The 10/28 NBA DFS Game Previews looks at each of the 11 games on Monday’s slate. We’ll also break off a Monkey Knife Fight prop to get you on the way toward making some long green tonight.
Sign up NOW for WIN DAILY Gold right here! Projections, wagering info, 24/7 expert chats and more!
Wanna catch my DFS musings on Twitter? Follow me here!
PG/SG Zach LaVine ($7,700 DraftKings) and PF/C Lauri Markkanen ($7,700 DK) are averaging 38.4 and 37.9 DKP. If you like pairings, this will be one of Monday’s best. PF/C Wendell Carter Jr. ($6,000 DK) is battling an injured thumb but is expected to start. PG/SG Colby White ($5,000 DK) is averaging 29.4 DKP but might be the boom-bust on the roster.
Knicks PF/C Mitchell Robinson ($5,600 DK) is still hobbled with a sprained ankle, so I would avoid him until he’s closer to 100 percent. The upside is not there at this point. In his stead, PF/C Julius Randle ($8,300 DK) is the best front court play. PG/SG R.J. Barrett ($6,100 DK) is better than advertised and is worth considering, especially if you’re playing the early games. Stay away from SF/PF Marcus Morris ($5,300 DK) and PF/C Bobby Portis ($5,400 DK).
PG Malcolm Brogdon ($7,600 FanDuel) comes off a 53.4 FDP performance on Saturday and continues to be the one Pacer assured of rewarding 10/28 NBA DFS users. He leads the league in assists (10.5 APG) while shooting nearly 55 percent from the field. Both PF Domantas Sabonis ($7,900 FD) and C Myles Turner ($7,600 FD) are coming off poor (for them) efforts in Saturday’s loss to the Cavaliers. I’d bet on Sabonis as the better bounce back since Turner will have his hands full with Pistons C Andre Drummond ($10,300 FD). SF T.J. Warren ($5,100 FD) is off to a brutal start, averaging less than 13 FDP.
Drummond’s 15.7 rebounds per game leads the league. While that’s not a shock, the fact he’s shooting 61.7 percent from the free throw line is, which is adding about 4-6 points per game to his scoring. SG Derrick Rose ($6,500 FD) exploded for 48.3 FDP against the Sixers on Saturday. He’s perhaps the only other Pistons player worth serious consideration, as SF Luke Kennard ($4,900 FD) has grossly declined since putting up 35.3 FDP in the season opener.
No surprise that C Nikola Vucevic ($8,200 DK) is the top 10/28 NBA DFS option in the Magic lineup, averaging 38 DKP. He’s 1-for-9 from 3-point range this season (please stop, Nikola). SG/SF Evan Fournier ($5,000 DK) is quietly dependable and trails only Vucevic in usage, so he’s got some sleeper potential. SF/PF Aaron Gordon ($6,200 DK) is shooting just 33 percent from the field and is best left alone until he finds his shot. SF/PF Jonathan Isaac ($5,300 DK) offers blocked shots and boards, but — like Gordon — is struggling to find his offense, not a good play for 10/28 NBA DFS.
It’s too early to tell if PF/C Pascal Siakam ($8,700 DK) is truly a 48.5 DKP per game scorer, yet his usage and 28.7 points per game indicates the Raptors are going to make him the focal point of the offense. Regardless, PG Kyle Lowry ($7,300 DK) is going to get his 42.2 DKP even when his shot is erratic. This is a good matchup to plug in PG/SG Fred VanVleet ($6,300 DK), who bounced back from Friday’s poor effort against the Celtics with a respectful 32 DKP on Saturday. SF/PF OG Anunoby ($4,900 DK) has a chance to break out with a solid outing against a Magic defense that is playing above expectations by allowing 96.5 points per game.
C Joel Embiid ($10,500 FD) is a gametime decision, but, considering this is the Hawks, he’s worth avoiding tonight. Be all-in on SF Tobias Harris ($7,800 FD) if Embiid is indeed sidelined. Harris is averaging 41.25 FDP by averaging 22 points and 11 boards per night thus far. PG Ben Simmons ($9,700 FD) is producing 45.95 FDP; his turnovers are made up for by the fact he leads the league with 3.5 steals per game. PF Al Horford ($6,900 FD) also benefits greatly if Embiid is out.
