DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy Basketball Advice 4-9-16

DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy Basketball Advice 4-9-16

Saturdays slate looks to be a good one as several teams are playing to maintain and advance their playoff spots right before the season ends.

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The day kicks off with the most uneventful, but potentially one of the highest scoring games of the night as the lowly Suns head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans at 4:00. Shortly after they tip-off, the first playoff relevant game of the night begins between the Celtics @ the Heat. This game has serious playoff implications as Boston and Miami currently sit in the 4

th

and 5

th

spots, in the Eastern Conference, in what is an extremely tight race as the 3

rd

through 6

th

place teams are all within 1.5 game of each other. The next game at 5:00 is between last year’s Western Conference Semi-Final teams as the first place Golden State Warriors head to Memphis to take on an injury riddled Grizzlies squad. In my opinion, it’s a little risky to play too many Warriors as they may elect to finally rest some of their starters. The next game on the slate is a rematch of last year’s other Semi-Final teams from the Eastern Conference as the Cleveland Cavaliers head to Chicago to take on the Bulls. A few hours later at 7:30, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face-off against the Kings, in Sacramento; this is an interesting matchup as the Thunder, who are secure in their playoff place may not send some of their elite players in order to rest them before the playoffs. Tipping off at the same time (7:30) the Portland Trail Blazers host the Minnesota Timberwolves who, despite being eliminated, may look to play spoiler against a Trail Blazer squad who with a loss could drop significantly in the playoff ranks. Overall, this Saturday is jam packed with what should be entertaining games and I will do my best to give solid fantasy advice as you impart on your quest for that perfect fantasy lineup:

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. Because the Pelicans, Celtics, and Grizzlies play on Friday their rankings are subject to minor change; however, barring a major performance they should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

Next: Point Guards

Point Guards

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. Because the Pelicans, Celtics, and Grizzlies play on Friday their rankings are subject to minor change; however, barring a major performance they should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

$10,500-Russell Westbrook-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 21^st

Westbrook has been amazing against the Kings and should be well worth his price if he plays. In three games against them this year he has two triple-doubles and was just two rebounds shy of a third in the other. As if that wasn’t enough to justify picking him, he also gets a plus matchup against a team who gives up the most 3-point attempts in the league. Overall, assuming he plays and gets enough minutes, he should be a building block in every lineup.

$8,600-Damian Lillard-(Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers) → 30^th

Lillard hasn’t been producing huge the last few weeks and as a result his price on Draftkings has dropped. This makes him an enticing play as he gets an extremely juicy matchup versus one of the worst point guard defenses in the league. In his last three games against the Timberwolves, Lillard has earned an average of 42.75 Draftkings fantasy points. Along with the matchup, his lower price, and his history against Minnesota; I believe he will be looking to bounce back in a big way after a poor shooting performance last night, where he was held to 2-13 from the field.

$8,000-Rajon Rondo-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 11^th

Rondo could end up being one of the top Point Guards in tonight’s slate of games. Although he has a difficult matchup Rajon has found plenty of success all three times he played Oklahoma City, with an average of 49 Draftkings points per game. In my opinion, playing against Westbrook heightens Rondos level of intensity as he tries to match Russell’s production (Rondo has been just 1 rebound shy of a triple-double in two of their matchups…and 1 rebound and 3 points away in the other).

$7,900-Isaiah Thomas-(Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks) → 13^th

Thomas has been a little inconsistent lately, however he should have a big day against a beatable Hawks defense. In his three games against them this year he has only disappointed once and that was way back in November, when he was held to just 21.5 fantasy points in 26 minutes. Luckily for Thomas, the two other times he faced Atlanta he was able to earn an average of 46.5 Draftkings fantasy points. With this in mind, if you are looking for a slightly lower priced (but possibly top Point Guard) Isiah Thomas is your guy.

$6,700-Ricky Rubio-(Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers) → 22^nd

Rubio’s shot has been off lately; however, I believe a matchup against a lowly Trail Blazers defense could be just what he needs to get it back on track. In three games against Portland this year he has shot fairly well averaging 12 points per game; however, knowing that’s not where his fantasy production is (as he is known primarily for facilitating the Timberwolves offense), the points are just an added bonus. Rubio is averaging roughly 40 Draftkings fantasy points in each of his matchups with Portland and, despite his recently low totals, I feel like he could easily produce that amount again (and he is at an extremely low price considering his potential).

