Christopher Day 
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
Coby White, Chicago Bulls ($6,400 FD)
The young guard is getting his first career start and couldn’t have a better matchup. The Cavaliers are the NBA’s worst team against point guards, allowing 51.30 FD points per game. It doesn’t hurt that Coby White is on a tear as well, averaging 39.51 FD points per game across his last eight games in 33 minutes per outing.
Elfrid Payton, New York Knicks ($6,200 FD)
My main pivot to a chalky Coby White, Elfrid Payton is in a great spot versus the Washington Wizards tonight. Every time the Wizards are on the NBA slate, there is always a consideration for a full game stack. If doing so, start here with the Knicks’ primary ball-handler, who put up 48.8 FD points last time they played just a few weeks ago.
Ricky Rubio, Phoenix Suns ($6,900 FD)
Coming off a 25-point triple-double, I am hoping Ricky Rubio stays lower owned than early-morning projections. I love playing Rubio on most NBA slates, but when he plays Portland, I lock him in most of my lineups. The Spaniard averages 41.5 FD points per game versus the Trail Blazers this season and should be good for 6x at his price tag. I don’t know what it is, but he loves playing Portland and I won’t miss out.
Other NBA FD Considerations
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks ($10,900 FD) – Sore wristand if he’s out, lock Porzingis.
Russell Westbrook, Houston Rockets ($10,500 FD) –Great matchup if paying up.
Collin Sexton, Cleveland Cavaliers ($6,200 FD) – On atear and his price went DOWN..?
Shaquille Harrison, Chicago Bulls ($4,900 FD) – Averaging 38.83 FD points over the last 3.
Markelle Fultz, Orlando Magic ($4,900 FD) – Burned uslast time but attack Memphis defense.
Punt: Patty Mills, San Antonio Spurs ($3,500 FD) –Murray out and Pop loves Mills.
ShootingGuard
DeMar DeRozan, San Antonio Spurs ($8,000FD)
He hasn’t been doing what he was projected to do without LaMarcus Aldridge in the lineup, but DeMar DeRozan will have to score in bunches if the Spurs want a chance at beating the Mavs. The usage will be there and will be higher than usual, his minutes will be locked in if this one stays close, and if it does, it’s because he’s going off.
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns ($8,200 FD)
In one of my favorite games to stack on this NBA slate, Devin Booker is right around the price where we like him to be. He’s averaging 38.33 minutes per game across his last six and closes the first and third quarters as the primary ball-handler when Ricky Rubio typically leaves the court. He’ll get most of his points there, but he should be in for a good night.
CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers($7,400)
I’ve been on the Damian Lillard train for the past three games and now it’s time to hop off. CJ McCollum is outproducing his backcourt partner and saw his price come down from what it was without Dame in the lineup. He’s averaging 40 FD points per game in the last three since Lillard came back, and is my primary target in a game stack with my Phoenix Suns players.
Other NBA FD Considerations
James Harden, Houston Rockets ($11,200 FD) – Great spotif paying up.
Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards ($9,900 FD) – He isplaying the Knicks…
D’Angelo Russell, Minnesota Timberwolves ($7,900 FD) –Attack Harden defense.
Malik Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves ($5,700 FD) –Steady production.
Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic ($5,400 FD) – Been playinghim over the last month; fire.
Lou Williams, Los Angeles Clippers ($4,900 FD) – How muchrun will the bench get?
SmallForward
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers ($10,700FD)
After taking down the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers in the same week, LeBron James is on a mission to prove he is the NBA’s MVP. With reports that he is now nursing a groin injury, I think the Lakers give The King a rest tonight but if he plays, he is in a great spot facing a Brooklyn Nets team that allows 46.81 FD points per game to opposing primary ball handlers.
Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers ($7,400FD)
This game has blowout alert all over it, but it’s oneof many things we preach in our Discord chat: you cannot predict blowouts andhow it will affect players. Paul George is just too cheap for someone who hasthe potential to score in bunches, assist on many baskets, and pile updefensive stats en route to a 45+ FD point night.
Cedi Osman, Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,400FD)
Cedi Osman has been the main man since Kevin Porter Jr. went down for the Cavs three games ago. In that stretch, Osman has seen 38.67 minutes and has produced 30 FD points per game. Tonight, he sees a Bulls team that is more vulnerable toward the frontcourt and could be a good source on a value on this NBA slate.
Other NBA FD Considerations
Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns ($5,400 FD)
Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs ($4,300 FD)
PowerForward
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers ($10,400FD)
If LeBron’s out, lock Anthony Davis in. You always fear the dreaded “Anthony Davis to the locker room” tweet but he will be an elite target should James sit this one out. The Nets are the NBA’s 4th-worst team versus centers, allowing 57.26 FD points per game and Davis could break the slate at any time.
Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas Mavericks($9,400 FD)
He let a lot of people down last time out, but Kristaps Porzingis will be a lock if Luka Doncic sits. Even if Doncic does play, I still like a bounce-back game from Porzingis here who should see the likes of Trey Lyles and Drew Eubanks on the other side. Last time the Mavs played the Spurs, both Doncic and Porzingis went for 55+ FD points, while the latter did so in just 29 minutes played.
Julius Randle, New York Knicks ($7,300 FD)
Julius Randle is one of the most inconsistent mid-range players in NBA DFS but tonight he could provide to be a great leverage play. In 3 games versus the Wizards this season, Randle has put up a 28.7/11.3/3/1/0.7 scoring line and 47.77 FD points per game. At a mere $7,300, he, along with Aaron Gordon, can be great mid-range targets on this NBA slate.
Other NBA FD Considerations
Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic ($7,000 FD)
Robert Covington, Houston Rockets ($6,200 FD)
Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles Clippers ($9,400 FD)
Center
Andre Drummond,Cleveland Cavaliers ($8,200 FD)
He is our fearless leader’s kryptonite, but he can produce a 60-point night at any time just like he could throw up a dud. Tonight, I think he gives us the former. Andre Drummond faces a Chicago team that has been decimated by centers all season long, averaging 57.95 FD points per game allowed. This could be one of Drummond’s 20-20 games, and at $8,200, don’t miss out.
Aaron Baynes,Phoenix Suns ($5,300 FD)
Only viable if DeAndre Ayton sits again, Aaron Baynes has been the talk of the NBA DFS world after putting up 65 against Portland just four days ago. Tonight, he faces the same team but tempers your expectations; he hit nine 3-pointers last time out en route to 37 points and 65 FD points. He won’t put another 65, but I expect another 30-35 if Ayton sits.
Montrezl Harrell,Los Angeles Clippers ($5,700 FD)
Just as a wrote a quick note for Lou Williams at the SG position, how much run will the Clippers bench get tonight? Being a huge favorite in this game with a -11.5 spread, Vegas indicates that it will be a blowout, but we can’t predict that. More importantly, the Warriors play small and Harrell could see a lot of runs.
Other NBA FDConsiderations
Marquese Chriss, GoldenState Warriors ($6,000 FD)
Gamesto Consider:
- New York Knicks@ Washington Wizards (228 over/under)
- Phoenix Suns @Portland Trail Blazers (232.5 over/under)
- MinnesotaTimberwolves @ Houston Rockets (246 over/under)