PG Trae Young ($9,400 FD) leads the league with 38.5 points per game and is adding nine assists per night as well. He’s something of a bargain considering the caliber of PGs on tonight’s slate. PF John Collins ($8,000 FD) is a stat stuffer who is also averaging 1.5 blocks per game but could have his hands full if Embiid is in the lineup. Beyond perhaps SF DeAndre’ Bembry ($4,100 FD), there’s little else to get excited about when it comes to the Hawks’ DFS options.
You know it’s uncertainty with the Cavs when C Tristan Thompson ($6,300 DK) is the best DFS option based on Fantasy points per game. That said, don’t be fast to add him as this matchup should bring him down to earth. PF/C Kevin Love ($8,400 DK) looks like the version of Love in Minnesota, putting up 48.1 DKP. Health is always the issue with him, but he’s worth consideration tonight. Don’t count on tonight being the breakout for SF/PF Cedi Osman ($4,800 DK), who is averaging just 13 DKP.
Only an extra assist kept SF/PF Giannis Antetokounmpo ($10,600 DK) from becoming the fourth player ever to open the season with consecutive triple doubles. He’s my anchor in tonight’s DK lineup. SG/SF Khris Middleton ($7,200 DK) scored 37 points in Saturday’s OT loss to the Heat. He’ll be a good pairing as the two of them will suck up most of the Bucks’ usage rate. C Brook Lopez ($5,200 DK) is scoring 26.4 DKP despite a poor start from the field. PG Eric Bledsoe ($6,000) looks like he’s past his injured ribs, making him a sleeper going against Cleveland’s young and inexperienced point guards.
Thunder SG Shai Gilegeous-Alexander ($7,900 FD) would be the one player on the OKC roster to add to your NBA DFS lineup. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 42.03 FDP and will be more than up for the matchup against Rockets Gs James Harden and Russell Westbrook. This is also a favorable matchup for SF Danilo Gallinari ($7,100 FD). Of course, the attention will be on PG Chris Paul ($7,600 FD), who is off to a slow start entering his first game against the Rockets since being traded for Westbrook during the summer. SG Dennis Schroder ($4,600 FD) is sneaky good, especially if this game becomes a high-scoring affair.
Harden ($11,100 FD) is averaging 41.84 FDP, more than 17 less than Westbrook ($10,900) is producing in his first two games in Houston. Saving is saving, so keep $200 and run with Westbrook at the point. C Clint Capela is averaging 2.5 blocks per game, and at $8,400 at FanDuel, he’s more of a value compared to the likes of Drummond and Embiid for 10/28 NBA DFS. SF Danuel House ($4,100) is a sleeper who could quietly put up 33-35 FDP tonight.
PG/SG Stephen Curry ($9,500 DK) is the only reliable option on the Warriors roster these days. Get used to hearing this phrase often. We knew regression was coming, but, damn. They’ve taken a pair of beatdowns. PF/C Marquese Chriss ($3,200 DK) had 25.5 DKP in Sunday’s loss and might actually be the second-best option on the roster. PF/C Draymond Green ($7,100 DK) is battling an elbow contusion but will be available. SF/PF Eric Paschall ($3,200 DK) might be worth a look to see if there’s some long term value.
SF/PF Brandon Ingram ($7,500 DK) is putting up 50.3 DKP, including a 63.25 performance in Saturday’s overtime loss to the Rockets. PG Lonzo Ball ($6,300 DK) is improving and is a borderline good option. I could see a stack with Ingram and Ball against the overwhelmed Warriors. SG/SF Josh Hart ($4,800 DK) is under the radar and is an option for 3-player stack.
PG Damian Lillard ($10,000 FD) is averaging 48.79 FDP and should be strongly considered. C Hassan Whiteside ($8,300 FD) got hit with foul trouble on Saturday, perhaps the one thing that can slow down his strong start with the Trail Blazers. SG C.J. McCollum ($6,200 FD) finally broke out with 52.3 FDP in Sunday’s win over the Mavericks and can be plugged in a pairing with Lillard. PF Zach Collins ($4,900 FD) dislocated his shoulder on Sunday and will be out indefinitely.
