DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup

The Clippers meet the Pacers while the Nuggets face the Wizards at 7 p.m. ET. The Suns take on the Cavaliers, the Timberwolves square off with the Knicks, and the Nets battle the Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bucks battle the Bulls and the Heat try to burn the Thunder at 8 p.m. ET. The Jazz face the Spurs at 8:30 p.m. ET. 10 p.m. ET has the Celtics against the Trail Blazers followed by the Hawks and Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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.

ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 28: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 28, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PG

Kyle Lowry, TOR vs BKN ($8,100): Lowry has been over 40 fantasy points in his last three games. He’s turning it up in preparation for the playoffs, but the Toronto bench limits his minutes more than other stars. That’s the concern against the Nets on Friday. He had 35.25 fantasy points in 33 minutes against Brooklyn on Mar. 13 and needs 36.5 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. Minutes are a concern, but he’ll get you around 35 fantasy points and could be stacked with Fed VanVleet. ***

Jeff Teague, MIN at NY ($7,300): Teague has been over value in his last three games. He had 43.5 fantasy points against the Clippers on Tuesday. The Knicks are sixth against point guards in their last 15 games, but their overall defense is at the bottom of the league. Teague had 36 fantasy points against New York on Jan. 12. He’s played well with Jimmy Butler out of the lineup and there is no reason to think he’ll fall off against the Knicks. ****

Dennis Schroder, ATL at GS ($6,800): Schroder was rested on Thursday against the Kings, so he should be good to go on Friday against the Warriors. The Warriors are 30th against the position in their last 15 games and welcoming back a rusty Steph Curry, who doesn’t exactly help their defense. He had 47.25 fantasy points against Golden State on Mar. 2. He looks to be in line for another big game on Friday. ****

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 11: George Hill #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value PG

George Hill, CLE vs PHO ($4,900): Hill has been inconsistent since joining the Cavaliers at the trade deadline. He had 31.75 fantasy points against the Raptors on Wednesday, but was down to 9.75 fantasy points against the Bucks in the previous game. He had 20.75 fantasy points against the Suns on Mar. 13. That number would put him slightly under value on Friday. He’s a bit of a risk, but the matchup is good and as long as he shoots the ball, he’ll be over value. ***

Trey Burke, NY vs MIN ($4,700): The Timberwolves are 27th against point guards in their last 15 games. The Emmanuel Mudiay experiment doesn’t appear to be working out for the Knicks, which has left Burke to pick up the slack. He’s been over value in five of his last six and is coming off a 28.25 fantasy point performance against the Heat. He should be around 25 fantasy points in this one. ***

Fred VanVleet, TOR vs BKN ($4,600): VanVleet had 32.75 fantasy points against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. He posted 27.25 fantasy points against the Nets on Mar. 13. If this one is a blowout, VanVleet and the Raptors bench unit could see some extra run. They already play big minutes because they’re that good and VanVleet has been a big impression this season. He should easily be over the 20.8 fantasy points he needs to reach value on Friday. ****

WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

Steph Curry, GS vs ATL ($10,600): Curry is listed as probable for Friday and by all indications, he’s going to play with no restrictions. The Warriors could definitely use him as they are down to no All-Stars without him. If it’s the Curry show in Golden State, expect a big game. Quinn Cook has done a nice job picking up the slack, and could benefit from minutes alongside Curry, but he’ll be taking plenty of shots and he’s a good bet to make them, especially against a weak Hawks team on a back-to-back. *****

Khris Middleton, MIL at CHI ($8,300): Middleton had 45.5 fantasy points against the Clippers on Wednesday. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton becomes the number one option in Milwaukee. He’s played well as the top option this season, going over 40 fantasy points in multiple games. He needs 36.4 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. The matchup is good and the circumstances are right for a big game from Middleton. ****

Andrew Wiggins, MIN at NY ($6,700): All Wiggins does is go over value with Jimmy Butler out of the lineup. He had 40.25 fantasy points against the Clippers on Tuesday. He’s missed value just once since Butler went down with a knee injury. He had 32 fantasy points against the Knicks on Jan. 12 and needs 29.4 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. Expect him over 30 fantasy points once again as he pours in points against the Knicks. ****

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 30: Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball during the first half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 30, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

High Value SG

Joe Ingles, UTA at SA ($6,000): Ingles had 42.5 fantasy points against the Mavericks on Thursday. This is a game where there aren’t many reliable players given the defense of both teams, but Ingles’ consistent play combined with a slightly lower salary make him a nice guy to grab. He did have 39.25 fantasy points against the Spurs on Feb. 12. San Antonio will do their best to limit Donovan Mitchell, leaving opportunities open for Ingles. ***

