RADIO
With a seven-game slate Thursday, the playoff race has become more intense than ever. With the prospect of a play-in game, teams like the Trail Blazers and Suns have more to fight for than just seeding. Both teams need to keep winning games and if the cards fall in the right spot, the Suns could complete the miracle storyline by going undefeated in the bubble to streak into the playoffs. The previous few days have been specifically interesting in terms of DFS, and in some cases, you are cashing out with lower scores than usual.
With the randomness of the late season, you need to gauge where each game is going to go. Will the starters play 30 minutes or will coaches reach to the deepest part of the bench? It's pretty easy to tell when you get the first injury update and starter announcements, it's just takes that attention to detail to make sure you are setting yourself up for success. Based purely off feel of how this week has been going, it will be a Damian Lillard / Devin Booker kind of night since both the Suns and Trail Blazers are peaking.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/13/20. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Ricky Rubio, PG - PHO vs. DAL ($6,500)
Despite Devin Booker being the guy in Phoenix right not, they wouldn't be as successful without Ricky Rubio. He might not have contributed every game like fans would want, but his consistency with primary ball-handling duties and ability to attract the defense constantly makes him a threat. The Suns need to keep winning and they are one of the few teams that you can bank on starters playing full minutes to keep the streak alive. Dallas backcourt has never been one that focuses on defense, so now that they are facing Rubio, someone who punishes poor defense, this game might come down to Rubio's shooting ability if Booker isn't able to get help from anywhere else.
Wes Iwundu, SG - ORL vs. NOP ($4,000)
Normally, there isn't much to playing Wes Iwundu, he's a natural fade, but with him getting starter minutes on the Magic, there is no reason to let the upside go to waste. He usually plays around 20 minutes, but since he isn't the strongest shooter and usually relies on driving to score his points, Iwundu rarely sees high-usage or high-minute games, ultimately never really getting the chance. Since he was able to contribute last game versus the Nets, and even if he wasn't, a matchup versus the Pelicans defense is ideal for this hybrid, wing forward.
The work may not be cut out for him and he'll have to hit his shots for production, but New Orleans defense won't be targeting him by any means.
Kyle Korver, SG - MIL vs. MEM ($3,700)
Since Giannis Antetoukounmpo will miss the Bucks last game against the Grizzlies, the offense will need to start somewhere. Kyle Korver might not be the focal point like he used to be, but he's proven when given the chances, he can make the most of it. Since the Milwaukee offense will be running through different channels, similar to the Washington and Toronto games, Korver will have those chances again. Being a shooter, he is extremely point-reliant, but at this price and upside, he could do nothing more but have a mediocre game, and still exceed his projected with a wildly low ownership rate.
DFS players are going to roll with backup Bucks against the Grizzlies, but I wouldn't sell out on the first names coming off the bench when value can make the rest of today's lineup easy pickings.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Robert Williams, PF - BOS vs. WAS ($3,800)
If you decide to not to pay up here, Robert Williams is your perfect pivot. With Jayson Tatum and Daniel Theis already listed as out, the Celtics are already desperate for offense. Williams might not offer that exactly, but being on the floo allows for players like Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker to play without worry. Williams anchors the paint and seems to have a real love for rebounding and absorbing all the hustle plays. Marcus Smart has clearly had some small affect on this team and it comes out with the young players and their ability to defend and produce despite not having the skill rely on scoring.
Not to insult Williams, but since his range is slightly limited, it does give him upside in matchups like this. Even facing Thomas Bryant, that won't be enough to keep the Celtics frontcourt from attacking the rim and grabbing up rebounds. If Williams gets the minutes, the production should follow.
Keldon Johnson, SF - SAS vs. UTA ($4,300)
Truthfully, not a fan of his price, but based on how the Jazz have committed to NOT playing starters a full workload, the Spurs should be able to play their bench players extended minutes. Usually you can succeed in DFS by avoiding the Spurs, but that isn't the case when there is so much value on the line. Keldon Johnson can do a bit of everything, but his improvement in just a few games on the defensive end has been a great reason to keep giving him run. He is coming off his best game and players will know that, but no player can afford to leave those points on the table, especially if their $4k player didn't hit their projected.
Johnson is a safe bet for someone who will be a longtime contributor, but right now he still has some inconsistencies in his game. Nonetheless, I trust him for DFS purposes, especially versus the Jazz, who have notably been playing backups for the past week or so.
Khem Birch, PF - ORL vs. NOP ($3,800)
Believe it or not, these last two picks have really nothing to do with their last-game explosions. Both Johnson and Khem Birch thrived in their first chances at a high-volume night since the NBA restart, and there was nothing about either player that showed a clear, upcoming regression. Birch plays in the paint, bullies other players around down low and understands his role offensively. The Pelicans are already out of contention and Brandon Ingram is already not going to play. The game might not be close, but playing in the paint against limited weapon gives Birch plenty of upside tonight.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Deandre Ayton, C - PHO vs. DAL ($7,300)
Obvious chalk here. Looking at the options, Jusuf Nurkic is underpriced and a great play versus Brooklyn, but it's hard to pass over Deandre Ayton, knowing the implications. From a basketball players standpoint, it's almost impossible to imagine Ayton NOT trying his absolute hardest to grab every rebound and make things tough for Kristaps Porzingis, and the Maverick frontcourt. Knowing Ayton's skill-set, especially in a game where defense will be important, it's hard to sell anyone on that aspect of Ayton's game alone.
That being said, he has the length and has proved multiple times that it doesn't matter the opponent, Ayton can produce against anyone. Yes, he still struggles defensively, but guarding Porzingis will come down to positioning rather than strength and experience. If Porzingis is hitting, defense doesn't matter. So look for Ayton to try and return any favors Porzingis might send his way by forcing the Mavericks to keep Ayton out of the paint.
