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FanDuel Economics – NBA March 25th

By Matt Rogers

Mar 19, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) shoots the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Hornets 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) shoots the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Hornets 101-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to the first edition of FanDuel Economics, a daily fantasy column focused on player salaries and point-per-game trends.  The purpose of this column is to evaluate player salary and point-per-game averages over a seven day period to provide daily fantasy sports players with a vital tool in their lineup tool belt.  Finding the best value options often leads to a big pay day!

Friday brings back another robust NBA schedule creating many difficult decisions for daily FanDuel NBA players.  Stephen Curry and James Harden are back in action, and if DeMarcus Cousins can overcome his questionable status, there are several great but expensive options for tonight’s NBA lineups.  Let’s look at a few value options at each position to see if we can find a way for you to afford the heavy hitters:

Point Guard (PG)

It’s no secret Deron Williams has been hot lately, pulling in 59.6 points against Portland on Sunday, but that is not the whole story.  Over the last week Williams has averaged 38.3 points per game on a $6,000 salary.  Williams salary did increase to $6,100 for Friday, but his point average over the past week is 7th among all PGs and he is the cheapest point guard among the top 13 average PG point leaders.  Comparing Williams to Ricky Rubio, for example, you’re paying $900 more for 4 less average points over the last week.  Give Williams over others like Rubio.

Another appealing option is D.J. Augustin.  Since joining the Nuggets, Augustin seems to have found a second wind.  DJ is averaging 24.6 points on a $4,600 salary.  This is a great value if trying to pair with a Steph Curry or John Wall.  Augustin is the cheapest of the top 25 PGs and is more likely to land over 20 points than another value option like Dennis Schroder.

Shooting Guard (SG)

Tony Allen is hot, get him while he’s cheap!  Over the past week Allen has averaged 27.9 points on a $4,700 salary.  Allen’s salary increased for Friday to $4,900 but he’s still a SG top 15 bargain.  While Allen is playing a great defensive team in the Spurs tonight, he continues to take advantage of the extended time he’s being given due to Grizzlies injuries toward the end of the season.

Jeremy Lin has had an up and down year this year, but lately he’s been on fire, including 39.4 points against San Antonio on Monday.  Lin is a top 20 SG average of 24.4 over the past week on a $3,700 salary.  Lin’s time on the court continues to increase as does his value, take advantage of it while you can!

Small Forward (SF)

Need someone to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nicholas Batum?  Stay away from Matt Barnes and take a look at P.J. Tucker.  Tucker is getting more play time and rewarding daily fantasy players as a result.  P.J. has averaged 26.1 points over the past week on a $4,600 salary making him a top 15 SF bargain.  His Friday salary has increased to $4,800 but he’s still tremendous high value option compared to other SF in the top 25.

Thabo Sefolosha is also worth a look.  He’s only playing 22-29 minutes over the past week, but at the same time was averaging 24.2 points, and consistently falling within that range each game.  Considering his $4,200 salary, he’s another tremendous value option for the night, especially if you’re trying to find a way to get Curry or Harden in your lineup.

Power Forward (PF)

Jon Leuer is taking advantage of Tyson Chandler’s absence.  This option could change if Chandler suits up and plays tomorrow so keep an eye on Tyson’s status, but with Leuer out, he’s a must have in your lineup.  Even with Chandler in the lineup, he’s been hovering around 20 points per game.  Over the past week, Leuer has averaged 28.4 points on a $4,000 salary.  FanDuel had no choice but to increase his salary, which is now $4,600, but even at that amount, he’s still a great value, especially if Chandler takes a seat for another night.

Another top 20 PF option is Markieff Morris, who has been averaging 26.1 points over the past week on a $5,000 salary.  Now at $5,100 and with a current surge of minutes and points for Morris, he’s worth a consideration.  Morris seems to have found his fit with the Wizards since his trade, and now is a good time to use him before his salary continues to climb.

Center (C)

There aren’t many value options jumping off the spreadsheet for tonight, but Salah Mejri is certainly an option to consider.  Mejri earned the start for the Mavs on Sunday & Wednesday and, probably, surprised everyone with an average of 36.6 over the two games.  With a current salary of $4,700, he’s certainly worth a consideration if he seems likely he could start again over Pachulia.

Next: Should You Add Omer Asik?

I wish you all the best of luck tonight, and please make sure to keep your eye on late breaking news before locking in your daily FanDuel lineups!