Fansided

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – March 12, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on February 4, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - FEBRUARY 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on February 4, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Here’s how we recommend setting your FanDuel lineups for tonight’s NBA action.

The action starts at 8 p.m. ET with the Spurs against the Rockets, the Bucks against the Grizzlies and the Kings taking on the Thunder. When those end, the Heat and Trail Blazers begin at 10:30 p.m. ET.

My favorite plays of the day can be found on the following slides in FanSided’s FanDuel daily picks. Each day in order to offer a variety of price points at each position, you can find two slides for each position–one for high-salary options and one for high-value options. Each pick is ranked on a scale of 1-5 stars to indicate the confidence in the pick. The final slide of this post has more detail on what each level means, but in short, more stars means more confidence in the selection on a points-per-dollar basis.

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Important note: The goal of this post is not to give you a copy-and-paste lineup. Instead, each selection is given while highlighting the factors you need to consider when building a customized lineup for yourself. If you want to see an example lineup, you can find it on the final slide of the post, but I suggest you adjust your lineup to fit your personal taste.

To keep up with all of FanSided’s DFS NBA coverage head over to the fantasy basketball hub where each day you can find a post like this tailored for DraftKings and one for FanDuel. In this post, all salary and “fantasy points” references are to DraftKings scoring system and salaries. If you have any additional questions or thoughts or are looking for updates as we approach tipoff, follow @FanSidedFantasy on Twitter.

Let’s take a look at your best options for both studs and value players at each position.

OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on February 24, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 24: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on February 24, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PG

Russell Westbrook, OKC vs SAC ($12,100): Westbrook has missed value in his last three games. His salary has gone up to where he needs 51.8 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He had 49.5 fantasy points against the Kings on Feb. 22. Westbrook will always be around 50 fantasy points due to his playmaking and rebounding to go along with his scoring, but this is a high price to pay for a guy who may not see enough minutes to reach value. Still, there is something appealing about a guaranteed 45-plus fantasy points. ***

Damian Lillard, POR vs MIA ($9,500): The Heat have the seventh-best defense in the league, but rank 15th against the position in their last 15 games. And Lillard is on one right now. He’s been over value in six of his last seven, elevating the Trail Blazers to a secure spot in the West playoff race. He needs 40.6 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He’ll be over that number and 50-plus fantasy points are not out of the question. ****

Eric Bledsoe, MIL at MEM ($7,500): Bledsoe has missed value in his last two, struggling with his shot in each contest. He should have a bounce-back performance on Monday as the Bucks take on the Grizzlies. Memphis ranks 29th against the position in their last 15 games. Bledsoe needs 32.1 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He was over 40 fantasy points in the three games prior to this mini-slump and should be able to turn things around against Memphis. ****

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 23: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball past Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on February 23, 2018 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 23: Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball past Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at the Smoothie King Center on February 23, 2018 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

High Value PG

Goran Dragic, MIA at POR ($6,500): Dragic played just 19 minutes and finished with 15.9 fantasy points against the Wizards on Saturday. He had 21.5 fantasy points against the Trail Blazers on Dec. 13. He’s been at value or better in 56 percent of games this season and needs 27.8 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He was playing well prior to Saturday’s miss, so it’s reasonable to think the Wizards game was just a tough night. The matchup is tough and salary is a bit high, but he has the ability to deliver. ***

De’Aaron Fox, SAC at OKC ($5,700): Fox returned to the lineup against the Nuggets on Sunday and finished with 29.1 fantasy points. He’s averaging 21.8 fantasy points in two games against the Thunder this season and needs 24.4 fantasy points to hit value. The Thunder defense has looked improved in the last two games, but whether or not they can sustain that effort remains to be seen. Fox isn’t a great play, but if the Thunder defense falls backward, he could be in for a solid night. ***

Tyler Johnson, MIA at POR ($4,900): Dwyane Wade looks to be ruled out for Monday’s game, which means Johnson should see more minutes as the two guard next to Dragic. He’s still the starter in Miami, but his minutes have been down a bit as the Miami bench continues to play well. He needs 21 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. The circumstances say he’ll at least hit value, but this could be a low scoring affair without many trustworthy options. ***

BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 12: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts during a match between Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans as part of the 2016 Global Games – China at LeSports Center on October 12, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – OCTOBER 12: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts during a match between Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans as part of the 2016 Global Games – China at LeSports Center on October 12, 2016 in Beijing, China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

James Harden, HOU vs SA ($11,200): Harden was able to rest on Sunday as his Rockets easily dispatched of the Mavericks. He’s dealing with a knee injury, although it’s likely he would have played on Sunday if it was a tougher opponent. Given how the Spurs have played in 2018, he could probably take another day off and the Rockets would be fine. He needs 46.4 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. Assuming he plays 33-35 minutes, he’ll give you his usual 50 fantasy points without too much trouble. *****

