FanDuel NBA DFS: GPP Breakdown

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FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown

Greetings, NBA DFS junkies, and welcome back to a special Thanksgiving Eve edition of the FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown. I’m “Thunder Dan” and I love FanDuel NBA DFS more than I love pumpkin roll (okay, that might be a stretch because my wife’s pumpkin roll is freaking amazing)

All kidding aside, my goal every day is to give you my top targets every night for GPP contests for FanDuel NBA. When making these picks I always take into account salary, ownership, and match-up and I always do my best to give you a clear rationale for why I believe each player makes an elite GPP target.

We have a massive 13-game slate tonight, as most teams are in action on tonight and there are no games tomorrow. Due to the size of the slate, I’ll go position by position today, giving you my top plays from each team before finally including my “Game Stack of Night” which is my favorite game to target with multiple players from both teams.

"For tournaments, we’re not satisfied with just 5x return on a player’s salary, we’re looking for players who can hit 6-7x value or greater."

Remember, this is a first look article that is intended to get you pointed in the right direction with your research. Every NBA slate changes during the day and there’s likely to be news that comes out that will likely push us onto certain plays or off others. Always make sure you monitoring Twitter for player updates or getting those push notifications to your phone.

Without any further ado, let’s dive into what looks an amazing NBA DFS slate!

SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 10: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gets ready before their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 10, 2018 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: What to expect on a 13-game slate

With so many games tonight, there are going to be dozens of really good plays and there’s going to some really high scores on FanDuel. If your someone who makes only one lineup, it’s going to be tough settling on only 9 players to use. For me, I’m likely going to cross off a few games to simplify things a bit. Here are the some of the biggest storylines for tonight’s games.

Injuries and Players Resting

***Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner are both questionable for the Pacers road matchup with Charlotte. Oladipo sat out last game, while Turner played well but tweaked his ankle, apparently. Domantas Sabonis could be in line for major minutes/usage if both or either misses tonight’s game.

***The Raptors could rest Kyle Lowry or Kawhi Leonard, or maybe even both tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. Lowry was questionable with a sore ankle all day yesterday but played 32 minutes in a close win against Orlando. Kawhi only played 30 minutes last night but has been rested on back-to-backs several times this season already and the Raps can probably take care of Atlanta without him.

Lebron Returns to Cleveland

The King returns to Northern Ohio for the ultimate “revenge narrative” against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. I’m not sure how this one plays out, but this will be something the industry is buzzing about all day.

Embiid and the Sixers host Anthony Davis and the Pelicans

This game should be awesome on all levels. Two good, young team face off in Philly tonight and there should be plenty of fantasy goodness to go around with the style of basketball that these teams play. More on this game later!

OKC-GSW Late Night Hammer

Russell Westbrook will square off against his old pal Kevin Durant in the late game. KD will only have sidekick Klay Thompson to help him against the Thunder as Steph Curry and Draymond Green remain out tonight. The Warriors are one point home favorites in this game that has the third highest Vegas total.

Okay, let’s get started with the position-by-position breakdown!

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Point Guards

Russell Westbrook (11000)

Put all the narratives aside (feud with KD, new baby) and just consider for a second that we have Westy at his cheapest price this season in a game with a one point spread and a high total. How can you not like Russell tonight against the Warriors?

He reminded every one of how dominant he can be on Monday night when he dropped 60 FD points on Sacto and somehow he got a 300 dollar price cut. He should be popular tonight, but you could argue that he’s got the best point-per-dollar upside of any stud on the slate, and he’s cheaper than Bron, Embiid, and Davis. His 36% usage is the highest on the slate. A massive triple-double seems like a near guarantee in this spot.

Kemba Walker (9300)

Go ahead, keep fading Kemba Walker. I dare you. He dares you. Kemba is taking on all comers right now and doing something pretty special. He’s scored 103 real-life points in his last two games, giving him 7 games already this season with 30+ real-life points.

Kemba’s massive 32% usage is second only to Westy among point guards on the slate, and he’s at home for all the “only play Kemba at home” people out there. I’m going to predict he’s under 10% owned tonight based on how many other attractive options there are at point guard and I’m trying to be overweight on the field.

Honorable Mention: Jeff Teague (6600) vs. Denver

Value: Fred Van Vleet (4500) or Delon Wright (4400) if Lowry sits. Corey Joseph (4200) if Oladipo sits.

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 08: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the NBA game against the Boston Celtics at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 8, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Celtics defeated the Suns 116-109 in overtime. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Shooting Guards

Jrue Holiday (8800)

It’s a steep price to pay for Holiday, but you simply can’t ignore what he’s done since becoming the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the Pelicans. I’m drawn to several pieces of this New Orleans-Philly game and Jrue is definitely one of them. Sure he’s got the revenge narrative coming back to Philly, but what I really love is that matchup against the Sixers and the tempo that this game should have.

Devin Booker (7900)

In a game between these two basement dwellers, there’s likely to be some fantasy points scored as neither Phoenix nor Chicago play much defense. Booker seems badly underpriced here, considering he just scored 37 against the Sixers on Monday night and has taken over as the full-time point guard, averaging nearly 11 assists over his last three games. I love using guards against Chicago and I love using point guards in my shooting guard slots (a theme you’ll notice is especially true today).

Honorable Mention: D’Angelo Russell (7400) @ Dallas

Value: J.J. Redick (5500), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3900)

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Small Forwards

LeBron James (11500)

I am so tempted to fade LeBron as I think the narrative surrounding this game is likely to drive up his ownership and there’s a very real chance the Lakers just blow the Cavs out of the water in this game. L.A. is a 9-point favorite on the road here and the Cavs are having a hard time staying in games lately.

