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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy basketball lineup – Oct. 27, 2018

By Jeremy Lambert

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 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)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 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) /
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The best high salary and value picks for DraftKings fantasy basketball on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Saturday’s Slate:

7 p.m. ET: Boston at Detroit, Utah at New Orleans
7:30 p.m. ET: Chicago at Atlanta, Indiana at Cleveland, Charlotte at Philadelphia
8 p.m. ET: Phoenix at Memphis, Portland at Miami
8:30 p.m. ET: Orlando at Milwaukee, LA Lakers at San Antonio

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.

GET DRAFT HELP: Fantasy Pros Draft Wizard and Fantasy Football Tools

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.

NBA, DrafKings, Bulls, 76ers
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 16: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during a game on October 16, 2018 at 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary PG

Players costing over $6,250

Ben Simmons (vs CHA – $9,400): Needs 43.9 fantasy points. With or without Embiid, Simmons has been fantastic this season. I expect nothing different from him against the Hornets, who are playing on a back-to-back. If Embiid doesn’t play, the ball will be in the hands of Simmons even more. That should be good news for his numbers. Diagnosis: Will deliver regardless. But if Embiid doesn’t play, has the potential to have a huge night.

Victor Oladipo (at CLE – $7,700): Needs 35.4 fantasy points. Oladipo has been inconsistent and not as good as he was last season. It’s still early and you shouldn’t write him off just yet. You especially shouldn’t write him off against the Cavaliers, who have looked dreadful thus far this season. There’s a good chance Oladipo breaks out of this “slump” on Saturday. Diagnosis: Great matchup for a player who is just dying to breakout.

Mike Conley (vs PHO – $7,600): Needs 35.9 fantasy points. Conley has been over 40 fantasy points in three straight contests. He’s been doing a little bit of everything and is looking healthier with each game. He’s facing the Suns and you should always take advantage of the Suns. Diagnosis: Great matchup for a guy on the lower end salary wise.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 3: Bryn Forbes #11 and Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs talk against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 3, 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 3: Bryn Forbes #11 and Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs talk against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 3, 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

High Value PG

Players costing $6,250 or under

Bryn Forbes (vs LAL – $4,600): Needs 21.1 fantasy points. Forbes gets big minutes as the starter in San Antonio and he’s delivered thus far. He hasn’t had a huge game, but he’s been a reliable option who is able to boost his value with his shooting. He had 24.7 fantasy points against the Lakers on Oct. 22. Diagnosis: Solid option who isn’t going to hurt you thanks to his minutes and the Spurs system.

Jordan Clarkson (vs IND – $4,700): Needs 21.6 fantasy points. Clarkson has been Clarkson early in the season. Look, I don’t know what the Cavaliers are doing. Kevin Love isn’t getting the shots he should be getting. Clarkson is getting too many shots. I just don’t know what’s going on. But as long as Clarkson has his own personal green light, keep taking him. Diagnosis: He doesn’t do much besides score, but he keeps shooting and scoring.

Malcolm Brogdon (vs ORL – $4,500): Needs 20.7 fantasy points. Brogdon had just 19.5 fantasy points on Friday against the Timberwolves. But he only played 25 minutes as the Bucks ran away with it early. Expect the Magic to keep things closer, meaning more minutes and shots for Brogdon. The Bucks have been DFS stars early in the season and I see no reason to go away from them against another favorable matchup. Diagnosis: As long as the game is competitive, Brogdon should be over value.

Spurs
SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 17: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during a game on October 17, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Chris Covatta/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Salary SG

Players costing over $6,250

DeMar DeRozan (vs LAL – $8,500): Needs 38.6 fantasy points. DeRozan finally turned in a clunker with just 27.2 fantasy points against the Pacers. Chalk it up to an off-night and expect him to be better against the Lakers. He had 66.5 fantasy points against the Lakers on Oct. 22. DeRozan is typically reliable with his scoring and he’s been an exceptional passer throughout this season. Diagnosis: He’ll bounce back and return to form against a defense that remains untrustworthy.

