DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup

The eight game slate begins at 7 p.m. ET with the Spurs against the Wizards followed by the Nuggets taking on the Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bulls take on the Rockets, the Cavaliers meet the Heat, and the Blazers battle the Pelicans at 8 p.m. ET. 10 p.m. ET has the Mavericks against the Kings. The Pacers square off with the Warriors and the Bucks play the Clippers 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.

PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 3: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 3, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PG

Damian Lillard, POR at NO ($9,400): Lillard has been over value in his last two games and is coming off a 45.75 fantasy point performance against the Thunder on Sunday. There’s still a chance he misses this contest as he’s still expecting the birth of his child. But that’s just information we won’t find out about until it happens. Assuming he plays, he should give you a strong night given the Pelicans perimeter defense. He needs 43.6 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. Expect him to give you at least 45 fantasy points in this one. ****

Victor Oladipo, IND at GS ($8,300): Oladipo has been right around value in his last three games. His salary has actually gone up to where he needs 38.5 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. Given the state of the Warriors, it would be surprising if Oladipo didn’t deliver. Teams have done a better job on him in recent contests, but the Warriors may not have the firepower to handle him like they would if they were healthy. If Kevin Durant returns, that does change things. Still, Oladipo is the driving force behind the Pacers offense and he should push 40 fantasy points in this one. ****

Chris Paul, HOU vs CHI ($8,100): Paul is expected to play for the first time in a week while James Harden is expected to rest. Check Paul’s status before making any decisions, but assuming he plays and Harden doesn’t, he’ll be in for a big night. He’ll be the lone offensive operator, which means big points and assist numbers for the 32-year-old veteran. He’ll have no problem carving up the Chicago defense, putting together a game where he’s over 40 fantasy points. *****

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 11: Quinn Cook #4 of the Golden State Warriors defends against Jeff Teague #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on March 11, 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) /

High Value PG

Quinn Cook, GS vs IND ($5,900): Cook is still looking for reinforcements and they might not come until later in the week. Klay Thompson is starting to practice again, Kevin Durant is doubtful, but Draymond Green is questionable. If Green is back, that will actually help Cook because it will take some offensive pressure off of him. But if he’s the lone non-All-Star in the Warriors rotation, he’s a good bet to give you 30-plus fantasy points once again. ****

Yogi Ferrell, DAL at SAC ($5,500): J.J. Barea won’t play on Tuesday, which means more minutes for Ferrell. He’s been playing around 25 minutes in his last three games and he’s been at value or better in all three contests. No Barea will give him more opportunities in the Mavericks offense. He needs 25.5 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. Given the matchup, he should push 30 fantasy points in this one. ***

Fred VanVleet, TOR vs DEN ($4,800): VanVleet was a slight miss on Sunday, finishing with 20.5 fantasy points against the Clippers. He needs 22.3 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. The Nuggets are 23rd against point guards in their last 15 games and on a back-to-back. His minutes were down against the Clippers, but he’s been too good off the bench to think they’ll be down again. The Raptors have struggled in the last week or so, but expect them to get back on track against the Nuggets. ***

HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 16: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball defended by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets and PJ Tucker #4 in the second half at Toyota Center on December 16, 2017 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

Khris Middleton, MIL at LAC ($7,900): The Clippers are 27th against shooting guards in their last 15 games. Middleton has put together an excellent run, going over value in nine straight games. He’s coming off a 40.75 fantasy point effort against the Bucks on Sunday and needs 35 fantasy points to hit value on Tuesday. He had 45.5 fantasy points against the Clippers a week ago. Look for him to be over 40 fantasy points once again on Tuesday. *****

CJ McCollum, POR at NO ($7,500): McCollum did what he always does against the Thunder and that’s torch them. He finished with 49 fantasy points against Oklahoma City on Sunday. The matchup projects well for him once again on Tuesday with the Pelicans poor three-point defense. McCollum had 39.5 fantasy points against New Orleans on Jan. 12. Expect him to push 40 fantasy points in this one. ****

Eric Gordon, HOU vs CHI ($7,200): James Harden resting means Gordon should remain the starting shooting guard. If it’s determined that Chris Paul is out as well, then Gordon becomes a huge play as he’s the only other person capable of running the Houston offense. He won’t succeed the way Harden and Paul do, but he’ll put up numbers nonetheless. And he’ll put up numbers alongside Chris Paul. He’s a safe bet when he’s starting and should give you at least 35 fantasy points. ****

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 17: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 17, 2018 at vivint.SmartHome Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SG

