RADIO
As the playoffs approach, some teams have shut down their star players, while others are fighting for their postseason lives. Thursday's five-game slate features several matchups between one playoff team and one rebuilding team. Beyond James Harden, who sits firmly in the $12k range, there is a decent amount of cheaper value to be had across these five games.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/30/17. 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 @hayudi18.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Damian Lillard- PG, vs. HOU ($9,200)
Lillard has kicked it into gear over the final month of the season, averaging 28.9 points on 49.7 percent shooting with 5.7 assists since the beginning of March. The 26-year-old has managed at least 43 Draftkings points in eight consecutive games heading into what is likely to be a fast-paced game against the Rockets, who have yielded more than 30 points to both Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry in the last week. Lillard is a safe bet for solid production, and he also has an opportunity to be the highest-scoring player not named James Harden on this slate.
Ish Smith- PG, vs. BKN ($6,100)
With Reggie Jackson battling a knee injury that could actually keep him out the entire rest of the season, Smith has taken the reins in Detroit, averaging 11.4 points and 4.3 assists over his last nine games played— 17.0 and 5.5 in his last two contests, surpassing 30 DK points in both games. Smith will have the luxury of matching up with the Nets on Thursday night. Brooklyn ranks dead last against the point guard position, so the 28-year-old guard should feast. Even at an increased price, the 28-year-old could hit value in all formats.
Kris Dunn- PG, vs. LAL ($3,900)
Dunn has been seeing more run of late, eclipsing 25 minutes in three straight games— including 35 against the Lakers last Friday. He has averaged 12.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 3.0 steals over that span. As Minnesota continues to struggle, Tom Thibodeau will likely continue to roll out his young players, particularly his 23-year-old rookie point guard. The Lakers rank 29th against point guards, and even with Rubio continuing to see starter minutes, Dunn has the potential to hit 6x or even 7x in a game with a plus matchup.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
LeBron James- SF, @ CHI ($10,100)
The Cavaliers are somehow below .500 this month, but James has still managed to produce at a high level, with 27.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists over that span. He amassed 65.25 Draftkings points against the Hornets last Friday, and always possesses the ability to produce that kind of stat line on a given night. Last time James played the Bulls, he put up 31 points, eight boards and seven assists on Jimmy Butler and Co. Kevin Love being back certainly takes some of the pressure off James, who could be in for another big night on Thursday.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson- PF, @ DET ($5,500)
Hollis-Jefferson has turned it up a notch recently, with four straight games of at least 30 DK points. The 22-year-old wing is averaging 11.5 points, 10.75 rebounds and 1.75 steals over that span, taking double-digit shot attempts in each contest. Detroit surprisingly ranks 26th against the small forward position, with Tobias Harris seeing most of the playing time at that spot. Even at a $5,500 price tag, an increased role and a favorable matchup make Hollis-Jefferson a solid play in both cash games and tournaments.
Paul Zipser- SG/SF, vs. CLE ($4,000)
Zipser has taken advantage of Dwyane Wade’s elbow injury, averaging 30.5 minutes, 9.75 points, 4.25 rebounds and 2.25 assists over his last four games. He has eclipsed 20 fantasy points three times in that span, and while his tournament value is essentially erased by his recent jump in price, the 23-year-old is still a viable cash-game option. Chicago is fighting for a playoff spot, so its Thursday night bout with the top-seeded Cavaliers is vital, and Zipser has become one of its top offensive pieces.
DraftKings DFS Centers
DeAndre Jordan- C, @ PHO ($6,900)
Like James, Jordan has thrived in March despite some team struggles. The 28-year-old is averaging 13.5 points and 13.0 boards through 15 games this month. With double-digit rebounds in 13 of those contests (including seven straight), Jordan is always a double-double threat. He will have a chance to post big numbers against a Suns lineup that is comprised entirely of young, inexperienced guys. For reference, Andre Drummond managed 18 and 18 against Phoenix earlier in March. Thursday’s tilt is a must-win for a Clippers team that is looking to hold onto home-court advantage in the first round, and Jordan will have a mismatch all night long.
Nene Hilario- C, @ POR ($4,200)
With Ryan Anderson out, there are minutes to be had in Houston’s frontcourt. Hilario and Sam Dekker have been the biggest beneficiaries, and either one is capable of producing strong value on any given night. The 34-year-old big man played 26 minutes on Sunday, scoring 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting with four rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Nene is expected to rest on Friday, meaning he should be used heavily in Thursday’s tilt against the Trail Blazers— which Montrezl Harrell is likely to miss. Portland has seen its rebounding improve since the addition of Jusuf Nurkic, but it remains one of the worst interior defensive teams.
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