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Daily Fantasy Basketball: FanDuel Lineups For February 25

By Mike Marteny

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February 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball against the defense of San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA has it’s first full slate of the week with 24 of the 30 teams in action tonight. That leaves plenty of places to blow your $60,000 cap. Where should you? I will give you my favorite places to spend and to bargain shop.

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Here are my FanDuel lineups for February 25:

Point Guards:

Bargains:

Mo Williams, Hornets ($5,400): Mo has an impressive 72.5 fantasy points in his two starts with the Hornets. That is 6.5x value, and there is no reason to think that he can’t keep it up since those games were against Oklahoma City and Dallas. Both of those teams defend the point well. The Bulls will provide another fairly difficult matchup for him, but he only needs 27 fantasy points for 5x value. That seems attainable even against the Bulls.

Aaron Brooks, Bulls ($3,500): Derrick Rose is out with yet another knee injury, meaning that Brooks will handle the bulk of the point guard duties. Kirk Hinrich isn’t exactly an iron man either, so I look for Brooks to carry most of the load of running the offense. Look for Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol to step up the scoring, but Brooks is the new floor general, and should provide 6x value on the low end tonight.

Isaiah Thomas, Celtics ($6,100): The Celtics are still using him as the sixth man, but that is a role that Thomas was accustomed to with the Suns anyway. Avery Bradley is playing too well at the two to move either Thomas or Marcus Smart over there, so as fantasy owners, we still have to settle for 25-30 minutes of Thomas a night. Still, he has scored 61.2 fantasy points in 52 minutes in a Boston uniform. The production is there no matter what the minutes look like.

Worth The Cost:

Chris Paul, Clippers ($10,000): Paul became one of the very few guards to torch Memphis this year when he racked up 53.8 fantasy points on them on Monday. If he can do that against Memphis, he is probably worth starting against anyone. Next up, Paul gets the Rockets, who are not great defenders anyway and might be without Patrick Beverley. Expect Paul somewhere between his season average of 40.2 fantasy points and the outburst against Memphis.

Mike Conley, Grizzlies ($6,600): In his two games since the break, Conley has 75.3 fantasy points. He was on a slide heading into the break, but the rest seems to have done wonders for his various minor ailments throughout the season. He could wind up being a great value play against Darren Collison and the Kings.

Goran Dragic, Heat ($6,300): His first start in South Beach has tremendous results for Dragic. He racked up 41.4 fantasy points, and the offense looked much better with him at the helm. Tonight he gets to tangle with Orlando, who has had some defensive issues this year. Expect Dragic to be right around 4.5x (28.4 points) value on the low end.

Risky Plays:

John Wall, Wizards ($9,100): Wall has two straight games of under 30 fantasy points, and that just won’t cut it for his price tag. He gets the Timberwolves tonight, who have harassed point guards since Ricky Rubio returned. I certainly wouldn’t rule Wall out anywhere. We have seen him have good games against good teams, but not lately. His last four games of under 30 fantasy points have come against Golden State, Detroit, Charlotte, and Brooklyn. All of them are solid defensively at the point.

Ricky Rubio, Timberwolves ($6,900): I have been playing Rubio constantly for the last week, but I may not here. Wall is a really good defender, and Rubio could find the going tougher than usual. That said, he did rack up 33.5 fantasy points on Memphis in just 26 minutes on February 6th, so maybe I am worrying for nothing. I am just following the numbers so far this year.

Ty Lawson, Nuggets ($8,200): On paper, this looks like a great matchup for Lawson against the Suns, but when you look at the two games since they sat him for missing a flight back over the break, you realize that something is going on here. Perhaps it was all of the trade rumors. Perhaps is was the public feud with management. Perhaps both. But whatever the reason, Lawson has looked disinterested in those two games, totaling just 54.2 fantasy points combined in those games. I wouldn’t trust him right now.

My Lineups:

A: Paul and Brooks ($13,500)

B: Dragic and Williams ($11,700)

Next: Is Harden The Best Option Of The Night?

Feb 20, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) takes a shot over Sacramento Kings forward Derrick Williams (13) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Boston Celtics 109-101. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guards:

Bargains:

Avery Bradley, Celtics ($5,800): The arrival of Isaiah Thomas has been a tremendous boon for Bradley. In those three games, he is averaging 43.2 fantasy points per game. You may have to take it with a grain of salt since the Lakers and Suns were involved in that stretch, but they do get the Knicks tonight. Don’t expect Bradley under 40 just yet.

Markel Brown, Nets ($3,900): In his first start, Brown erupted for 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals for a grand total of 37.2 fantasy points. He likely won’t have the same success against the Pelicans tonight, but 25 fantasy points is likely. He has far more upside than Bojan Bogdanovich and is a solid value play until his price rises.

