FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup

Two slates on Sunday with three games in each slate. The early slate tips at 1 p.m. ET with all three games. The Hawks take on the Celtics, the Pacers battle the Hornets, and the Mavericks square off with the Sixers.

The late slate begins at 6 p.m. ET with the Jazz duking it out with the Lakers and Magic facing on the Raptors. The Warriors and Suns end the night at 9 p.m. ET.

I have selected two players from each slide on the upcoming slides.

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: 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.

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 11: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers on March 11, 2018 at the TD Garden 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PG

Terry Rozier, BOS vs. ATL ($7,500): Rozier has missed value in his last two and his salary has gone up to where he needs 32.7 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. With Jayson Tatum and Al Horford expected back in the lineup, that takes away some opportunities from Rozier. It’s a great matchup as the Hawks are 30th against the position in their last 15 games. But minutes are a concern. ***

Kemba Walker, CHA vs. IND ($7,000): It feels impossible to trust Walker right now. His minutes are down and his production has gone down the drain in recent games. He needs 30.5 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. He hasn’t hit that number in six games. He’s certainly capable to 30-plus fantasy points, especially against an Indiana team essentially locked in the fifth seed. But he’s a big risk. **

Kyle Lowry, TOR vs. ORL ($7,700): The Magic are 23rd against the position in their last 15 games. On paper, it’s a great matchup for Lowry. But he’s unlikely to play big minutes and his recent play doesn’t project much confidence. He’s a high risk-high reward player on Sunday. **

Tyler Ulis, PHO vs. GSW ($6,900): Ulis had 31.3 fantasy points against the Warriors a week ago. He’s been over 30 fantasy points in four straight. With the Suns banged up, Ulis is making the most of this late season chance to showcase himself. The Warriors have nothing to play for, and while they want to keep the offense sharp, the defense has mailed it in recently. ****

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 14: Tyler Dorsey #2 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on February 14, 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 PG

Tyler Dorsey, ATL at BOS ($4,500): Isaiah Taylor is the starter, but Dorsey has been the more productive player in recent contests. He’s been 11-plus fantasy points over value in his last three games. He needs 19.6 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. Expect him over 20 fantasy points without much issue. ***

Cory Joseph, IND at CHA ($3,500): The theory behind this pick is that Joseph is seeing decent minutes off the Pacers bench and should see around 25 minutes once again. The Pacers will look to rest starters as their playoff spot is secure. Minutes count for a lot in these games and if he ends up playing close to 30 minutes, he can have a big game. ***

Quinn Cook, GSW at PHO ($6,300): Cook had 33.1 fantasy points against the Pelicans on Saturday. He posted 39.8 fantasy points against the Suns a week ago. The Warriors are playing him alongside their All-Stars as they try to get an offensive rhythm heading into the playoffs. Always take advantage of the Suns. ***

Shelvin Mack, ORL at TOR ($5,400): The Raptors are first against the position in their last 15 games. But Toronto doesn’t have a high compete level right now as they have nothing to play for. Meanwhile, Mack is getting more playing time off the bench and is trying to make an impression heading into next season. Expect him around value on Sunday. ***

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) /

High Salary SG

Victor Oladipo, IND at CHA ($9,500): Oladipo played just 21 minutes against the Raptors on Friday. It was a back-to-back and the Pacers have little to play for in these final games. That’s the concern for Oladipo on Sunday. If he plays 30-plus minutes, he’s going to get you at least 35 fantasy points with a good chance he’s over 40 fantasy points. But if he plays 25 minutes or less, it’s tough to produce those kind of numbers, even against a great matchup. Due to the uncertainty surrounding his minutes, he’s definitely a risk against the Hornets. **

Donovan Mitchell, UTA at LAL ($8,000): Mitchell had 37.2 fantasy points against the Lakers on Tuesday and needs 33.4 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. Utah still has plenty to play for in the Western Conference, which means Mitchell’s minutes will be up as long as this game remains competitive. Even if it’s a blowout, he’ll likely see at least 30 minutes of action. That gives him plenty of time to be over 33.4 fantasy points. ****

Klay Thompson, GSW at PHO ($6,700): Thompson had 33.4 fantasy points against the Suns last week. He needs 28 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. If the Warriors are going to limit the minutes of anyone on Sunday, Thompson is a pretty good bet. Assuming they play him his usual 30-plus minutes, he’ll be over 30 fantasy points against Phoenix. ***

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SG

Marco Belinelli, PHI vs. DAL ($5,000): The Sixers should be on their way to another blowout on Sunday. That means Belinelli will see more action than J.J. Redick, making him the stronger play. Even Redick isn’t a bad option due to his ability to put up fantasy points in a hurry. But Belinelli has been fantastic since joining the Sixers and that should not change on Sunday. ****

Malik Monk, CHA vs. IND ($4,300): Monk posted a season high 41.2 fantasy points against the Magic on Friday. He’s getting a chance to make an impression late in the season and he’s seizing that opportunity. He needs 17.9 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. Given his recent play and the Pacers simply going through the motions, that shouldn’t be a problem. ***

