DraftKings NBA Picks October 25: Is Tonight A Night To Fade Stars?

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 18: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic competes in the 2017 Verizon Slam Dunk Contest at Smoothie King Center on February 18, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gerald Herbert – Pool/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Picks October 25

There are ten games in the main DraftKings tournaments for the NBA tonight. For those of you wondering, the classic version is not late swap anymore like it was for baseball and the NFL. Much like FanDuel did, DraftKings has late lock only NBA tournaments. The huge drawback here is that the main tournaments are still 200x larger than the late swap ones. I am assuming from most of your feedback on Twitter that we are all fans of the late swap, so be sure to make note of that when choosing which tournaments to play in. Hopefully they will give us late swap players some larger tournaments. They wont have a choice if we stop filling the classic ones! But I understand the allure of a big payday.

Point Guards

Best Bets:

Russell Westbrook ($11,400): Westbrook is arguably better than last year, but he isn’t in the fantasy world, especially on DraftKings. He is no longer the one man gang, and is not averaging 5x value this year. Westbrook is still in the 50’s every game though, he just isn’t going to drop an 80 spot anytime soon.

Ben Simmons ($8,800): You better enjoy Simmons at the point while you can since he is primarily the power forward for the Sixers. None of the other guards in front of him are hitting 5x value this season so far. Wall, Lowry, and Westbrook are all close, but you can have Simmons cheaper than all of them except Lowry, and only Curry is hitting value at this price.

Stephen Curry ($8,700): Curry has a clunker in the opener, but he has been rolling since then, hitting above 5x value in all three of those games. They aren’t going to blow the Raptors out either, so Curry should see upwards of 30 minutes in this one.

Honorable Mention:

D’Angelo Russell ($7,800): Russell had his best game as a Net, picking up 39.5 DraftKings points in his last contest. He is growing more comfortable with his new team and teammates, but this could be a real test against the Cavs. Temper your expectations accordingly.

Lonzo Ball ($7,000): After a lousy first game, Ball has been outstanding in the other two. His average sits at 5.8x value on the season. Washington is in the middle of the road when it comes to defending the point. Expect Ball to bring it again.

Reggie Jackson ($6,000): Jackson is living up to his Mr. October nickname, posting an average of 6x value in his first four games of the season. He has been consistently good, and has a pretty nice matchup against Minnesota. Since I kind of think Collison will slow a little tonight, I’m going to pay the little extra for Jackson.

Dark Horses:

Darren Collison ($5,900): Collison had a huge night last night, so a dropoff can be expected in the second of a back to back. However, even if he only hits hit average for the season, he will break 5x value. Collison is one of the better values out there at this price.

Dejounte Murray ($5,800): Murray keeps getting better and better in the absence of Tony Parker. It is clear that this is going to be his role going forward. Miami is a fairly tough matchup, but considering that Murray only needs 34.8 DraftKings points for 5x value, I think Murray still gets there.

Mike James ($4,400): With Eric Bledsoe jettisoning himself out of Phoenix, it has opened up an even larger role for James in Phoenix. Enjoy him at this price now, because it wont last long. He is averaging 22.2 DraftKings points per game, including 30 in the first game with Bledsoe out. His price is going to jump a long ways, but even at $5,000, James is still good value.

My picks: Curry(PG), Simmons(SF), James(G); Ball(PG)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 18: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guards

Best Bets:

Brad Beal ($7,300): I’m pretty sure that DeMar DeRozan will be out there against the Warriors, but he has not been as good as you need from his price. He is playing the Warriors, and he is banged up, so Beal and Oladipo become my favorite option. First off, both of them are averaging more DraftKings points per game at about $1,000 less. Second, they aren’t playing the Warriors or battling nagging injuries.

Victor Oladipo ($7,200): Oladipo had another big game with 39.25 DraftKings points, and it actually hurt his average. That is how good Oladipo has been early in the season. There is no bad blood between him and the Thunder, but you can bet that he wants to show people that he wasn’t just arm candy for Westbrook last year. Oladipo should put up another nice game.

Honorable Mention:

Devin Booker ($6,900): Booker’s production saw a bit of an uptick with Eric Bledsoe sidelined, but it was Mike James that saw a significant increase. No matter though, since Booker was at 5x value anyway. His value is now right at 5x for his price, but you can expect him to be a little above that with Bledsoe out of the picture. Klay Thompson, Dennis Smith, and DeRozan aren’t sitting at 5x value right now. Play the player, not the name.

