Ghost

Tonight’s NBA slate is a beauty; with injury news already coming in Toronto and Detroit, there will be plenty of value options to get our stars in. It’s Fajita Friday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Russell Westbrook ($11,300 FD / $11,000 DK)

Make that ten triple-doubles for Westbrook in his past eleven games, including six straight, and we have ourselves our building block for tonight’s NBA slate. There is no shortage of star power available to us, but with the way Westbrook is playing, we simply cannot ignore the resemblance to his 2017 MVP season. Toss in a matchup versus New Orleans, who ranks 29th versus primary ball handlers with over 51 FPPG allowed to the position, this one is an easy decision to make. Cash + GPP Play

Damian Lillard ($8,600 FD / $9,500 DK)

I could have sided with any one of the honorable mentions listed below with how loaded the position is, but man is Dame mispriced tonight, especially on FD. The best part is that with the number of value plays available to us, he’s still likely to come in underowned on this NBA slate; sporting a 29.2% usage rate over the past month, Dame has posted a 23.9/3.4/6.8 scoring line on 40.4% shooting and gets a San Antonio team that he decimated for 35/3/6 earlier this season. GPP Play

Malachi Flynn ($5,500 FD / $6,200 DK)

This play is clear as day; Kyle Lowry, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr., and DeAndre’ Bembry are all out for the Raptors tonight, leaving the offense to Flynn, VanVleet, Birch, and Boucher. Logging over 33 MPG in his last eight, Flynn has posted a 14.5/4.8/5.8 scoring line and nearly 35 FPPG. If you’re playing cash on this NBA slate, you need him – simple as that. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Luka Doncic ($10,200 FD / $10,800 DK)
• Dejounte Murray ($7,400 FD / $7,000 DK)
• Ja Morant ($6,900 FD / $7,100 DK)
• Ben Simmons ($6,900 FD)
• Punt: Killian Hayes ($3,800 FD / $3,500 DK)

Shooting Guards

Bradley Beal ($8,400 FD / $8,900 DK)

On any day ending in ‘y’. I mentioned last time out when Washington played Sacramento that both Westbrook and Beal can have ceiling games in the right game environment, and if Beal didn’t shoot 45% from the field, they would have done exactly that. Nonetheless, he still dropped a cool 31/4/3 while taking 22 shots, and I expect nothing different on this NBA slate in a contest with Zion and the Pelicans. GPP Play

Feed VanVleet ($7,400 FD / $7,900 DK)

See the Malachi Flynn blurb – if you’re playing cash on this NBA slate, you need him. Cash Play

Josh Jackson ($5,500 FD / $5,300 DK)

I could have easily put Hamidou Diallo here, but the truth is, JJ is just a play to reinforce the notion that there is an abundance of value in Detroit with the absences of Mason Plumlee, Jerami Grant, Wayne Ellington, Rodney McGruder, Cory Joseph, and Dennis Smith Jr. The backcourt trio of Jackson, Saben Lee, and rookie Killian  Hayes are looking at heavy minutes versus a rebuilding OKC squad, and if you don’t trust which PG will be the one to pop off, JJ’s upside to score 20+ on multiple NBA slates this season is the guy for you. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Paul George ($9,500 FD / $9,100 DK)
• CJ McCollum ($7,800 FD / $8,000 DK)
• Hamidou Diallo ($4,100 FD / $4,200 DK)

Small Forwards

Jimmy Butler ($9,200 FD / $9,200 DK)

The position is surprisingly deep with a ton of GPP options tonight, beginning with Jimmy Butler in a revenge game versus Minnesota. There is no denying that his offensive production hasn’t been up to par in many of his recent games, but this is one of those games where Butler takes it personally. With Minnesota being ranked 27th in defensive rating and 28th versus small forwards, allowing over 44 FPPG to the position, Butler has a safe floor on this NBA slate. Cash Play

Brandon Ingram ($8,300 FD / $8,500 DK)

In the game of the night, my interest lies with Zion Williamson, but just as both Westbrook and Beal can thrive, the same can be said for the young Pelicans duo. Sporting a 32.8% usage rate in his last three games, Ingram has posted a stellar 29.7 PPG alongside Zion’s 31; the two are clicking on all cylinders right now and the injuries to the Pelicans roster provide reassurance that they will do work again on tonight’s NBA slate. GPP Play

Michael Porter Jr. ($7,400 FD / $7,400 DK)

Here is my writeup from MPJ’s last game:

“With Jamal Murray out for the season with a torn ACL, MPJ instantly becomes the #2 scoring option behind Nikola Jokic. With 20 or more points in seven of his past eight, MPJ has already been stepping up for the Nuggets; he has a 23.8% usage rate in that span with a 22.3/9.4/1.3 scoring line while shooting 55.4% from the field and is a great option for our NBA lineups tonight.” 

MPJ dropped 25/10 with three blocks en route to 46 DK points. Lather, rinse, repeat. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Kevin Durant ($9,300 FD / $9,400 DK)
• Saddiq Bey ($5,300 FD / $4,800 DK)
• Denzel Valentine ($3,500 FD / $3,000 DK)

Power Forwards

Pay Ups

• Zion Williamson ($10,000 FD / $10,000 DK)
• Julius Randle ($9,200 FD / $9,600 DK)
• Christian Wood ($7,800 FD / $8,300 DK)

Also Consider:

• Jae’Sean Tate ($5,600 FD / $6,200 DK)
• Darius Bazely ($5,200 FD / $5,600 DK)
• Isaiah Stewart ($4,800 FD / $4,400 DK)
• Khem Birch ($4,000 FD / $3,800 DK)

Centers

• Nikola Jokic ($11,000 FD / $10,900 DK)
• Joel Embiid ($10,200 FD / $10,500 DK)
• Nikola Vucevic ($9,000 FD / $9,700 DK)
• Chris Boucher ($7,500 FD / $7,100 DK)
• Moses Brown ($5,400 FD / $6,100 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

As I said yesterday, if you follow the core, you win money in NBA – simple as that, folks. Shoutout to @JayTheGuru21 in Discord for this gem on the night slate! Never leave the table on a heater…

A much smaller NBA slate is on tap tonight with only four games scheduled. The key news here will be whether Giannis Antetokounmpo plays for the Bucks and whether we have enough value to get studs into our lineups. It’s Thirsty Thursday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Steph Curry ($10,500 FD / $10,600 DK)

I really should not have to tell you why you need to play Curry on tonight’s NBA slate. On the second half of a back-to-back, there are concerns that he may sit, but at the time of writing, he’s in the lineup, so he’s in mine – simple as that. Averaging 38.9/6.6/4.6 on 55.4% shooting including 49.1% from behind the arc, Curry’s carrying a 36.1% usage rate in his last eight games; he’s simply playing out of this world and will be no match for the Cavaliers young backcourt duo in Garland and Sexton.

Trae Young ($9,100 FD / $9,100 DK)

Another star point guard that is tagged as questionable to play tonight, Trae Young will certainly have his hands full if he’s a go in this one. With the Hawks making a 7-1 run in their last eight, Trae has been shouldering the load on offense in the absence of Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter; Young is carrying a 34.3% usage rate during this run, where he’s posted a clean 23.5/10.3 double-double and flashing his passing ability on a nightly basis. On an NBA slate where we’re starving for value, he may not make my main lineup, but he’s certainly in play on such a small slate.