Josh Hart, LAL vs. UTA ($4,900): Hart is coming off the bench at the moment, but might pick up the start if Kyle Kuzma is unable to play. Even if he’s coming off the bench, he’s see the bulk of the minutes over Alex Caruso. He’s been over value in four of his last five, playing over 30 minutes in those four games. He’ll be over the 20.4 fantasy points he needs for value on Sunday. ***

Danuel House, PHO vs. GSW ($4,300): House picked up the start on Friday against the Pelicans, finishing with 18.1 fantasy points. It was his worst performance in this recent stretch, but what matters is that he’s getting minutes. He played 34 minutes against the Warriors a week ago and posted 33.7 fantasy points. He’ll get a chance to produce and his low salary should put him over value. ***

PHILADELPHIA,PA – MARCH 19 : Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to the crowd against the Charlotte Hornets at Wells Fargo Center on March 19, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

Robert Covington, PHI vs. DAL ($7,000): The Sixers still have something to play for as they could grab the third seed in the East. That means, even in blowouts, starters will see around 30 minutes. Covington has raised his game with Joel Embiid out, going over value in eight of his last night. He’ll be over 30 fantasy points once again on Sunday. ****

Harrison Barnes, DAL at PHI ($6,500): Barnes comes in under the average player salary, but is the next available option after Covington. He’s missed value in his last two games as the Mavericks look towards next season. He still posts a high usage rate, but it’s obvious that Dallas is allowing other guys to make an impact, knowing what they already have with Barnes. Proceed with caution. ***

Kevin Durant, GSW at PHO ($12,000): The Suns are 29th against the position in their last 15 games. Durant has been over 50 fantasy points in four straight, including a 59.2 fantasy point effort against the Suns a week ago. Minutes are a concern for Durant on Sunday, but the Warriors need to get rolling heading into the playoffs. As long as he plays 30-plus minutes, he’ll get you at least 45 fantasy points. ****

Joe Ingles, UTA at LAL ($6,700): Ingles has been over 30 fantasy points in three of his last four. He had 32.1 fantasy points against the Lakers on Tuesday. Utah should play their starters solid minutes as they hope to challenge for the three seed out West. He’ll be over 30 fantasy points, especially if Ricky Rubio ends up missing Sunday’s game. ****

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 6: Johnathan Motley #6 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistonson April 6, 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value SF

Johnathan Motley, DAL at PHI ($5,200): Motley has picked up starts in his last two games with Dirk Nowitzki out of the lineup. He had 47.4 fantasy points against the Pistons on Friday and needs 22.4 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. He can provide points and rebounds and is looking to make an impact heading into next season. Expect him over value once again, despite the tough matchup. ***

Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL at PHI ($4,400): Finney-Smith has done fairly well in these late season starts. He’s coming off a 34 fantasy point performance against the Pistons on Friday and needs 19 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. He can put up solid scoring and rebounding numbers. He should be over value once more. ***

Mario Hezonja, ORL at TOR ($5,900): Hezonja missed value against the Hornets on Friday, finishing with 22 fantasy points. He needs 25.5 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. His minutes were down against the Hornets, which is concerning heading into Sunday’s game. If he were guaranteed 30-plus minutes, he’d be over value. With the Raptors playing for nothing and Hezonja looking to further showcase himself, he should at least hit value, but proceed with caution. ***

Jamel Artis, ORL at TOR ($3,900): Artis is getting minutes and he picked up a start against the Hornets. He’s not a great option, but he can score and chip in with rebounds. Most importantly, he’s getting the playing time to be a contributor. He needs 16.8 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday and makes for a decent low cost option. ***

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 4: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks against the Detroit Pistons on April 4, 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 Salary PF

Ben Simmons, PHI vs. DAL ($11,500): Simmons posted 76.5 fantasy points against the Cavaliers on Friday. He’s unlikely to play enough minutes to have that kind of impact on Sunday. He should play at least 25 minutes and he’ll put him his usual well-rounded stat line for as long as he plays, but this should be another blowout for Philadelphia. The salary is too high for his likely lack of minutes. Of course, if by chance this game is competitive, Simmons becomes a fantastic option. **

Dario Saric, PHI vs. DAL ($6,300): Saric had 10.1 fantasy points in 25 minutes in his return to the lineup on Friday. It’s possible the Sixers continue to monitor his minutes and given the matchup, it’s unlikely they need him anyway. He needs 27.9 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. He’s less of a risk than Simmons due to his lower salary and should at least give you value. ***

Draymond Green, GSW at PHO ($8,300): The Suns are a great matchup and Green had 44.2 fantasy points against the a week ago. He needs 36.7 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. He’s been a disappointing fantasy player this season, hitting value in just 49 percent of games. It’s a good matchup, but playing time concerns and lack of fantasy production are real. **