Buddy Hield, SAC vs DAL ($6,100): Hield has been over value in five of his last six and is coming off a 35.5 fantasy point performance against the Celtics on Sunday. He’s playing great off the Sacramento bench and getting plenty of minutes to prove himself. The Mavericks are 20th against shooting guards in their last 15 games and Hield needs 27 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. He should at least get you value with the chance of 30-plus fantasy points. ***

George Hill, CLE at MIA ($5,000): Hill has been at value or better in his last three games and is coming off a 36.5 fantasy point performance against the Nets on Sunday. He’s starting to find his role on the Cavaliers and playing off of LeBron James never hurts. The Heat are 11th against the position in their last 15 games. It’s a tough matchup, but the Cavaliers offense is rolling and Hill gets good chance next to LeBron. ***

Bojan Bogdanovic, IND at GS ($4,900): After struggling for a stretch and missing value in five straight, Bogdanovic has bounced back in his last two games. He had 39.75 fantasy points against the Clippers and then 28.5 fantasy points against the Heat. He needs 21.7 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. The Warriors just aren’t in a position to make consistent stops right now and Bogdanovic has rediscovered his touch, which bodes well for his value on Tuesday. ***

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 129-107. 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 at MIA ($11,600): After his poor 50.5 fantasy point showing against the Suns, James bounced back with 64.5 fantasy points against the Nets. He needs 52.3 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. This game will be competitive, which means James will log over 30 minutes. And if he logs over 30 minutes, he’s getting you at least 50 fantasy points. Expect him over 60 fantasy points once again as he continues to roll heading into the playoffs. *****

Will Barton, DEN at TOR ($7,000): Barton had 31.75 fantasy points against the Sixers on Monday. He got off to a hot start but then cooled off after halftime. The Nuggets keep slipping and aren’t good on the road, but Barton sees plenty of opportunities to contribute with Gary Harris out. Giannis Antetokounmpo is always an option at this position, but Barton represents a cheaper option who should have a strong game. ***

Harrison Barnes, DAL at SAC ($6,300): Barnes has been over 30 fantasy points in his last two games. He needs 28.4 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. He had 30.75 fantasy points in 30 minutes against the Kings on Feb. 13. He’s been a consistent player all season and given the fact that the Kings are the Kings, barnes should find himself over 30 fantasy points once again. ****

PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 23: Al-Farouq Aminu #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers boxes out against the Boston Celtics on March 23, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SF

Al-Farouq Aminu, POR at NO ($5,900): Aminu saw his streak of 40-plus fantasy points snap at three games after turning in a 24.75 fantasy point effort against the Thunder on Sunday. He needs 26.6 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. When these teams met back on Jan. 12, he had 41.75 fantasy points. Chalk up Sunday’s contest as a night where CJ McCollum simply had it going and expect Aminu to bounce back over 30 fantasy points on Tuesday. ***

Kelly Oubre Jr., WAS vs SA ($4,900): After going over value in three straight, Oubre was down to 21.25 fantasy points to the Knicks. The Wizards are sputtering right now, but Oubre continues to be a solid value bet off the bench. He had 41.5 fantasy points against the Spurs a week ago. I still love his energy and effort off the Wizards bench and you never have to worry about him somehow making an impact. He should be around 25 fantasy points in this one. ***

Gerald Green, HOU vs CHI ($4,700): Green posted 40.75 fantasy points against the Hawks on Sunday. With James Harden resting and Chris Paul possibly not playing, there could be a real opportunity for Green to step up. Even if Paul plays, Green figures to get plenty of shots off the bench to make up for Harden not being there. Even if his shot isn’t falling, he makes up value with his rebounding. He’s a nice low cost option with the ability to produce a big game. ***

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 at WAS ($9,200): Aldridge failed to crack 50 fantasy points for the first time in four games on Sunday. He finished with 47.75 fantasy points in 32 minutes against the Bucks in that contest. He had 50.25 fantasy points in 31 minutes against the Wizards a week ago and needs 42.1 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. He’s as hot as any player in the league right now and there no reason to think he’ll slow down, especially against a matchup he’s had recent success against. *****

Kevin Love, CLE at MIA ($7,800): Love has been over value in all four games since returning from injury and is coming off a 45.75 fantasy point performance against the Nets on Sunday. He needs 35.7 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. He’s done well against the Heat historically. He had 56.75 fantasy points against them on Nov. 28 and is averaging 51.5 fantasy points in his last three games against them. He should get you at least 40 fantasy points in this one. ****

