RADIO
Only four games on tap in the association tonight, but there is still plenty of value to be had as these eight teams combine to provide 29 different players who've averaged at least 25 DraftKings fantasy points per game this season. (Yes, this includes Carmelo Anthony; I probably need to set the bar a bit higher.) These eight teams combine to provide 23 players who've averaged at least 30 DraftKings fantasy points per game this season. Much better.
What you'll find below are some of my top picks from tonight's slate. As always, I'll be focusing on the mid to lower-priced options, in hopes of providing you those essential lineup fillers needed to optimize your DraftKings lineup. I find no value in breaking down Giannis Antetokounmpo's statistics - we all know he's good at basketball.
Also, check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Oh, and be sure to look at the injury updates prior to the opening tip - I will not be held liable for your negligence in that regard.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Eric Bledsoe - PG/SG, @GS ($5,700)
I really wanted to go with Lou Williams here, but opted to go a different direction as I feel Williams will be one of the more widely owned players tonight. (Why wouldn't he be? He's offering a ton of value.) On paper, Bledsoe draws the tougher matchup and he hasn't exactly been the model of consistency to begin the season. For these reasons, I doubt he'll be owned in a ton of contests and I'll take the risk in favor of differentiation.
After starting the season with four-straight double-digit scoring efforts, Bledsoe has now scored six or fewer points in three of Milwaukee's last six games - he averaged 15.7 over those other three contests. Both the Bucks and Warriors rank in the Top-10 in pace, so Bledsoe should be able to bounce back around his season average of 12.7 points in this one -- the extra possessions should help his cause -- and I believe he's priced a bit lower than he should be due to his inconsistencies in the scoring category. It's the assists, though, that are really of importance here. Not only has he dropped at least seven dimes in six of ten games, but his 31.2 assist percentage ranks fifth among guards (minimum 20 minutes per game) on tonight's slate - not bad company either, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, James Harden, and Devin Booker. This game has the highest implied point total of the night (over/under 240) and Bledsoe should contribute solid numbers across the board in a game which doesn't figure to be devoid of offense.
Terry Rozier - PG/SG, @PHO ($4,100)
Another risky play, but of course, there is justification for my insanity. (Although, my wife disagrees with that statement.)
Rumor has it that the Suns are interested in acquiring Rozier, and while last season provided more than enough evidence on why, I could see this as an audition of sorts. Now, I know, that's highly subjective reasoning, but the matchup itself could easily lead to that being the case - whether intended or not. Five of the Suns eight losses have come by 20 or more points and their negative 13.2 point differential puts them at the absolute bottom of the league. The issue with Rozier has never been talent, it's opportunity, and it seems likely he'll see a few additional minutes in this one - I imagine the game will be settled by the time the fourth quarter rolls around.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Montrezl Harrell - PF/C, @ POR ($5,600)
Before we go any further, do know that I have a man crush on Montrezl Harrell. For one, his shoe game is top notch. And secondly, he's a beast. Glad we were able to establish that.
At 53.4-percent, Portland sits second in rebound rate which could cause a concern over the matchup. However, at 51.5-percent, the Clippers rank ninth and aren't too far behind. On the individual level, Harrell ranks third for the Clippers at 14-percent and while the Blazers boast some big bodies off the bench in Caleb Swanigan and Meyers Leonard -- who are both effective on the glass -- frankly, they have no one on their roster who can match the size and athleticism of Harrell (though, a case could be made for Al-Farouq Aminu). Regardless, Harrell could flirt with a double-double in this one -- his season averages of 12 points and 6 rebounds seem like a safe floor -- and he also provides a few assists and blocks, almost nightly, as an added bonus.
Richaun Holmes - PF/C, vs. BOS ($3,700)
The Phoenix Suns have played a total of two games without Tyson Chandler. Holmes has set a new season-high in both points and rebounds in each of these two contests. The second of which -- Tuesday night against Brooklyn -- resulted in his first double-double of the season where he contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. Now no, I do not believe Holmes will continue to set season-highs in points and rebounds, every game, for the remainder of the season. However, after averaging a mere 4.3 minutes over the Suns first six, he's now seen 14 per over Phoenix's last three, his usage is increasing with the minutes, and he figures to continue to see additional run with Chandler now a Laker and his comfort level with his new team seemingly growing by the game. The Celtics are far from a good rebounding team, and Deandre Ayton can't pull down all of the boards. In fact, Holmes leads Phoenix in rebound rate... This is a bit like seeing something you've wanted for months on clearance, not buying it, then returning to find it back at its normal price. Don't miss out on the value.
DraftKings DFS Center
DeAndre Ayton - C, vs. BOS ($6,800)
Speaking of Ayton, that No. 1 overall pick is looking like it might just work out. He has as many double-doubles thus far as Anthony Davis (six), is averaging a double-double on the season at 15.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, and ranks third among rookies in scoring, first in rebounding, and surprisingly, third in assists at 3.4 per game. With all due respect to Al Horford, it's hard to see him, Aron Baynes, or anyone else slowing him down tonight.