Julius Randle, LAL vs. UTA ($8,000): Randle has missed value in six straight. His run out of gas late in the season and his salary hasn’t dropped enough to where he’s a comfortable addition. He needs 35.4 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. He had 34.9 fantasy points against the Jazz on Tuesday. If Kyle Kuzma doesn’t play, that would be big for Randle’s value. But if Kuzma plays, Randle is a less attractive option. ***

ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 4: John Collins /

High Value PF

John Collins, ATL at BOS ($6,000): Collins has been over value in four of his last five. As long as he plays over 30 minutes, he’ll be over value once again. He posts the highest usage rate of any Atlanta player in their last 15 games. He’s getting an opportunity to produce late in the season and is proving to be a value player for Atlanta this season and for seasons to come. ***

Ersan Ilyasova, PHI vs. DAL ($5,800): Even with Dario Saric back in the lineup, Ilyasova has been a great option for the Sixers since joining them. He needs 25.7 fantasy points hit value on Sunday. That should be no problem against the Mavericks. He’ll get the minutes to produce and he’ll be over 25 fantasy points without a problem. ****

Derrick Favors, UTA at LAL ($5,900): The Lakers are 24th against the position in their last 15 games. Favors had 26.6 fantasy points against them on Tuesday. That number puts him right at value on Sunday. He’ll play his usual 28-30 minutes, which means he should reach value. It’s a good matchup and the Jazz have plenty to play for against an overmatched Lakers squad. ****

Serge Ibaka, TOR vs. ORL ($5,900): Ibaka has been over 30 fantasy points in four of his last five. He had 29.5 fantasy points in the one game where he failed to crack 30. Playing time could be an issue on Sunday as the Raptors have nothing on the line, but he’s hot and you should continue to add him during this hot streak, especially against good matchups like the Magic. ***

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 21: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets works toward the basket against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Dwight Howard, CHA vs. IND ($9,000): Howard followed up his 50.9 fantasy point effort against the Bulls with 49.4 fantasy points against the Magic. He needs 39.4 fantasy points to reach value against the Pacers. Howard is playing well in these meaningless games and he’s still getting minutes to produce. With the Pacers compete level questionable, Howard should have another strong day. ****

Al Horford, BOS vs. ATL ($7,000): Horford is expected to be on a minutes restriction on Sunday, which really hurts his value. Even in his usual minutes, he’s been an inconsistent option all season as his game doesn’t translate to fantasy numbers. He needs 30.6 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. It’s a good matchup, but lack of minutes will hurt him. **

Rudy Gobert, UTA at LAL ($9,500): Gobert had 48.7 fantasy points against the Lakers on Tuesday. He knows how to elevate his game this time of year and Utah is hoping to reach the three seed out West. He needs 41.6 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday and should be over 40 fantasy points with an issue. ****

Nikola Vucevic, ORL at TOR ($8,800): Vucevic is currently listed as probable, but check his status before making any decisions. He was playing well prior to his injury on Tuesday against the Knicks, going over value in four straight. He still managed 30 fantasy points in 20 minutes against the Knicks. If he plays, he should find success against a Toronto team who will likely go through the motions. ***

NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 18: Greg Monroe #55 of the Boston Celtics reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 18, 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 Value C

Greg Monroe, BOS vs. ATL ($5,900): Al Horford playing limited minutes means more minutes for Monroe. He had 53.2 fantasy points against the Bulls on Friday and needs 25.8 fantasy points to reach value on Sunday. Assuming he plays 20-plus minutes, he’ll be over 25 fantasy points without a problem. ****

Dewayne Dedmon, ATL at BOS ($5,800): Dedmon has been over 35 fantasy points in three of his last four. He needs 25.4 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. He’s logging about 30 minutes a game and has been a strong option alongside John Collins. As long as he plays his usual minutes, he’ll be over 25 fantasy points with a good chance he’s over 30 fantasy points. ***

Jonas Valanciunas, TOR vs ORL ($5,800): The Magic are 27th against the position in their last 15 games. The matchup is very good, but Valanciunas has missed value in four straight and probably won’t see enough playing time it reach value on Sunday. He’ll get points and rebounds for as long as he plays, but is a risky play against the Magic. **

Bismack Biyombo, ORL at TOR ($4,000): If Nikola Vucevic doesn’t play, Biyombo should draw another start. He’s been over value in his last two games as the starter and needs 17.5 fantasy points to hit value on Sunday. If Vucevic plays, Biyombo likely won’t see enough playing time to make an impact. But if he starts, he’s a good bet. *

PHILADELPHIA,PA – NOVEMBER 20 : Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers backs up to the basket against the Utah Jazz at Wells Fargo Center on November 20, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Example FanDuel Daily Picks Lineup

PG: Cory Joseph
PG: Terry Rozier
SG: Malik Monk
SG: Marco Belinelli
SF: Johnathan Motley
SF: Robert Covington
PF: John Collins
PF: Ben Simmons
C: Dwight Howard

Find daily NBA takes, articles, videos and updates on Twitter: @jeremylambert88, @FanSidedFantasy

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: The summer is decision time

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.

FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – April 8, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert | Apr 8, 2018