Fantasy Basketball: NBA Draftkings Top Salary Value Plays 1/15/19

HOUSTON, TX – NOVEMBER 18: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets celebrates after he hit a three-point shot near the end of the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at the Toyota Center on November 18, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) NBA DraftKings /

Welcome back to another edition of “Top Salary Value Plays” on this Tuesday night! Last night we got hit, once again, by the injury bug and it turned the slate into one huge mess. James Harden come through with another dominate performance and Terry Rozier made sure to do horrible on a night where he was very chalky. Now we get another 6 game NBA Draftkings slate. So lets dive in and find us some top salary value plays! Good luck and cash out ladies and gentlemen!

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 6 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

Russell Westbrook vs. Atlanta Hawks

Salary: $11,600 – Needs to score 58 fantasy points or more to exceed value (75.4 for 6.5X value)

Give me all of the Russell Westbrook tonight! The Oklahoma City Thunder get to face the fastest paced team, Atlanta Hawks, which means Westbrook gets to play how he wants. He is, once again, averaging a triple double on the season with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assist. He gets to face a Hawks defense that is allowing point guards to average 23 points, 9 assist, and 7 rebounds per game. He has a usage rate of just 31% but is still able to put up similar numbers to James Harden who has a usage rate of almost 40%. He is averaging 1.6 fantasy points a minute also. He’s in a similar category of James Harden with the “Do Not Fade” tag.

Russell Westbrook hasn’t missed value since December 30th, returning value seven games straight. In 19 games, he is averaging 24 points, 9 assist, and 6 rebounds versus the Atlanta Hawks. He almost put up a triple double versus them the first time they met this season, recording 23 points, 10 assist, and 9 rebounds. But honestly, do not fade Russell Westbrook tonight in this perfect, fast paced game.

Other Top Tier Options

Steph Curry vs. Denver Nuggets

Salary: $9,900 – Needs to score 49.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (64.35 for 6.5x value)

Coming a little bit cheaper is Steph Curry who is facing the Denver Nuggets tonight. Averaging 29 points, 5 assist and 5 rebounds on the season with a usage rate of 31%. Curry is currently scoring 1.4 fantasy points per minute, not too far behind Russell Westbrook. He is averaging 22 points, 6 assist, and 4 rebounds versus the Denver Nuggets in 28 games. He is coming off of a massive 74.5 fantasy points game in just 37 minutes versus the Dallas Mavericks. If you want to pay a little less at the point guard position and get good value back, Steph Curry is the next man up.

Low Tier Options

Trae Young vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Salary: $6,200 – Needs to score 31 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Sticking in the fastest paced game of the night with the Atlanta Hawks, for a cheaper option Trae Young is the one to go to. Averaging 16 points, 7 assist, and 3 rebounds per game with a usage rate of 27%. Trae Young is basically the go to guy but he’s just a rookie. He has returned value the past four games. He does go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder who are allowing point guards to average just 18 points, 8 assist, and 4 rebounds per game. In his one game versus the Thunder earlier this year, he almost recorded a double double with 9 points, 8 assist, and 4 rebounds. He is a much cheaper option than Russell Westbrook and Steph Curry but will have a tougher night to exceed his value.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Devin Booker vs. Indiana Pacers

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

We don’t have the best shooting guard depth tonight but Devin Booker does have a better match-up of the few. He is currently averaging 25 points, 7 assist, and 4 rebounds in 35 minutes per game this season. He is at a usage rate of 31% while averaging 1.1 fantasy points per minute. The Indiana Pacers are allowing shooting guards to average 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist per game this season.

Devin Booker is coming off of back spasms and has missed the past few games but before that he had returned value in three of the past five games. In a small sample size of just 7 games, Devin Booker is averaging 19 points, 4 assist and 4 rebounds versus the Indiana Pacers. The two faced off earlier this season where Booker recorded 20 points, 8 assist, and 4 rebounds. With a very sad shooting guard depth tonight, Booker is the best play to return value.