Eric Gordon ($6,000): Gordon had a big game against Memphis with Chris Paul out. The same is certainly possible tonight against Philadelphia as well. Gordon is mostly a shooter, but with Harden running point with Paul out, it allows Gordon to fire away on the wings and get some more minutes. He could be a great bargain at this price again.

Dark Horses:

Josh Richardson ($5,400): Don’t get me wrong. Jeremy Lamb has done a consistently good job, but he is still not hitting value for his price point. Richardson is cheaper and with more upside. Richardson picked up 38 DraftKings points with Dion Waiters out on Monday. Waiters looks like he is going to be out again. JRich is one of my favorite bargains tonight.

Danny Green ($4,900): It was kind of a lost season last year for Green, but is has been he, and not the newly acquired Rudy Gay, that has been picking up more of the slack with Kawhi Leonard out. Leonard is still on the pine, which makes Green a really strong value pick once again.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($4,700): KCP had a very nice Lakers debut on Sunday. What we learned from that game is that he has the green light from anywhere inside half court with anything on the shot clock. Caldwell-Pope is still mostly a scorer, but at this low of a price, he is worth the risk.

My pick: Oladipo(SG); Booker(SG), Richardson(G)

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 19: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts as the team takes a lead over the New York Knicks during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Small Forwards:

Best Bets:

Kevin Durant ($9,500): In what can be considered an anomaly for the Warriors, both Curry and Durant are hitting value so far in the early going. LeBron James has been at 4.7x value, so it’s not like he has been terrible, but if I’m going to spend the money for just under 50 DraftKings points at SF, Durant is cheaper for the same value.

Paul George ($8,000): George has been quite a revelation for the Thunder. He is the one holding Westbrook under value. He is also the safe alternative to LeBron James. You shouldn’t have a problem fielding a roster with George, Simmons, and Durant, where it can be nearly impossible to pair Harden with Westbrook or LeBron. Save the money and take the small step down. It allows you to spend a little more for better production elsewhere.

Honorable Mention:

Andrew Wiggins ($7,200): Wiggins was shut down by the Pacers last night, but he should find the landing much softer in Detroit. The Pistons have given up the third most fantasy points to small forwards so far this season. I expect Wiggins to bounce back with at least 5x value tonight.

Tobias Harris ($6,200): I’m hoping for some low ownership on Harris after his dud on Monday against Philadelphia. The going should be easier against a Minnesota team that is likely without Jimmy Butler again. That means Harris could wind up with Shabazz Muhammad on him instead of Wiggins. That could make a huge difference.

Otto Porter ($5,900): Porter has been the best value of the season at any position so far. He is averaging 42.9 DraftKings points per game, good for 7.3x value even at this price! Porter is still way underpriced, and he is going to continue getting a big run in games with Morris still out. His high ownership is a bit of a turn off, but it’s worth it for the cheap points he provides.

Dark Horses:

DeMarre Carroll ($5,200): Carroll is averaging 6x value on the season for the Nets. They are also playing LeVert more at the point, so Carroll should continue to see big minutes. He is underpriced once again, but could have problems against Cleveland tonight. It’s hard to trust any Net tonight.

Kelly Oubre ($4,200): The absence of fellow KU alum Markieff Morris keeps Oubre one of the top values around. Oubre is averaging 6.3x value at a very, very low price. He is a suitable pivot off of the high ownership of Porter, but there really is no issue with playing them both with both getting this much run.

Shabazz Muhammad ($3,000): It looks like Jimmy Butler is out, so Muhammad is starting for $3,000. He played 31 minutes and scored 14 points last night. I’m all over this once Butler is officially ruled out.

My pick: Muhammad(F); George(SF); Oubre(F), Porter(PF)

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Power Forwards

Best Bets:

LaMarcus Aldridge ($8,400): How spoiled are we by Aldridge this year? His 37.5 DraftKings points against the Raptors was deemed a disappointment. I suppose it was since he had 48 or more in each game before that. But Aldridge still has the potential to hit well over 5x value for this price with Kawhi Leonard still out.

Draymond Green ($7,200): Green is nothing but solid. I mentioned the anomaly that both Curry and Durant are hitting value, but Draymond has been right in that area as well. He does so much on the defensive end that he is a constant source of 5x value. However, he is better left for cash games since Green has a lower ceiling compared to many in his price range.