Chris Paul ($8,000 FD / $7,900 DK)

If we cannot find sufficient value on this NBA slate, CP3 will climb the rankings. Yes, it should be a fairly easy win for the Suns tonight, but there’s denying the ability for their backcourt to have great games against the league’s worst defense in Sacramento. Averaging 9.67 assists in his last three games, CP3 has been doing CP3 things and now gets a Kings defense that allows over 25 assists per game and 49 FPPG to opposing primary ball handlers.

Also Consider:

• Jrue Holiday ($8,400 FD / $8,400 DK)
• Darius Garland ($6,700 FD / $6,600 DK)

Shooting Guards

Devin Booker ($9,000 FD / $8,700 DK)

He had Jimmy Butler put the clamps on him in his last game versus Miami, where he shot 4-for-16 en route to a pedestrian 12/3/3 scoring line, but Booker had nine straight game of 20 or more points before that. Tonight, there is no Jimmy Butler waiting for him on the end, rather, it’s the worst defense in the NBA. Averaging 29.1 PPG in his last ten, the former Kentucky standout is a walking bucket in a great matchup.

Collin Sexton ($7,400 FD / $7,500 DK)

He’s been in and out of the lineup with some nagging injuries, but when he plays, Sexton is the entire Cavaliers offense. In the past month, Sexton has only scored under 20 points once – that’s right, once. Sporting a 28.7% usage rate and 24.1 PPG on the season, a matchup versus the Warriors, who play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA, bodes well for Sexton’s game.

Tyrese Haliburton ($5,400 FD / $6,400 DK)

The matchup is brutal, but with how thin our options are, you can certainly do a lot worse than Haliburton on this NBA slate. With Buddy Hield questionable to play the tail end of Sacramento’s back-to-back, Haliburton will get the spot start should Hield be ruled out. Averaging 14.1/2.5/5.3 in 31.8 MPG in 15 starts this season, he’ll have ample opportunity to put up over 10 shots.

Also Consider:

• Donte DiVincenzo ($5,800 FD / $5,900 DK)
• Kevin Huerter ($5,400 FD / $5,100 DK)

Small Forwards

Jaylen Brown ($8,000 FD / $8,100 DK)

Not in love with the play whatsoever since the game environment is far from elite, but there is no denying that JB is the safest option at the position on this NBA slate. With LA still missing both Anthony Davis and LeBron, JB will be able to get to the hoop a lot easier than he should be in this matchup, and with four straight games with 20 or more points on a 26% usage rate, his floor is as safe as it gets.

Bogdan Bogdanovic ($7,300 FD / $7,200 DK)

With four of his last five games resulting in 20 or more points, it’s clear by now that Bog has stepped up in the absence of multiple Hawks. Both he and Kevin Huerter and primary benefactors of more minutes, but it’s been Bog that’s been eating them all up; back-to-back games with 40 or more minutes means his volume is as good as it gets in this price range for tonight’s NBA slate and he’s in the most competitive game environment.

Kent Bazemore ($5,000 FD / $4,900 DK)

Filling in for Kelly Oubre Jr. on the wing in the starting 5, Bazemore is a product of his surrounding. Seeing healthy minutes in a high octane offense with the way Steph Curry is playing right now is a recipe for success, and that’s exactly what Bazemore has been lately; averaging 24.7 DK PPG in his last five, his floor is good enough if we cannot find punt value later in the NBA slate.

Also Consider:

• Khris Middleton ($7,800 FD / $8,300 DK)
• Taurean Prince ($5,300 FD / $5,300 DK)

Power Forwards

Pay Ups

• Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,100 FD / $10,800 DK)
• Jayson Tatum ($9,400 FD / $9,400 DK)
• Draymond Green ($7,100 FD / $7,100 DK)

Also Consider:

• Isaiah Hartenstein ($6,100 FD / $5,500 DK)
• Dean Wade ($5,200 FD / $5,100 DK)
• Jae Crowder ($4,800 FD / $4,400 DK)

Centers

• Clint Capela ($9,000 FD / $8,900 DK)
• Deandre Ayton ($7,400 FD / $6,700 DK)
• Jarrett Allen ($7,100 FD / $7,700 DK)
• Hassan Whiteside ($5,000 FD / $3,400 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Follow the core, you win money in NBA – simple as that, folks. Shoutout to @SchneiDRO420 in Discord for this beauty!

Want to know what we love to see? Star power on an NBA slate. That is exactly how I’d describe this one tonight and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds through the day. Simply put, things you love to see: it. It’s Wet Wednesday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Russell Westbrook ($11,200 FD / $11,000 DK)

Let me just start by saying that the point guard position is absolutely loaded. I understand that there are other positions with premier pay up options, but the majority of the slate breakers will be at this position, which is why I’m writing up three elite options. Beginning with the marteau d’soir, we have the Westbrook/Fox duo in the last game of the NBA slate. Taking on the worst defense in the league is one thing for Westbrook, but when you factor in that he’s had five triple-doubles in a row, you need to think twice about fading him. During that span, Westbrook has a 27.8% usage rate while averaging 21.4/13.4/13.6 on 45.9% shooting; Beal took 25 shots last game and looked to be back in top form, but that didn’t stop Westbrook from posting a 25/14/14 scoring line on only 15 shots. Cash + GPP Play

Steph Curry ($10,300 FD / $10,500 DK)

When the greatest shooter of all time is on a run like he is right now, you get scared about the idea of fading him on any NBA slate. Make it now seven straight games of 32 or more points for Steph and he’s simply unguardable right now; sporting a 37% usage rate, Curry has a 38.4/6.7/4.1 scoring line on 53.5% shooting and is shooting 45.7% from deep in his last seven. GPP Play

De’Aaron Fox ($9,600 FD / $9,600 DK)

It’s our GPP stack tonight and there is plenty of potential in this one. We already spoke about the elite game environment that is Washington versus Sacramento in the Westbrook blurb, so let’s turn our attention to Fox’s recent production; sporting a 33% usage rate over his last five games, Fox has tallied a 30.8/5.2/7.2 scoring line on 47.7% shooting while taking nearly 22 FGA per night. He’s being more aggressive, taking control of the offense in every way imaginable, and finds himself in a matchup that is perfect for his skillset. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Luka Doncic ($10,300 FD / $10,900 DK)
• Dejounte Murray ($7,400 FD / $7,100 DK)
• Malcolm Brogdon ($7,300 FD / $7,100 DK)

Shooting Guards

Zach Lavine ($9,000 FD / $8,800 DK)

His price quickly caught up to him after some bad games but he’s right where he should be. Zach Lavine faces a rebuilding Orlando Magic squad, in what should be a fairly easy win for the Bulls, having strung together a few good games; Lavine carries a 33.5% usage rate in his last four games, where he’s posted a 60.8/6.3/8.3 scoring line on 49.4% shooting. While the upside worries me compared to the number of options available at the top of the pricing grid, his floor is relatively safe on this NBA slate. Cash Play

Bradley Beal ($8,500 FD / $8,700 DK)

Three straight games of 20 or more points and Bradley Beal is back, baby. Sure, I get it – you pay this much for Beal, you want him dropping 40+. But if there’s ever a matchup where both he and Westbrook can hit ceilings, it’s here versus Sacramento; Beal is fresh off a 34/3/5 outing whereby he took a whopping 31 shots. He’s the leading scorer in the NBA for a reason and faces the worst defense in the league – do the math. GPP Play

