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: Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers ($5,100)
On such a small NBA slate, we need to find the players that will provide steady floors but also give us ceiling opportunities. With Kevin Love likely out for the Cavaliers in addition to Larry Nance, Collin Sexton will see a massive usage uptick against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is dealing with quite a few injuries on their own end. Sexton will be facing a Timberwolves team that averages 48 FanDuel points per game allowed to primary ball handlers and should smash his price tag.
ShootingGuard: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns ($8,400)
Coming into tonight’s game with 5 straight games of 30 or more points with an average of 46.78 FanDuel points, you’ll want to have Devin Booker in your NBA lineups tonight. Simply put, Memphis cannot play defense; formerly known for their ‘Grit & Grind’ play style, this Grizzlies team led by rookie phenom Ja Morant plays fast and furiously. Presenting themselves as a great DVP matchup to Devin Booker, the Suns will look to feed their star in transition as the sixth-best NBA team in scoring transition points versus a Minnesota squad playing at the third-fastest pace in the league.
SmallForward: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers ($10,900)
There are no NBA statistics that can prove to any DFS player tonight that they should not play LeBron James. With only 3 true stars available to us, assuming Karl-Anthony Towns is again ruled out, LeBron will be in almost all of my NBA lineups. We love to attack the Detroit Pistons at the guard position; despite being listed as a small forward on FanDuel, LeBron is a primary ball-handler for a Lakers unit that should dominate tonight.
PowerForward: Robert Covington, Minnesota Timberwolves ($5,700)
Playing without Larry Nance and Kevin Love tonight, I expect the Cavaliers to play a lot of Tristan Thompson with 4 smaller players in an attempt to push the pace. This stems very well for a player like Robert Covington. Coming into his own ever since Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns have been out these past few games, Covington is averaging 37.42 NBA FanDuel points over his last 5 games and gets a matchup versus a Cavaliers team that allows over 48 FanDuel points per game to power forwards.
Center:DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns ($7,500)
Fresh off a 25-game NBA suspension and a right ankle sprain, DeAndre Ayton has been on a tear the last two games. The former #1 overall pick out of Arizona owns Jonas Valanciunas in the two previous matchups they have had against one another, posting 17/15.5/1.5/0/1.5, 40 FanDuel points per game, and 1.27 FanDuel points per minute. With few viable options at center, Ayton is in a great spot to round out your NBA lineup tonight.
Gamesto Target
- Memphis Grizzlies vs Phoenix Suns (234.5over/under)
- Detroit Pistons vs Los Angeles Lakers (220over/under)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs ClevelandCavaliers (214.5 over/under)