Josh Richardson, MIA at OKC ($5,700): Richardson had 32.25 fantasy points against the Knicks on Wednesday. He’s been over value in three straight and his minutes have been back after a dip a few weeks ago. He had 35.75 fantasy points against the Thunder on Dec. 27. Oklahoma City is tough to figure out defensively, but Richardson’s consistency and well-rounded ability make him a solid bit to get you 25 fantasy points on Friday. ***

Cameron Payne, CHI vs MIL ($5,400): Payne was down to 23 minutes against the Nuggets, but still managed 27.75 fantasy points on Wednesday. Jerian Grant ended up playing more minutes than usual, but given how the Bulls have buried him in the lineup recently, there is no guarantee his minutes will be up again. Payne will start and the return of Lauri Markkanen could benefit him The Bucks don’t offer much in terms of defense and Payne gets enough minutes and usage to put himself over 25 fantasy points. ***

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 PHO ($12,100): James had 73.25 fantasy points against the Raptors on Wednesday, putting him over 70 fantasy points for a fifth straight game. This streak starter when he had 72 fantasy points against the Suns on Mar. 13. It doesn’t matter how many minutes plays, just expect LeBron to deliver 70 fantasy points. With Kevin Love back in the mix, he has another reliable shooter that he can find in the corner. *****

Paul George, OKC vs MIA ($7,600): George had 45.75 fantasy points against the Celtics on Tuesday. He’s been at that number in two of his last three games. The matchup is tough on paper as the Heat rank fifth against small forwards in their last 15 games. George has been fairly consistent since the All-Star break, especially at this salary. He needs 34.3 fantasy points to hit value. Look for him to push 40 fantasy points once again.

Josh Jackson, PHO at CLE ($6,900): T.J. Warren is doubtful and Devin Booker is questionable on Friday. If Booker plays, that would take some pressure off Jackson, who had 33.75 fantasy points against the Pistons on Tuesday. He’s going to draw another start and play big minutes. He had 33.75 fantasy points against the Cavaliers on Mar. 13. With or without Booker, 30-plus fantasy points should be expected from Jackson in this contest. ****

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 14, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

High Value SF

Jayson Tatum, BOS at POR ($6,200): Tatum had 49.25 fantasy points against the Thunder on Tuesday. He continues to be the top option in the Celtics offense with all their injuries to backcourt players. The Trail Blazers present a tough overall defense and they are third against shooting guards in their last 15 games. The matchup isn’t ideal, but the Celtics find way to get it done and if they’re going to get it done on Friday, it’ll be with Tatum leading the way. ***

Denzel Valentine, CHI vs MIL ($5,900): Valentine had 27 fantasy points against the Nuggets on Wednesday. His playing time has been done a bit in recent contests, which is slightly concerning. However, he’s drawn the start in the last three game and posts a respectable 25 percent usage rate. He had 31.25 fantasy points against the Bucks on Jan. 28. The Bucks don’t play a lot of defense and without Giannis Antetokounmpo, their defense won’t get much better. Valentine should be over value once again. ***

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR vs BOS ($5,600): Aminu has been fantastic in recent games, going over value in five straight, going 10-plus fantasy points over value in four straight, and going over 40 fantasy points in his last two. His salary has climbed to where he needs 25.2 fantasy points to reach value. He’s on a hot streak right now and until he shows signs of slowing down, there is no reason to doubt him. ****

DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PF

LaMarcus Aldridge, SA vs UTA ($8,600): The Jazz are a tough matchup who rank first against power forwards in their last 15 games. But Aldridge is not to be denied right now. He’s been over 50 fantasy points in his last three contests. He did post 51.25 fantasy points against the Jazz on Feb. 3. He’s a one-man wrecking crew in San Antonio right now. The Jazz will do everything they can to stop him, but Aldridge continues to get it done. ****

Kevin Love, CLE vs PHO ($7,700): Love has been over value in both games since returning from injury. He posted 49 fantasy points against the Raptors on Wednesday. Perhaps more importantly, he played 30 minutes in that contest. He may not need to play 30 minutes against the Suns, but should do enough to push 40 fantasy points in this one. He’s a trustworthy option next to LeBron and he chips in with rebounds and assists. *****

Kelly Olynyk, MIA at OKC ($6,800): Olynyk has been over value in ten straight. His salary has reached a season high and he needs 31.2 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. The bottom is going to drop out on Olynyk as some point, but he’s getting big minutes and post a a 30 percent usage rate in his last five games. It’s a tough matchup as the Thunder are seventh against power forwards in their last 15 games. But Olynyk’s play can’t be denied right now. ***

