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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – March 21, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 29: LeBron James
CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 29: LeBron James /
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It’s a showdown between top teams in the East at 7 p.m. when the Raptors meet the Cavaliers. The Grizzlies take on the Sixers at the same time The Nets face the Hornets and the Knicks battle the Heat at 7:30 p.m. ET. 8 p.m. ET has the Nuggets against the Bulls, the Clippers squaring off with the Bucks, and the Pacers taking on the Pelicans. The night ends at 9:30 p.m. ET when the Wizards meet the Spurs.

My favorite plays of the day can be found on the following slides in FanSided’s DraftKings 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, every day 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 as well as one specifically designed for usage on 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 or you can follow my account @jeremylambert88.

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

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 Salary PG

Kemba Walker, CHA at BKN ($8,700): Walker had 50 fantasy points against the Sixers on Monday. It was a nice bounce back performance from his 14.25 fantasy points against the Knicks in the prior game. Walker and Lamb have chemistry dating back to their college days at UConn and both seem to play better when they have minutes together. He’s averaging 40.5 fantasy points in two games against the Nets this season. That number would put him right at value on Wednesday. He should be around 45 fantasy points given the circumstances. ****

Tyreke Evans, MEM at PHI ($7,600): Evans has been over value in both games since returning from injury. He’s coming off a 39.75 fantasy point performance against the Nuggets on Saturday. Evans has been a very reliable play this season, hitting value in 71 percent of games. The Sixers are 14th against point guards in their last 15 games. Expect another solid outing from Evans on Wednesday. ****

Gordan Dragic, MIA vs NY ($7,300): Dragic has been over value in four straight. He’s been at 39.25 fantasy points in each of his last two games. He needs 32.9 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. He continues to shoot the ball well from the field and his assist numbers were back up on Monday. He had 34.5 fantasy points against the Knicks on Jan. 5. He should produce another strong game where he pushes 40 fantasy points. ****

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 03: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives with the ball during a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center on October 3, 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 03: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives with the ball during a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center on October 3, 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

High Value PG

Rajon Rondo, NO vs IND ($5,700): With Jrue Holiday out of the lineup, Rondo finished with 57.25 fantasy points against the Mavericks. If Holiday is out for a second straight game, that will increase the usage of Rondo, likely leading to another strong performance. Ian Clark ($3,500) is a great low cost option if Holiday is out and E’Twaun Moore ($4,300) is a reliable play as well. But Rondo will post the highest usage and has the highest ceiling. ****

Cameron Payne, CHI vs DEN ($5,300): Payne had 23.5 fantasy points against the Knicks on Monday, drawing another start in place of Kris Dunn. His salary has gone up to where he needs 23.9 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. The increase in salary is slightly concerning, but Payne plays around 30 minutes and the Nuggets are a defensive mess right now. He’s played well since returning from injury and he should be over value once again. ***

Darren Collison, IND at NO ($5,500): Collison re-joined the Pacers starting lineup on Monday and contributed 37 fantasy points in 33 minutes against the Lakers. He’s been over 30 fantasy points in two of his last three games. Being back in the starting lineup bodes well for his value moving forward, especially if Victor Oladipo continues to struggle a bit. The Pelicans are 28th against point guards in their last 15 games. ****

AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 7: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on March 7, 2018 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – MARCH 7: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons on March 7, 2018 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

Victor Oladipo, IND at NO ($8,200): Oladipo has missed value in four straight and five of his last six. He needs 36.9 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. His minutes have dipped as the Pacers appear to be resting him a bit to gear up for the playoffs. But the Pelicans are on a back-to-back and struggle defending perimeter players. If Oladipo is ever going to bounce back over value, it will be this contest. Proceed with caution, but I’m optimistic for him on Wednesday. ****

DeMar DeRozan, TOR at CLE ($8,000): DeRozan didn’t play on Tuesday against the Magic, but the injury doesn’t sound serious. It’s more likely a case of Toronto resting their All-Star on the first night of a back-to-back, saving him for the more meaningful opponent. Check his status before making any decisions. If he doesn’t play, Khris Middleton is strong options on a slightly lesser salaries. But DeRozan has the potential to have a huge game given the Cavaliers defense and how much this game means for Toronto. He had 30.25 fantasy points in 29 minutes against the Cavaliers on Jan. 11. This one will be closer and he’ll get you at least 40 fantasy points. ****

Will Barton, DEN at CHI ($7,000): Barton dropped 45 fantasy points against the Heat on Monday. He’s started in the last two games with Gary Harris out of the lineup. Harris is out at least a week. That leaves Barton, and to a lesser extent Wilson Chandler, to pick up the slack in the Denver backcourt. He had 51.5 fantasy points against the Bulls on Nov. 30 and should be over 30 fantasy points on Wednesday. ***