CJ McCollum, POR vs MIA ($7,300): McCollum has been over value in five straight, including a 38.3 fantasy point effort against the Warriors on Friday. He’s been right there alongside Lillard in pushing the Blazers into the three seed out West. He needs 30.3 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. In a battle of two of the top defenses, Lillard and McCollum are the most reliable options on either side. ****

Khris Middleton, MIL at MEM ($7,000): Middleton has been over value in his last two and is coming off a 35.3 fantasy point effort against the Knicks. He needs 29 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He’s been hit-and-miss in recent weeks, but his last two games and the matchup projects well for his value on Monday. He should have a solid scoring night to go along with a few rebounds and assists, putting himself over 30 fantasy points once again. ****

MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 25: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Miami Heat on January 25, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 25: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Miami Heat on January 25, 2018 at AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SG

Buddy Hield, SAC at OKC ($5,700): Hield had 33 fantasy points against the Nuggets on Sunday. Bogdan Bogdanovic has struggled with his shot in recent contests, which makes Hield the better option on Monday. His success against the Thunder also speaks for itself. He’s averaging 33.2 fantasy points in three games against the Thunder this season. He should have another strong night on Monday, going over value once again. ***

Eric Gordon, HOU vs SA ($5,500): The return of Harden will send Gordon back to the bench. Prior to his value miss against the Raptors on Friday, Gordon had been over value in four straight. He’s been inconsistent all season, but the Spurs are sliding right now and Gordon posts a high usage off the Houston bench. He needs 22.8 fantasy points to hit value. He should be at number with a chance that he pushes 30 fantasy points given how bad the Spurs have played recently. ***

Wayne Ellington, MIA at POR ($4,000): Ellington had 25.6 fantasy points against the Wizards on Saturday. With Dwyane Wade likely to miss Monday’s game, Ellington should see more shots coming off the bench. He always gets his fair share of looks from three, it’s just a matter of him knocking them down and whether he can boost his value in other areas. If by chance Wade plays, he’s the better option. But you can at least count on Ellington to get minutes and opportunities, which is better than a lot of guys with higher salaries on Monday. *

FanDuel
BROOKLYN, NY – FEBRUARY 4: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on February 4, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL at MEM ($11,900): Antetokounmpo had 58.5 fantasy points against the Knicks on Friday. The Grizzlies rank 12th against small forwards in their last 15 games, but Antetokounmpo is more of a point power forward at the moment. Memphis is 30th against power forwards in their last 15 games. He had 58.3 fantasy points against the Grizzlies on Nov. 13 and needs 51.6 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He should have little trouble collecting 50 fantasy points in this one. Expect him to push 60 fantasy points as he puts up his typical numbers in all categories. ******

Paul George, OKC vs SAC ($8,800): George has hit value just once in his last four games. He had 49.4 fantasy points against the Kings on Feb. 22. It’s unlikely that he’ll be held to 11 points like he was on Saturday against the Spurs. But his shooting struggles from deep appear to be very real at this point. Still, he’s too good not to score against a weak Sacramento defense. Along with his scoring, he’ll contribute with rebounds and assists. Throw in a defensive play or two and he should get the 38.1 fantasy points he needs to hit value. If he can re-discover his shooting form from three, a big scoring night could be in store for the Thunder forward.

MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 27: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers February 27, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 27: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers February 27, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SF

Josh Richardson, MIA at POR ($5,900): Richardson has seen his minutes decline in the last two games, but he’s still managed to be around value in both contests. He needs 25.6 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. With Dwyane Wade out of the lineup and a tough matchup in front of them, he should see an increase in minutes. At this salary, he’s the most reliable guy on the Heat, even if he doesn’t have a big game. ****

Dillon Brooks, MEM vs MIL ($5,200): It’s possible that Tyreke Evans makes his return from injury in this one. If that happens, Brooks will see a decline in his usage rate. However, It’s Ben McLemore who will take the bigger hit. McLemore will head to the bench while Brooks will remain in the starting lineup. Brooks was able to co-exist with Evans for the handful of games between the trade deadline and Evans’ injury. His numbers weren’t great and his salary might be a little too high on Monday with Evans back. Proceed with caution. ***

Corey Brewer, OKC vs SAC ($3,800): if you want to save a lot of money and ride a hot hand of a role player, Brewer is a strong option. He’s started the last two games for the Thunder, going over 20 fantasy points in both contests. He finds his way into easy baskets thanks to his cutting ability and the passing of Paul George and Russell Westbrook. He also comes up with a few rebounds and chips in defensively. ***

MIAMI, FL – MARCH 8: Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 8, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – MARCH 8: Kelly Olynyk #9 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 8, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value PF

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at POR ($5,100): There is no high salary power forwards on Monday’s slate, so you’re looking at nothing but value at this position. And Olynyk is the best of the bunch, especially at this salary. He’s been over value in five straight, going over 30 fantasy points in three of those contests. Bam Adebayo will draw the start if Whiteside can’t play, but Olynyk will see the more productive minutes out of the post. ****