Other Top Tier Options

Jimmy Butler vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Salary: $7,600 – Needs to score 38 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Coming in pretty cheap once again, Jimmy Butler is in a position to exceed value. Averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, and just 3 assist on the season, Butler is at a usage rate of 23%. He is in a position of fighting his front office and head coach so we won’t know what we’ll get with him. He has only returned value twice in his past five games, scoring 46.5 and 40.8 fantasy points. But this is where we kick in the revenge narrative and expect Jimmy Butler to go off. With his price tag being so low, we could plug-in Jimmy Butler with other top options and value plays.

Low Tier Option

JJ Redick vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Salary: $5,600 – Needs to score 28 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Staying in the same game and the same team, we love some JJ Redick. Reddick manages to exceed value and do it at such a low-cost. Redick is averaging 18 points, 3 assist, and 2 rebounds in 31 minutes while averaging .8 fantasy points per minute. He has a usage rate of 23% on the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing shooting guards to average 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Redick has faced the Timberwolves 24 times in his career, averaging 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assist. Another plus side is that this game has a point total of 231 points, giving more opportunities for Jimmy Butler and JJ Redick.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Miami Heat

Salary: $11,200 – Needs to score 56 fantasy points or more to exceed value (72.8 for 6.5x value)

There are two major concerns with the play of Giannis Antetokounmpo tonight and one is his questionable tag while the other is that he did not have a great game the first time these two teams met. The Greek Freak is averaging 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assist on the season with a usage rate of 31%. When Giannis Antetokounmpo is hot, he averages around 1.6 fantasy points per minute. The Miami Heat are allowing small forwards to average 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game.

The first time these two teams met, the Greek Freak only recorded 9 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assist. Nothing to be excited about. In his past five games, Giannis has only returned value twice, scoring 62.8 and 73.5 fantasy points. But like I said, watch for his questionable tag throughout the day and up until lock.

Other Top Tier Options

Kevin Durant vs. Denver Nuggets

Salary: $9,700 – Needs to score 48.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (63 for 6.5x value)

With no questionable tag or bad games versus the Denver Nuggets, Kevin Durant is next in line at the small forward position. Averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assist, he’s the next best Warriors up on this slate. Durant has a usage rate of 30% and is averaging 1.4 fantasy points per game. Denver is allowing small forwards to average 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. In their first match-up, Kevin Durant recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assist. He has only returned value in two games of his previous five games, scoring 50.3 and 53.8 fantasy points. Kevin Durant comes in at a cheaper option then the Greek Freak and has a more solid match-up to return value.

Low Tier Options

Bojan Bogdanovic vs. Phoenix Suns

Salary: $5,500 – Needs to score 27.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Going from Bogdan Bogdanovic to Bojan Bogdanovic tonight, we are in store to exceed the value at a cheap option of $5,500. Bojan is averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assist per game while averaging .83 fantasy points per minute. The Phoenix Suns are allowing small forwards to average 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assist per game. In a small sample size of just 9 games, Bojan Bogdanoivc is averaging 15 points and 5 rebounds versus them which is what he put up the last time they faced off this season. In the past five games though, Bogdanovic has only returned value twice, scoring 34 and 41.8 fantasy points. It’s hard to pass up Bogdanovic at this low price with a low ceiling of just 27 fantasy points to exceed.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Domantas Sabonis vs. Phoenix Suns

Salary: $7,900 – Needs to score 39.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Tonight, we’re hoping for a repeat performance from the man Domantas Sabonis. He gets to face the Phoenix Suns once again, who allow power forwards to average 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assist. Sabonis is averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assist with a usage rate of 23%. He is averaging 34 fantasy points per game this season, 1.3 fantasy points per minute. Sabonis has also returned value in his past five games, scoring 45, 39.3, 38.3, 35.8, and 46.8 fantasy points.

