Fantasy Basketball: NBA Draftkings Top Salary Value Plays 1/5/19

Hey guys! Hope the 10 game NBA Slate yesterday treated you well, it was a roller-coaster ride for sure! Paul George came through while Russel Westbrook finished undervalue. Today we get a mix of the NFL Wildcard action and a 7 game NBA Draftkings slate. So lets dive in on this slate and find out who are the Top Salary Value plays. Good luck and cash out!

NBA Draftkings – The Breakdown

So as usually, with any NBA Draftkings slate, we’re going to look at a players stats, usage rate, previous game stats, the opposing teams defensive stats versus the players position, and their salary. A big part of daily fantasy sports is a players salary. We build our lineups around key players and if they are players like Lebron James, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, then they come along with a hefty price tag. We need a player to hit at least five times their value with their salary to make it “worth it” in a sense but what we really want and need is for it to be around six or possibly even seven times their value.

For example, the other night Russell Westbrook was priced at $10,900 versus the New Orleans Pelicans so we needed him to hit 54.50 fantasy points to return five times his value. Sadly, he did not. This is why we’re switching up the article format and trying to dig even deeper with our NBA Slates.

Now we might not always have multiple players (minimum two) discussed at every position on every article because the NBA has the weirdest schedule this season.

Lets not waste any more time and kick off the research for this 7 game NBA Draftkings Slate. As always though, I will be sticking with Draftkings as I rarely play on Fanduel anymore. Good luck and lets cash out!

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Steph Curry vs. Sacramento Kings

Salary: $9,700 – Needs to score 48.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

We’re in for a treat once again on this Saturday slate with Steph Curry and James Harden. But we’re starting with Steph Curry first due to him being matched up with the Sacramento Kings, a team he already put up good numbers against this season. On December 14th, Curry put up 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assist. He has faced this Sacramento Kings team 31 times. averaging 21 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Putting up good numbers against this team is easy for Curry.

On the season, Steph Curry is averaging 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assist in 35 minutes per game. In his past five games, Curry has returned value in 4 of those 5 games, scoring 27.5, 53.3, 49.3, 54.3, and 47.8 fantasy points. The Kings do struggle defending against the point guard position, allowing them to average 23 points, 9 assist, and 6 rebounds per game. In their match-up on December 14th, Curry scored 60.8 fantasy points and we should expect him to do that once again against the Kings tonight.

Other Valuable Option

De’Aaron Fox vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $7,300 – Needs to score 36.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Staying in the same game but on the other side, De’Aaron Fox was able to put up good numbers against the Golden State Warriors. Being the main focus point of this Kings fast paced offense, Fox should be able to repeat his performance. In their first match-up, De’Aaron Fox almost recorded a double double, scoring 25 points, 9 assist, and 6 rebounds. He was able to put up 48.5 fantasy points in that match-up. He has only faced the Warriors six times in his career but is averaging 13 points, 6 assist, and 3 rebounds.

In his sophomore year, De’Aaron Fox is averaging 18 points, 7 assist, and 3 rebounds in 32 minutes per game. Fox is playing in one of the fastest paced offenses in the NBA, giving him more opportunities to exceed his value. He has only returned value in 3 of his past 5 games, scoring 43, 47.8, 48.5, 21.5, and 31.5 fantasy points. Between the pace of both teams, De’Aaron Fox should be able to exceed his value easily.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

James Harden vs. Portland Trailblazers

Salary: $12,200 – Needs to score 61 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Even at this high price of $12,200 can you even fade James Harden, with or without overtime?! This man is a beast and playing at a high level that no one can even match. He has scored 64.5, 60, 71.3, 82, and 91 fantasy points in his last five games and that’s not even the end of his scoring streak so needing 61 fantasy points isn’t asking for too much. But he does face a Portland Trailblazers team that he does “okay” against. In 34 games, James Harden is averaging 26 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. In their last match-up against the Trailblazers on December 11th, Harden recorded just 29 points, 4 rebounds, and just 1 assist. Should we expect that again tonight without Chris Paul? No, we should expect another dominate performance for James Harden.

During his historic run and this season, James Harden is averaging 33 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in 37 minutes per game. He also has a high usage rate of 38%, ranking up there with Russel Westbrook. The Portland Trailblazers are allowing shooting guards to average 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game which makes it seem like this game could be a little more difficult for James Harden to go off. With his price tag, it is hard to make a case to roster him tonight but I would not fade a man who hasn’t hit 50 fantasy points since December 11th, which was against this Portland team that only allowed him to score 39.3 fantasy points.

Other Valuable Option

Khris Middleton vs. Toronto Raptors

Salary: $6,900 – Needs to score 34.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Now a less cheaper option to run with is Khris Middleton who gets to face the Toronto Raptors who he almost recorded a double double against last month. Middleton is currently averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game in 31 minutes. In 19 games against the Toronto Raptors, Middleton is averaging 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists which aren’t the best of numbers. In their first match-up this season, Middleton was able to record 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assist in 31 minutes. If he can add a few more numbers to that stat-line, he’ll easily be able to return or exceed his value.

The Toronto Raptors are allowing shooting guards to average 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. But if the same defense shows up that faced the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday then Khris Middleton will have a great night. He has returned value in three of his last five games, scoring 35.8, 20, 39.5, 48.5, and 29.8 fantasy points. So if you don’t go the James Harden route then I would suggest going with Khris Middleton if you are looking to spend up on another position.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Kevin Durant vs. Sacramento Kings

Salary: $9,400 – Needs to score 47 fantasy points or more to exceed value

It’s hard to pass up this Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings match-up. Kevin Durant is another top star in play as he is averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assist versus the Kings in 37 games. In their last match-up, Durant almost recorded a triple double with 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assist. This is a fast paced game where the Kings can’t use it to their advantage as the Warriors will be able to match it through all four quarters. The Sacramento Kings are also allowing small forwards to average 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assist per game.