$5,800-Darren Collison-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 11^th

Collison is an interesting play tonight as despite the Thunders success versus point guards, they have been awful recently versus shooting guards (ranking 29^th in the last ten games); and the Kings often throw Collison out as a shooting guard in competitive games. Collison does not have the best matchup history against Oklahoma City, however he has been playing great basketball lately (he has 28+ Draftkings fantasy points in his last 6 games). Overall, Collison is a low-priced point guard option who will definitely be able to produce enough fantasy points to justify his price.

Next: Shooting Guards

Shooting Guards

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. They are subject to change a little due to Friday’s games, however barring a major performance the rankings should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

$7,300-Jimmy Butler-(Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls) → 13^th

Jimmy Butler has had difficulty in his last few outing, however I believe a competitive matchup with the Cavaliers may help him turn it around. In two games against the Cavaliers this year Butler has managed an average of 33 Draftkings fantasy points and should be able to get at least that again. On Draftkings, the Cavaliers are ranked as the 8^th best team against shooting guards, however they have fallen a few places in their last ten and I believe Butler has potential for a big game. Overall, I anticipate Butler to be under-owned and in a must win scenario for Chicago I believe he will come through in a big way.

$4,200-J.R. Smith-(Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls) → 12^th

J.R. Smith gets a difficult matchup tonight against a Bulls squad who has played shooting guards very well over the last ten games; however, I believe he will be able to exploit them for quite a few Draftkings points. In three games against Chicago this year, Smith has had one good game, one bad game, and one mediocre game. This may not seem like the biggest endorsement, but coming off of one of his worst performances of the year, I believe he will be looking to turn it around. Playing J.R. is no doubt risky as he is a definite boom or bust candidate; however, I believe he will have a great shooting night and at a price of 4,200 he has a ton of upside. When he does shoot well he is capable of earning a lot of fantasy points, like he did in the two games prior to being shut down by Indiana in his last outing (in those games he managed 30 and 42.25 Draftkings fantasy points respectively). Overall, I really like this play tonight and believe he will greatly out-produce his lowly cost.

$3,300-Vince Carter-(Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies) → 18^th

Vince Carter is my dark-horse for tonight. He has been playing better and better lately and gets a good matchup against the Warriors; in what should be a high scoring and fast paced affair. In Carters last three, he has averaged 26.5 Draftkings fantasy points and I believe he will be able to easily match that, if not earn more (since Memphis will most likely be playing from far behind). Overall, like any dark-horse there is a lot of downside; however, I believe he will come through in a big way especially given his near minimum price.

Next: Small Forwards

Small Forwards

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. They are subject to change a little due to Friday’s games, however barring a major performance the rankings should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

$10,000-LeBron James-(Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls) → 17^th

LeBron has been playing extremely well lately and after resting for a game he should be ready for a huge performance. Coupled with his recently good play is the fact that Chicago hasn’t played small forwards well this year. This is evident in LeBron’s numbers against the Bulls this year. In their two previous meetings he was able to accumulate an average Draftkings score of 54 fantasy points per game. Overall, with added rest and a great matchup history LeBron should continue to roll tonight.

$5,300-Mirza Teletovic-(Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans) → 19^th

Teletovic has been a little inconsistent this season, however in the last few games he has been putting it together (with 28+ fantasy points in his last 6 games). Although Teletovic has not received enough minutes to make a significant impact in any of his previous three outing against the Suns, he has been able to do damage in the limited time he’s received. This fact, coupled with injuries to both, Anthony Davis and Ryan Anderson leads me to believe he could be in for a big day. The final appeal for selecting Teletovic is the fact that New Orleans ranks 23^rd in three-point percentage allowed and he has taken 7 or more three-point attempts in his last 7 games. Overall, Teletovic is a solid lower-priced option at small forward and should be able to continue his success against the Pelicans.

$5,300-Luke Babbitt-(Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans) → 29^th

Babbitt has been one of my favorite selections in my past few posts and I can’t stop recommending him. Since being inserted into the starting lineup he has been lights out with 30+ fantasy points in his last four games. In addition to his stellar play, Babbitt gets a nice matchup against a defense who, over the last ten games, ranks 29^th against small forwards. Much like Teletovic, Babbitt did not play very many minutes against the Suns in any of their previous three matchups; however, he should be able to tear them apart in their fourth and final meeting this year.

$5,300-Al-Farouq Aminu-(Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers) → 5^th

Aminu has been playing very well lately and, despite a difficult matchup against a recently good Timberwolves defense, he should continue to find at least limited success. In three games against Minnesota this season Aminu has averaged 27.3 Draftkings fantasy points, making him a solid option at his price. Overall, although I do not expect him to blow up as big as he did in Portland’s last game (with 51 fantasy points); he should be a solid option.

