a game in which Burke will break out of that slump, it could be tonight against the Sixers. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing point guards this season than the Sixers.

PG - Darren Collison, Los Angeles Clippers (vs. ATL), $6,000: While he has scored 30-plus fantasy points in three of his past four games, Collison's fantasy value will take a hit if Jamal Crawford returns from his three-game absence tonight. Earlier tonight, beat writer Dan Woike tweeted that Crawford "felt good" at shootaround and will be a dreaded "game-time decision" for tonight. Unfortunately, this game does not tip off until 11:30 p.m. ET, which would likely leave you rolling the dice if you start Collison.

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SG - Dion Waiters, Cleveland Cavaliers (vs. NYK), $5,400: In his two games back since returning from injury, Waiters has scored 29.7 and 32.5 fantasy points, respectively. The good times should continue to roll for Waiters as the Knicks have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing off guards this season.

SG - Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs (vs. ORL), $4,500: Ginobili is coming off a disappointing performance (six points, four assists and only 11.0 fantasy points) against the Heat on Thursday. That said, he had 22-plus fantasy points in each of his previous four games and the Magic have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to shooting guards this season.

SG - Chris Douglas-Roberts, Charlotte Bobcats (at MEM), $3,700: Douglas-Roberts has seen 24, 29 and 33 minutes, respectively, in his last three games and Gerald Henderson (calf) will miss another game tonight. In an all-around performance on Friday night, CDR was a rebound shy of a double-double with 14 points, nine boards, two steals and a block for 32.3 fantasy points.

SF - Matt Barnes, Los Angeles Clippers (vs. ATL), $5,700: Like with Collison, Barnes is a better daily option tonight if Crawford (GTD) sits out. In the three games that Crawford has missed, Barnes has scored 31.2, 41.2 and 43.9 fantasy points, respectively. In addition, tonight's matchup is favorable as the Hawks have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards.

SF - Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic (at SAS), $4,600: In his past five games, Harkless has averaged 36.2 minutes per game and posted an average line of 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks. During that stretch, he has scored a minimum of 22.1 fantasy points per game. While the Spurs are one of the better teams in the league at defending small forwards, there's a good chance that he produces well enough to exceed his relatively low cost.

SF - Jeff Adrien, Milwaukee Bucks (vs. WAS), $4,000: Getting extra minutes due to Ersan Ilyasova's suspension, Adrien posted a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds) and added three blocks, two assists and a steal in his most recent game. Either way, Adrien has been a beast on the boards with five games of double-digit rebounds.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (at PHI), $6,100: With three consecutive duds lowering his cost and an extremely favorable matchup tonight, you should strongly consider starting Favors on Saturday. Only the Lakers have allowed more fantasy points than the Sixers, which gives Favors the ideal opportunity for a bounce-back performance.

PF - Boris Diaw, San Antonio Spurs (vs. ORL), $5,100: Diaw has been highly productive and consistent recently with 31.0 to 31.5 fantasy points in each of his past three games. Doing a bit of everything, he has averaged 15.33 points, 7.67 rebounds, 3.33 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game during that span.

C - Marcin Gortat, Washington Wizards (at MIL), $7,100: In his last nine games, Gortat has scored at least 30 fantasy points eight times. The lone exception was 28.1 fantasy points against the Grizzlies, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing centers this season. The Bucks aren't the Grizzlies as only the Lakers and Sixers allow more fantasy points to opposing centers.

C - Kyle O'Quinn, Orlando Magic (at SAS), $4,700: Despite playing less than 20 minutes in three of his past four games, O'Quinn has scored 22-plus fantasy points in five of past six games. In the one game over the past four that he barely saw more than 20 minutes (22), O'Quinn had a double-double (14 points, 15 rebounds) and scored 39.0 fantasy points.

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Monday, March 3, 2014

Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Values for March 3rd

If you play daily fantasy sports (and who doesn't these days?!), you know that one of the keys to success is uncovering undervalued players to allow you to load up on studs elsewhere.

In case you've never played daily fantasy basketball, every player has a salary and your roster cannot exceed the game's salary-cap maximum.

For FanDuel leagues, rosters consist of nine players and the salary cap is $60,000, which averages to roughly $6,667 per player. To give you an idea of the range for Monday's games, Timberwolves PF Kevin Love ($11,600) has the contest's highest salary while many are tied for the lowest at the game-minimum salary ($3,500).

