NBA Picks and Pivots – FanDuel Picks for March 26
Welcome to the Saturday edition of Picks & Pivots, a daily fantasy column focused on providing analysis for the upcoming NBA FanDuel slate. The purpose of this column is to first identify key building blocks that can be used for any roster construction and then identify pivot points to help differentiate your lineup in hopes of a big pay day!
Before we dig into tonight’s slate, another public service announcement to be diligent with the late breaking news. After my research yesterday and publishing my post, one of my top picks Deron Williams was ruled out along with the rest of the Mavericks which opened up tremendous value(thank you JJ Barea) and made my Wes Matthews pick even more of a must play. Keep an eye on the news throughout the day as we can continue to expect players to rest down the stretch of the NBA Season.
One team we know will be resting players tonight is the Spurs as Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan have already been ruled out against the Thunder. I will start today’s picks with some key notes on the potential value plays that benefit as a result.
Spurs Value Plays
- C – Boban Marjanovic – When the Big 4 of the Spurs are all off the court, no player sees a bigger benefit than than $3,500 minimum priced big man. Without these players, Boban’s usage jumps to 21% with a ridiculous 1.41 fantasy points per minute. There is significant risk here but if the big man is confirmed as a starter tonight, there is massive GPP winning upside to be had.
- PF – David West –Another minimum priced player, West sees his usage increase to 19% and racks up .82 fantasy points per minute when the big 4 are out. West has averaged only 23 minutes a game this year as a starter however as a punt play, if he simply plays his average minutes he would accumulate roughly 19 fantasy points which would be good for 5x value. West does not have the upside we typically look for in tournaments, but his low price will allow us to lock in some of the bigger superstars tonight.
- PG – Patty Mills – With a usage bump to 25% and .82, at $3,800, Mills gives us another bargain basement option to utilize tonight. The best place to attack OKC on the season is at PG, so Mills has one of the best matchups. I would wait to see what lineup is announced but I will look to utilize the value plays from the Spurs tonight, as they allow some interesting stacking possibilities paired with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook
Point Guard
- Isaiah Thomas – The Celtics and Suns matchup tonight is a place I will look to target heavily as both teams see increases in projected pace and points scored. The best place to target the Suns is in the backcourt and at just $8,000, Thomas provides a very safe floor has 2 of his last 3 games he has scored over 40 fantasy points. Taking into account the matchup and the fact that the Celtics are locked into a playoff seeding battle, I will want as much exposure to IT as I can get as the upside here is immense.
Shooting Guard
- Avery Bradley – The same logic applies here as no team gives up more points to opposing SG than the Suns. Bradley has hit 6x value in 2 of his last 3 games and at only $5,800, I will use Avery as a key building block across all my lineups today.
Small Forward
I have mentioned a variety of value picks already, so where do we spend tonight? Small Forward to me is the place I will look to load up with 1 or 2 of the elite players tonight.
- Lebron James – This is simply a narrative play for me. The King heads to Madison Square Garden and just was critical of his team’s loss to the Brooklyn Nets. This feels like one of those angry Lebron games where he goes bonkers. I want to have some exposure in the hopes that he does. If either Kyrie Irving or Kevin Love is out, then LBJ becomes a must play.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – An interesting pivot at the same price point as the King is the Greek Freak. The best place to target the Hornets on the season has been at the forward position, and with the upside he has flashed, I will look to pivot to Giannis in some lineups tonight in hopes he outperforms the other high priced options.
- Carmelo Anthony – At a slightly reduced price of $8,600, my hope is Melo will go overlooked tonight as many gamers look to pay up for Durant, James or Giannis. Melo has averaged 38.6 fantasy points over his last 9 games so I will look to utilize Melo as my second SF in lineups tonight and lock in his safe floor and potential upside in a showdown with the Cavs.
Power Forward
- Amir Johnson – Still woefully under priced at $4,500, Amir has put up 30+ points in 4 of his last 5 games out, averaging well over 6x value. With a matchup against Phoenix tonight, lock Amir in as a key building block allowing you to spend up elsewhere.
Center
- Mason Plumlee – Targeting centers against Philly is always a great strategy and with Meyers Leonard out for the year, Plumlee is locked into a major role. At $5,300 the double double potential tonight makes Plumlee a great play in any format.
Next: Who Is Playing Well Above Value In FanDuel Lately?
Best of luck tonight gamer’s and have a wonderful Easter!