Honorable Mention:

James Johnson ($6,100): Hassan Whiteside is out again, which gives Johnson some more opportunities. Johnson isn’t the biggest benefactor of Whiteside’s absence, but it does help him out. Johnson is averaging 5.5x value at the price on the season. He should easily be there again.

Trevor Booker ($5,900): Unlike some of his peers, Booker’s output hasn’t been aided by an injury to some other player. This is his role in the Brooklyn offense now. It would seem that Booker lacks huge upside, but he is a lock to hit 5x value, and often more, every time he steps on the court.

Dark Horses:

Domantas Sabonis ($5,000): Sabonis has been outstanding in the absence of Myles Turner. He turned in another double-double last night, and remains one of the best bargains out there. He wont be after tonight, so enjoy it while you can!

Kyle Kuzma ($4,700): The frontcourt for the Lakers is pretty crowded, but they seem committed to giving Kuzma consistent minutes. As a result, Kuzma has been on of the most consistent and solid producers for the Lakers so far. He is averaging 5.2x value so far, and has the potential to get more.

Jakob Poeltl ($4,500): Poeltl was a force with Jonas Valanciunas out. He picked up 33.5 DraftKings points, more than double with starter Lucas Noguiera netted. With Jonas out again, don’t expect the Raptors to mess around this time. Poeltl should start, giving him an even higher ceiling at a bargain basement price.

My pick: Aldridge(PF); Poeltl(C); Sabonis(UTIL); Poeltl(UTIL)

SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 08: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

Center:

Best Bets:

Karl-Anthony Towns ($8,600): Towns is now at a price that is more fitting to what he is going to provide this year. He has a lot more help around him in the Twin Cities this season, so Towns can concentrate on making life miserable for the opposing team without having to worry about carrying his own. Towns will have an occasional game where he dominates. Tonight against Detroit could be one of those.

Joel Embiid ($8,000): There was quite a Twitter storm on Monday with Embiid starting, then not starting, then starting again after the classic tournaments had already locked. He had a really good game when many had moved off of him for the night. There is no reason for the Sixers to bring him off the bench. Embiid has averaged 5.1x value at this price so far this season. Expect him right around that area again tonight.

Andre Drummond ($7,900): Drummond is one of the best rebounders that we will ever see. He gets after them like Dikembe Mutombo and Dennis Rodman did, rebounding legends from days of old. In the same vein, he is the worst free throw shooter that we have ever seen. Or is he? Drummond has started the season 10-12 from the foul line, so it is no coincidence that he is producing at a much higher rate on DraftKings than before. Those 6-8 points per game can make a big difference!

Honorable Mention:

Dwight Howard ($7,100): Howard has improved by the game so far this season. That is probably too much to expect against Denver tonight, but his defensive abilities give him a high floor, and Howard has been dominating the glass this season. He looks like he did half a decade ago. Ride it while it lasts!

Brook Lopez ($6,000): Lopez is taking well to Hollywood, averaging a touch over 5x value on the season. Tonight he gets a Washington team that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing centers to far this year. Lopez could be in for a big night here.

Dark Horses:

Kelly Olynyk ($5,600): Jordan Mickey is a starter in name only. Olynyk has outplayed him literally and figuratively, but the Heat like his energy off the bench. Therefore Olynyk still wont start, but he is the guy to use if you are going to capitalize on the absence of Whiteside again.

Frank Kaminsky ($5,000): Kaminsky has done a bang up job in place of Cody Zeller. He did when Zeller was hurt last year as well. It is only a matter of time before Kaminsky moves him aside completely. He is playing like he could do it before the end of the year. Frank The Tank has right at 5x value on the season now, and has done even better with Zeller out. Look for that trend to continue.

Johnny O’Bryant ($3,000): O’Bryant is seeing decent minutes as a backup with Cody Zeller out, and he has done a lot with them. O’Bryant has hit between 6-7x value every game with Zeller out. Frank Kaminsky sees more minutes, but O’Bryant gives more bang for the buck if you need to go really cheap.

My pick: N/A; Embiid(C)

Next: FanDuel NBA Picks

Stay tuned for our FanDuel picks, and our picks for the PGA tour! We even have some EPL picks coming your way! For you college football fans, we have all of the games picked against the spread along with ESPN college pick em picks!