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 SG</h3

Jeremy Lamb, CHA at BKN ($5,400): Lamb picked up the start on Monday and produced 31.5 fantasy points in 30 minutes. Nicolas Batum is listed as doubtful of Wednesday’s game, which means Lamb should draw the start once again. He’s averaging 29.6 fantasy points as the starter this season and needs 23.6 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. He’ll produce another strong outing on Wednesday given his role and matchup. ****

Josh Richardson, MIA vs NY ($5,300): Richardson had 41.25 fantasy points against the Nuggets on Monday, putting him over value for a second straight games. His minutes have been fluctuating in recent weeks as Justise Winslow and Wayne Ellington have stepped up. But Richardson remains the starter and the most trustworthy option. He’s averaging 28.3 fantasy points in two games against the Knicks this season. ***

Tomas Satoransky, WAS at SA ($5,400): The Spurs are second against point guards in their last 15 games. Satoransky has been over value in five of his last six and the Wizards a rested group, having not played since Saturday. He needs 24.3 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. The Spurs are always a tough out, but Satornsky logs big minutes and has the opportunity to produce alongside Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. San Antonio typically takes away the top option, leaving others to chip in. Satoransky is part of the others group. ***

LeBron
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

LeBron James, CLE vs TOR ($11,700): James has been over 70 fantasy points in four straight contests. Even Anthony Davis is jealous of what James is doing right now. With Kevin Love back in the lineup, it gives James another reliable scorer to boost his assist numbers. The Raptors are a tough matchup, and they did hold LeBron to 36.25 fantasy points on Jan. 11, but they’re on a back-to-back and James is on another level right now. You know he’s getting 50 fantasy points and 70-plus feels attainable once again. *****

Ben Simmons, PHI vs MEM ($9,000): Simmons has been over 55 fantasy points in his last two games and over value in his last four. The matchups have been easy with games against the Hornets, Nets, and Knicks, but the Grizzlies don’t exactly pose much of a threat either. That said, he was limited to 20.25 fantasy points against Memphis on Jan. 22. Giannis Antetokounmpo is more of a sure thing, but the price is much steeper and Simmons recent play bodes well for his value on Wednesday. ****

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, BKN vs CHA ($6,800): Hollis-Jefferson has been 10-plus fantasy points over value in all three of his starts. His salary has climbed to where he needs 30.7 fantasy points to reach value, but his recent play indicates that won’t be a problem for him on Wednesday. He had 45.5 fantasy points off the bench against the Hornets on Mar. 8. Hollis-Jefferson should deliver once again given the matchup and his play as a starter. ****

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 16: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates with teammate Spencer Dinwiddie #8 during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers won 120-116. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 16: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates with teammate Spencer Dinwiddie #8 during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers won 120-116. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

High Value SF

DeMarre Carroll, BKN vs CHA ($5,900): The Hornets are 29th against small forwards in their last 15 games. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson moving to the starting lineup has helped Carroll value as it takes some pressure off of him offensively. Carroll has been over 30 fantasy points in three straight. He’s been a reliable play all season and the matchup is good for him again on Wednesday. Expect him back over 30 fantasy points. ***

Robert Covington, PHI vs MEM ($5,700): Covington has been over 30 fantasy points in four of his last five. His one miss came in a game where he played only 24 minutes. He had 32.5 fantasy points against the Grizzlies on Jan. 22. Memphis are doing their best Hinkie Sixers impression, losing at every turn while the Sixers are preparing for a playoff run. Covington has stepped up in recent games and should have no issue going over 30 fantasy points once again. ****

Wayne Ellington, MIA vs NY ($4,600): The Knicks are 28th against shooting guards in their last 15 games. Ellington had 32.25 fantasy points against the Nuggets on Monday and 33.5 fantasy points against the Knicks on Jan. 5. He needs 20.1 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. He’s playing big minutes for the Heat right now and continues to hoist up shots when he’s in the game. His value is largely tied to his scoring, but with the Knicks defense, scoring should be no problem. ***

fantasy, DraftKings
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 26: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

High Salary PF

Anthony Davis, NO vs IND ($11,500): Davis had 54.5 fantasy points against the Mavericks on Tuesday. With Jrue Holiday out, more attention gets paid to Davis. He’s good enough to carry the load, but it has to be wearing on the guy. The back-to-back could be a struggle, but it’s foolish to doubt Davis right now. He’s typically good for at least 50 fantasy points and always has the ability to somehow get nearly 100 fantasy points. The fatigue is concerning, but the man is a machine and on a mission. ****

LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs WAS ($8,800): Aldridge has been over 55 fantasy points in his last two contests. Teams are throwing everything they can at him as he’s by far the most reliable option on the Spurs, but he continues to deliver. He needs 40.3 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. The Wizards will make life tough on him and they have a variety of athletic and long defenders to use on him, but it seems foolish to doubt Aldridge with the way he’s playing right now. *****

Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs NY ($6,300): Olynyk had 60 fantasy points in the double-overtime game against the Nuggets on Monday. He’s been over value in nine straight contests. His salary has jumped up to where he needs 28.8 fantasy points to reach value, but given that he’s typically over 30 fantasy points, that should not be a problem. It helps that he’s facing the Knicks at home. He had 31 fantasy points against New York on Jan. 5. The only concern with Olynyk on Wednesday is fatigue. ****

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts to his basket during a 116-102 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts to his basket during a 116-102 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on March 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

High Value PF

Markieff Morris, WAS at SA ($5,500): Morris missed value against the Pacers on Saturday, but a few days off should have him back to normal when the Wizards travel to San Antonio on Wednesday. The Spurs are always a tough matchup, but they’ve been playing inconsistent basketball since January and Morris has delivered more often than not during that same stretch. He should have a bounce back game, getting you at least 25 fantasy points. ***

Serge Ibaka, TOR at CLE ($5,200): The Cavaliers are 21st against power forwards in their last 15 games. Ibaka is coming off a solid performance against the Mavericks, where he would have been over value had he been available on any slate. He’s a streaky player, but he’s semi-hot right now. The matchup is a good one and Ibaka should get you around 25 fantasy points, chipping in with scoring, rebounding, and defense. ***

Montrezl Harrell, LAC at MIL ($4,800): Harrell had 19.75 fantasy points against the Timberwolves on Tuesday. He played 23 minutes, so failing to crack 20 fantasy points was a bit disappointing for the Clippers forward. The Bucks are 17th against power forwards in their last 15 games. Typically, when he plays over 20 minutes, you can count on him for 20-plus fantasy points. He should see enough minutes to produce on Wednesday given Milwaukee’s athleticism up and down their lineup. ***

triple-double, FanDuel
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 23, 2018 at the Pepsi Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Nikola Jokic, DEN at CHI ($9,600): The Nuggets star is doing all he can to keep his team alive in the playoffs, but it’s just not happening for Denver right now. He needs 44.7 fantasy points to reach value. He’s been over value in three straight, going over 60 fantasy points in two of those contests. He’s been a bit up-and-down as of late, but the matchup is good and he’s the leader on offense right now. He should be over 50 fantasy points in this one. ****

Bobby Portis, CHI vs DEN ($6,700): The Nuggets are 25th against power forwards in their last 15 games. Portis is no longer the starter, but he’s playing solid minutes on most nights and is always productive in those minutes. He’s been over value in five straight and is coming off a 33.25 fantasy point performance against the Knicks on Monday. He needs 30.7 fantasy points to reach value on Wednesday. The Nuggets are desperate, but their road struggles and stretch play has them ripe to be taken advantage of. ****

DeAndre Jordan, LAC at MIL ($7,600): Jordan has been up-and-down in his last seven games. He was up against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, finishing with 42.5 fantasy points. The trend says he’ll be down on Wednesday, but the matchup looks too good for him to struggle against. The Bucks are 21st against centers in their last 15 games. Jordan should collect plenty of points and rebounds in this one, putting himself over 40 fantasy points. ****

High Value C

Kyle O’Quinn, NY at MIA ($4,700): Enes Kanter has the higher ceiling in New York, but O’Quinn is getting more minutes right now. The Heat are last against centers in their last 15 games. If you want to take a risk and hope Kanter plays 25-plus minutes, go for it. But O’Quinn is going to play 20-plus minutes and get you the 21.5 fantasy points he needs to reach value. He’s been over value in six straight and his salary has dipped, making him a nice option on Wednesday. ***

Jarrett Allen, BKN vs. CHA ($4,400): Allen has missed value in three of his last four, but he’s still playing over 20 minutes a game and this is a matchup that he’s performed well against this season. Despite the Hornets ranking ninth against centers in their last 15 games, Allen had 25.25 fantasy points against them on Mar. 8. He’s averaging 25.8 fantasy points in two games against Charlotte this season and needs 20.5 fantasy points to reach value. His recent play isn’t great, but he seems to do well against a lazy Dwight Howard. ***

Noah Vonleh, CHI vs DEN ($4,100): Cristiano Felicio might draw the start in Chicago, but Vonleh has been the more productive player. Their minutes are about the same. Vonleh had 26 fantasy points against the Knicks on Monday. As long as Lauri Markkanen is out, you can roll with either play depending on how much money you’re willing to spend. Both get enough minutes to produce and it’s awfully easy to produce against the Nuggets right now, especially if you’re a frontcourt player. ***

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 15: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 15, 2018 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 15: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 15, 2018 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Example DraftKings Daily Picks Lineup

Where to find me for daily for NBA takes, articles, videos and updates:

Twitter: @jeremylambert88, @FanSidedFantasy

PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Victor Oladipo
SF: Jeremy Lamb
PF: Noah Vonleh
C: Jarrett Allen
G: Rajon Rondo
F: DeMarre Carroll
U: DeAndre Jordan

Next: Triple-Double Watch Week 22: A hat trick of hat tricks

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.