MILWAUKEE, WI – FEBRUARY 27: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center on February 27, 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. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

High Value PF

Thaddeus Young, IND vs LAC ($5,900): Young has been over value in four of his last five and is coming off a 30.5 fantasy point performance against the Pelicans on Wednesday. He needs 26.6 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. With Bojan Bogdanovic struggling, Young has been done his part in picking up the slack. He’s not shooting well from three, but he’s getting rebounds and chipping in elsewhere. Look for the Pacers to kickstart their offense on Friday. ***

Jabari Parker, MIL at CHI ($5,400): With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, it’s possible that Parker slides back into the starting lineup. He played 30 minutes against the Clippers on Wednesday, finishing with 36.5 fantasy points. He needs 24.3 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. The circumstances are good for Parker as he should see increased opportunities with their All-Star forward injured. Look for Parker to be over 30 fantasy points as long as he plays around 30 minutes again. ****

Markieff Morris, WAS vs DEN ($5,200): Morris has missed value in his last two and is coming off 13.75 fantasy points against the Spurs on Wednesday. Maybe the Wizards are running out of gas without John Wall, but this is a great matchup given how Denver struggles against frontcourt players and how they struggle on the road. He’s a slight risk based on recent play, but things are lining up nicely for him. I will say that if Lauri Markkanen doesn’t play for Chicago, Noah Vonleh ($4,600) is a better option than Morris. ***

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 24: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates a win against the Chicago Bulls on February 24, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Karl-Anthony Towns, MIN at NY ($9,800): Towns has been over value in four of his last five. He had 53.25 fantasy points against the Clippers on Tuesday and posted 58.25 fantasy points against the Knicks on Jan. 12. The Knicks are 21st against centers in their last 15 games. Towns posts a monster usage rate and the Timberwolves have realized that he’s their best bet to win games late in the season. He should be over 50 fantasy points once again. *****

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs BKN ($6,800): Valanciunas barely missed value against the Cavaliers, finishing with 30 fantasy points. Technically, he’s missed value in three straight, but he wasn’t available in the main slate for two of those games. He needs 32 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. He had 48 fantasy points against the Nets on Mar. 13. The Nets get absolutely destroyed by opposing centers and Valanciunas is good enough to post a big scoring and rebounding game on them once again. ****

Enes Kanter, NY vs MIN ($6,300): The Timberwolves are 25th against centers in their last 15 games. Kanters produced 49.25 fantasy points in 31 minutes against the Heat on Wednesday. As long as he plays 25-plus minutes, you can count on him to deliver 30-plus fantasy points. He had 36 fantasy points in 27 minutes against the Timberwolves on Jan. 12. This looks like a matchup where he’ll play big minutes, which means you can count on him for a big game. ****

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 23: Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the national anthem prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 23, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value C

Greg Monroe, BOS at POR ($5,200): Monroe had 32 fantasy points against the Thunder on Tuesday. He’s been over value in five straight games. He’s logging some extra minutes and could be utilized against Jusuf Nurkic in this one. He collects easy points and chips in with rebounds and a defensive play or two. With Al Horford still struggling and Aron Baynes being Aron Baynes, Monroe might be the most reliable frontcourt option in Boston. ***

John Henson, MIL at CHI ($5,000): The Bulls are 29th against centers in their last 15 games. Henson has been over value in five of his last six. He had 25.75 fantasy points against the Bulls on Jan. 28. With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, Henson should find himself collecting more rebounds. His scoring numbers won’t be great, but he’s a low-end double-double threat based on the matchup and circumstances.  ***

Montrezl Harrell, LAC at IND ($4,700): Harrell played 11 minutes against the Bucks on Wednesday and still somehow finished with 22.25 fantasy points. How this guy doesn’t play more is beyond me. He needs 21.6 fantasy points to reach value on Friday. The lack of minutes make him a big risk, but he’s proven that he can do a lot in a little amount of time. If he could get 15-20 minutes a night, I’d feel more comfortable with him. **

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 13: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Luc Mbah a Moute #12 of the Houston Rockets during the game on February 13, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Example DraftKings Daily Picks Lineup

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

Twitter: @jeremylambert88, @FanSidedFantasy

PG: George Hill
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Markieff Morris
PF: Kevin Love
C: Jonas Valanciunas
G: Kyle Lowry
F: Jabari Parker
U: Greg Monroe

Next: Nylon Calculus Week 22 in Review: George Hill, Joel Embiid’s free throws, and other questions

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.

DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – March 23, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert | Mar 23, 2018