RADIO
What a night it was on Saturday around the National Basketball Association. The Cavaliers, sans Darius Garland, managed to rally behind a 23-point effort from Ricky Rubio to take down the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat, who didn't have Kyle Lowry in the lineup, traveled to Indianapolis for a meeting with the Pacers. Yet, the 30-point, 10-rebound output from the red-hot Tyler Herro wasn't enough as Miami would fall in overtime. Scottie Barnes continued to make his case for Rookie of the Year honors by finishing with 17 points and eight boards during the loss to the Dallas Mavericks. However, foul trouble prevented him from recording his second double-double throughout his first three professional games. Lastly, Lonzo Ball continues to thrive in Chicago, as the former UCLA Bruin led the Bulls to an undefeated 3-0 record to begin the year.
There are six games on the NBA's schedule on Sunday, although only five are available for FanDuel's "Main Slate." Still, there are more than enough available options and variables, so creating a unique lineup is certainly possible. There are some notable names on the injury report heading toward tip-off that fantasy managers need to consider. Joel Embiid is making yet another appearance on the list and is currently labeled as questionable ahead of Philadelphia's bout against OKC. He had the same designation against Brooklyn on Friday night. Yet, with the significance of the matchup, he managed to see the floor. However, with OKC not posing much of a threat to many teams throughout the league, Embiid may opt to take the night off as he continues to deal with the lingering effects of his postseason meniscus tear sustained only a few months ago.
If Embiid can't suit up, things may get interesting for the 76ers, primarily since Andre Drummond isn't projected to play after he sprained his ankle against the Nets. To round out the list, Terry Rozier is questionable because of that nagging ankle issue, while Jaylen Brown is in the same boat, except he's dealing with a knee problem. Finally, managers should also monitor a situation in New York. Taj Gibson may not be back as he continues to enjoy being a new father, Nerlens Noel is unlikely to play due to a bum knee, and Mitchell Robinson, who injured his hamstring against Orlando, could pop up on the report at some point. Thibs did say Robinson was fine, although that doesn't mean much.
Featured Promo: For this week only, take 50% off any full-season or yearly Premium Pass on the site! Just enter discount code THANKS when checking out. Thanks for being a reader, and Happy Holidays! Sign Up Now!In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 10/24/21. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out today's DraftKings NBA DFS lineup picks. Keep an eye on RotoBaller’s injury news to stay up to date before lineups are locked. Also, please give me a follow on Twitter @DennisMClausen, and feel free to say hello. Good luck!
FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Stephen Curry, PG/SG, @ SAC ($10,200)
Curry began the season by scoring only 21 points on a rough 25 percent shooting effort from deep against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite that, he still managed to accumulate a triple-double. However, on Thursday night against the other L.A. team, the Clippers, he exploded for 45 points while going 8-for-13 from beyond the three-point line. To make things even sweeter, the former MVP has also had 10 rebounds in each game this season. Curry is showing no signs of slowing down, and he should be a lock for DFS lineups on Sunday.
Russell Westbrook, PG/SG - vs. MEM ($9,100)
Westbrook had a horrendous preseason, and that ineffective play followed him into the regular season after he finished with only eight points, five boards, and four assists. However, the triple-double king finally showed up on the statistical end by posting 15 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists during the loss to Phoenix. Nonetheless, Russ appears to be heating up, and we know how trendy a player he has historically been over the years. As a result, he has more than an excellent chance to keep it going against the Memphis Grizzlies.
De'Anthony Melton, SG/PG - @ LAL ($5,500)
Melton has had a fantastic 2021-22 campaign thus far. As long as Dillion Brooks remains out because of a fractured left hand, Melton should continue to benefit. The 23-year-old is currently averaging 21 points this season, doing so as a member of the starting rotation. His rostering cost is higher than it has been. However, it's still low enough where he could easily smash his value against the Lakers.
Also Consider: De'Aaron Fox ($8,500), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($6,800), Kevin Porter Jr. ($6,000), Tyrese Maxey ($5,800), Kemba Walker ($5,500), Jordan Poole ($5,200), Cole Anthony ($4,900)
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FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C - @ LAL ($6,700)
Despite a history that has been filled with injuries, Jackson recently signed a four-year, $105 million contract extension. Yet, things have gone well for the 22-year-old this year, although we are only two games in. He scored 21 points and pulled down seven boards against the Clippers on Saturday night, and he should continue to get plenty of minutes against the Lakers on Sunday. Jackson does draw a tough matchup. However, the price is too good to pass up, especially when you consider the upside.
RJ Barrett, SF, SG - @ ORL ($5,900)
The Knicks are 2-0 and have continued to thrive with the additions of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier. They have plenty of options capable of producing on the fantasy end, with Barrett included in that group. During his first game of the year versus the Boston Celtics, the former Duke Blue Devil scored 19 points and shot nearly 43 percent from behind the arc. Yet, he cooled off on Friday against Orlando, finishing with a subpar seven points and seven board. Nevertheless, his asking price of $5,900 is tempting, primarily since it can help offset the cost of some of the costlier options.
Al Horford, PF/C - @ HOU ($5,600)
Horford didn't play in the season opener against the New York Knicks because of condition purposes. However, he was in the lineup against the Raptors on Friday night. He finished with an impressive 11-point, 11-rebound double-double while also throwing in four blocks for good measure. He likely won't get a ton of minutes against the Rockets on Sunday. Yet, he is one of those guys who can do so much in a short amount of time.
Also Consider: Terrence Ross ($4,400), Kent Bazemore ($4,100), Otto Porter Jr. (4,000)
FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Robert Williams III, C - @ HOU ($7,000)
With the lack of "traditional centers" on Sunday, Williams may be the best option available. Sure, FanDuel's new dual eligibility helps things out, but Williams should be considered regardless, mainly since Joel Embiid is dealing with a knee issue. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old out of Texas A&M is getting a ton of playing time this season, and while he's averaging just 12.5 points, he's also averaging eight boards, four blocks, and two steals per game. That's hard to pass up.
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