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: Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans ($6,300)
While the DVP numbers do not jump off the page, make no mistake in saying that the Detroit Pistons struggle mightily versus opposing guards. With Jrue Holiday battling injuries throughout the entire season, Lonzo Ball has stepped up in a big way. Most notably in his past 7 games, the second-year NBA pro is averaging 42.5 FanDuel points per outing. With injury news still pending surrounding JJ Redick, Jrue Holiday and Derrick Favors, Lonzo’s ceiling could be even higher than anticipated.
ShootingGuard: Bruce Brown, Detroit Pistons ($4,900)
Comprised of multiple unknowns, the Pistons’ roster is tough to figure out. With the frontcourt being surprisingly crowded, Bruce Brown is one of the steadier options to look at in a good matchup versus the New Orleans Pelicans who allow an average of 49.3 FanDuel points per game to opposing point guards. In his last 9 games, Brown has collected a steal in each one and a total of 17 in that span en route to averaging 29.49 FanDuel points per game. On tonight’s NBA slate, Bruce Brown is my favorite value play.
SmallForward: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers ($10,700)
After missing the Lakers’ last game versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, LeBron James is expected to be back in the lineup tonight. Playing against his former team and where his illustrious career began, LeBron could not have a better matchup tonight; the Cavaliers allow an NBA-worst 51.50 FanDuel points per game to opposing primary ball handlers. Whether Anthony Davis plays or not, this is LeBron’s game to take over – and with Davis looking unlikely to suit up, lock and load LeBron tonight with confidence.
PowerForward: Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers ($4,700)
Kyle Kuzma’s place in our NBA lineups depends on if Anthony Davis plays or not but I am going under the assumption that he will be out. In the last two games Kuzma has played without Davis in the lineup, he has put up 36.2 and 43.4 FanDuel points and has seen a notable usage uptick. While this play may be chalky, I’ll gladly take the salary savings and move on; the Cavaliers allow 47.86 FanDuel points per game to opposing power forwards.
Center:Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Blazers ($10,000)
A steep price to pay for the NBA big man, Hassan Whiteside will be worth every dollar tonight. Playing against a Charlotte Hornets frontcourt that cannot defend for the life of them, Whiteside is the pay up option I like; Charlotte allows an NBA-worst 59.30 FanDuel points per game to opposing centers. Whiteside has been producing at a ridiculous rate of 1.42 FanDuel points per minute this season and owns Bismack Biyombo in his career: in 13 games played against one another, Whiteside averages 40.25 FanDuel points per game in just 28.6 minutes played, good for 1.41 FanDuel points per minute.
Gamesto Target
- NewOrleans Pelicans vs Detroit Pistons (227 over/under)
- ClevelandCavaliers vs Los Angeles Lakers (219.5 over/under)
- OklahomaCity Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves (219 over/under)