Pick Management 
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. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
PointGuard – Kendrick Nunn, Miami Heat ($5,500)
Kendrick Nunn with see as much of the floor as he can tonight with Justice Winslow and Goran Dragic already ruled out. With the two removed from the lineup, Nunn sees his usage increase from 25.1% to 26.5% and an uptick in NBA FanDuel points from 31.61 to 33.65 per game. Though these aren’t extreme improvements, what interests me the most is the fact that Nunn boasts the highest usage rate on the Heat with Winslow and Dragic out of the lineup, ahead of the likes of Jimmy Butler (22.99%) and Bam Adebayo (21.18%). For the Heat to keep up with a streaking Lakers squad that touts two of the league’s best in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Heat’s trio of Nunn, Butler and Adebayo will have to be at their best with Nunn contributing immensely. With Tyler Herro also questionable in this one and at a mere $5,500 on FanDuel, Kendrick Nunn will be in most of my lineups.
ShootingGuard – Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers ($6,000)
One of the NBA’s deepest rotations finds themselves with a thin roster for tonight. Both Patrick Beverley and Landry Shamet have already been ruled out for the Clippers, with JaMychal Green also questionable. Key the NBA’s infamous sixth man LouWill. While I do expect Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to take a lot of shots, Williams is right up there with PG13 and Leonard’s usage rates of 32.07% and 30.34% respectively at 28.48% and will be starting tonight. Williams’ price of only $6,000 on FanDuel presents an outstanding value play with tremendous upside.
SmallForward – Glenn Robinson, Golden State Warriors ($4,500)
Going from a 73-9 NBA record just a few seasons ago to the bottom of the Western Conference standings this year, the Warriors are suffering without Splash Brothers Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. With Draymond Green already ruled out for their tilt versus the Utah Jazz tonight and Eric Paschall being tagged as doubtful with a hip injury, both Robinson and Alec Burks ($6,000) should see a lot of run tonight with Robinson having the advantage in the depleted frontcourt.
PowerForward – Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers ($11,200)
On a slate that boasts many NBA stars such as LeBron James, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Trae Young, and Karl-Anthony Towns, Davis is the guy I want to pay up for. Power Forward is awfully thin on most nights in NBA DFS and tonight is no different. Davis is in a smash spot versus Bam Adebayo with the former averaging 31.2/10.4/4.2/2.4/3.8 against the latter. Although both teams rank in the top 10 in defensive rating, look for the Lakers offence to run through Davis tonight and for him to have one of his ceiling games.
Center – Wendell Carter Jr., Chicago Bulls ($6,500)
Being somewhat of a disappointment this season with many expecting a breakout campaign, Wendell Carter Jr. is in a great matchup against a dreadful Charlotte Hornets frontcourt. Being the second worst team against centers, the Hornets are allowing an average of 23.58/18.07/3.82/1.42/2.85 to centers this season. Look for updates in our NBA Discord chat but for now, start your builds with WCJ projected for a double-double floor with immense upside.
Gamesto Target
- Los Angeles Clippers vs MinnesotaTimberwolves (231 over/under)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat (214over/under)
- New Orleans Pelicans vs Philadelphia 76ers(222.5 over/under)