Khris Middleton (vs ORL – $7,200): Needs 32.7 fantasy points. Don’t worry about what Middleton did on Friday. This is barely a back-to-back given the rest Milwaukee was able to get (they still had to travel) and they’re going against the Magic. Middleton has been great all season and as long as this is competitive, he’ll step up once again. Diagnosis: I love Middleton’s game next to Giannis and expect him to deliver once again.

Joe Ingles (at NO – $6,500): Needs 29.5 fantasy points. Ingles hasn’t shot the ball well from deep in the past couple of games, but he’ll continue to get looks and he’s too good of a shooter to struggle for long. The Pelicans defense is still suspect and they are on a back-to-back. If they are tired, Utah’s system will burn them. Diagnosis: He’ll get his looks. Trust that they will fall once again.

J.J. Redick, Philadelphia 76ers
BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 114-112 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

High Value SG

Players costing $6,250 or under

JJ Redick (vs CHA – $5,600): Needs 25.4 fantasy points. If you’ve been following along this season, you’ll know that I always love Redick. He’s rarely going to hurt you given the amount of shots he gets in Philly’s system and he’s such a good shooter that you trust him to make shots. If Embiid is out, someone has to pick up the offense. Redick is as good a bet as any. Diagnosis: Trust the shooter.

Bojan Bogdanovic (at CLE – $4,400): Needs 20 fantasy points. Bogdanovic hasn’t been great this season, but I will trust him to play well against the Cavaliers. He still gets respectable minutes and good looks on offense. His value is largely tied to his scoring, but this feels like a game where he has plenty of points in him. Diagnosis: Cleveland is reaching Suns territory where you should take advantage of them.

Garrett Temple (vs PHO – $4,000): Needs 18.2 fantasy points. Temple has put together some decent games this season, including 44 fantasy points against the Hawks on Oct. 19. He’s a veteran guy who gets big minutes on a balanced team that can sometimes use scoring. Plus, he’s going up against Phoenix. Diagnosis: Low cost option with a high ceiling and a great matchup.

Milwaukee Bucks
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

High Salary SF

Players costing over $6,250

Giannis Antetokounmpo (vs ORL – $11,700): Needs 53.8 fantasy points. At this point, the only thing that can stop Giannis is the scoreboard. As long as games are competitive, he’s going to put up huge numbers. But Giannis and the Bucks are steamrolling teams right now. The Magic are scrappy and hopefully they are able to keep Giannis on the floor long enough for him to put up big fantasy points. Diagnosis: The only worry is a blowout.

Kyle Kuzma (at SA – $6,900): Needs 31. 8 fantasy points. Brandon Ingram will be back in the lineup after this game, so this might be the last time Kuzma is a featured part of the offense for the time being. He had 52.5 fantasy points against the Spurs on Oct. 22. They need his shooting and he’s a smart player who finds ways to get open. Diagnosis: He’s burning San Antonio once and with Ingram coming back, he might push a little harder to prove himself.

Jayson Tatum (at DET – $6,700): Needs 30.8 fantasy points. Tatum has been the most reliable option on the Celtics this season. He had 34.5 fantasy points against the Thunder on Oct. 25. He’s scoring in all areas and chipping in with rebounds. Diagnosis: The Celtics have issues, but Tatum is not one of them. He’s the most reliable option on the team and the Pistons defense is still a bit suspect.

Kent Bazemore
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 09: Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Indiana Pacers during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

High Value SF

Players costing $6,250 or under

Jabari Parker (at ATL – $6,100): Needs 28.1 fantasy points. Parker didn’t quite get the extra minutes I thought he would on Friday, but I’m not going to give up on him just yet. The Hawks are a great matchup who are undersized and the opportunity should be there for Parker given the injury to Portis. The salary is a bit high, but Parker has the tools offensively. Diagnosis: I’m willing to give Parker this game. But he’s definitely a risk. I just like the matchup and circumstances.