Next: Power Forwards

Power Forwards

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. They are subject to change a little due to Friday’s games, however barring a major performance the rankings should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

$10,300-DeMarcus Cousins-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 4^th

Cousins is only playing in home games the rest of this season and should be fresh and ready to go tonight. Despite the success Oklahoma City has had against Power Forwards, I would highly recommend trying to fit Cousins into your lineup as he has had a few monstrous games against the Thunder in the past. In his three matchups with them this season he is averaging roughly 54 Draftkings fantasy points per game. Overall, after not participating in their last matchup, Cousins should be ready to blow-up for enough fantasy points to easily justify his price.

$8,500-Draymond Green-(Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies) → 29^th

Draymond has not found a ton of success against the Grizzlies this year, however with Memphis still severely banged up their defense against power forwards has taken a big hit. On Draftkings Memphis ranks 11^th against power forwards, but as you can see above they are ranked second to last over the last ten games. Draymond has struggled to produce enough points to justify his price the last two games, however after a tough battle against San Antonio, he will bounce back with a strong performance.

$5,500-Serge Ibaka-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 30^th

Ibaka has been a force to be reckoned with the last few games and should keep rolling against a beatable Kings defense. In his three matchups against Cousins and the Kings this year Ibaka has found plenty of success averaging roughly 32 Draftkings fantasy points per game. This success, in addition to the fact that he has recently been a much bigger shooting threat; makes Ibaka a very intriguing play in tonight’s slate…especially at his price.

$5,500-Nikola Mirotic-(Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls) → 6^th

Mirotic has been great since coming back from injury last month and should continue to roll against a Cavaliers defense that he exploited several times earlier this year. Mirotic seems like a scary option as he was held to just 12.25 Draftkings fantasy points in his last game, however in his two matchups with Cleveland this year he has earned an average of 31.5 Draftkings fantasy points. With this in mind, I fully expect Mirotic to continue finding success and easily produce enough to justify his price and possibly even exceed expectations as this should be a hard fought and competitive game.

Next: Centers

Centers

To the right of each of the players, after the arrow, I have displayed the opposing team’s defensive rankings over the last 10 games. These rankings are calculated by determining the average stats/Draftkings Points allowed to each specific position. They are subject to change a little due to Friday’s games, however barring a major performance the rankings should remain within 2 or 3 spots of what’s displayed.

$8,800-Karl Anthony-Town-(Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trail Blazers) → 9^th

As the highest priced center in tonight’s slate it may be hard to justify paying up for Towns, however he could come through in a big way. In two of his three meetings versus the Trail Blazers this season, Towns is averaging 50 Draftkings fantasy points (the 1^st meeting was just the third game of his career and he only played 25 minutes, but still earning 23.75 fantasy points). Overall, if you are looking to pay up for a high salary center, Towns is a solid option as he should easily produce enough points to justify his price and will most likely out-produce it.

$4,200-Andrew Bogut-(Golden State Warriors @ Memphis Grizzlies) → 26^th

Like Draymond, Bogut has not found a ton of success against Memphis this year; however, the banged up Grizzlies lineup is lacking a dynamic big man and as a result they have allowed centers plenty of success in the past few weeks. With this in mind, Bogut is one of my favorite plays tonight as he has been playing very well with 26 rebounds in his last 2 games. Overall, at a price so low it is hard to pass him up in a game where he should easily be the biggest man on the floor (by literally several inches).

Next: NBA FanDuel Picks For April 9

$5,300/4,000-Enes Kanter/Steven Adams-(Oklahoma City Thunder @ Sacramento Kings) → 30^th

Both Kanter and Adams have been playing well lately and should be able to find success versus the worst center defense in the league. In my opinion, Kanter is more of a boom or bust candidate as he has shown an ability to blow-up in any given game (earning 63.5 Draftkings points in his last game). This trend, coupled with the fact that he has had success against the Kings with roughly 30 Draftkings fantasy points in two of his three matchups versus them means he has a ton of potential. As for Steven Adams, he is a more reliable player at his price; however, he hasn’t really earned more than 30 fantasy points this season. He is priced significantly lower than Kanter, but could still be in for a productive outing as he has earned on average 22 Draftkings fantasy points in his 3 games against Sacramento. Overall, both players are solid options in tonight’s slate and at their respective costs, they will be well worth the money.