Yesterday was rough for the world of FanDuel. Only 2 games meant most players had very similar lineups. If your contests were anything like mine, the difference between being in or out of the money was a matter of less than 2 points. There is a plethora of teams hurting right now. Before you solidify your lineups tonight, be sure to click here and check out the latest injury update. I will also be tweeting out live updates to my followers. Finally, here are my FanDuel NBA Daily Picks and Lineups for February 2:
At the Point Guard position:
Brandon Knight – 7600 (Pronounced OUT! Per Rotoworld)
He averages 30 FanDuel points per game. At this price he is only a 4x value when he hits his averages. I’m hoping he studied the tape of the Nets-Raptors game last week and looks to do what backup PG Jarret Jack did to Lowry. Although his value is 4x, he has a high ceiling tonight against a Raptors team that gives up the most fantasy points to opposing PG’s over their last 5.
John Wall – 9200
Surprise surprise, John Wall is listed as questionable yet again; this time, with migraines. For the past week he has been on the injury report, and over his last 6 games his average FanDuel score is near 46ppg. Tonight, Brian Roberts will be tasked with covering him. I expect another huge game for Wall and company. Provided he plays, that is.
Honorable Mention: (We suggest using Jarrett Jack in place of Brandon Knight!)
Jarrett Jack – 7000 : He is only down here because Deron Williams practiced fully on Sunday. Jack has been on fire lately, and if D-Will is ruled out, or has a minutes restriction placed on him, Jack should be a safe play in all leagues.
Devin Harris – 3500: As of now, Rajon Rondo is NOT expected to play vs the T-Wolves tonight. Harris has shown that he is capable of being fantasy relevant when he gets the minutes. Tonight, he should see those minutes. He is my top value play at this price.
Next: Shooting Guards
Jan 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Monta Ellis (11) drives to the basket past Memphis Grizzlies guard Jordan Adams (3) and center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Monta Ellis – 7800
He is averaging nearly 40 fantasy points over his last 5, and on top of that, Rondo is NOT expected to play tonight. This means that Monta will have the ball in his hands a lot more often, which is what he likes and is comfortable with. Look for him to exceed 5x tonight.
DeMar DeRozan – 6800: It’s becoming harder to leave him out of this. Over his last five games, he is averaging 37 fantasy points per night. At this price that is a value of 5.5x. The Bucks, however, have been great defensively this year. I consider him a medium risk play.
Honorable Mention:
Evan Fournier – 3600: Victor Oladipo is listed as questionable with his Achilles injury. Fournier, in his past two games has played 67 minutes, and scored 51.7 FanDuel points. Both are solid numbers for such a low price. Watch the injury report before starting him.
Next: Small Forwards
Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Wiggins – 6900
Over his last 4 games he has averaged 30 fantasy points. That puts his recent average value at 4.3x. Last time out he went off for a career high 33 pts, and should have shown everyone what he can do when his usage rate goes up. At this point he is a great pick because Shabazz Muhamed is ruled out, Ricky Rubio is still questionable, Mo Williams is still questionable, and Zach LaVine is questionable. If they are all out, someone will need to be shooting from the perimeter. It will be Wiggins.
Kevin Durant – 10900
He had an off game the other night at Memphis, but I fully expect him to bounce back tonight. The Magic are terrible against small forwards giving up the 3rd most points per game over their last 10.
Honorable Mention
Jeff Green – 5100: Things have gone a little slower then Jeff is used to, but he is getting better, and more comfortable, each time out with his new team. He has taken the starting role from Tony Allen, and is starting to average more minutes per game. At this price, and the expected pace of this game against Phoenix, 5x value isn’t far-fetched, but a medium risk none-the-less.
Next: Power Forwards
Jan 27, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) dunks the ball against Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
John Henson – 4700
Henson has now had two 30 fantasy point outings in a row, averaging only 25 minutes in each of those outings. I repeatedly say, when he sees the court, he puts up points. For whatever reason, Kidd doesn’t give him more minutes. That should NOT be the issue tonight. Once again, Ersan Ilyasova and Zaza Pachulia are listed as questionable; to top that off, Larry Sanders isn’t eligible to return to the hardwood until Feb. 7th. There aren’t many options left. Look for Henson to continue to impress if the Ersan and Zaza remain out.
Cody Zeller – 5300
When Zeller gets minutes, Zeller produces. Or at least that has been the case as of late. He has put up 110 FanDuel points in his last 100 minutes of play. That’s 36 points in 33 minutes, per game, in his last 3. Tonight should be no different. With Biyombo out indefinitely, Marvin Williams questionable due to a concussion, and Zeller having the hot hand lately: he is the logical choice to get those minutes. Look for 5x value at minimum tonight.
Honorable Mention:
Ryan Anderson – 5100: I won’t consider him a viable option tonight unless Anthony Davis sits another one out. As of right now, AD is considered a game-time decision. If he is ruled out later on today, Anderson is a great option for the price.
Nerlens Noel – 5700: Over his last 3 games he is averaging 30 fantasy ppg. That has been against the following duos: Monroe/Drummond, Millsap/Horford, and Pekovic/Dieng. He should be able to continue that production tonight against Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov of the Cavs.
Next: Centers
Nov 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Grizzlies defeated the Suns 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Marc Gasol – 8200
He averages 37 fantasy ppg. At this price, he is rated for a 4.5x value. Tonight, he faces off against Phoenix, who ranks near the top in pace and total possessions per game, and near the bottom in defense against Centers. Look for Gasol to clean the glass all night, and get an above average amount of touches tonight.
Tyson Chandler – 6700
Over his past three contests, he has been good for a value of 4.5x. A solid average in any format, but to ice the cake, he is going up against the Timberwolves. They have given up 53.9 fppg to opposing Centers over their last 5 games. There is no reason Tyson can’t get a 5x value with an even higher ceiling.
Honorable Mention:
Steven Adams – 4400: He doesn’t normally put up huge numbers, especially with all the talent surrounding him. He is, however, a nightly double-double threat. He only needs 22 fantasy points tonight for 5x value. To sweeten the pot, he faces a Magic squad that has offered a whopping 54.6 fantasy points to centers over their last 10. He is a solid value play tonight.
Next: Best FanDuel Lineup
Jan 31, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and forward Kevin Durant warm up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Here is my optimal lineup for tonight. This is generated using a computer program that takes into account all of a players stats and splits, and combines the best lined based on each players projected performance.
Russell Westbrook | vs ORL | 10900 | |||
Devin Harris | vs MIN | 3500 | |||
Monta Ellis | vs MIN | 7800 | |||
Bradley Beal | vs CHA | 5800 | |||
Kevin Durant | vs ORL | 10900 | |||
Jeff Green | @ PHX | 5100 | |||
Markieff Morris | vs MEM | 6300 | |||
Cody Zeller | @ WSH | 5300 | |||
Steven Adams | vs ORL | 4400 |
As always, the injury report can change during the day, be sure to keep an eye on it before the first tip off.
Also, I will be updating the injuries and lineups throughout the day on my twitter. If I have spots open, I will also post a link to my FanDuel league so you can play against me.
Best of luck tonight!
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