DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup-March 14
High Salary SG
James Harden-Houston Rockets (10,500): As the Rockets battle for the playoffs, Harden has been taking on a ton of the offensive workload. Harden had a double-double on Saturday but only managed 12 points against the Hornets. He still had 35.75 fantasy points but it wasn’t the 50+ that owners usually get from “the Beard.” He has played more manageable minutes lately, so he should be ready to roll tonight as the Rockets return from there five-game road trip to face the Grizzlies. Harden’s last game in Houston was a monster game against the Pelicans when he had 39 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and a block for 72.5 fantasy points. Harden’s owners will hope that coming home and facing a banged-up Grizzlies teams gets him back to that level of production tonight. ∗∗
Jimmy Butler-Chicago Bulls (8,000): Butler looked really good in his one game since his knee injury, but he suffered a setback and was forced to miss three more games. He had 48.25 fantasy points in his one game back against the Rockets over a week ago, but he looks to make another return tonight against the Raptors. He’s listed as questionable now, but he is expected to give it a go and could be set up for a huge return since Derrick Rose is doubtful and Butler seems to always go off when Rose is out. Butler is ultra-risky at this price since we’re not sure how many minutes he’ll play, but if he is back to 100% he could be back with a big splash tonight. ∗∗
Nicolas Batum-Charlotte Hornets (7,400): Batum produces in multiple categories which is why he’s a regular in my DraftKings daily picks when he’s rolling. He put up a perfect example in his last game scoring just 14 points but ending up with 40.5 fantasy points since he had eight rebounds, eight assists, a block, and a steal. Batum has at least 28 fantasy points in seven straight contests making him low-risk, but he also has over 40 fantasy points in each of his last two games showing off his high ceiling. Tonight, against the Mavericks, I expect another solid game even though he’ll have to deal with Chandler Parsons who usually does a good job on the defensive end. ∗∗∗
Klay Thompson-Golden State Warriors (7,100): Thompson has been a steady source of scoring for the defending champs and has at least 20 points in seven of his last eight games including each of his last four. He has been doing enough work on the glass to keep his overall fantasy points high as well with at least 35 fantasy points in three of his last four games and six of his last ten. Thompson had 20 points, six boards, three assists, and a steal against the Suns on Saturday, and he’ll be in a good place to produce tonight against the Pelicans who have allowed more fantasy points to opposing SG than any other team in the NBA. Thompson is not cheap, but I think he’s lined up for a big game, and he always has the potential to go absolutely crazy giving him a very high ceiling. ∗∗∗∗∗
Devin Booker-Phoenix Suns (6,500): Booker has been in a groove lately and has over 35 fantasy points in four straight contests. He had been lighting up the scoreboard, but on Saturday against Thompson and the Warriors he handed out 11 assists to go with his 18 points for a nice 38 fantasy points. The Timberwolves coming to town should give Booker a good shot to continue his recent run of success in what should be a relatively high-scoring, defense-optional matchup tonight. ∗∗∗
Andrew Wiggins-Minnesota Timberwolves (6,200): With Zach LaVine hurting, Wiggins could be asked to take an even bigger portion of the T-Wolves offense as they head to the desert tonight. Wiggins has scored at least 20 points in four straight games and has over 34 fantasy points in each of those contests. He had a season-high five steals against OKC on Saturday and is putting up better non-scoring stats now that he’s playing more SF than SG. Wiggins should be set up for a good game tonight since the Suns allows the third-most fantasy points in the NBA to opposing SF.∗∗∗∗∗
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