Tyrese Haliburton ($5,500 FD / $6,200 DK)

Sticking with our theme of stacking the last game on the NBA slate, Tyrese Haliburton is a candidate to be the one midrange player we have in our lineups. With Buddy Hield questionable due to illness, his status does affect my interest level in Haliburton. However, we cannot ignore that Haliburton has been logging 30 MPG for the Kings for quite some time now, and versus a smaller Washington team, Luke Walton can roll out the Fox/Haliburton/Hield trio with Barnes shifting to the ‘4’. Posting a 13/3.1/5.1 scoring line on the season, Haliburton is a product of his surroundings tonight, and there is none better on the slate. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Paul George ($9,200 FD / $9,000 DK)
• DeMar DeRozan ($7,900 FD / $7,900 DK)
• Bruce Brown ($5,200 FD / $4,800 DK)

Small Forwards

Kevin Durant ($9,600 FD / $9,300 DK)

With no James Harden and likely no Kyrie Irving for the Nets tonight, KD takes center stage against Philly. While the minutes are concerning, the majority of the field will think the exact same way – it’s a big risk, but if you’re on him in the first game he plays a full 36, you’re sitting pretty considering he’s one of the best scorers of our generation. Again, I likely won’t get there, but if you’re taking a big risk on tonight’s NBA slate, KD isn’t a bad way to do so. GPP Play

Michael Porter Jr. ($7,400 FD / $7,200 DK)

With Jamal Murray out for the season with a torn ACL, MPJ instantly becomes the #2 scoring option behind Nikola Jokic. With 20 or more points in seven of his past eight, MPJ has already been stepping up for the Nuggets; he has a 23.8% usage rate in that span with a 22.3/9.4/1.3 scoring line while shooting 55.4% from the field and is a great option for our NBA lineups tonight. Cash + GPP Option

OG Anunoby ($6,800 FD / $7,300 DK)

With Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. already ruled out for the Raptors tonight, we can turn to the trio of Flynn/Anunoby/Siakam to shoulder the load on offense. By no means are they the flashiest plays on the board, but when a team is riddled with injuries and suspensions, we have to take a look, especially in NBA cash games. Cash Play

Also Consider:

• Jimmy Butler ($9,300 FD / $9,400 DK)
• Rui Hachimura ($5,200 FD / $6,200 DK)
• Joe Harris ($5,000 FD / $5,600 DK)

Power Forwards

Pay Ups

• Zion Williamson ($10,100 FD / $9,900 DK)
• Domantas Sabonis ($8,800 FD / $9,100 DK)
• Pascal Siakam ($8,600 FD / $8,500 DK)

Also Consider:

• Julius Randle ($9,400 FD / $9,500 DK)
• Dean Wade ($5,100 FD / $5,200 DK)
• Isaiah Roby ($4,500 FD / $5,300 DK)

Centers

• Nikola Jokic ($10,900 FD / $10,600 DK)
• Joel Embiid ($10,100 FD / $10,000 DK)
• Nikola Vucevic ($9,100 FD / $9,200 DK)
• Jonas Valanciunas ($8,100 FD / $7,600 DK)
• Moses Brown ($4,700 FD / $6,300 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Yesterday’s Core 4 of Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles, De’Aaron Fox, and Zion Williamson combined for 200 DK points, so you know the green screens continued to roll in for the team. With Kawhi Leonard already being ruled out, we have early injury news for this NBA slate that shifts things around. With more to come, let’s take a dive into an early look; it’s Taco Tuesday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Trae Young ($8,900 FD / $9,100 DK)

While his performances haven’t been as consistent as we’d like from Trae this season, the upside in a matchup versus the Raptors presents us with the opportunity of getting a ceiling game from the face of the Hawks franchise. In two previous meetings this season, Young has posted a 32.5/3.5/9.5 scoring line on 43.6% shooting while getting to the charity stripe a whopping 15 times per game. He remains third in the NBA with 20 drives to the basket per game, where Toronto has been struggling all season long with the losses of both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka in the offseason. GPP Play

Damian Lillard ($8,800 FD / $9,500 DK)

I was surprised to see Dame priced lower than Trae on FD, likely making him the chalkier of the two premier point guards on tonight’s NBA slate. Jimmy Butler put the clamps on him in their last game, where Dame shot a measly 3-for-10 en route to a 12/1/3 scoring line, but tonight, the Celtics do not present themselves as a bad matchup for the all-star; Boston allows over 45 FPPG to opposing primary ball handlers and rank in the bottom half of the league in 3-point shooting defense. Cash + GPP Play

Malcolm Brogdon ($7,500 FD / $6,700 DK)

Always primary ball handlers versus the Clippers, especially when Patrick Beverly is out. Coming off a great 29/9/11 game versus Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, Malcolm Brogdon has a cakewalk of a matchup versus Reggie Jackson, with Paul George likely lining up on Caris LeVert. The focus of this Indiana offense has always been the Brogdon/Sabonis pick ‘n roll this season, but with Myles Turner out of the lineup, they take an even bigger workload on their shoulders while Caris LeVert plays more of an ISO-type of offense on other possessions. A matchup versus Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac is one that is too good to pass up on. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Chris Paul ($8,400 FD / $8,300 DK)
• Kyle Lowry ($7,200 FD / $7,400 DK)
• Reggie Jackson ($5,600 FD / $5,400 DK)

Shooting Guards

Donovan Mitchell ($9,200 FD / $9,400 DK)

Wrote him up yesterday in a great matchup versus Washington and he delivered a solid 58 DK points on a 42/3/6 scoring line to now make it three of his past four games having 40 or more raw points. Tonight, Mitchell gets another good matchup versus a rebuilding OKC team, where Utah will look to avenge last night’s loss versus Washington; not only has Mitchell scored 40+ in three of his past four, but he also has a 43.2% usage rate and over 30 FGA per night during that span, making him a premier pay up option on this NBA slate at a position where everyone will play Paul George. GPP Play

Paul George ($9,000 FD / $8,700 DK)

With Kawhi Leonard out for tonight’s matchup versus Indiana, not only does PG see a 36.2% usage rate in scenarios like these, but he’s also in a revenge matchup after leaving Indiana on a sour note. In 5 games without The Klaw, PG has posted a 24.2/5.8/5.2 scoring line, has taken over 20 FGA per night, and his recent stretch, where he’s posted a 33.7/4.3/5.7 scoring line on a 33.1% usage rate in his last three games is only the cherry on top; lock of the NBA slate. Cash + GPP Play

Caris LeVert ($8,300 FD / $7,500 DK)

I’m most likely going to start my NBA lineups with Sabonis/Brogdon/George, but if you’re looking for Indiana exposure, you can definitely do a lot worse than Caris LeVert, who is fresh off a 34/5/3 game where he took 20 shots. I’m going to avoid PG’s defense, but if not playing Sabonis and/or Brogdon, give LeVert a look in GPPs. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Devin Booker ($9,500 FD / $9,000 DK)
• CJ McCollum ($8,100 FD / $8,100 DK)
• Gary Trent ($6,200 FD / $6,000 DK)

Small Forwards

Jimmy Butler ($9,400 FD / $9,300 DK)