But, I think for once I have to let the analytical part of my brain take a rest, here. Set aside the matchup, game total, etc… We know that LeBron is a showman and I don’t think it’s really revenge he’s after here, it’s more of a “what kind of show can I put on for the fans tonight?’ type narrative we have going here. Toss in that the game will be on national TV in packed sports bars across the country and I think we see a vintage LBJ performance.

Kevin Durant (10700)

I’m skipping over Giannis today and landing on KD as my pivot off Lebron. The Warriors are going through a really rough patch right now, losing three straight games to Western Conference foes. KD is approaching 30% on the season and has had to do most of the heavy lifting for this Warrior team with Steph missing the last 6 games. He had 48.6 FD points against the Thunder in the opener and that was with Steph, so I see him pushing closer to 60 FD points tonight as long as he gets some help from his friends in slowing down Westy, PG13 and the gang.

Honorable Mention: Rudy Gay (5900) vs. Memphis, E’Twaun Moore (5500) @ Philadelphia

Value: Mikal Bridges (4600), Trevor Ariza (4800)

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 19: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Sacramento Kings at the Smoothie King Center on October 19, 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) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Power Forwards

Anthony Davis (12200)

Man, FanDuel really tried to help us jam studs in as all of these elite plays got small price decreases and many mid-tier guys did, too. AD might be my favorite play on the entire slate and the conditions are perfect for him to go absolutely nuts in this spot tonight against Philly.

His 1.6 FPPM is tied with Westbrook for the most on the slate and we’ve seen power forwards dominate Philadelphia at times this season. If you want to keep it simple, we have the best fantasy player in the NBA in the game with the highest total and a tight spread.

Domantas Sabonis (7100)

This play is really contingent on the status of Oladipo and Turner. If either of them misses tonight, then Sabonis is in line for another big performance. Anyone who reads this article often knows that I love this kid (probably an unhealthy amount) due to his massive per-minute production. He’s gone for 42 and 45 FD points in his last two games in only 26 and 28 minutes and he should be in line for more minutes tonight. Don’t let the price scare you off Sabonis, who has been a value play most of the season, he is an elite fantasy producer!

Honorable Mention: Paul Millsap (5900) @ Minnesota

Value: Dario Saric (4600) vs. Denver

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles against the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 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) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Centers

Joel Embiid (11200)

Talk about an absolute smash spot! Embiid has been rolling along this season, averaging 53.9 FD points a game. He’s been a fantasy point scoring machine. A world without minutes limits for Embiid has been, well Joel’s Embiid’s world. He’s coming off back-to-back 33 real-life point games and tonight he gets an elite matchup against New Orleans, who haven’t been able to really slow anyone down. He’s another high-end play that I will have to have some exposure tonight, especially when he could outscore any other center by 15-20 FD points.

Jusuf Nurkic (7700)

We have another “Nurk Alert” tonight as the “Bosnian Bully” gets to square off against the Bucks frontcourt. It’s pretty crazy that I hadn’t mentioned this game until now, but the Bucks-Blazers has the second highest total on the board tonight and should be a good game between two really good teams.

Nurk’s minutes are trending in the right direction, as he’s now played 30+ in three of his last four games. As long as those minutes are there, I’ll continue to play Nurk as he has elite fantasy point production when he’s on the court.

Honorable Mention: Julius Randle (7500) @ Philly

Value: Cody Zeller (5200), Mike Muscala (4000)

NEW ORLEANS, LA – OCTOBER 30: Pierre, the new mascot for the New Orleans Pelicans performs during the game against the Indiana Pacers at the New Orleans Arena on October 30, 2013 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Game Stack of the Night

New Orleans (+3.5) @ Philadelphia (235 total)

This…is…the…game. The total is a full 8 points higher than any others and both teams are playing at some of the fastest paces in the league. We have stars and guys playing at a high level on both teams and this sets up for a potential shootout for sure!

It’s going to be tough to build these game stacks, because very few of these players are cheap. One way to start is just by running Embiid and Davis in a lineup as a mini stack. That will cost you some dough, but you have a chance at getting 65+ FanDuel points from both guys in this game.

The second way to do it might be taking a second tier guy from each team, say Jimmy Butler and Jrue Holiday and then pairing them with a cheaper mid-tier play like J.J. Redick or Etwaun Moore.

Experiment with your lineups and see what you can come up with. If I had to rank my favorite Sixers it would be Embiid, Redick, Simmons, Butler, and Muscala in that order. My preferred Pelican players would be Davis, Holiday, Randle, Mirotic and Moore in that order.

This game should be awesome in real life and in fantasy basketball, get some exposure in those lineups or stack it up!

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 24: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 24, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 131-113. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

FanDuel NBA GPP Breakdown: Sample Lineup and Slate Overview

There are so many different ways to approach tonight’s slate and I think both a balanced or stars-and-scrubs roster construction are both very much in play. It’s going to be hard to jam two of Embiid, Davis, Lebron, Westy into those FanDuel lineups, but I’m certainly going to try. Today I built two sample lineups to illustrate both strategies.

More from FanSided

Remember these sample lineups are only for illustrative purposes. It’s meant to get you thinking about where to spend and where to save. It’s not a plug-and-play lineup as we still have a lot of information that we need to get by 7:00 tonight before we can make our final roster decisions. Here’s a look at where I’m at this morning with these two builds.

Balanced

PG: Kemba Walker (9300)

PG: Jeff Teague (6600)

SG: Devin Booker (7900)

SG: J.J. Redick (5500)

SF: Mikal Bridges (4700)

SF: Etwaun Moore (5500)

PF: Domantas Sabonis (7100)

PF: Dario Saric (4600)

C: Julius Randle (7500)

Stars and Scrubs

PG: Jeff Teague (6800)

PG: Corey Joseph (4200)

SG: D’Angelo Russell (7400)