Christopher Day 
This article discusses a core for DFS players to build around for today’s FanDuel NBA slate. While there are many different sports and various contests pertaining to DFS along with their respective strategies, we focus on the main approaches to build both reliable cash and GPP lineups for a successful NBA night including pace, the projected over/under, one on one matchups, and a team’s defensive rating. Make sure to stay active when building NBA lineups – if you cannot be in front of a computer, tablet, or on your phone an hour before lock do not throw your money away! NBA DFS lineups can change at the blink of an eye and is the most variable compared to any other sport in DFS; players get injured, some sit for load management, and others find themselves on the DNP list for other reasons; any of which can sway your lineup and where to find value. Stay alert on the WinDaily Discord chat to follow along with our updated plays. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
PointGuard
Russell Westbrook ($11,200FD price)
There were times in the last few seasons that we simply locked in Russell Westbrook no matter what his price was. A triple-double machine, Westbrook is on one of those streaks and will be in the majority of my lineups today. The Pelicans allow 48.44 points per game to opposing point guards and Lonzo Ball won’t be able to guard him.
Lonzo Ball ($6,600 FD price)
Not an ideal play tonightwith the Pelicans shifting usage left and right on a game-to-game basis andwith Jrue Holiday back, Lonzo Ball has taken a hit. He’s in a decent spot simplybecause Westbrook turns the ball over at an alarming rate and should benefitfrom the amount of steals he can get today.
Eric Bledsoe ($6,100 FDprice)
A much better play if GiannisAntetokounmpo sits, Eric Bledsoe is one of my favorite mid-range targets on theslate today. Phoenix struggles versus guards allowing over 44 FanDuel pointsper game and Bledsoe should carry a heavy usage rate should a hobbledAntetokounmpo sit out.
Punt: Reggie Jackson ($4,600FD price)
ShootingGuard
James Harden ($11,000 FDprice)
In a non-Westbrook NBA lineup, hedge with Harden. Not opposed to having both but it means you need a player at minimum salary or two punts in your lineup which I am not comfortable doing on a small slate. One will go off, and I think it’ll be Westbrook.
Jrue Holiday ($7,800 FDprice)
My lock at SG on today’s NBA slate, Jrue Holiday is on a mission since returning from injury. I love attacking the Rockets at the ‘2’ and Harden is a DVP disaster on defense. A player that can fill the box score quickly, Holiday has tremendous upside with his defensive ability.
Khris Middleton ($7,200 FDprice)
Similarly to Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton will be an instant lock if Giannis Antetokounmpo sits out this afternoon. Fresh off his 51 point performance just two games ago, Middleton has one of the safest floors in the NBA mid-range players today and will be paired with Jrue Holiday in the majority of my lineups.
Punt: Donte DiVincenzo($4,500 FD price)
SmallForward
Giannis Antetokounmpo($11,600 FD price)
If he plays, I’ll be locking him in with Westbrook and coming off Middleton to make the salary work. The reigning NBA MVP is not only taking over the East, but the entire NBA with his versatility on both ends of the floor.
Pascal Siakam ($8,500 FDprice)
The Chicago Bulls defend theguard positions well so I am off both Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet today. But someoneneeds to carry the offense, and I believe both Siakam and Ibaka will do welltonight against the Bulls frontcourt. Siakam should draw a favorable matchupwith Kris Dunn ruled out.
Will Barton ($6,000 FDprice)
Mr. NBA GPP will find himself in my lineups today and take advantage of Detroit’s lineup. The Pistons often end up playing a guard at the small forward position and Barton should be able to dominate the glass and score in bunches.
Danuel House ($4,200 FDprice)
With Clint Capela ruled out,Danuel House should enter the starting lineup again alongside Eric Gordon. He’sbeen flashing his defensive ability which raises his floor. Don’t expect 50+and a slate-breaking performance but at $4,300, I don’t hate this play but suggesthedging with Eric Gordon ($4,900)
PowerForward
Zion Williamson ($6,500 FDprice)
The NBA rookie is on a tear since coming back from a major injury and should be able to thrive in a fast matchup versus the Rockets. Averaging 28 minutes over his last 3 games, the Pelicans have been playing him more and he seems to be getting comfortable in an NBA environment; Zion will be facing a small Rockets frontcourt without Capela and will be a lock for a double-double.
Jerami Grant ($6,400 FDprice)
With Michael Porter Jr.ruled out, Jerami Grant should see more minutes despite already being in thestarting lineup with Paul Millsap nursing an injury. His price is a little highfor me but he has a high floor with his defensive capability.
Serge Ibaka ($5,800 FDprice)
A lock for me right now on today’s NBA slate. Playing a terrible Chicago Bulls frontcourt, Ibaka will feast without Marc Gasol in the lineup. Don’t overthink this one. Eat the chalk.
Center
Nikola Jokic ($10,000 FD price)
My preference over Andre Drummond, Jokic isn’t having a good enough NBA season for me to trust him let alone pay 10k for him on such a small slate. The ownership will be high, but I’ll be fading him for Brook Lopez.
Andre Drummond ($9,500 FD price)
He can go off for a 20-20game at any time and is virtually matchup proof, but in a game that could getugly, I am off Drummond but can understand people pivoting off the Jokic chalkfor him. I can’t see myself getting there, but he has the ability to break anNBA slate at any time.
Brook Lopez ($5,000 FDprice)
Regardless of whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo plays, Brook Lopez will be my NBA center today. He his too cheap for someone that is in such a good matchup and provides upside on both ends on the floor since he is averaging a career years in blocks per game.
