What a week it has been in the NBA. With the coming and going of the trade deadline, many players now find themselves on new teams. While we don’t know how these players will be impacted by their new homes until they have a few games under their belts, we do know that these moves will make things even more interesting heading toward the postseason.
We have a packed nine-game slate to keep the weekend going. Unlike most of the Saturday contests this season, there are no games scheduled during the afternoon, with FanDuel’s “Main Slate” beginning at 8 pm (eastern).
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 3/27/21. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out DraftKings lineup picks and injury news before lineups lock. Good luck, RotoBallers. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @DennisMClausen and say hello.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG - vs. DAL ($5,300)
Lonzo Ball was a name that was rumored to be on the move before the trade deadline. However, he remains a Pelican, although his days in New Orleans are likely numbered as the team prepares for life without him after the season.
Ball has also missed his previous three straight games and is on tap to miss another on Saturday night as he continues to deal with a knee issue, opening up space for Alexander-Walker to pick up some of the ball-handling duties. The 22-year-old has played admirably while filling in for Ball, averaging over 33 fantasy points throughout his last three games.
Jalen Brunson, PG - @ NOP ($4,800)
Keep an eye on Luka Doncic on Saturday night because if he can’t play, Brunson will probably draw the start at the one spot against New Orleans.
Brunson usually comes up big when he has gotten the spot-start during the year, averaging 17.1 points, 32.5 minutes, and shooting an efficient 46.4 percent from behind the three-point line. He’s definitely someone you will want to keep in mind if Luka misses another one.
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FanDuel DFS Forwards
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF - vs. NYK ($11,100)
Antetokounmpo missed a game this week due to a knee issue but has participated in his previous two contests, albeit he didn’t log his usual amount of minutes. Luckily, with some more rest under his belt, he should be on the floor a bit more against the visiting Knicks.
While the freak’s numbers have decreased to some degree during the 2021 campaign, he should have lineups built around him on Saturday night. In his two meetings against New York this year, he is averaging 25.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and two steals, numbers that could rise even more if Julius Randle isn’t able to make an appearance.
Tobias Harris, PF - @ LAC ($8,800)
Joel Embiid has been out with a knee injury, and as a result, the door is open for others to pick up some additional fantasy production.
In the seven games that Embiid has missed thus far, Harris has logged less than 38.7 fantasy points just once. His DFS asking price is getting up there, but he should continue to see an increase in usage and +/- differential until the big man can make his way back into the lineup.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Christian Wood, C - @ MIN ($7,700)
The Rockets are a team that is obviously rebuilding. After James Harden and Russell Westbrook were traded earlier in the year, the team recently dealt Victor Oladipo to the Miami Heat. Houston also has a massive void in the middle after parting ways with DeMarcus Cousins and sending P.J. Tucker to Milwaukee.
Luckily, Christian Wood has returned after missing a ton of time with a sprained ankle. He continues to ramp up his workload and will be coming off an impressive 24-point performance on Friday night.
Hassan Whiteside, C - vs. CLE ($4,300)
The Kings are currently dealing with the loss of Marvin Bagley III after he broke his hand a few weeks ago. With his absence, Sacramento will need some assistance underneath the rim.
Although the team has dispatched small-ball lineups a lot of the time, Whiteside is still good for the occasional appearance. He doesn’t play a lot of minutes, but he’s efficient as heck when he is on the floor. It only took him 12 minutes against Cleveland to rack up 20.4 fantasy points and 18 against Atlanta to put up nearly 29. If you are running low on cap space, keep the veteran in mind. He did end up missing Thursday’s contest with knee soreness, so make sure you check his availability, but since he wasn't listed on the injury report, he should be good to go.