RADIO
What an exciting night it was around the National Basketball Association on Friday. Although the slate was missing some star power due to the absences of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, and Nikola Jokic, it also opened the door for others to walk right through it. In the end, value guys like Frank Jackson, James Johnson, Blake Griffin, and Juan Toscano-Anderson--among others--had some big-time performances. We also witnessed an impressive outing from Cade Cunningham, who, after his exceptional showing against Golden State, unquestionably climbed some rungs on the Rookie of the Year ladder.
And lastly, who could forget about LeBron James, with The King getting his first taste of action since missing his previous eight games because of an abdominal strain. He played, too, finishing with 23 points across 32 minutes of work. Of course, Jayson Tatum would go on to spoil things by posting a high-end double-double to lead the Celtics to the win. On Saturday night, the league will feature nine games on the schedule. Yet, only eight will be available for FanDuel's "Main Slate" contest. With the 76ers and Grizzlies down some of its top offensive weapons, we already have an idea where some of the value will emanate.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 11/20/21. 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!
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FanDuel Guards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Trae Young, PG - vs. CHA
Young got off to a slow start this season. He began the year shooting just 29 percent from deep in October. Yet, he's turned things around by nailing 40 percent of his attempts from downtown in November. Overall, the 23-year-old currently ranks second in assists and third in scoring and is seemingly guiding Atlanta back to prominence after sporting an embarrassing 4-9 record before its recent three-game winning streak.
Young has a lot of things going for him entering Saturday night. This matchup will feature two of the highest-scoring clubs in the league. Equally, both teams also give up plenty of points. When you factor in the pace, Young should have more than enough chances to make some noise and potentially finish as one of the slate's top fantasy producers.
Marcus Smart, SG/PG - vs. OKC ($6,200)
The Celtics haven't played well during the 2021-22 campaign. Between injuries and some disagreements among teammates, to say things haven't exactly gone as planned would be an understatement. Since Smart expressed his discontent with the team's performance, he has been one of its top producers. Granted, Jaylen Brown has been out.
Still, he continues to get it done, and even in the games when he goes cold on the scoring end, his defensive prowess more than makes up for it. The veteran has eight steals throughout his previous four outings and looked good against the Lakers by compiling a season-high 42.6 fantasy points. He should be in line to remain on the floor a lot more than usual while Brown is out, and he may also continue to benefit from a statistical standpoint if Robert Williams III misses his third straight. Keep in mind, both guys do have a shot to suit up, and even if they do, Smart is still a good option.
Also Consider: LaMelo Ball ($8,700), De'Aaron Fox ($7,600), Terry Rozier ($6,100), Dennis Schroder ($5,800), Tomas Satoransky ($3,600 - if Devonte' Graham is out)
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FanDuel Forwards - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jayson Tatum, SF/PF - vs. OKC ($9,700)
Even though Tatum has regressed statistically in some areas this season compared to last, he is still one of the best in the league. While the Celtics continue to figure things out without Jaylen Brown, who is arguably the team's most efficient scorer, Tatum is certainly doing his best to help lessen the blow until he can return.
With Brown out of the lineup, Tatum has exploded, averaging 28.4 points, 9.3 boards, and 3.3 assists. He's also shooting better without him, and he went nuts on Friday night against the Lakers by recording 37 points while adding in 11 rebounds, three steals, and a block. The former third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is a virtual lock to continue to produce moving ahead, so it's recommended DFS managers set aside some bucks to afford the hefty price tag.
Gordon Hayward, SF/SG - @ ATL ($6,300)
LaMelo Ball is obviously the talk of the town in Charlotte, but Hayward remains an effective weapon. Sure, he's lost a step or two over the years. Yet, the 31-year-old is having himself another fantastic season.
Hayward has been hit or miss, and during the two games before Friday's matchup versus Indiana, he scored a combined 18 points. He has the chance to build off of his splendid showing versus the Pacers against the Hawks, with the veteran averaging 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists throughout 19 meetings with Atlanta during his career.
Also Consider: Domantas Sabonis ($8,500), Brandon Ingram ($7,900), Al Horford ($7,000)
FanDuel Centers - NBA DFS Lineup Picks
Jonas Valanciunas, C - @ IND ($8,000)
The Pelicans have battled injuries through the year, with superstar Brandon Ingram recently returning after missing seven games because of a hip ailment. Zion Williamson's rehab is also moving along slower than expected. As a result, Valanciunas has thrived this season, despite New Orleans not having much to show for it.
Valanciunas is averaging 19 points, the second-best mark of his career. He also has compiled nearly 13 rebounds per game while shooting 51.1 percent from the field and 55.2 percent from deep. Devonte' Graham didn't suit up during Friday's showdown against the Clippers, and if he can't go on Saturday, Valanciunas will join Ingram as one of the main focal points of the offensive end against the Pacers.
Also Consider: Clint Capela ($7,000), Chimezie Metu ($3,900)
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