In 7 games against the Suns, Domantas Sabonis averages 11 points and 7 rebounds. But in their first match-up, Sabonis recorded a double double with 21 points, 16 rebounds and 3 assist. Domantas Sabonis has a great match-up versus the Phoenix Suns who play more like a G-League team and Sabonis has a low price tag, making it easier for him to exceed value tonight.

Other Top Tier Options

Paul George vs. Atlanta Hawks

Salary: $9,200 – Needs to score 46 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Now Paul George has had ups and downs this season but he’s also playing alongside Russell Westbrook. Averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assist on the season with a usage rate of 29%. He is averaging 1.4 fantasy points per minute. But tonight he gets to face the fast paced Atlanta Hawks who are allowing power forwards to average 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist. George has faced the Hawks 23 times in his career, averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assist against them. He has returned value only once in his past five games, scoring 53 fantasy points but has been hit and missed since then. With this game being fast paced due to the Atlanta Hawks play style, Paul George will receive more opportunities tonight.

Low Tier Options

Wendell Carter Jr. vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Salary: $5,300 – Needs to score 26.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Another nice value play tonight, Wendell Carter Jr. gets to face the Los Angeles Lakers who are in a downward spiral when facing worse teams than themselves. Averaging 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assist per game while averaging 1 fantasy point per minute. This Los Angeles Lakers team is allowing power forwards to average 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. In his past five games, Carter Jr. has only returned value twice, scoring 31.5 and 37.5 fantasy points. With no sample size and with Wendell Carter Jr. young career, this is a shot to be cautious with as Carter Jr. has ups and downs throughout the season. But with this Chicago Bulls team being as bad they are, we also don’t know how many minutes Wendell Carter Jr. will play which is another downside.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Karl Anthony-Towns vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Salary: $10,200 – Needs to score 51 fantasy points or more to exceed value (66.3 for 6.5x)

We have great depth at the center position but we have a great match-up with Karl Anthony-Towns versus Joel Embiid. When Joel Embiid usual dominates, KAT is the one on the greater end in this battle. When facing Joel Embiid, KAT averages 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assist. Hard to pass up. On the season, KAT is averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assist with a usage rate 27%. He is averaging 1.4 fantasy points per minute.

More from FanSided

The Philadelphia 76ers are allowing centers to average 23 points and 14 rebounds per game. Against the 76ers, KAT is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds in just 6 games, a small sample size. Also in his past five games, KAT has returned value in four of them, scoring 56.8, 67.5, 56.8, and 78.8 fantasy points. With his match-up versus the 76ers and Joel Embiid, Karl Anthony-Towns is in store for a great battle tonight.

Other Top Tier Options

Deandre Ayton vs. Indiana Pacers

Salary: $7,100 – Needs to score 35.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

The rookie and star, Deandre Ayton gets to face the Indiana Pacers who he has had a great game against already. Ayton is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds on the season with a usage rate of 21%. He is averaging 1.1 fantasy points per minute also. The Pacers are allowing centers to average 22 points and 15 rebounds per game. In their first match-up, Ayton recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds. While Ayton has failed us before in repeat matches, it’s hard to pass him up in this one. He hasn’t been able to return value lately but did turn it around in his past game with 45.8 fantasy points. If you are looking for a lower cost center, Deandre Ayton is the one to go with.

Low Tier Options

JaVale McGee vs. Chicago Bulls

Salary: $5,300 – Needs to score 26.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

A pretty huge risk play once again but JaVale McGee gets a perfect opportunity tonight when facing the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are currently allowing centers to average 25 points and 17 rebounds per game. McGee is just averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds this season, nothing impressive. The Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough position with the injury of Lebron James and are running out of options and finding ways to win or even improve. The last time McGee even returned value was January 4th where he scored 32.3 fantasy points. McGee has a low usage rate of 19% and is only scoring 1.1 fantasy points per minute. These two teams have yet to meet this season so we don’t have anything to go off of and while both teams are in major slumps, who knows what we can actually get out of JaVale McGee versus this struggling Chicago Bulls team.

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