This is far from an elite game environment, but Butler’s floor/ceiling combination is as good as it gets at the worst position in NBA DFS. Having scored 20 or more points in three straight, Butler not only continues to anchor the Heat defense, but also shoulders a bigger load on offense in the absence of Victor Oladipo; his 25.2% usage rate in the last three is far from elite, but he’s posted a 25.3/4.7/5 scoring line on 65% shooting during that span. By no means do I like to pick on Phoenix’s defense, but if there is a spot to, it’s on the wing. GPP Play

Jaylen Brown ($8,000 FD / $7,800 DK)

Attacking the 29th ranked Portland defense is always a viable strategy on any given NBA slate and tonight is no different. While the acquisition of Norman Powell was an upgrade to their secondary scoring on the wing, he does not help their weak defense, especially versus opposing small forwards. Enter JB, who has 20 or more points in his last three while posting a 26.1% usage rate on a 26/7.7/3 scoring line. Cash + GPP Play

Bogdan Bogdanovic ($7,300 FD / $6,800 DK)

In the absence of both De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, no one has stepped up as much as Bogdanovic to provide secondary scoring behind Trae Young. In his past eight games, Bog has been logging a heavy 36.1 MPG and has posted a 21.6/4.5/4.4 scoring line on 50.4% shooting, including 51.5% from deep, behind a 22.1% usage rate. Against a smaller Toronto team, he will have ample opportunity to get great looks tonight. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• OG Anunoby ($7,100 FD / $7,100 DK)
• Miles Bridges ($6,200 FD / $5,800 DK)
• Bojan Bogdanovic ($5,200 FD / $5,200 DK)

Power Forwards

Pay Ups

• Jayson Tatum ($9,200 FD / $9,200 DK)
• Domantas Sabonis ($9,000 FD / $8,800 DK)
• Pascal Siakam ($8,700 FD / $8,600 DK)

Also Consider:

• Jalen McDaniels ($6,000 FD / $4,300 DK)
• Darius Bazely ($5,800 FD / $5,500 DK)
• Tony Bradley ($5,500 FD / $4,000 DK)

Centers

• Clint Capela ($9,300 FD / $8,500 DK)
• Andre Drummond ($7,000 FD / $6,700 DK)
• Robert Williams ($6,000 FD / $6,000 DK)
• Enes Kanter ($5,400 FD / $6,100 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

A ton of green screens over the weekend and we’re looking to keep it going into a new week of NBA action. Some early injury news includes players such as Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Mike Conley being ruled out, while others such as Jordan Clarkson are already listed as doubtful, while there are more to come considering the number of teams on the second half of a back-to-back. It’s Mojito Monday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Steph Curry ($10,100 FD / $10,300 DK)

Six straight games scoring 30 or more points and Curry has turned the Warriors slide into quite an individual run. Despite going 2-4 in that stretch, Curry cannot fault himself for a lack of contribution; he has a 35.7% usage rate while posting a 36/6.8/4.2 scoring line on 52.6% shooting, taking over 22 FGA per game for his team and has one of the highest ceilings on tonight’s NBA slate. While Aaron Gordon was brought in to solidify Denver’s defense after losing both Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee in the offseason, it’s quite the mismatch for him to guard Steph on the perimeter, and the combination of Murray/Campazzo cannot contain the greatest shooter of all time. GPP Play

De’Aaron Fox ($9,500 FD / $9,300 DK)

A serious edge to be had here if Fox has a big game – I know, it sounds easier said than done and you probably read that and said “well, duh!” but it’s the truth. Coming into this NBA slate, Fox is priced amongst the elite options at the positions, including Russell Westbrook, Luka Doncic, and Steph Curry – most will not play him. However, there is a strong case to do exactly the opposite and make him a core part of your build in large field contests; Fox has a 30.3% usage rate in his last four games, but has posted a 27.8/5/7.5 scoring line on 46.8% shooting while taking 20 FGA per game and logging a heavy 38 MPG. In a matchup versus New Orleans, who ranks 28th in the NBA versus primary ball handlers, allowing over 50 FPPG, my interest is peaked. GPP Play

Dejounte Murray ($7,400 FD / $7,100 DK)

One of my favorite plays in the midrange of tonight’s NBA slate, Dejounte has had quite the season for the Spurs. On the second half of a back-to-back, there are no concerns about his minutes like there was last season with Derrick White in the fold, as Murray has clearly become the main man in San Antonio. Sporting a 25.1% usage rate in his last four games, Murray has posted an 18.8/5.5/5 scoring line on 47.8% shooting while taking over 17 FGA per game, much more than his season average of 14.5. He’s being more aggressive, and he gets a friendly matchup versus a rebuilding Magic team, led by Cole Anthony. GPP + Cash Play

Also Consider:

• Russell Westbrook ($11,000 FD / $11,000 DK)
• Luka Doncic ($10,200 FD / $10,700 DK)
• Ja Morant ($7,100 FD / $6,800 DK)

Shooting Guards

Donovan Mitchell ($9,000 FD / $9,200 DK)

Utah is where I’m starting my cash builds tonight and I recommend you do the same. It’s impossible to discuss fantasy implications surrounding the Jazz without mentioning Donovan Mitchell, who leads the charge on the offensive end; in his last three games, Mitchell has a ridiculous 42.7% usage rate while posting 40 PPG to go along with 5.3 RPG and 3.7 APG, taking an outrageous 30 FGA per outing. In a matchup versus Washington, who plays at the fastest pace in the NBA while ranking 26th in defensive rating and 29th versus primary ball handlers, Mitchell stands out above the rest, especially since Mike Conley has been ruled out and Jordan Clarkson is doubtful to play. Cash + GPP Play

Zach Lavine ($8,700 FD / $8,700 DK)

Back-to-back 30-point outings for Lavine and he’s got his stride back from the first half of the NBA season. Logging 35 or more minutes in each of his past five games for the Bulls, Lavine has a 32.9% usage rate and 29.2 PPG while shooting 48.2% from the field on 22 FGA per night. The acquisition of Nikola Vucevic looked to have put a cap on his ceiling, but with the two coinciding well together in the past week, there’s room for Lavine to exploit this matchup versus a Memphis defense that struggles versus combo guards. Cash + GPP Play

Joe Ingles ($5,500 FD / $5,700 DK)

Stepping into the starting 5 with Mike Conley ruled out, Ingles is a cash game lock on tonight’s NBA slate and is worthy to play in tournaments as well. A spike in usage rate, assist rate, and shooting attempts with Conley off the floor gives him the upside we need in all formats. Cash Lock + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Devin Booker ($9,400 FD / $9,000 DK)
• D’Angelo Russell ($7,500 FD / $6,600 DK)
• Bruce Brown ($5,500 FD / $4,800 DK)

Small Forwards

Kevin Durant ($9,400 FD / $9,000 DK)

No Kyrie and no Harden. I don’t have to spell this one out for you with fancy statistics and a bunch of NBA DFS talk. The minutes are a tad concerning, but considering Durant went from 19 minutes to 24 minutes in his first two games back, he should be good for 30 tonight. Don’t overthink it. Cash + GPP Play

Anthony Edwards ($7,700 FD / $7,500 DK)

Even with D’Angelo Russell returning to the lineup and playing decent minutes off the bench, it’s the #1 overall of this past NBA draft that is second to KAT in production; Edwards has logged 34 or more minutes in five straight games, sporting a 26% usage rate while posting a 22.4/4.8/3.2 scoring line on 44.7% shooting, while taking 17 FGA per game. He’s the clear second option behind Towns, and although he loses touches when DLo comes into the game, Brooklyn’s defense – or lack thereof – presents Edwards with ample opportunity to thrive tonight. GPP Play

