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: Chris Paul, Oklahoma City Thunder ($6,800)
A model of NBA DFS consistency this season, Chris Paul is in a great spot tonight versus the Brooklyn Nets. Allowing the third-most FanDuel points to opposing point guards at 50.16 per game, the Nets cannot seem to defend primary ball handlers with Spencer Dinwiddie being so preoccupied on offense. In 5 games against Dinwiddie, CP3 has averaged 19/4.8/9/1.4/0.4 and 41.86 FanDuel points per game. Despite having caution on the second night of a back-to-back, NBA DFS players should feel confident that CP3 is fresh having only played 32 minutes yesterday while being in foul trouble versus Ben Simmons.
ShootingGuard: Terence Davis, Toronto Raptors ($3,600)
The defending NBA Champions simply cannot avoid the injury bug. With Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell already out with their respective injuries, the Raptors will also be without Fred VanVleet tonight due to a hamstring injury. Minutes and usage will open for the likes of Terence Davis, Patrick McCaw, and OG Anunoby but Davis is my play with McCaw being the top pivot option for only $100 more as a FanDuel shooting guard.
SmallForward: Jarrett Culver, Minnesota Timberwolves ($4,700)
Despite Andrew Wiggins and Jeff Teague both expected to play tonight for the Minnesota Timberwolves, I still like Jarrett Culver at this price. If you have been keeping up in our Discord chat and following up on our daily articles, you know we love to attack a terrible Memphis defense. Not only does Culver have scoring and rebounding upside in this game, but he also has the opportunity to pile up a few steals given that Memphis plays at the third-fastest pace in the NBA and turns the ball over at an alarming rate. Culver should matchup versus Ja Morant tonight with Shabazz Napier switching over to Dillon Brooks, giving Culver the opportunity to take advantage of a player who turns the ball over 3.3 times per game.
PowerForward: Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers ($11,600)
Anthony Davis should be in your NBA lineups tonight. The primary offseason target of almost every NBA team this past summer, Davis shut down the Knicks and will show them what they missed out on. In 6 games at MSG in his career, Davis averages 29.5/11.5/1.5/1/1.8 and 52.55 FanDuel points per game. Not only does he play well at MSG, but he also owns Julius Randle in his career; Davis averages 35.3/12.1/2/2.3/2.1 and 65 FanDuel points per game versus the Knicks power forward.
Center:Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder ($6,500)
On the second night of a back-to-back, I understand those that may shy away from playing Steven Adams tonight, but he is in a smash spot versus the Brooklyn Nets. Coming into tonight’s game averaging 37.73 NBA FanDuel points in his last 8 games, Adams faces a Nets frontcourt that allows 57.81 NBA FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. He has only scored more than 20 points five times this season, but he does present a solid floor for cash lineups because of his rebounding and defensive upside. If you are hesitant on playing him on the second night of a back-to-back, Gorgui Dieng would be my pivot if Karl-Anthony Towns does not play for the Timberwolves.
Gamesto Target
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs MemphisGrizzlies (228 over/under)
- Sacramento Kings vs Phoenix Suns (226 over/under)
- Portland Trail Blazers vs Toronto Raptors(220 over/under)
- New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Lakers(220.5 over/under)