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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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 17: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center on March 17, 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)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARCH 17: Nikola Mirotic #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center on March 17, 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 PF

Players costing $6,667 or under

Nikola Mirotic (at HOU – $6,600): Needs 26.2 fantasy points. Mirotic was really good after the trade from Chicago brought him to New Orleans last season. He settled in as the third option and benefitted from playing next to Anthony Davis. With Julius Randle in town, Mirotic will get some good looks as Randle is an excellent playmaker. The Pelicans are going to play with pace and I’m not entirely sold on Houston’s new defense with Carmelo Anthony in town. Diagnosis: A slight risk just because the fit next to Randle is still a mystery. But I’m optimistic after what I saw last season.

Kelly Olynyk (at ORL – $5,400): Needs 21.4 fantasy points. No James Johnson means Olynyk is going to get primary playmaking duties from the post. Olynyk had some big games last season when Miami became short on frontcourt players. He also played well against the Magic, although that’s not saying a ton because who didn’t play well against the Magic? He does a bit of everything and the circumstances are right for him to have a big game. Diagnosis: Take advantage of the situation. Olynyk is going to play and be involved with Johnson out. And the Magic should be bad.

Kevin Knox (vs ATL – $5,100): Needs 20.2 fantasy points. As I said earlier, I hate going with rookies in their first game because they are the biggest mystery boxes in the league. And it’s rarely a boat. But there’s something about the Atlanta matchup and the Knicks needing someone to score that makes me intrigued by Knox. I understand if you want to stay away. I’m only going to take him in a high-risk league that I play. I’ll give other options, but I want my love for Knox to be known. Diagnosis: Are you feeling lucky?

Quick Hits

Pascal Siakam ($4,800): Expect him to take a leap this season. Cleveland is a good matchup.