There are a number of benefits compared to traditional full-season re-draft leagues, such as:
  • you don't have to worry about being saddled by players sidelined by injury;
  • having a late pick doesn't rule out owning studs like Kevin Durant or LeBron James;
  • you get the instant gratification of winning your league(s) that night.
And you know that enthusiasm you have after drafting your fantasy team(s)? Well, you get to experience that feeling on a nightly basis with daily fantasy basketball.

OK, with the preliminary stuff out of the way, here are some value plays to consider for Monday (March 3rd) FanDuel leagues:

PG - Jordan Farmar, Los Angeles Lakers (at POR), $5,300: Despite backing up point guard Kendall Marshall ($6,300), Farmar played more minutes and scored more fantasy points than Marshall on Friday. In 29 minutes, Farmar scored a career-high 30 points while adding seven assists and a steal. On Monday, the Lakers will play the Blazers, who have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing point guards over the past 15 days.

PG - Will Bynum, Detroit Pistons (vs. NYK), $4,600: Bynum has scored 25-plus fantasy points in three of his four games. The Knicks have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing point guards over the past 15 days.

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SG - Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans (at SAC), $5,400: Against the Clippers on Saturday, Evans scored 22 points and added nine rebounds, five assists and a steal in 40 minutes. Assuming Evans continues to get big minutes, he could really stick it to his former team on Monday. No team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing shooting guards over the past 15 days than the Kings (51.60 FPA).

SG - Kent Bazemore, Los Angeles Lakers (at POR), $4,400: In five games since being acquired by the Lakers, Bazemore has played at least 27 minutes in every game and scored 26-plus fantasy points in three of those five outings. Against the Kings on Friday, Bazemore scored 12 points and added six boards, two blocks and two steals. Portland ranks 25th in scoring defense (102.9 PPG allowed).

SG - Marcus Thornton, Brooklyn Nets (vs. CHI), $3,500: Against the Bucks on Saturday, Thornton did not do much except score. In 24 minutes, Thornton scored 25 points and added two rebounds. Nada más. While he doesn't have a favorable matchup against the league's second-best scoring defense, Thornton should score enough to exceed his contest-minimum salary.

SF - Nicolas Batum, Portland Trail Blazers (vs. LAL), $6,900: Only slightly more expensive than the average salary of contest starters, Batum has scored 30-plus fantasy points in four consecutive games. During that four-game stretch, he has averaged 16.5 points, 9.5 boards, 4.75 assists, 1.25 blocks and 1.0 steals. Not only has he been extremely productive recently, but no team has allowed more fantasy points to opposing small forwards than the Lakers over the past 15 days.

SF - Mike Dunleavy, Chicago Bulls (at BKN), $5,200: Once again, Dunleavy had another solid outing as the Bulls blew out the Knicks on Sunday. Dunleavy has averaged 30.85 fantasy points with a minimum of 24.9 over his past four games.

SF - Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks (vs. UTA), $4,800: Middleton has scored 30.9 and 28.3 fantasy points in his previous two outings and the good times should continue to roll for Middleton with Caron Butler in Oklahoma City.

PF - Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz (at MIL), $6,600: Since returning from injury, Favors had his most productive outing on Sunday with 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three blocks and a steal. Favors has a more favorable matchup on Monday as the Bucks have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season.

PF - Andray Blatche, Brooklyn Nets (vs. CHI), $5,100: Against the Bucks on Saturday, Blatche went off for 45.6 fantasy points. Playing 30 minutes, Blatche posted a double-double (19 points, 13 boards) and added two assists, a block and three steals. Although he played only 18 minutes in his previous game, Blatche missed a double-double by one point and one rebound and added four steals to score 29.3 fantasy points. In most of my FanDuel leagues, I'll start Love and Favors at PF but Blatche is worth consideration with more than 1.56 fantasy points per minute played over his past two games.

C - Alexis Ajinca, New Orleans Pelicans (at SAC), $4,200: For the second time in four games, Ajinca posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Clips on Saturday. In three of those four games, Ajinca scored more than 29 fantasy points.

Compete in FanDuel's Daily Fantasy Basketball Championship: $1.2 million in cash prizes >> Or find other FanDuel NBA games here.

If you play in full-season leagues, check out my rest-of-season Fantasy NBA rankings.

Keep track of our Fantasy NBA updates by following us on Twitter, "liking" us on Facebook and/or adding us to your Google+ circle.