SG DeMar DeRozan ($7,900 FD) tallied 43.3 FDP in Saturday’s win. PF LaMarcus Aldridge ($8,200 FD) added 45.5 FDP, so all looks well in San Antonio. The player to grab, however, is PG Dejounte Murray ($7,000 FD) who looks like a value play and is showing signs of a potential breakout now that’s he’s finally healthy. C Jakob Poeltl ($4,800 FD) could be a cheap source of rebounding as he won’t have any qualms battling Whiteside in the paint.
If you want to pay top dollar for a big man, then run with C Nikola Jokic ($9,600 DK). Jokic is averaging 54.3 DKP thus far without truly putting his total arsenal on display. This could happen tonight against a thin Kings front court. PG/SG Jamaal Murray ($6,500 DK) comes off a 43.75 DKP in Friday’s gritty overtime win over the Suns. SG/SF Will Barton ($5,300 DK) is too scoring-dependent to be counted out. PF Paul Millsap ($5,300 DK) is off to a slow start, but it’s Jokic and Murray when it comes to DFS.
The Kings are struggling to offer DFS value. PF/C Marvin Bagley III is out at least until late November and PG De’Aaron Fox ($7,300 DK) has had two bad outings mixed in with one brilliant performance. I’d wait on Fox to give me more consistency before investing in him. SG/SF Buddy Hield ($6,000 DK) is the only other Kings player putting up better than 24 DKP per game, leaving the rest of the roster a jumbled band of confusion worth avoiding.
The risk of running out C Rudy Gobert ($9,000 FD) is that he could see limited minutes similar to what happened in Saturday’s blowout of the Kings. His FDP per game is low for now, but you know he’s got a monster run coming soon. For now, keep running with SG Donovan Mitchell ($8,600 FD) and his 40.86 FDP. SF Bojan Bogdanovic ($5,600 FD) might be the only other Jazz player worth considering tonight.
Right now, I’m liking SF Kelly Oubre Jr ($6,900 FD) more than SG Devin Booker ($9,100) for more than just 10/28 NBA DFS value. Oubre looks made for this style of play and we’re seeing why there was no need to give up on him. Both he and Booker will carry the load with C Deandre Ayton suspended. PG Ricky Rubio (7,000 FD) is a game time decision with his knee. If he’s out, then look for PF Frank Kaminsky ($5,200 FD) to get a boost in usage rate, which translates to sleeper status.
C Cody Zeller ($5,800 DK) blew up for 52 DKP on Sunday and could carry that value over into tonight. PF/C P.J. Washington ($6,600 DK) and SF/PF Miles Bridges ($6,300 DK) are too risky for consideration tonight. I would consider PG/SG Devonte’ Graham ($4,800 DK) as a possible sleeper.
SF/PF Kawhi Leonard ($9,200 DK) is worth the steep price as he’s off to a strong stat stuffing start. The best options outside of Leonard reside on the Clippers bench as both PF/C Montrezl Harrell ($6,400 DK) and PG/SG Lou Williams ($7,100 DK) are both hitting 35 DKP per game.
Damian Lillard — Off to a solid start, Lillard will have the green light to fire away all night.
DeMar DeRozan — Averaging 19.5 points per game thus far, DeRozan is capable of lighting it up any given night.
Verdict — Take Lillard.
The 10/27 NBA DFS Game Previews look at each of the four games on the main slate. We’ll also toss in some Monkey Knife Fight love when it comes to prop plays.
Sign up NOW for WIN DAILY Gold right here! Projections, wagering info, 24/7 expert chats and more!
Wanna catch my DFS musings on Twitter? Follow me here!
Nets PG Kyrie Irving ($10,300 FanDuel/$9,300 DraftKings) is the top choice in the Brooklyn lineup. He’s averaging 58.5 DKP in his first two games and will have the chance to take Grizzlies rookie PG Ja Morant ($6,700 FD/$6,700 DK) to school. The points will be there, but it will come down to how many dimes he can produce. SF Taurean Prince ($5,800 FD/$5,700 DK) had a disappointing outing against the Knicks on Friday, but there’s enough to his game to warrant a second chance. PF/C Jarrett Allen ($6,600 FD/$5,600 DK) continues to get the lion’s share of minutes over C De’Andre Jordan ($4,600 FD/$4,400 DK). Keep SG/SF Caris LaVert ($6,400 FD/$6,800 DK) in mind.
