The 2016-’17 NBA season is officially underway. The first few weeks of the season always offer up tough choices, as decisions are largely based off of a small sample size.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/18/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @BalesSJustin.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Kemba Walker – PG, vs ATL ($8,200)
Walker has been enjoying an All Star caliber season, as he’s averaging 25.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. He gets a matchup against the Hawks tonight, which isn’t ideal, but he’ll be playing at home. He’s averaging 8.2 more fantasy points per game at home than on the road this season. Walker has been playing well all season, and he can be used in all leagues tonight.
Avery Bradley – SG, vs GS ($7,000)
The Avery Bradley regression has to come at some point, right? Maybe not. He has taken a leap forward in his production this season, as he’s averaging 18.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steal per game through his first 11 starts. He gets a great matchup against the Warriors, who have struggled to guard the shooting guard this season. Bradley has consistently been hitting value with the potential for much more at his current price tag, and he’s a great option in all leagues.
Darren Collison – PG, vs LAC ($5,000)
Collison recently returned from suspension. He has been playing fairly big minutes for the Kings, and producing solid fantasy numbers. His price tag doesn’t represent that, though, and it’s only a matter of time before it shoots up. This price seems as if it was a mistake, as he was priced at $6,000 or higher in three of his first four games. He gets a decent matchup against the Clippers, and Collison should continue to produce in multiple categories tonight. He can be used in all leagues.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
LeBron James – SF/PF, vs DET ($10,000)
At this point, James’ price seems silly on DraftKings. He has been one of the best players in the NBA, as he’s averaging 23.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He’s a triple double threat every time he steps on the court, and he’s clearly playing to prove that he’s the best this season. He’s coming off a game of rest, so he will have fresh legs against the Pistons tonight. He should be able to continue his potential MVP season, and he can be used in all leagues.
Terrence Jones – PF, vs POR ($6,200)
Jones’ value will be determined by Anthony Davis tonight. If Davis plays, Jones will be nothing more than a risky tournament option. If Davis is out, Jones will be a must start in all leagues. Davis practiced on a limited basis yesterday, which puts his status completely up in the air. In Jones’ last start, he posted 42.75 fantasy points, and he gets a great matchup against the Blazers tonight. Keep an eye on Davis before you insert Jones into your lineups tonight.
Zach Randolph – PF, @DAL ($4,900)
Zach Randolph has been a hidden gem in the fantasy world this season. He comes with a low price tag because of his new bench role for the Grizzlies, but he has been an extremely consistent option with good upside. He’s averaging well over one fantasy point per minute this season, but his new bench role has kept his minutes down. He has nearly hit value in every game this year, and tonight will be no different. He can be used in all leagues.
DraftKings DFS Centers
DeAndre Jordan – C, @SAC ($6,400)
DeAnder Jordan has really struggled this season, but it’s still surprising to see his price tag drop this low. He’s averaging a double double through his first 12 games, and he recently scored 48.5 fantasy points against the Wolves. He’s only shooting a few times per game, which is hurting his value, but he has the ability to contribute steals and blocks to his line, which gives him the upside needed for tournaments. He’s far too risk for cash games, but he’s a good GPP option.
Pau Gasol – C, @LAL ($6,000)
The Spurs were hesitant to play Gasol big minutes early this season, but that hasn’t been the case recently. Over his last four games, Gasol is averaging a healthy 38.6 fantasy points in 32.5 minutes per game. He gets a great matchup against the Lakers tonight, and they are a team that has been pushing the pace in games. Gasol should have no problems hitting value once again tonight, and he can safely be used in all leagues.
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