Welcome back Rotoballers!!! Tonight we’re in for a treat with a five-game slate as opposed to the normal three games on Thursday night. The matchups aren’t great, but that only means you have to dig a little deeper into individual matchups to find the serious value.
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FanDuel Point Guard Picks
Mike Conley (ATL, PG) - $6,600
I don’t normally play Mike Conley in DFS, but when I do, it’s when Damian Lillard is guarding him. The point guard selection isn't as good as it usually is tonight, so I’m going to play the matchup and spend my money elsewhere. Unless you want to pony up for Russell Westbrook or Damian Lillard, I think Conley will outscore all of the PG’s priced above him.
Side note: Conley is usually a pretty low-owned point guard which makes him an even better play in large DFS tournaments.
Also Consider: Kemba Walker (CHA, PG), Ricky Rubio (MIN, PG)
FanDuel Shooting Guard Picks
Alec Burks (UTA, SG) - $5,400
I love paying up for the elite shooting guards because it’s always such a thin position, but Jimmy Butler will be guarded by Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook for 35 minutes tonight, so I’m going to take a hard pass on him. After Jimmy Butler, the prices drop pretty quickly, and that’s where I’ll be selecting my SG’s from tonight.
Burks scored 29.3 fantasy points last night which would give him almost 6x value at this price. I love his matchup against Denver, as he thrives in a faster-paced game. In addition, Utah’s starting backcourt, played exceptionally bad against Portland last night, so expect Burks to continue to get starters minutes.
Even though he is relatively dependent on scoring, he has a higher floor and ceiling than any of the shooting guards in his price range. He’s one of my favorite plays of the night.
Also Consider: C.J McCollum (POR, SG)
FanDuel Small Forward Picks
Nicolas Batum (IND, SF) - $6,600
I love picking players like Nicolas Batum who are not scoring dependent to be successful in DFS. Batum averages 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and can always chip in blocks and steals. Batum has looked better offensively as the season has gone on, literally increasing his scoring totals each game (9, 14, 16, 18). I think this will be the last week he’s priced below $7,000.
Gordon Hayward (UTA, SF) $6,800
I know, I know, I already listed a SF, but I just have the gut feeling tonight is the night Hayward shows everyone why he’s paid the big bucks. This is usually a guy who flirts with a triple double on a good night, and there’s usually no better place to do it than Denver. He did just play 38 minutes against Portland last night, but it’s still early in the season so I’m not so worried about fatigue. This game is going to be faster than Utah usually plays, with lots of misses on both sides, and no real rim protection for Denver. He’s also really good at League of Legends.
Also consider: Danilo Gallinari (NYK, SF)
FanDuel Power Forward Picks
Serge Ibaka (OKC, PF) - $7,100
Power forward is another thin group to choose from tonight, so I’m going with the player with the highest ceiling. The Chicago frontcourt is a tough one, but I like to look at it as there will be a lot of action in the paint. Basically, Ibaka will have a lot of opportunities to do what he does best- block shots. The Chicago bigs are very talented, but none of them are remotely close to Ibaka athletically. I expect Ibaka to have huge rebound numbers, over three blocks, and hopefully enough real points to exceed 6x value.
Also consider: Marvin Williams (CHA, PF), Pau Gasol (CHI, PF)
FanDuel Center Picks
Rudy Gobert (UTA, C) - $8,100
Yes, this is the third Utah player I’ve recommended, but I’ve saved the best for last. Rudy Gobert will be the first player I slot into my lineups tonight; this matchup is perfect for him. Denver’s front court right now is Kenneth Faried and JJ Hickson, who aren’t as tall as Gobert stacked on top of each other. But seriously, they are both generously listed at 6’9” and will not be able to get a shot off if The Stifle Tower is between them and the rim.
If you haven’t seen Denver play yet I’ll fill you in, they miss a lot of shots. Realistically I think he’s in for over 20 rebounds and over 50 Fanduel Points if he can get his scoring up a little.
Also consider: ZaZa Pachulia (DAL, C), Steven Adams (OKC, C)
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