On the season, Kevin Durant is averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assist in 36 minutes per game. The last time these two teams faced off, Kevin Durant was able to score 55 fantasy points. But he hasn’t returned value lately as he has only done it once in his past five games, scoring 43.3, 63.5, 36, 33, and 40.8 fantasy points. But like I said, this match-up is hard to pass up and Kevin Durant should be able to return value and even exceed it like he did previous.

Other Valuable Option

Danuel House Jr. vs. Portland Trailblazers

Salary: $4,500 – Needs to score 22.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Going to the cheaper side of things, Danuel House Jr. is in play once again. He has returned value in all five of his games, scoring 21.5, 24, 25, 25.3, and 29 fantasy points. The last time these two teams faced off, Danuel House Jr. recorded 12 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes. With his minutes being on the increase side of things, costing just $4,500, he is hard to pass up. This Portland Trailblazers team is allowing small forwards to average 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assist per game. With very little to go off of things with Danuel House Jr., we’re throwing a dart in the dark and hoping he can redo what he did last time against Portland but also hoping he can increase his stat-line also.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Anthony Davis vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Salary: $11,600 – Needs to score 58 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Another high-priced superstar is in play and it is Anthony Davis. He gets to face the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers and after his last outing versus the Brooklyn Nets, it’s hard to fade him also. He recorded 34 points and 26 rebounds versus them and should see similar results tonight. He has faced this Cleveland team 11 times in his career and is averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds against them. He has also returned value in four of his last five games, scoring 66.8, 62.5, 84.3, 47.3, and 82.5. Hard to pass up really.

This Cleveland Cavaliers defense is allowing power forwards to average 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. On the season, Anthony Davis is averaging 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assist. This will be the first time these two teams have met this season and with the Cavaliers lowest pace of the NBA, the Pelicans do have a chance of blowing this game out which could be a cause for concern.

Other Valuable Option

Blake Griffin vs. Utah Jazz

Salary: $8,400 – Needs to score 42 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Now Blake Griffin gets to face a tough Utah Jazz team tonight but with his history against them, his 42 fantasy points could easily be exceeded. In 25 games versus the Utah Jazz, Griffin is almost averaging a double double with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assist. The two teams have yet to face off but with hist consistent play, this should be a good one for Griffin. He has returned or exceeded value in three of his last five games, scoring 49.3, 32.23, 27, 49.3, and 51.5 fantasy points. That 27 fantasy points game, he didn’t have a salary price shown on Draftkings so we’ll basically ignore that one.

On the season, Griffin is averaging 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assist per game. But this Utah Jazz is only allowing power forwards to average 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assist per game. That is where the difficulty comes in for Griffin. He does have a great sample size and history versus the Jazz but the Jazz have also stepped it up in defending against power forwards. So if you are concerned with Anthony Davis’s price tag and chances of blowing the Cleveland Cavaliers away and Griffin versus a good defensive team against the power forward position, there are still other power forwards to choose one as it has the depth.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Joel Embiid vs. Dallas Mavericks

Salary: $10,800 – Needs to score 54 fantasy points or more to exceed value

While there is tension brewing in Philadelphia with their latest superstar, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid is here to dominate. But also, this slate is looking like a showcase of the big men with Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid and even Marc Gasol. Joel Embiid gets to face the Dallas Mavericks who he has only faced once in his career but recorded a near double double with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assist. Dallas is struggling to stop big men in the paint, allowing them to average around 15 rebounds with 21 points and 3 assist which Embiid almost did in their first match-up. Something we can’t avoid, especially with the dominant streak Embiid has been on.

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In his past five games, he has scored 46.3, 61, 61.3, 64.3, and 77.5 fantasy points. He is averaging near 55 fantasy points a game right now which would still put him as returning value. On the season, Embiid is doing everything to showcase his talent, averaging 27 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assist per game. Now even though there is turmoil in the locker room, Joel Embiid is proving that it doesn’t bother him at all. So depending on who you build around, keep Joel Embiid opened as an option as tonight should be a good one for the big man.

Other Valuable Option

Marc Gasol vs. San Antonio Spurs

Salary: $7,200 – Needs to score 36 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Now many people focused on Marc Gasol for his match-up against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night but he is in a good spot once again. In 37 games against the San Antonio Spurs, Marc Gasol is averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist which isn’t to crazy but when you just need 36 fantasy points, it is. The even better part is that the last time these two teams faced off in November, Gasol recorded a double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The San Antonio Spurs have been a mess this year and take some nights off which we’re hoping is tonight since they dominated the Toronto Raptors on Thursday.

Marc Gasol is currently averaging 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assist per games while playing around 34 minutes. He has also returned value in four of his last five match-ups, scoring 48.3, 38.8, 42.5, 27.8, and 36.3 fantasy points. Gasol has been a very consistent center this year and we tend to overlook him on some larger slates. This Spurs team is allowing centers to average 19 points and 13 rebounds per game. If Gasol can do that within the four quarters or even sooner, he can exceed value and possibly do damage on a slate where he should be low owned.

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all of your DFS needs. We have the PGA, NBA, and we haven’t forgotten about the NFL just because the playoffs have started!