Kelly Olynyk, MIA vs CLE ($6,700): After a rough game against the Thunder, Olynyk responded with 41.75 fantasy points against the Pacers on Sunday. He’s been 10-plus fantasy points over value in three of his last four. The Cavaliers are 25th against power forwards in their last 15 games. He’s played well in the absence of Hassan Whiteside and even though the Cavaliers are rolling, their defense still gives up plenty of points. Olynyk’s strong play should continue on Tuesday. ***

Montrezl Harrell has been great as a scorer lately for the Clippers /

High Value PF

Dwight Powell, DAL at SAC ($5,800): Powell has missed value in three straight and four of his last five. More concerning is that he’s played less than 20 minutes in his last two games. All of this would look back for Powell, but he has owned the Kings this season. In two February games against Sacramento, he was over 30 fantasy points in both contests. If Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t play, that should give Powell enough minutes to be over value. However, if Dirk does play, you might feel more comfortable taking him as he’s more reliable and on a cheaper salary. But Powell’s success against Sacramento can’t be ignored. ***

Skal Labissiere, SAC vs DAL ($5,300): Labissiere has been over value in three straight. He’s starting for the Kings right now with Zach Randolph out. Even if Randolph is able to play, there’s a good chance Labissiere remains the starter as the Kings continues to play more of their younger players down the stretch. He needs 24.2 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. Given his recent play, he should be over 25 fantasy points in this one. ***

Montrezl Harrell, LAC vs MIL ($4,400): Harrell continues to do the most with his limited minutes. He played 19 minutes against the Raptors on Sunday, finishing with 26 fantasy points. He had 22.25 fantasy points in just 11 minutes against the Bucks on Mar. 21. If he could get 20-plus minutes a night, there’s no telling what he could contribute, but as a low cost option, he should get you at least 20 fantasy points. ***

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 C

Anthony Davis, NO vs POR ($11,300): After going over 50 fantasy points in three straight, Davis was down to 48.5 fantasy points against the Rockets on Saturday. The Rockets just seem to have Davis’ number, which is what happens when you’re as good as Houston. The Trail Blazers defense is just as good as Houston’s, but it’s still tough to count out Davis. He had 53.25 fantasy points against them on Jan. 12. Expect him to bounce back over 50 fantasy points on Tuesday. ****

DeAndre Jordan, LAC vs MIL ($8,000): Jordan has missed value in his last two games, contributing 28.5 fantasy points against the Raptors and 29.75 fantasy points against the Pacers. But when these teams face a week ago, he had 56.5 fantasy points. His size is a real issue for the Bucks and despite his inconsistencies this season, this is simply a matchup he’s thrived against. Expect him to bounce back from his previous two games and produce 40-plus fantasy points on Tuesday. ****

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs DEN ($6,600): The Nuggets are 25th against centers in their last 15 games and on a back-to-back. Valanciunas has been over 30 fantasy points in his last three games and needs 31.2 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. The matchup is good and Valanciunas continues to post 30-plus fantasy points in around 20 minutes a game. You can expect more of the same from him against the Nuggets. ****

CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 2: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks stretches before the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 2, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value C

John Henson, MIL at LAC ($5,200): Henson has been over value in three straight. That includes a 25.25 fantasy point effort against the Clippers a week ago. He needs 24.6 fantasy points to reach value on Tuesday. He’s not a big scorer, but he makes up that value with his rebounding and defense. He also plays 30 minutes on most nights, leading to more opportunities for him to contribute. Expect his usual 25 fantasy point effort on Tuesday. ***

Noah Vonleh, CHI at HOU ($4,800): If Lauri Markkanen is unable to play, Vonleh will likely draw the start once again. He started against the Pistons, playing 25 minutes and finishing with 26 fantasy points. The Rockets are a tough matchup because they can play a lot of bigs off the floor, but Vonleh’s versatility should keep him on the floor against Houston’s spread ISO offense. ***

Nerlens Noel, DAL at SAC ($4,800): There’s a chance that the Mavericks rest Noel on Tuesday. If that’s the case, you can find good value in Check Diallo (playing 20-plus minutes on most nights) and Ryan Anderson (always gets shots in the Houston offense and has a great matchup). But if Noel plays, you can expect another strong outing from him. He had 39 fantasy points against the Hornets on Saturday. He needs 22.7 fantasy points tor each value on Tuesday. If he plays, expect 25-plus 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) /

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: Kelly Oubre Jr.
SF: LeBron James
PF: Noah Vonleh
C: Kevin Love
G: Gerald Green
F: Harrison Barnes
U: Bojan Bogdanovic

Next: The process worked: Markelle Fultz will be 76ers secret weapon in playoffs

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 27, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert | Mar 27, 2018