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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – October 17, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks to the sideline prior to the opening tip against the Boston Celtics of game three of round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks to the sideline prior to the opening tip against the Boston Celtics of game three of round one of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 20, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo attends the NBA 2K19 launch event at Greenpoint Terminal on August 29, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NBA 2K)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo attends the NBA 2K19 launch event at Greenpoint Terminal on August 29, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for NBA 2K) /

High Salary SF

Players costing over $6,250

Giannis Antetokounmpo (at CHA – $10,900): Needs 48.4 fantasy point. I would be shocked if Giannis doesn’t end up with at least 50 fantasy points. He’s going to be a monster this season as he takes the next step towards superstardom. He has a real NBA coach and enough talent around him to unlock is full potential. He was regularly over 50 fantasy points last season and he’ll make a statement to start the season. Diagnosis: Build your team around him, find value elsewhere. He could end the night as the highest point producer and he costs less than Harden and Davis.

Kawhi Leonard (vs CLE – $8,100): Needs 35.7 fantasy points. I have no clue what’s going through Kawhi’s mind, but I know that when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the best basketball players on the planet. Kawhi not only enters a good situation in Toronto, but he also gets a good matchup against a LeBron-less Cavaliers squad. He puts up numbers in all categories. Rust is a factor and his mindset could be an issue. But if he’s on, he’ll be an impact player at a reasonable salary. Diagnosis: A slight risk because who knows what it up with Kawhi. Could be in for a big night given the Raptors system and Cavaliers lack of defense.

Jimmy Butler (at SA – $6,700): Needs 29.5 fantasy points. Here’s the thing, Jimmy Butler is still very good at basketball. He was great last year for the Timberwolves and people seem to forget that with all the offseason drama. Here’s the other thing, he could 100 percent freeze out everyone on his team and take all the shots. I half expect it to happen. The Spurs are always tough because it doesn’t matter who is on their team, they play great. Diagnosis: High ceiling and a good cost given how good he is. The matchup is worrisome, but I don’t believe in the Spurs much this season. At least not on defense.

Quick Hits

DeMar DeRozan ($7,400): DeRozan is angry and Popovich will unlock his full potential.

Josh Richardson ($6,300): No Winslow or Waiters will help Richardson’s production.