Michael Porter Jr. ($7,600 FD / $7,000 DK)

In the absence of Jamal Murray, MPJ has stepped up to be the second option on offense behind NBA MVP favorite, Nikola Jokic. Six of MPJ’s last seven games resulted in him scoring 20 or more points while logging 30 or more minutes in six of seven as well; he has a modest 23.3% usage rate in that span, but the 22/9.4/1.1 scoring line provides him with a solid floor/ceiling combination, especially if Murray is out. GPP Play (Cash if Murray out)

Also Consider:

• Brandon Ingram ($8,000 FD / $8,500 DK)
• Joe Harris ($5,300 FD / $5,600 DK)
• Kent Bazemore ($5,200 FD / $4,300 DK)

Power Forwards

Zion Williamson ($10,000 FD / $9,700 DK)

If we take the blowout loss to Brooklyn out of the question, I’m not sure there’s a player that’s been as hot as Zion Williamson on the court as of late. Scoring 34 or more points in six of his past seven, the real alpha in New Orleans is finally taking over games. Tonight, he gets a Sacramento defense that ranks last in the NBA and – to no one’s surprise – also rank last in the NBA in points allowed per game at 53.5. Zion just so happens to lead the league in points in the paint per game with 20. Who ranks second you ask? Giannis, with, wait for it, 16.9/game. There’s no one as dominant as Zion is in the paint and this is the dream matchup for him. Cash + GPP Play

Julius Randle ($9,600 FD / $9,600 DK)

Averaging nearly 50 DK PPG in his last give games played, Randle has been the consistent force for the Knicks that he has been all season long. Putting up a 22/10/7.4 scoring line is something, but Randle also leads the Knicks in all statistical categories while getting a favorable matchup versus a Lakers frontcourt that remains without AD. While he will be just fine in the paint, it’s his perimeter game that will shine tonight against Andre Drummond while he facilitates the offense like every other night. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Jaden McDaniels ($5,200 FD / $4,500 DK)
• Daniel Theis ($4,100 FD / $3,300 DK)
• Nicolas Claxton ($4,000 FD / $3,100 DK)

Centers

• Karl-Anthony Towns ($11,300 FD / $10,500 DK)
• Nikola Jokic ($10,800 FD / $10,400 DK)
• Joel Embiid ($10,400 FD / $10,100 DK)
• Nikola Vucevic ($9,500 FD / $9,100 DK)
• Andre Drummond ($6,500 FD / $6,800 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Best day of the week with an exciting NBA slate, what a time to be alive. Some injury news across the entire pricing grid tonight makes this slate like every other one, but we’ll dive into an early look to target certain game environments before narrowing down our individual plays. It’s Fajita Friday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Russell Westbrook ($11,200 FD / $11,000 DK)

When Russell Westbrook is on a tear like he is right now, you simply fear the thought of fading him in any given NBA contest. Combine that with a matchup versus the Golden State Warriors, who play at the second-fastest pace in the league to the Wizards #1 ranking and we have the best game environment imaginable for Westbrook. Logging six triple-doubles in his past seven games, Westbrook has a 31.2% usage rate and a 23.4/14.4/12.6 scoring line during that span while shooting 45.1% from the field. Cash + GPP Play

Steph Curry ($9,600 FD / $9,900 DK)

If you’re looking for a marteau d’soir, I’m not sure it gets any better than the very game I spoke about just above. The Wizards and Warriors come into tonight’s NBA slate as the #1 and #2 teams, respectively, in pace of play, leading to a ridiculous amount of possessions for electrifying offensive talents such as Westbrook, Beal, and Curry. The greatest shooter of all time should have no difficulties versus a Washington defense that comes in ranked 26th versus primary ball handlers, allowing over 50 FPPG, while also ranking 26th in opposing teams’ three-point shooting percentage. Apparently, this Curry guy can shoot the deep ball fairly well. GPP Play

Trae Young ($8,100 FD / $9,200 DK)

With everyone focusing at the top of the pricing grid to land a star PG, why not turn to another star for a fraction of the price? With De’Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish still out for the Hawks, Trae has only taken on even more responsibility on the offensive end, resulting in a 33% usage rate in his last nine games. With the Bulls on the second half of a back-to-back, Trae’s in a great spot to take advantage. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Dejounte Murray ($7,500 FD / $7,500 DK)
• Kemba Walker ($6,300 FD / $6,900 DK)
• TJ McConnell ($6,100 FD / $5,600 DK)

Shooting Guards

Paul George ($8,700 FD / $8,200 DK)

A tilted affair between he and Damian Lillard is exactly what PG needed to get going. Beforehand, he wasn’t playing as aggressive on the offensive end while also shying away from defensive responsibility. However, he has back-to-back 30+ point outings in his last two, where he’s sporting a 30.8% usage rate and shooting 62.2% from the field. Ride the hot hand. Cash + GPP Play

Bradley Beal ($8,300 FD / $9,300 DK)

With the way Westbrook is playing, Beal’s ownership went from slim to none. There is a significant edge to be had when playing the leading scorer in the NBA in such circumstance tonight, and the matchup puts him in an elite spot alongside Westbrook. The hip injury is concerning, but if you’re looking to get different tonight, there is no better spot than playing the man who is averaging 31.2 PPG this season. GPP Play

Zach Lavine ($7,500 FD / $7,800 DK)

His scoring has taken a dip, but his price has taken an even greater one. With 20 or more points in three of his last four games, Lavine’s peripheral statistics has drastically increased as a result of Nikola Vucevic’s role on offense; Lavine has 6.75 APG in the same stretch where he is sporting a 30.1% usage rate, leading the Bulls on the second half of a back-to-back as they ramp up their push for the NBA playoffs. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Caris LeVert ($8,300 FD / $7,600 DK)
• Devonte’ Graham ($6,600 FD / $6,800 DK)
• Donte DiVincenzo ($5,500 FD / $6,000 DK)

Small Forwards

Jaylen Brown ($8,300 FD / $8,000 DK)

Coming off a great performance against the Knicks in the absence of Kemba Walker from the lineup, JB is in another good spot here versus one of the worst defenses in the NBA. Minnesota comes into this game with the 27th ranked defense in the NBA, attempting to win games through KAT and Edwards rather than playing defense; they don’t have a sole defender in their starting 5, and this bodes well for the trio of Walker/Brown/Tatum. Having the best campaign of his young career, JB is sporting a 30% usage rate on the season while rocking an impressive 24.3/5.7/3.5 scoring line across 34 MPG. GPP Play

Anthony Edwards ($7,500 FD / $7,700 DK)

He’s taken his game to another level in the absence of D’Angelo Russell after finally getting consistent minutes in the starting lineup, and even with DLo back in the fold, Edwards has been producing stellar numbers in his rookie season. Scoring 20 or more points in six of his last seven, the first overall pick from the last NBA draft has a 29.4% usage rate during that stretch, where he’s posted a 24.1/4.7/2.9 scoring line while taking 19 shots per game. Cash + GPP Play

Kevin Porter Jr. ($6,400 FD / $7,000 DK)

With John Wall out for the Rockets tonight, KPJ and Sterling Brown will handle the large majority of primary ball handler duties. In nine games without John Wall this season, KPJ has a 18/4.3/7.4 scoring line across 33 MPG, and while this one may blowout, he remains in consideration for our NBA cash lineups because of his trending ownership. Cash Play

