The stars of the NBA have wasted no time shining in an explosive start to the 2016-2017 season. Oklahoma City doesn't seem too lonely anymore, Kevin Durant now a memory of a team looking to taste glory for the first time in franchise history. They will be truly tested for the first time this season against the Los Angeles Clippers. Keep an eye on that contest.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy NBA lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/02/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players, to mid-priced options, and value plays on DraftKings. Without wasting anymore time, let's get down to business!
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Derrick Rose - PG, NYK ($5,700)
Brandon Jennings has been starting at point guard for the New York Knicks (just two games) but let's be clear about something; the backcourt in Madison Square Garden belongs to Derrick Rose. New York's matchup against the Houston Rockets, if there was ever a better opportunity, will be the team's best offseason acquisition's coming out party in the only other professional uniform he has slipped on besides one of the Chicago Bulls.
Any time the Rockets come to town, and the invisible defensive play of James Harden becomes oh so evident, it's wise to take notice for daily fantasy. Rose is still extremely cheap for what he's capable of. Give him some time to get acclimated in a new city, but we could see the hype surrounding his injury-prone career sooner than we think.
Russell Westbrook - PG, OKC ($12,900)
At this point, Westbrook's price could skyrocket to $20,000 and he'd still be a shoe-in to exceed projection. With ease. Westbrook has posted two straight triple-doubles, and was one assist shy in Oklahoma City's first game of the season. It's safe to say that he is the Thunder, that the absence of Kevin Durant has not affected him in the slightest.
Understandably, in three wins this season, the Thunder have beat the Lakers, the Suns, and the 76ers; three of the league's worst. The real test will be handed out on Wednesday night against an also undefeated Los Angeles Clippers. Expect this game to be high scoring with all the firepower set to take the court.
Andre Roberson - SG/SF, OKC ($4,100)
If anything, we should be pleased with Roberson's minutes played. With little room to score because of the aforementioned Westbrook seemingly hogging every offensive statistic in existence, Roberson has quietly produced for daily fantasy at a very affordable price. His stats won't blow you away, but he is capable of making up for his less than stellar scoring abilities. Last week against the Suns, Roberson posted five steals, 11 boards, and nine points.
We don't need him to do much, and heading into a Western Conference showdown against the Clippers, he'll have plenty of opportunities to do just enough.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Otto Porter SF, WAS ($4,500)
Porter is another guy, like Roberson, who has played a ton of minutes in his first couple of contests, minutes that raise an eyebrow for someone so affordable. While he won't wow you with anything remotely close to other small forwards on the list like Jimmy Butler (also a SG) and Carmelo Anthony, he has already proven to be capable of cracking the 20+ fantasy point mark consistently.
Anthony Davis PF/C, NO ($10,900)
After two explosive showings consisting of 99.5 and 80.25 fantasy points to start the season, The Brow fell flat in his third contest with an extremely disappointing 29.75. But don't let that discourage you from drafting Davis. He's always been known to be a bit inconsistent, and injury-prone. Plus, he ran into the defensive wall that is Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs. On Wednesday he faces two relatively formidable opponents in Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, both of whom have struggled a bit against power forwards and centers so far this season.
Memphis is coming off a loss to the New York Knicks where they allowed a combined 32 points (Kristaps Porzingis 21, Kyle O'Quinn 11) to the four-spot. It is still undoubtedly a tough matchup for AD, but one that caters a bit more to his talents.
Jon Leuer PF, DET ($3,800)
The former Phoenix Suns big man has found a new home with the Detroit Pistons. Although not much of a scorer, Leuer will flirt with double-digit rebounds consistently and has already become an important part of Detroit's second unit; a unit that could see the court a lot more against the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night.
I already predicted that the Nets would be a tough out this season, but not when Brook Lopez doesn't appear to be 100%. Lopez has not played more than 26 minutes in three games, which could continue to spell trouble for a Brooklyn team already lacking threats on both sides of the court. Leuer has logged over 20 minutes in all three contests and could be called upon more to help put the W away in garbage time.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Cody Zeller - C, CHA ($4,100)
Roy Hibbert is likely set to miss his second straight contest on Wednesday. Hibbert hasn't even begun to practice again, keeping his timetable to return a mystery. His absence ushers Cody Zeller into the starting five. Zeller recently signed a four-year, $56 million extension with the Charlotte Hornets, and is now auditioning for a permanent role as the team's number one center. Even when Hibbert returns, the team could choose to stick with the hot hand.
Zeller has not been explosive, but he has been consistent. He's posted 20+ fantasy points for DraftKings and has posted at least one block in three straight contests, while he has scored in double-digits and played over 20 minutes in two of three. He'll likely share time at center with Frank Kaminsky, another solid, affordable daily fantasy option, but the job is Zeller's to lose. Or win.
Jonas Valanciunas C, TOR ($6,800)
The big man in Toronto has seen a slight dip in production since his explosive debut of the 2016-2017 season, posting just 12 points in his last contest against the Denver Nuggets. Valanciunas was also held to nine rebounds, his lowest of the season. But don't let this performance scare or fool you. The Nuggets, with the combination of Jusef Nurkic, Nikola Jokic, and Kenneth Faried lead the league in total rebounds, already proving to be a tough matchup for daily fantasy centers.
Valanciunas heads into a more favorable matchup against a Washington Wizards squad that lacks a defensive threat in their front court with the exception of Marcin Gortat. The Wizards are also second to last in total rebounds and are already allowing 113 points per game, third highest in the league. I typically love spending up at the center position, but with AD and Westbrook already on this list, along with Valanciunas' affordable price, this is a no-brainer.
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