Speaking of Morant, play at your risk. The upside has been shown but he’s also looked like a PG with only two NBA games under his belt. PF Jaren Jackson ($7,300 FD/$6,500 DK) is averaging 34.5 DKP in his first two games and will be the focal point of the offense so long as he avoids foul trouble. PF Brandon Clarke ($5,500 FD/$3,900 DK) is a game time decision. I’d like him much, much more if he were a sure thing.
PG Damian Lillard ($9,900 FD/$9,100 DK) averages 52.9 DKP thus far and would be a nice stack with backcourt mate PG/SG C.J. McCollum ($6,500 FD/$6,600 DK), who is due for a breakout after starting with a lackluster 24.1 DKP in his first two outings. I’d be all-in on C Hassan Whiteside ($8,300 FD/$7,400 DK), who’s averaging 19 points and 14 boards.
PG/SG Luka Doncic ($10,100 FD/$9,500 DK) is averaging 52.15 FDP. He’s a must-add with the way he’s started. PF/C Kristaps Porzingis ($8,400 FD/$8,200 DK) comes off a 43.5 DKP performance in Friday’s win over the Pelicans. The five blocked shots were a surprise. PG/SG Delon Wright ($5,800 FD/$5,500 DK) comes off a 47.9 FDP outing on Friday. No Dwight Powell ($5,200 FD/$5,400 DK) again, but his return his coming sooner than later.
SF Justice Winslow ($7,000 FD/$7,200 DK, also listed as PG) has been the best option in the Heat lineup, averaging 42.5 FDP. The versatility makes him a stronger play at DraftKings. PG Goran Dragic ($5,900 FD/$5,400 DK) had 46.5 DKP off the bench on Friday and should get at least 28-30 minutes tonight. The preseason expectations on PF/C Bam Adebayo ($7,100 FD/$7,000 DK) have been realized thus far. I’m not sure how long PG/SG Kendrick Nunn ($4,900 FD/$5,300 DK) can continue his opening run, but it’s worth the play against the Timberwolves defense.
PF/C Karl-Anthony Towns ($12,200 FD/$10,100 DK) is the most potent NBA DFS weapon on the schedule. Don’t bank on his averaging 77.65 FDP, but 60-65 is right about in his range. Towns is worth the money tonight. The problem with the Timberwolves is that there’s not much NBA DFS value on the roster beyond Towns right now. PG Jeff Teague ($6,000 FD/$5,300 DK) and SF/PF Robert Covington ($5,700 FD/$5,700 DK) are both under expectations and SG/SF Andrew Wiggins ($6,700 FD/$6,300 DK) is just scoring and little else.
The Hornets have a pair of possible value plays in PF P.J. Washington ($6,000 FD/$6,200 DK) and PG Devonte’ Graham ($5,700 FD/$4.600 DK). Both are averaging over 30 FP in both formats and can slide into any NBA DFS lineup. SG Dwayne Bacon ($5,400 FD/$5,800 DK) is a value play worth considering but not on the same plan as I have Washington and Graham. This doesn’t shape to be a good matchup for PF/C Cody Zeller ($6,600 FD/$5,300 DK).
Obviously, it’s all about Anthony Davis ($11,500 FD/$10,400 DK) and LeBron James ($11,300 FD/$9,900 DK) when it comes to the Lakers in 10/27 NBA DFS. You could pair those two with Washington and Graham and make the foundation of an intriguing lineup. SF/PF Kyle Kuzma ($6,200 FD/$6,000 DK) is questionable.
Kristaps Porzingis — He’s showing few signs of rust in his first two games with the Mavs. He and PG/SG Luka Doncic could pair up for 100 Fantasy points, perhaps the best chance in 10/27 NBA DFS.
Hassan Whiteside — Rebounds and blocks will be there, but it’s hard to envision that he will continue averaging 19 points per game.
Verdict — Fun pairing, but I’ll take the over on Porzingis and the under on Whiteside.
It’s an 11-game slate on the first full night of the 2019-20 NBA regular season. The 10/23 NBA DFS Game Previews offer a look at which players will be good fits for tonight’s Fantasy action.