Also Consider:

• Kawhi Leonard ($10,000 FD / $9,400 DK)
• Bogdan Bogdanovic ($7,300 FD / $7,000 DK)
• Rui Hachimura ($5,800 FD / $6,800 DK)

Power Forwards

Pay Ups

• Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,200 FD / $10,800 DK)
• Julius Randle ($9,600 FD / $9,900 DK)
• Jayson Tatum ($8,800 FD / $9,000 DK)

Also Consider:

• Domantas Sabonis ($9,000 FD / $8,700 DK)
• Draymond Green ($7,500 FD / $6,700 DK)
• Miles Bridges ($5,800 FD / $5,500 DK)

Centers

• Karl-Anthony Towns ($11,100 FD / $10,900 DK)
• Joel Embiid ($10,200 FD / $10,100 DK)
• Nikola Jokic ($10,100 FD / $10,500 DK)
• Nikola Vucevic ($9,900 FD / $9,100 DK)
• Goga Bitadze ($4,900 FD / $3,800 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Low scoring NBA slate last night with a ton of chalk busting, but our Donovan Mitchell exposure made us wildly successful. Onto another night of action, a few teams are on back-to-backs with players typically resting in situations like this. It’s Thirsty Thursday’s edition of the Gems and we’ll get an early look on where to start our lineups.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Luka Doncic ($10,300 FD / $10,900 DK)

In a game where they were favored as much as 12 points versus Houston last night, not only did the Mavericks not cover the spread, but they lost outright by 9 – embarrassing. While it was fun to see John Wall tear it up on the court, it only solidified my concerns with this Dallas team, but tonight, there’s no denying the fact that Luka will want to come out better than he did last night. Despite posting a respectable 23/9/5 scoring line in 37 minutes, he only shot 9-for-26 from the floor, including 1-for-9 from deep; in one previous meeting between these two teams, Doncic dropped a cool 28/10/13 triple-double and may be without Kristaps Porzingis on the second half of a back-to-back. Cash + GPP Play

Jrue Holiday ($8,800 FD / $8,100 DK)

With Giannis Antetokounmpo doubtful to play tonight, we can turn to the Milwaukee rotations when starting our NBA lineups. There is no denying that they will pull massive ownership numbers, which is perfect for our cash games, but I’m not opposed to getting exposure in GPPs as well. IN his last 5 games, Jrue Holiday has a 28.3% usage rate while posting a 27.2/5.2/7.8 scoring line on 62.4% shooting – good enough for 51.1 DK PPG. While Middleton will still likely be the higher owned of the two, I side with Holiday tonight. Cash + GPP Play

Chris Paul ($8,200 FD / $8,300 DK)

One of the most competitive game environments on the NBA slate sees two contenders out West between Phoenix and LA. His numbers take a dip on the second half of back-to-backs, but the veteran will be able to do what he does best: facilitate. Primary ball handlers versus LAC on any day of the week ending in ‘y’. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• De’Aaron Fox ($9,300 FD / $9,300 DK)
• Malachi Flynn ($6,000 FD / $4,700 DK)
• Killian Hayes ($4,000 FD / $3,200 DK)

Shooting Guards

Devin Booker ($9,000 FD / $9,200 DK)

We’re talking about CP3 facilitating on the offensive end tonight because of the second end of a back-to-back, but who will dominate the scoring? Look no further than the face of the Suns franchise, Devin Booker. Scoring a whopping 30 or more points in five of his past six games, Booker has a ridiculous 36.3% usage rate for someone that isn’t necessarily the primary ball handler at all times. Averaging 34/4.2/4 on 50% shooting while taking over 23 FGA during this stretch is simply remarkable, and while it’s scary to play a pure scorer on any given night in NBA DFS, the upside is second to none when his shot is dropping at this rate. GPP Play

Donovan Mitchell ($7,800 FD / $8,600 DK)

Hopefully people tailed the Mitchell writeup from yesterday, which saw him as a key contributor to the optimal lineup on both sites after a 41/8/3 outing in an overtime loss to Phoenix. Tonight, Mitchell and the Jazz get a pesky Trail Blazers offense on the backend of a back-to-back; Mike Conley can possibly sit, but even if he doesn’t, Mitchell price drop is something I will gladly take advantage of versus the 29th ranked defense in the NBA and with 35 FGA last night – this guy is the Jazz offense. Cash + GPP Play

Collin Sexton ($7,500 FD / $7,600 DK)

A pure scorer versus a rebuilding OKC team, Sexton finds himself in a great spot on tonight’s NBA slate. Posting 20 or more points in 9 of his last 10, the variance is there if his shot isn’t dropping, but there’s nobody to slow him down tonight and recent trends indicate the same; over the same stretch, not only is Sexton scoring at will with 24.8 PPG, but he also has a 30.5% usage rate and is logging over 35 MPG while taking 19 FGA per game. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Paul George ($8,700 FD / $8,200 DK)
• Tyrese Haliburton ($6,000 FD / $6,500 DK)
• Jalen Brunson ($5,500 FD / $5,300 DK)

Small Forwards

Kawhi Leonard ($10,000 FD / $9,400 DK)

As safe as it gets at a thin SF position on tonight’s NBA slate. I’m not expecting a ceiling game from Kawhi in this one, but for cash games, where floor is more important than ceiling, he fits the bill. Scoring 20 or more points in 7 of his last 8 games, Kawhi is sporting a 27.7% usage rate and has a 25.1/8.3/5.5 scoring line on 53.2% shooting during that stretch. Cash Play

Khris Middleton ($8,200 FD / $7,800 DK)

I’m fading him in GPPs tonight, but you can get exposure to him in any way you can – just know that so is the majority of the field. Given Jrue Holiday’s price point and recent production, I don’t feel the need to get exposure to Middleton in GPPs, but he’s a staple in our NBA cash game lineups due to his ownership percentage with Giannis ruled out. Cash Lock

Saddiq Bey ($5,100 FD / $4,300 DK)

In the absence of Jerami Grant tonight, the Pistons will be starving for scoring. Enter rookie Saddiq Bey, who has a mediocre 17.7% usage rate as a starter this season, but averages over 29 MPG and a 12.3/4.3/1.7 scoring line while taking over 10 FGA per game. Not a necessity on FD where he’s priced higher than on DK and where there are no bonuses for 3PM, but he’s a lock for me on DK tonight unless something drastic changes. Look for updates in Discord. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Jimmy Butler ($9,400 FD / $9,000 DK)
• Buddy Hield ($6,200 FD / $6,000 DK)
• Patrick Williams ($4,500 FD / $4,500 DK)

Power Forwards

Pascal Siakam ($8,700 FD / $8,500 DK)

With FVV and Bembry suspended for one game following OG’s altercation with Montrezl Harrell, Siakam is the primary option for a deleted Raptors rotation. Minutes are a concern, but if the ownership is heavy, we cannot avoid it in NBA cash games tonight. Cash Play

Bobby Portis ($5,800 FD / $5,300 DK)

Giannis is out so we need to look at Bobby Portis. It’s not complicated, don’t overthink it; in three starts this season, Portis has posted a 14/10.7/1 scoring line across 31.1 MPG wile shooting 56.7% from the field. Easy play for NBA cash lineups and good chalk in GPPs as well. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Lauri Markkanen ($4,700 FD / $4,500 DK)
• Dean Wade ($4,500 FD / $4,600 DK)
• Isaiah Hartenstein ($4,000 FD / $4,400 DK)

