Fansided

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

By Jeremy Lambert

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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) /
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Nuggets, DraftKings, Jamal Murray
Nuggets, DraftKings, Jamal Murray /

High Value PG

Players costing $6,667 or under

Ricky Rubio (at SAC – $6,600): Needs 27.9 fantasy points. Rubio started to really figure things out in the second half and into the playoffs. It helps when Donovan Mitchell decides he’s going to be the second coming of Michael Jordan. The Kings weren’t good last season, they won’t be good this season, and they might not be good this decade. Look for Rubio to build off of last year and come out with a hot start. Diagnosis: Easy matchup for a guy who puts up numbers in every category. The Jazz have consistency. That counts for a lot in the NBA. Rubio is still the primary playmaker and his defensive ability boosts his value.

Dennis Smith Jr. (at PHO – $6,600): Needs 27.9 fantasy points. Last season, the easiest way to win a league was to stack guys going against the Suns. Maybe it won’t be that easy this year, but you don’t go from being historically bad on both ends of the floor to respectable overnight. The Suns are still going to be a bad defensive team. And the Mavericks have enough talent in their starting lineup to race them. Smith Jr. is going to be able to play off the ball next to Doncic, allowing him to use his athleticism a bit more. His assist numbers might suffer, but his scoring will rise. And again, we’re talking about Phoenix. Diagnosis: Pound the matchup. And trust the coaching staff of Dallas to maximize Doncic and Smith Jr. together.

Jamal Murray (at LAC – $6,600): Needs 27.9 fantasy points. I’m going on the edge of the line with all three value picks, but for good reason. All three are excellent point guards against bad defensive teams. All three should be over 30 fantasy points and I would not be shocked to see two of them go over 40 fantasy points. The Nuggets offense is going to be scary good and Murray will take a big leap this season. He has all the tools to be the an offensive force and is surrounded by the right pieces to maximize his talent. Diagnosis: Another good matchup for a guard who can do a bit of everything. I’m very high on Murray this year and you should be too.

Quick Hits

Goran Dragic ($6,000): If you want to save a little extra money, Dragic has an easy game (on paper) against the Magic. He was great against Orlando last season and remains the primary playmaker on Miami.

Patty Mills ($4,500): Someone has to start at point guard in San Antonio.