Sign up NOW for WIN DAILY Gold right here! Projections, wagering info, 24/7 expert chats and more!
Wanna catch my DFS musings on Twitter? Follow me here!
The Bulls finished 27th in scoring last season but full seasons from SG Zach LaVine, PF Lauri Markkanen and C Wendell Carter Jr. should change that Markkanen has the best ceiling for DFS players, although Carter can emerge into a consistent 30-30 Fantasy points per game scorer. On the other hand, the Hornets may be one of the Association’s worst Fantasy-friendly teams after letting PG Kemba Walker sign with the Celtics. SF/C Cody Zeller is the only projected starter with a Player Efficiency Rating over 15 (league average) in 2018-19 (17.26). If you want in for this one, go heavy on the Bulls and let the Hornets piece things together without impacting your roster.
PF Blake Griffin will miss at least the first five games. Get used to the phrase “PF Blake Griffin will miss…” as he’s become more of a 60-65 games a year performer at this stage of his career. C Andre Drummond will have more scoring opportunities to go along with the copious number of rebounds he’ll grab. He’s easily the best play in DFS among the Pistons. PG Reggie Jackson is day-to-day, so look for PG Derrick Rose to either start or see significant minutes off the bench. For the Pacers, SF T.J. Warren could be the biggest beneficiary with SG/SF Victor Oladipo out until at least the All-Star Break. C Myles Turner’s per 40 rates makes him a strong player, especially with blocked shots. Domantas Sabonis comes off a career-best 21.99 PER last season and could approach 25 PER now that’s entrenched in the lineup after signing a long-term extension.
Look elsewhere if counting on the Cavs for DFS help. Only the Grizzlies scored fewer points per game than the 104.5 Cleveland averaged last season. PF/C Kevin Love could be useful, yet is obviously a shell of his former self. Rookie PG Darius Garland should be the clear leader in usage for the Cavs. Beyond that, yeesh. Magic C Nikola Vucevic had career-bests in usage and PER in 2018-19. He quietly gets the job done and is the best option in the Magic lineup. PF Aaron Gordon remains more promise than reality. He’s too much of a risk to invest heavily. Gordon could be overtaken by SF/PF Jonathan Isaac, a sleeper play who will offer rebounds and blocks. D.J. Augustin opens at PG, but the progress of PG Markelle Fultz is worth monitoring.
SF Jason Tatum spent the preseason adjusting to becoming the focal point of the Celtics’ offense. Expect his usage rate to take a significant hike along with his 15.7 points per game from last season. PG Kemba Walker is the new quarterback in Boston but won’t have to carry such a scoring load that he had last year with the Hornets. SF Gordon Hayward and SG Jalen Brown are DFS teases. Avoid. Obviously, PF/C Joel Embiid is the high-end option in Philly. He’ll deliver 40+ FPG on an almost nightly basis. PG Ben Simmons will also fill up a stat sheet without attempting 3s. SF Tobias Harris is sneaky good and makes for a good complement if considering a Sixers stack. Former Celts PF/C Al Horford makes his Philly debut. He won’t have the workload he did in Boston, so see how he flows through the Sixers lineup before choosing to commit him to a DFS lineup.
Woof woof, what a dog when it comes to DFS impact. The Grizzlies had the lowest-scoring offense last year; the Heat were 26th. If you must, Memphis PF Jaren Jackson Jr. is the one Grizz with DFS appeal, although C Jonas Valanciunas will get his share of boards. New Heat SF Jimmy Butler will rebound from a disappointing 19.88 PER while getting his wish and dominate Miami’s usage rates. C Bam Adebayo was on the short list of 2019-20 breakout candidates and should get his season off to a good start. He’ll be undervalued on either DraftKings or FanDuel. Justise Winslow is projected to start at PG but will also see minutes at both SG and SF. Goran Dragic might be a pleasant surprise coming off the bench.