Kent Bazemore (vs CHI – $5,700): Needs 25.9 fantasy points. Trae Young is getting all the headlines in Atlanta, but Bazemore has been stealing the show in the last two games. He’s coming off a 53.2 fantasy point performance against the Mavericks on Oct. 24. He can put up numbers in all categories and the Bulls are a great matchup right now. Diagnosis: Great matchup for a guy who is hot and more proven than Young.

Josh Jackson (at MEM – $5,100): Needs 23.6 fantasy points. This is largely a cut feeling based on what I know Jackson is capable of with Booker out of the lineup. He hasn’t showed it quite so much this year, but he was excellent to end the season last year and maybe he has a breakout game here with Booker sidelined. The Suns need scoring and Jackson can provide buckets. Diagnosis: Another high risk option. If you want some more reliable guys, check out quick hits below. But Jackson could be sneaky on Saturday.

Quick Hits

Jonathan Isaac ($5,400): He’s hot right now and his athleticism should keep him on the floor against the Bucks.

Bojan Bogdanovic ($4,400): Love the matchup and trust him to shoot better than he has throughout the season.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 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 – OCTOBER 23: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 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 PF

Players costing over $6,250

Anthony Davis (vs UTA – $11,300): Needs 52.2 fantasy points. Unlike Giannis against the Magic, there’s very little risk in the Jazz-Pelicans being a blowout. That means Davis will play big minutes. Given the way he’s played this season, it also means Davis is going to have a monster game. The Jazz can be a tough matchup with their defense, but there’s no reason to doubt Davis right now. Diagnosis: He’s Anthony Davis. He’ll put up numbers and at least give you value.

LaMarcus Aldridge (vs LAL – $9,000): Needs 41.5 fantasy points. Aldridge has been up-and-down this season, but he remains a strong option on a Spurs team that relies on him for a big portion of their offense. He had 62 fantasy points against the Lakers on Oct. 22. They have no answer for him in the paint and he should once again put up points and rebounds. Diagnosis: The matchup is good for Aldridge and he should bounce back after the poor game against the Pacers.

Blake Griffin (vs BOS – $8,800): Needs 40.6 fantasy points. Griffin followed up his 82 fantasy point game against the Sixers with 47.5 fantasy points against the Cavaliers. Not quite the same dominating performance despite a good matchup, but there’s no denying just how good Griffin has been this season. I expect him to bring it against the Celtics. Diagnosis: High ceiling on a very reasonable salary. Matchup is tough, but I trust the way Griffin has been playing.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 5: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Saric
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 5: Dario Saric #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dario Saric /

High Value PF

Players costing $6,250 or under

Dario Saric (vs CHA – $5,500): Needs 25.3 fantasy points. No Embiid could mean big things for Saric. He should pick up some extra rebounds and his scoring numbers are almost always there. His assists were down against the Bucks, but that should pick up against the Hornets. Diagnosis: A reliable option who will bounce back and could produce in a bigger way if Embiid doesn’t play.

Jaren Jackson Jr (vs PHO – $6,000): Needs 27.5 fantasy points. Jackson looked much better in his second start than he did his first. That’s the first piece of good news. The second piece of good news is that the Grizzlies are against the Suns. As always, take advantage of the Suns. Jackson has proved himself to be a good option early in the season and he’s not even shooting the ball the way he’s capable of yet. That may change on Saturday. Diagnosis: Love the matchup and Jackson’s potential.

Marcus Morris (at DET – $4,500): Needs 20.7 fantasy points. Morris is coming off a 37.5 fantasy point performance against the Thunder. Morris is hit-and-miss, but he’s always going to take his shots and chip in with rebounds. When it comes to low cost options, it’s never bad to grab someone who does one thing well and has high potential in another category. Should play more given the matchup. Diagnosis: A good low cost option with a high ceiling if he gets hot.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2018 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons poses for a portrait during Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 24, 2018 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

High Salary C

Players costing over $6,250

Andre Drummond (vs BOS – $8,700): Needs 40.4 fantasy points. Drummond can still be inconsistent with Griffin next to him, but the inconsistency comes in the scoring. He’s going to get his rebounds no matter what. And the Pistons seem to be finding a better balance under Casey than they did under Van Gundy last season. We know what Drummond is capable of and if he starts to get it together with his scoring, he’ll be dangerous. Diagnosis: High ceiling and might be finding consistency, which is great news for DFS players.