Elijah Millsap, Jazz ($3,900): Millsap has averaged 21.2 fantasy points per game in his five starts this year. Those numbers aren’t great, but he has consistently provided 5x value. Add to that the fact that he is playing the Lakers, and he could be worth rolling with if you need to go cheap at both SG positions.

Worth The Cost:

James Harden, Rockets ($11,100): Harden stole the show on Monday against the Timberwolves, racking up 66.2 fantasy points. He put up a triple-double while handling most of the ball handling duties with Patrick Beverley out. Beverley missed shootaround this morning, so Harden could be in for another big night if Beverley sits again.

Eric Bledsoe, Suns ($8,400): Bledsoe looked good in his first two games alongside Brandon Knight. He had 80.8 fantasy points in those two games, which is nearly 5x value. Bledsoe is a great play against the Nuggets, whose defensive woes are well known. Play him with confidence, and hope this doesn’t get ugly early so he still gets 30 minutes.

Victor Oladipo, Magic ($6,900): If his Achillies is still bugging him, he hasn’t shown it. Oladipo has 30 fantasy points per game since missing a game with the injury. He has a solid matchup against the Heat tonight if you don’t want to pay top dollar at SG.

Risky Plays:

Tyreke Evans, Pelicans ($8,100): Evans will play tonight despite not being 100%. His numbers haven’t taken much of a hit, but I also wouldn’t expect him near 5x value either. Even 35 points, which is roughly 4.5x value, seems like a stretch. On a heavy night like tonight, there are lesser risks avaiable.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks ($6,400): His hot streak has subsided, and the Bulls even held him below 20 fantasy points on Monday. He should still get you 25 fantasy points, but that is barely 4x value. With so many options available, it might be wise to go with a more sure thing against the 76ers, especially considering this could turn into a blowout.

My Lineups:

A: Bledsoe and Bradley ($14,200)

B: Harden and Jimmy Butler ($19,800): Butler was a beast with Rose out earlier this year.

Next: Lots Of Good Options At SF

Feb 23, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) controls the ball during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 90-81. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forwards:

Bargains:

Danilo Gallinari, Nuggets ($4,000): As long as he stays healthy, Gallinari will be a good daily option. He has filled in nicely with Arron Afflalo gone, putting up 73.3 fantasy points in those three games. That is good for 6x value, and that will likely continue so long as his price stays this low. He is a great play against Phoenix tonight.

Al-Farouq Aminu, Mavericks ($4,800): The daily games shifted to Richard Jefferson last night, and it was Aminu who came through. He is not starting, but he is still playing 30 minutes and producing nearly a fantasy point per minute in Chandler Parsons’s absence. If you want to take a Maverick SF, go with Aminu. He is the safer choice.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hornets ($5,700): MKG has put up 53.5 fantasy points in two games since the All Star break. That is nearly 5x value, and he has a pretty high floor due to his rebounding ability. He is a solid play, even against the Bulls who are trying to adapt to life without Derrick Rose once again.

Worth The Cost:

Gordon Hayward, Jazz ($8,100): What better way to erase the 25 point “disappointment” against the Spurs than washing it down with the Lakers? That’s right, there isn’t a better way. Look for Hayward to rebound in a big way. The Lakers don’t have anyone that can defend him on the outside.

Khris Middleton, Bucks ($6,600): Middleton is still the most reliable fantasy option in Milwaukee. When Giannis struggled a little on Monday, Middleton picked up the slack and put up 33.2 fantasy points. If he can do that against the Bulls, he shouldn’t have much of a problem with Philadelphia.

Robert Covington, 76ers ($6,400): If you take out the 12.9 point disaster against Indiana in the first game after the break, Covington has averaged 31.9 fantasy points per game over his last ten games. That includes games against Charlotte, Atlanta, and Golden State, who are solid defensive teams. He should fare just fine against the Bucks tonight, and should come close to that recent average at worst.

Risky Plays:

Rudy Gay, Kings ($7,500): Gay has been inconsistent lately, scoring anywhere from 6.7 fantasy points to 45, all in his last nine games. There is no way I would trust him against Memphis. They are too tough on defense. The only thing that might make me consider it is the fact that he used to play for them.

Tobias Harris, Magic ($6,200): He made it through the game on Sunday without any knee problems, but he only scored 5.2 fantasy points in 25 minutes. Against Philadelphia. Make him prove something before taking him again in daily leagues.

My Lineups:

A: Middleton and Gallinari ($10,600)

B: Hayward and Aminu ($12,900)

Next: Is Gasol The Best PF Option With Davis and Griffin Out?

Oct 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) chases a loose ball during the second half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Rockets 117-98. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Power Forwards:

Bargains:

Terrence Jones, Rockets ($5,600): Jones has 98.1 fantasy points in the three games since the All Star break. He is getting as many, if not more, minutes than everyone else in the crowded Houston frontcourt because he is producing. Jones is a great bargain at his price, and should be at least until Dwight Howard returns and muddles this situation even more.