Centers

• Nikola Vucevic ($9,900 FD / $9,100 DK)
• Rudy Gobert ($8,100 FD / $7,800 DK)
• Andre Drummond ($5,200 FD / $6,500 DK)
• Moses Brown ($5,100 FD / $6,600 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Smashed yesterday’s NBA slate and tonight is yet another with plenty of injury news to follow; value will surely open up, as it does every slate, and we’ll need to take advantage in order to get multiple studs into our lineups. There are stars aplenty to choose from, so this early look will allow us to focus on lineup construction before nailing down the individual plays. It’s Wet Wednesday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Russell Westbrook ($11,000 FD / $11,100 DK)

Easiest play on the board if Bradley Beal remains sidelined. Coming into tonight’s NBA slate, Russell Westbrook is turning in vintage performances, where he’s averaged 24.4/13.6/12.6 on 43.2% shooting in his last fives games, while also carrying a 32.7% usage rate. Facing off against a rebuilding Orlando team, this is one Washington needs to have a chance at the play-in round. Cash + GPP Play

Kyrie Irving ($10,400 FD / $10,200 DK)

This is where things start to not only get interesting, but also expensive. Kyrie will be without backcourt partner James Harden, but his lock status changes drastically with the return of Kevin Durant to the lineup. Nonetheless, if you’re looking to get different, there is no better spot than Kyrie; he’s fresh off a 40/2/7 game where Harden left after four minutes of action, and with everyone playing KD, no one will play Kyrie on tonight’s NBA slate. GPP Play

Luka Doncic ($10,300 FD / $10,900 DK)

Talk about the forgotten stud on this NBA slate. Sure, most will prioritize Westbrook before playing Doncic, but his matchup is simply too good to overlook completely. Houston ranks 23rd in the league versus primary ball handlers, allowing over 49 FPPG to the position. In five straight games of 25 or more points for Luka, he also has a 38.6% usage rate in that stretch, averaging a 28.8/7.2/6.6 scoring line on 51.4% shooting. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Trae Young ($8,200 FD / $8,800 DK)
• Lonzo Ball ($7,800 FD / $7,700 DK)
• RJ Hampton ($4,800 FD / $4,500 DK)

Shooting Guards

Donovan Mitchell ($8,200 FD / $8,800 DK)

The position is ugly tonight and FD gives us no breaks in having to roster two of them. One thing I want to make clear is that if Bradley Beal plays tonight, he is a lock on FD at only $8,300. But until we get that news, Donovan Mitchell slides in here as the top option in a battle of the Western Conference heavyweights. Although Rudy Gobert anchors the defensive end and contributes on both sides of the floor, it’s Mitchell’s 32.4% usage rate and 25.4/4.4/5.4 scoring line on the season that has propelled the Jazz to top seed in the NBA. GPP + Cash Play

Terrence Ross ($6,600 FD / $6,400 DK)

With the Orlando Magic looking to evaluate their bubble players and see where they fit in future plans for the organization, there is a possibility that Ross sees limited action on a nightly basis. For this price, he is on the outside looking in for my lineups, but again, with the lack of options at SG on FD, he is firmly in play versus a Washington team that plays at the fastest pace in the NBA and allows over 42 FPPG to opposing slashers. GPP Play

Jalen Brunson ($5,400 FD / $5,400 DK)

Fading Luka Doncic? Don’t overlook Jalen Brunson who runs the second unit in a game where the Dallas Mavericks are heavily favored. On a productive run in his last four games, Brunson has averaged nearly 30 MPG with a 21.9% usage rate, producing a 18.8/4/3.5 scoring line off the bench while shooting at a 60.9% clip, including 50% from deep. On an NBA slate where the SG options are scarce, I’ll take my chances on him if I don’t end up playing Luka Doncic. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Caris LeVert ($8,500 FD / $7,100 DK)
• Bradley Beal ($8,300 FD) – lock if active
• Dillon Brooks ($5,600 FD / $5,600 DK)

Small Forwards

Kevin Durant ($8,800 FD / $9,200 DK)

He’ll probably be on a minutes limit in his first game back, but KD is simply too cheap to avoid on tonight’s NBA slate. Again, he will likely play 28-32 minutes – but the damage he can do in this matchup is simply undeniable. One of the best scorers of all time is averaging 29 PPG this season while shooting at a 52.4% clip, including 43.4% from deep. Don’t overthink this one. Cash + GPP Play

Jaylen Brown ($7,700 FD / $7,800 DK)

With Kemba Walker already ruled out for the Celtics tonight, we can go right back to the Tatum/Brown combination in our NBA lineups with confidence. Sure, the Knicks play at the slowest pace in the league, but when we’re talking about two players dominating all the usage on a single team, they’re both in play no matter who the opponent is. Enter JB, who has a 31% usage rate in 19 games without Kemba in the lineup this season, where he is averaging 25.1/5.3/3.7 on 48.4% shooting while taking 20 FGA per game. Cash + GPP Play

Kevin Porter Jr. ($6,600 FD / $7,200 DK)

Even with John Wall expected to play tonight, KPJ remains in play on FD because of position scarcity. The luxury of paying up for both SFs on tonight’s NBA slate is out of the question for me considering the priority at both PG and PF, so KPJ falls here by default. By no means is it the best play on the board, but if he’s our last man in, you can surely do worse than someone averaging over 30 MPG in 13 games for the Rockets this season, posting a 15.6/3.6/6.1 scoring line on 43.4% shooting. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Anthony Edwards ($7,400 FD / $7,700 DK)
• Bogdan Bogdanovic ($7,200 FD / $6,500 DK)
• Naji Marshall ($4,500 FD / $3,900 DK)

Power Forwards

Zion Williamson ($9,700 FD / $9,000 DK)

On the second half of a back-to-back, monitor the Pelicans injury report. If he’s in, this is a smash spot versus a Brooklyn interior that cannot guard the paint whatsoever. Top play at the position for tonight’s NBA slate. GPP Play

Julius Randle ($9,400 FD / $9,900 DK)

Fresh off a 19/15/12 triple-double for the Knicks, there is nothing Julius Randle hasn’t done for the city of NY this season. Sporting a 32.2% usage rate in his last five games, Randle’s 22/10.2/7 scoring line on 42.4% shooting shows just how effective he is in an offensive role this season. There is nobody that’s a lock to play as many minutes as Randle does on a nightly basis, making him firmly in play every NBA slate. Cash + GPP Play

Jayson Tatum ($8,800 FD / $9,100 DK)

Entering tonight’s tilt versus the Knicks, Jayson Tatum has a 7-game 20+ point streak and will be in good shape to keep it rolling with the absence of Kemba Walker. Sporting a 30.5% usage rate in his last seven, Tatum’s 26.9/7.1/3.7 scoring line has Boston back in the midst of the Eastern Conference as they look to make their playoff push. Playing over 35 MPG in games where Walker has been out of the lineup this season, Tatum’s 26.9/6.6/4.3 scoring line is hard enough to ignore, let alone his 22 FGA per game. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Domantas Sabonis ($9,200 FD / $8,900 DK)
• Aleksej Pokusevski ($5,500 FD / $5,600 DK)
• Davis Bertans ($3,700 FD / $4,300 DK)

Centers

• Karl-Anthony Towns ($11,400 FD / $10,700 DK)
• Nikola Jokic ($10,200 FD / $10,600 DK)
• Wendall Carter Jr. ($7,300 FD / $6,000 DK)
• Moses Brown ($6,200 FD / $6,700 DK)
• Kelly Olynyk ($5,600 FD / $5,900 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost

Shoutout the #SicEm for taking home the Natty yesterday and making us a ton of money. Now onto another day of NBA action, the most anticipated injury report will be coming out of New Orleans, where both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are questionable to play with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis already ruled out. It’s Taco Tuesday’s edition of the Gems – let’s ride.

