RADIO
I really hope you didn't forget to leave milk and cookies out for Kevin Durant last night. Why? Because the NBA is officially back! The 2021-2022 season tips off on Tuesday with a two-game primetime slate featuring the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets and later on the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors.
Two-game slates are always tricky to navigate, as there aren't a ton of options to choose from. The best way to cash out and win some money in slates like these is to take risks. While it's likely that guys like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to name a few will be rostered in greater than 70% of contests, it's imperative to sniff out value elsewhere in order for your build to stick out. That's where I come in!
Here are my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 10/19/21. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s injury news to stay up to date before lineups are locked.
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FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jordan Poole, SG - vs LAL ($4,900)
First off, I am shocked to find Poole priced under $5k here, especially after his recent string of preseason performances. He just hung 18/5/4 on the Lakers a week ago in only 18 minutes and he should play a large role out of the gate with Klay Thomspon still unavailable. Poole averaged just under one FanDuel point per minute in 21 minutes off the bench last season and that should only grow. There's a very real possibility he hits 5X value in Tuesday's season-opener.
Khris Middleton, SG - vs BKN ($7,800)
Middleton sitting at less than $8k is absolute gold. Just three quick months ago he averaged 45 FanDuel points per game against Brooklyn in their seven-game playoff series. The over/under for this matchup is currently settled in at 236 so it should be fast-paced, leaving Middleton in a great spot to produce. Don't be surprised to see him lead Milwaukee in scoring and finish with at least 4X value.
Cam Thomas, SG - vs MIL ($3,500)
This is a sneaky upside play and I love it! If Thomas knows one thing it's how to put the ball in the basket and the Nets may need to use some of his offense with Kyrie Irving opening the year away from the team. It's a risky play as his workload is unknown, but could very well wind up being the reward Thomas priced at the minimum $3,500 on FanDuel. Remember, on lighter slates such as this one, going with high-upside guys that won't be heavily rostered is the move. Thomas certainly fits the bill! After all, he just dropped 21 points on the Lakers in his preseason debut earlier this month.
Grayson Allen, SG - vs BKN ($3,800)
The Bucks just extended Allen for two years, $20 million on Monday, and with Donte DiVincenzo out to begin the season, he should start at shooting guard on opening night. The former Blue Devil averaged north of 18 FanDuel points per game last season with Memphis and he could flirt with that on Tuesday, which would be just under 5X value.
Also consider: Jrue Holiday ($8,500), Bruce Brown ($4,900), Patti Mills ($4,600)
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FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Otto Porter Jr., SF - vs LAL ($4,800)
Porter might be one of my favorite contrarian plays of opening night. There has been lots of talk about how well he's been knocking down the three in this offense and he should play a big role against the Lakers here. If he can drain a few triples and swipe a couple of steals, he'll return solid value on a night where his ownership will likely be overshadowed by all of the star power taking the floor.
Nemanja Bjelica, PF - vs LAL ($4,100)
Much like the aforementioned Otto Porter Jr., I think a lot of people are undervaluing the type of role Bjelica will have with Golden State this year. James Wiseman remains out for this matchup, which should lead to some extra playing time. Bjelica is a baller, and his price tag of $4,100 is hard to pass up on a shallow slate.
Pat Connaughton, SF - vs BKN ($3,900)
Connaughton's heavy motor and athleticism should earn him plenty of minutes as the Bucks look to slow down James Harden and Kevin Durant. To put into perspective how cheap he is on this slate, Connaughton is priced the exact same as DeAndre Bembry. He should be good for a three or two with plenty of rebounds and solid defensive stats.
Also consider: Anthony Davis ($10,000), Joe Harris ($4,300)
FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Nicolas Claxton, C - at MIL ($4, 600)
With DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen finally out of the picture, it's officially Claxton time! As long as he can stay out of foul trouble, he should be a solid source of rebounds and blocks. Claxton averaged just under 1.0 FanDuel points per minute last season in 471 minutes without Jordan and Allen in the lineup and should easily smash value if he can see more than 20 minutes of playing time.
Brook Lopez, C - vs BKN ($6,000)
It's not the cheapest price tag, but he has a great opportunity with fellow big man Bobby Portis Jr. ruled out. Lopez averaged 10.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in just under 30 minutes per game during the preseason.
Also consider: Blake Griffin ($5,200), Draymond Green ($7,000)
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