Nerlens Noel, 76ers ($6,700): Noel has five straight games of over 28 fantasy points, and has averaged 34.5 fantasy points per game in that stretch. That is an average of 5.5x value. On a night were the high priced options are not a sure thing at PF, Noel looks like a very enticing play.

Brandon Bass, Celtics ($5,000): Bass has 88.2 fantasy points in his three starts since Jared Sullinger went down. That is almost 6x value, and there is nothing that should prevent him from doing this on a nightly basis. He has proven that he can handle the job, and it seems like the Celtics agree.

Worth The Cost:

Paul Millsap, Hawks ($7,600): Millsap abused the under-sized Bucks on Sunday to the tune of 49.7 fantasy points. Tonight he gets a Dallas team that isn’t quite so undersized, but aging PF Dirk Nowitzki shouldn’t provide a lot of resistance either. I wouldn’t expect another nearly 50 point outing, but 38 points, or 5x value, is a strong possibility.

Zach Randolph, Grizzlies ($8,300): Randolph struggled with his shot on Monday against the Clippers, but still ended up with 24 fantasy points. That is likely his floor, folks. He has a solid matchup against the Kings tonight, especially if they decide to move Rudy Gay down to PF again. Expect Randolph back up in the mid-30’s, which is where he usually is.

Derrick Favors, Jazz ($7,500): Favors just keeps putting up games in the low to mid 30’s fantasy-wise. It doesn’t matter who is on the court with him. Add to that the fact that he has a great matchup against the Lakers, and he could wind up closer to 40 than 30.

Risky Plays:

Pau Gasol, Bulls ($9,300): Gasol has had three underwhelming performances in his last four games, but now with Derrick Rose out, someone has to pick up the scoring slack. Gasol is a likely solution, but the Hornets are solid in the middle. There is a moderate amount of risk involved in playing Gasol, but I am betting that he will still come close to 40 fantasy points tonight because of the added looks that are sure to come his way on offense.

Markieff Morris, Suns ($6,500): He has only one game over 29.4 (4.5x value) fantasy points in his last eight games. If that doesn’t scare you off, I don’t know what will. He has a good matchup agianst Denver, but he did against Boston and Houston as well and did nothing with it.

Adreian Payne, Timberwolves ($3,700): Payne put up a double-double and 25 fantasy points in his first career start, so he could be an incredibly sneaky value play tonight. Washington has a tough frontcourt, but conisdering that he only needs 16.7 fantasy points for 4.5x value, he is of minimal risk.

My Lineups:

A: Favors and Bass ($12,500)

B: Jones and Bass ($10,600)

Next: So Many Options At C

February 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts to forward Glen Davis (0) defensive play against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Center:

Bargains:

Rudy Gobert, Jazz ($5,900): Gobert has been a solid play now that he has the starting center job all to himself. He was even before then. That said, he still struggles with physical teams on the interior, so he is best when paying matchups. Tonight he has a great matchup with the Lakers. I could see 6x value coming out of Gobert tonight.

Alex Len, Suns ($5,000): Len has averaged 31.3 fantasy points in his three starts with Miles Plumlee out of the picture. That is what it finally took to get Len going. He has a great matchup against Denver tonight, and would not be the slightest bit surprised if he improved on his current average as the starting center.

Worth The Cost:

Hassan Whiteside, Heat ($7,500): Whiteside has four straight double-doubles, and shouldn’t have any problems getting one against Orlando tonight either. They are weak defensively in the middle, and since the offense runs through Nikola Vucevic, he might have a few more block opportunities as well.

DeAndre Jordan, Clippers ($9,200): Houston has a glaring hole where Dwight Howard should be. Expect Jordan to take full advantage of that. He has not been under 15 rebounds in his last five games, and is averaging 49.6 fantasy points per game over that span. He even racked up 35.9 on a really good Memphis defense, and put up 35 against DeMarcus Cousins. Don’t hesistate to play Jordan against anyone with Blake Griffin out. He has picked up almost all the slack on his own.

Risky Plays:

DeMarcus Cousins, Kings ($11,000): Yes, I know Jordan held his own against Memphis, and I expect the same from Cousins. The reason he is here is because he needs a whopping 49.5 fantasy points for 4.5x value. There is no way he reaches that against the Grizzlies. He will have trouble getting 44, which is 4x value.

Gorgui Dieng, Timberwolves ($6,400): Adriean Payne is starting ahead of Dieng at PF, and Nikola Pekovic is the starting center, which severely limits Dieng’s fantasy prospects. He outplayed Payne on Monday, but unless he is starting, I don’t trust him to continue having the same success.

My Lineups:

A: Jordan ($9,200)

B: Len ($5,000)

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