One thing I want to clarify based on the questions I have received is that I will never list a player under the $5,000 FD price tag simply because I use the projection model to identify all targets in these price ranges and below. While there are often plenty of options that I like in this range, you all have access to the very model I use to make my own selections, so when asking “Should I use player X or player Y?”, make sure to check the model because that is how I make all of my own decisions and I truly ride or die by it on a daily basis.

Before running to the DraftKings, FanDuel, or Yahoo lobby to construct your NBA DFS lineup after reading this article, please make sure to utilize the abundance of tools we have at Win Daily:

• Proprietary Projection Model
• Cheat Sheet
• Articles of the Day

Point Guards

Damian Lillard ($9,200 FD / $9,400 DK)

Primary guards versus the Clippers has long been a point of attack for me this NBA season, and with LA failing to acquire a guard at the trade deadline, I’m going right back to the well for the remainder of the season. Enter Damian Lillard, who averaged 29.8 PPG in March on 44.6% shooting, and while most of those games came without CJ McCollum in the lineup, Dame kicked off the new month with a 32/4/5 game versus Milwaukee before blowing out OKC a few days ago. Cash + GPP Play

Trae Young ($8,500 FD / $9,100 DK)

The price here just doesn’t make sense for the primary ball handler in a matchup versus New Orleans. While Trae Young has dealt with some inconsistencies this NBA season, he’s still sporting a 32.6% usage rate on the season with a 25.2/3.9/9.4 scoring line on 43.1% shooting and gets a matchup versus a Pelicans teams that allows over 50 FPPG to opposing primary ball handlers. GPP Play

Lonzo Ball ($7,500 FD / $7,500 DK)

Unless both Zion and Ingram and playing tonight, Zo is the staple in our NBA cash lineups. Despite a 3-week absence from the lineup, Zo came back and dropped 27/4/9 in 37 minutes against the Rockets last game without both Zion and Ingram playing. Keep updated with injury news, but this one is fairly straightforward. Cash Play

Also Consider:

• Steph Curry ($9,500 FD / $9,700 DK)
• Dennis Schroder ($7,600 FD / $6,900 DK)
• Malachi Flynn ($5,100 FD / $3,900 DK)

Shooting Guards

Paul George ($8,700 FD / $8,100 DK)

By no means has PG been playing to his standards lately, but a matchup against the 29th ranked defense in the NBA combined with position scarcity has me prioritizing him on FD for one of two SG slots. You don’t necessarily need him on DK, but his scoring is due to improve; PG13 has a 30.6% usage rate in his last five, where he’s only shooting 39.8% from the field – taking nearly 19 shots per game for the Clippers, his shot needs to drop if they want to win this one. Cash + GPP Play

CJ McCollum ($7,900 FD / $8,000 DK)

Another SG who is simply too cheap on FD. While Dame remains the priority in the Portland lineup for us tonight, McCollum makes for a great secondary piece of stacking this game. When Dame takes over, McCollum’s ceiling obviously takes a hit, but he’s still sporting a 28.7% usage rate on the season and averaging 23.8 PPG on 44.7% shooting, including over 19 FGA per game. GPP Play

Hamidou Diallo ($5,600 FD / $5,300 DK)

With Detroit resting half their roster every other night, they will be a primary source of our value on any given NBA slate. Enter Hamidou Diallo, who has averaged 27.6 DK PPG in his five-game Pistons tenure on a 13.8/6/2.2 scoring line while shooting 56.8% from the field and 54.5% from behind the arc. Wait for the Pistons injury report and attack accordingly. Cash + GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Gary Trent Jr. ($6,400 FD / $6,200 DK)
• Donte DiVincenzo ($5,500 FD / $5,900 DK)

Small Forwards

Kawhi Leonard ($9,500 FD / $9,200 DK)

Attacking the same POR/LAC game, it’s impossible to ignore the catalyst on both ends of the floor for the Clippers on tonight’s NBA slate. In his last seven, Kawhi is sporting a 27.6% usage rate and dropping 24.6/7.7/5.3 on 52.9% shooting and gets a favorable matchup versus Norman Powell, Carmelo Anthony, and Nazir Little, all of whom have combined to allow over 42 FPPG per game to opposing wings, including over 50 FPPG to opposing primary ball handlers. Cash + GPP Play

Jimmy Butler ($9,100 FD / $9,000 DK)

There is no safer option at the thinnest position on tonight’s NBA slate. Entering this matchup with Memphis, Butler has been filling the box score on a nightly basis, averaging 20.4/5.2/7.6 on 51.5% shooting in his last five games. With Memphis allowing a league-high 46 FPPG to opposing SFs, he makes for a great pivot to Kawhi Leonard in GPPs. GPP Play

Danilo Gallinari ($5,200 FD / $5,700 DK)

Bogdan fits in here as well, but with a $2,000 price difference on FD, Gallo makes more sense. Entering tonight’s contest with six straight double-digit point performances, Gallo has a 22.7% usage rate over that span and a 15.3/5/1.5 scoring line on 46.6% shooting. With multiple injuries to the Hawks in a run ‘n gun game versus the Pelicans, he will be relied upon to provide secondary scoring behind the Young/Capela duo and makes for an interesting SF2 on tonight’s NBA slate. GPP Play

Also Consider:

• Jaylen Brown ($7,700 FD / $7,600 DK)
• Bogdan Bogdanovic ($7,500 FD / $6,200 DK)
• Nicolas Batum ($4,800 FD / $4,700 DK)

Power Forwards

Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,200 FD / $10,700 DK)

Top stud on the NBA slate in a cakewalk of a matchup – don’t overthink it if paying up this route and pairing him with Steph Curry.

Pascal Siakam ($8,700 FD / $8,200 DK)

Down to an 8-man rotation with both FVV and Kyle Lowry out; Siakam leads the team in usage rate, scoring, and rebounding percentage with his two teammates out of the lineup. Great spot for our NBA cash lineups.

Jerami Grant ($6,400 FD / $6,900 DK)

Revenge narrative for Jerami Grant? Have a look in Discord to see what the Pistons do in their latest injury report before making a move here.

Also Consider:

• Zion Williamson ($9,700 FD / $8,900 DK)
• Domantas Sabonis ($9,200 FD / $8,800 DK)
• Thad Young ($6,500 FD / $6,000 DK)

Centers

• Nikola Jokic ($10,600 FD / $10,500 DK)
• Nikola Vucevic ($8,800 FD / $8,700 DK)
• Myles Turner ($6,200 FD / $6,200 DK)

Value Gems: Check the projection model.

I will continue to stress the importance of having both the projection model and cheat sheet open when building lineups for a further player pool and to ease a decision between two players, in addition to finding additional value plays.

You can find me on Twitter @DFS_Ghost