C Karl-Anthony Towns has three straight seasons of at least 24.99 PER and will flirt with 30% usage this season. He’s an elite talent that’s only 23 and is durable enough to produce 45-50 FPG on a nightly basis. PF Robert Covington was a sneaky-good NBA DFS performer before injuries ended his season on New Year’s Eve. PG Jeff Teague can hand out dimes with the best of them and still get enough scoring to justify having in your lineup at an affordable rate. SF/SG Andrew Wiggins can score the ball. That’s about all he can do. It’s PG Kyrie Irving’s world in Brooklyn, so look for him to shoot at will along with getting his teammates involved. C Jarrett Allen looked like a breakout performer before the Nets signed C De’Andre Jordan, crippling the DFS value of both. SF Caris LeVert can be streaky with his shot, but his 31.2% mark from beyond the arc last season stunts his upside.
When it comes to the Wizards, add SG Bradley Beal into your lineup and let his offense do the rest. He’ll get enough assists and steals to compliment his high scoring. Other than Beal, C Thomas Bryant is the only other starter worth considering. The Mavericks duo of SG Luka Doncic and PF Kristaps Porzingis is one of the night’s best stacks. Porzingis looked sharp at times in the preseason. Doncic is a stat stuffer who could be a nightly NBA DFS monster if he’s improved upon his 33% mark from long range. C Dwight Powell is a low-end play who can get his points without having plays called for him. SF Justin Jackson is a clip ‘n save whose minutes could lead him to being an intriguing add throughout the season.
C Mitchell Robinson inhales rebounds and exhales blocked shots. However, if he can’t go for the opener, Bobby Portis will fill in. As a starter last season, Portis averaged 13.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 37% from 3-point range. Rookie SG R.J. Barrett is worth the watch but not ready for DFS consideration. The Spurs still go through PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge, who can still deliver high end Fantasy scoring at age 34. SG/SF DeMar DeRozan comes into this season with six straight seasons of at least 20 points per game. Count on him stretching it to seven. C Jakob Poeltl opens the season as the starter but keep an eye on Trey Lyles. The former Jazz and Nuggets PF/C has solid Per 40 numbers and could emerge as a pleasant surprise if given the chance to start.
The one certainty on the new-look Thunder is PG Chris Paul handing out 8-10 assists along with knocking down 17-20 points and getting a steal or two. SF Danilo Gallinari remained healthy last season and could score 18-22 points per night if he can avoid the injury bug. C Steven Adams will be a modest DFS value play. Utah’s best Fantasy option continues to be C Rudy Gobert, who has averaged at least 13.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game in each of the past three seasons. Gobert could flirt with a 70% field goal percentage this year. Newcomer PG Michael Conley won’t need to score as much as he did with the Grizzlies, but his offensive game is there if needed. SG Donovan Mitchell is a good NBA DFS option, yet could see his scoring production take a mild dent with the additions of Conley and PF Bojan Bogdanovic.
The most Fantasy-friendly game on the schedule. C Nikola Jokic is a legit MVP candidate and an anchor for any DFS roster. Jokic is money well spent. PG Jamaal Murray should take the next step toward stardom. He managed a 25.9% usage rate last season and should continue at that level, even as Jokic recorded a 29.4% rate. SF Will Barton and SG Gary Harris can also be useful Nuggets. You could go with Jokic and Trail Blazers PG Damian Lillard as anchors in a west coast NBA DFS lineup and not look back. C.J. McCollum is a good complement to Lillard as both should combine for 48-50 points. New C Hassan Whiteside offers blocks and rebounds for Portland to go along with enough scoring to consider adding him in a one-game stack.
This could be the most entertaining game of the night. The Kings’ backcourt of PG D’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield is as entertaining and Fantasy-friendly a guard combo. Pair them together and watch the points (real and Fantasy) come alive. PF Marvin Bagley III is earmarked for a breakout campaign, while SF Harrison Barnes should see some Fantasy appeal. The Suns will be fun for DFS users. SG/PG Devin Booker is going to fill the stat sheet on his way to competing for the scoring title. C Deandre Ayton isn’t far off from being an elite Fantasy scorer. That happens once he continues to raise his usage rate. SF/PF Dario Saric is built for the Suns’ uptempo attack and will be a strong Fantasy contributor. SF Kelly Oubre Jr. is sneaky-good and would be part of a stack mixing the two teams.
Sign up NOW for WIN DAILY Gold right here! Projections, wagering info, 24/7 expert chats and more!
Wanna catch my DFS musings on Twitter? Follow me here!
"*" indicates required fields