Nikola Vucevic (at MIL – $8,300): Needs 38.6 fantasy points. Vucevic has been great in the last three games, averaging 56.2 fantasy points in this stretch. And he’s faced some good team in Philadelphia, Boston, and Portland. The Bucks are a good team in their own right, but Vucevic is dominating right now and the Bucks interior is still suspect. Diagnosis: I like the matchup and the current run Vucevic is on.

Marc Gasol (vs PHO – $7,100): Needs 33 fantasy points. Gason hasn’t been a big player this year, averaging just 33.8 fantasy points in four games. If anything, it shows he’ll be reliable option on Saturday, which is never a bad thing. But against the Suns, you have to think he’ll be more than reliable. This is Gasol’s chance at a big game and I suspect they’ll take advantage of the Suns poor defense with plenty of action through Gasol. Diagnosis: Reliable if nothing else. But against the Suns, he should be much better.

INDIANAPOLIS – SEPTEMBER 24: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the Pacers Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Bankers Life Field House 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 condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS – SEPTEMBER 24: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers poses for a portrait during the Pacers Media Day on September 24, 2018 at Bankers Life Field House 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 condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

High Value C

Players costing $6,250 or under

Domantas Sabonis (at CLE – $6,100): Needs 28.2 fantasy points. Sabonis had 42.5 fantasy points in 21 minutes against the Spurs on Oct. 24. He should find similar success against the lowly Cavaliers. If Kevin Love doesn’t play, that makes Sabonis’ life easier when it comes to grabbing rebounds. Sabonis has been good this season despite his limited minute. Diagnosis: Maybe the lack of minutes catches up to him. But it’s also possible he finally plays more minutes and produces further. Take advantage of the Cavaliers.

JaVale McGee (at SA – $5,600): Needs 26 fantasy points. This might be the last chance you get at grabbing McGee as a value player. He’s the best player in NBA history right now and remains the only viable option at center for the Lakers. He’ll be tasked with stopping Aldridge once again and should be able to produce in multiple ways. Diagnosis: JaVale McGee is … reliable? Even more than reliable at this point.

Cody Zeller (at PHI – $4,100): Needs 19.1 fantasy points. Zeller has been a solid option this season and is coming off a 24.5 fantasy point game against the Bulls. If Embiid is out, Zeller will have an easier time on both ends of the floor. Diagnosis: If nothing else, Zeller has proven himself to be a reliable option who can get you over 20 fantasy points on a low salary.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 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)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 25: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts after the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 25, 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) /

Example DraftKings Daily Picks Lineup

Where to find me for daily for NBA takes, articles, videos and updates:

Twitter: @jeremylambert88, @FanSidedFantasy

PG: Malcolm Brogdon
SG: Kent Bazemore
SF: Dario Saric
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Andre Drummond
G: Garrett Temple
F: Jaren Jackson Jr
U: Cody Zeller

There are some good matchups out there with the Cavaliers and Suns dying to be taken advantage of. Plus the Bucks and Pelicans are in action, although the Pelicans are up against the Jazz. Look for value in the Bulls-Hawks game. A lot of low salary guys who are going to have good nights with a couple of guys having the potential to explode given the two teams. And Lakers-Spurs could be another high scoring affair, although this time it’ll probably end up 88-86.

Reminder: This is just an example lineup built on players discussed in previous slides. I try to pick a balanced lineup, but you may prefer to go heavy on top-end players and hope a low-cost option impressed. Or you may prefer a high-risk, high-reward lineup. Personally, I play multiple lineups depending on the league I enter.

If you have any questions about a certain player or lineup decision, I’m happy to answer on Twitter. Good luck tonight.