Zak puckpicks 
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: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers ($8,800)
With his backcourt partner in CJ McCollum already ruled out for their game versus the Golden State Warriors, Damian Lillard is my early lock on tonight’s NBA slate. Sporting a 28.4% usage rate on the season, Lillard should have plenty of opportunities to see that number increase without McCollum in the lineup. Golden State is the third-worst team versus point guards, allowing an average of 49.68 FanDuel points per game. In what should be a high scoring affair, I want the key piece of the Trail Blazers’ offense.
ShootingGuard: Dennis Schroder, Oklahoma City Thunder ($5,400)
It’s rare that we consider a bench player as part of our core, but Dennis Schroder’s matchup is too good to pass up on tonight at a mere $5,400 on FanDuel. Typically playing 27+ minutes off the bench for OKC, Schroder faces a Houston Rockets team that I love attacking at the shooting guard position; Houston allows the second-highest FanDuel points to opposing ‘2’ guards at 44.51 points per game. In a game with a 229.5 over/under, I like Schroder’s chances of being a top-end value on tonight’s NBA slate.
SmallForward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks ($11,700)
The reigning NBA MVP is on a mission this season and he would be scoring just as many points per game as James Harden if he got to the free-throw line as much as the Rockets’ superstar. Averaging a whopping 30.6 points per game to go along with 12.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1 block, the Greek Freak will get one last chance to take advantage of a Chicago Bulls team that has no answer for him; in 3 previous meetings this season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has posted a scoring line of 31.3/12/4/2/0.7 and 54.73 FanDuel points per game, including a 70-point night on November 14th.
PowerForward: Nemanja Bjelica, Sacramento Kings ($5,400)
Having scored in double-digits in 6 of his last 7 games, Nemanja Bjelica has really stepped up for the Sacramento Kings in the absence of Richaun Holmes. Marvin Bagley reaggravated his ankle injury in the late stages of Saturday’s game versus the Utah Jazz and should he miss tonight’s game versus the Miami Heat, Bjelica becomes that much of a better option on tonight’s NBA slate.
Center:Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks ($5,100)
Posting a career-best 2.5 blocks per game this season, Brook Lopez has expanded his contributions on both ends of the floor. Playing a Chicago Bulls team that has been torched by centers all season long, the Bucks’ big man should be able to smash his price versus in a matchup where his opponent has allowed 57.98 NBA FanDuel points per game to opposing centers.
Gamesto Target
- OklahomaCity Thunder vs Houston Rockets (229.5 over/under)
- NewOrleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies (238.5 over/under)
- ChicagoBulls vs Milwaukee Bucks (225 over/under)
