The NBA is officially back RotoBallers! To kick off the 2019-20 season, we are looking at a two-game Tuesday night slate. This includes the reigning champs as well as two title contenders in a battle for Los Angeles.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 10/22/19. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on DraftKings.
You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. As always, don't set your lineups too early. Be sure to check all the NBA starting lineups and player statuses and availability prior to opening tip.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Lou Williams - PG/SG, vs LAL ($6,500)
Coming off yet another sixth-man of the year award, Lou Williams is looking to string together his third straight season with an average of at least 20 points per game. Williams starts his 2019 campaign as the clear-cut number two option in the absence of Paul George (shoulder). Head coach Doc Rivers has also mentioned the possibility of starting Williams throughout the season. It remains to be seen if Williams will indeed start on opening night, but he will most likely play starter minutes against the
Fred Vanvleet - PG/SG, vs NO ($4,800)
Fred VanVleet took an extra step in his career with his NBA Finals performance. The Wichita State guard averaged 14.0 points, 2.7 three-pointers and 1.2 steals in 32.2 minutes per game en route to secure the title. Entering his fourth season, VanVleet now has a chance to secure a starting role alongside Kyle Lowry who is getting over offseason thumb surgery. With a short slate Tuesday, VanVleet is a safe pick with high upside and a reasonable price tag.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Kawhi Leonard - SF, vs LAL ($9,600)
Making his Los Angeles Clippers debut, Kawhi Leonard immediately goes up against LeBron James and their inner-city rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. With Paul George (shoulder) working his way back from surgery, Leonard will most likely be the focal point on offense for the time being. It has also been reported Leonard will not face any restrictions opening night, per Jovan Buha of The Athletic. All of this coupled with his defensive upside makes Leonard an elite option in a small Tuesday night slate.
Brandon Ingram - SF/PF, @ TOR ($5,800)
Following the disappointing news surrounding number one overall pick Zion Williamson (knee), Brandon Ingram finds himself in a prime position to see increased value on opening night. Over the six games post all-star break and before being shut down for blood clots, Ingram averaged a robust 27.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 57.0 percent shooting and a 26.8 percent usage rate. With a few capable scorers in New Orleans, it is unlikely Ingram receives this type of usage again. However, Ingram should excel in the fast-paced Pelicans offense considering the Lakers were fourth in pace last season and can be used in all leagues tonight.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Serge Ibaka - PF/C, vs NO ($5,200)
Serge Ibaka faces a young New Orleans team for the first time without his former teammate, Kawhi Leonard. With the Pelicans most likely starting small with Derrick Favors at center, Ibaka would be the likely starter over Marc Gasol in this matchup. As a starter last year, Ibaka averaged 16.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 29.5 minutes per game. Those numbers regressed to 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 21.9 minutes per when coming off the bench last season. If Toronto decides to start Ibaka, he would be a value pick at his current price.