Ed Davis, POR vs MIA ($4,500): Davis has started to take some minutes away from Jusuf Nurkic, who is currently struggling to fit in. Davis has been over value in six straight and is coming off a 39 fantasy point effort against the Warriors on Friday. If Hassan Whiteside doesn’t play, the Trail Blazers may like the skills of Davis more than the bruising style of Nurkic. He should be over 20 fantasy points without too much trouble. ***

Jerami Grant, OKC vs SAC ($4,000): If Steven Adams is out, Grant could find himself in the starting lineup. He plays a lot as the small ball center, and even if he doesn’t start, he should see an increase in minutes with Adams sidelined. If Adams plays, Grant isn’t worth taking a second look at. He had 24.6 fantasy points against the Spurs, seeing an increase in usage following Adams rolling his ankle. He needs 17 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. No Adams means he’ll be over 20 fantasy points. ***

All-Star
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 14: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 14, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Marc Gasol, MEM vs MIL ($7,800): Gasol has been up-and-down in his last five games. He was up against the Jazz on Friday, finishing with 44.2 fantasy points. He needs 33.8 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. The Bucks are 23rd against the position in their last 15 games. The return of Tyreke Evans will cut into the value on Gasol, which is the concern here. The matchup is good, but proceed with caution when it comes to Gasol. He’s been a disappointment for the majority of the season. ***

Clint Capela, HOU vs SA ($7,200): Capela managed just 18.6 fantasy points against the Mavericks on Sunday. He played only 23 minutes and the absence of James Harden hurt his value. His chemistry with Harden is triple what it is with Chris Paul. Harden will be back on Monday and that should mean good things for Capela’s value. He had 50.8 fantasy points against the Spurs on Feb. 1. He needs 31.2 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. He hasn’t been great in recent weeks, but this is a good matchup and one he dominated a month ago. ****

Willie Cauley-Stein, SAC at OKC ($7,200): Cauley-Stein had 29.1 fantasy points against the Nuggets on Sunday. The number would put him under value on Monday. Prior to the injury that kept him out a few games, he had been over 30 fantasy points in three of his last four. He’s averaging 27 fantasy points in three games against the Thunder this season. If Steven Adams doesn’t play, that makes Cauley-Stein’s job a lot easier on both ends of the floor. ***

DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 13: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a call against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 13: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a call against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

High Value C

Pau Gasol, SA at HOU ($6,000): No LaMarcus Aldridge means more off the offense will run through Gasol. Against any other team, that would do wonders for Gasol’s value. But there is real concern about him staying on the floor against the Rockets. He’s averaging 17.6 fantasy points in 19 minutes in two games against Huston this season. The opportunities will be there for him while he is on the floor, but he may not see enough playing time to make a real impact. **

Kosta Koufos, SAC at OKC ($4,500): Koufos has been over value in six straight, including a 29 fantasy point effort against the Nuggets on Sunday. The Kings like to rest Zach Randolph in back-to-back situations. If that’s the case again on Monday, Koufos would be the biggest beneficiary. If Steven Adams is out and the Thunder are thin on frontcourt help, that would also do wonders for his value. Expect him around 20 fantasy points in this one. ***

Tyler Zeller, MIL at MEM ($3,700): Zeller has been over 20 fantasy points in his last two contests. He needs 16 fantasy points to hit value on Monday. His playing time has been all over the place since he joined the Bucks, so there is no guarantee of his minutes on Monday. The Grizzlies are first against centers in their last 15 games. It’s not a good matchup and with his inconsistent minutes, it’s tough to trust him. But there isn’t a whole lot to like when it comes to value centers on Monday. *

MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 07: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on March 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – MARCH 07: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on March 7, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Example FanDuel Daily Picks Lineup

PG: De’Aaron Fox
PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Eric Gordon
SG: James Harden
SF: Paul George
SF: Josh Richardson
PF: Jerami Grant
PF: Kelly Olynyk
C: Willie Cauley-Stein

Next: 5 best NBA Draft prospects in the NCAA Tournament

Explanation of the stars after each pick: Each one of my picks is ranked on a scale of one to five stars. Picks that I give five stars (∗∗∗∗∗) are players that you almost have to own and I have no reservations about owning at their price. Players that get four stars (∗∗∗∗) are players that I think are strong picks to build your roster around. Three-star players (∗∗∗) are middle-of-the-road solid picks who are fairly reliable to produce a good game. Picks receiving two stars (∗∗) are high-risk, high-reward players who do offer enough upside to be in my picks, but also have a significant risk factor that makes them dangerous. One star (∗) players are picks that are the best option around that price point, but who I don’t think are great options. I would take any one-star player over any option not in my picks, but they aren’t picks to build your roster around.