NBA Draftkings: Top Salary Value Plays – Rated PG13

Welcome back guys! Sorry for the small break over the weekend but we’re back with the “Top Salary Value Plays” for NBA Draftkings! We have a 8 game slate on this Tuesday night with Russell Westbrook and Paul George appearing. We’re also waiting on the announcement of Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, which we all know is coming. So lets dive in and find our 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 even Paul George, 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 Paul George was priced at $9,600 versus the New Orleans Pelicans so we needed him to hit 48 fantasy points to return five times his value. Sure enough,  Paul George returned value and exceeded it by scoring 54.8. 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. As a special thank you to our Fantasy CPR readers, we have a $50 Free Roll tonight on FantasyDraft. You can access the free roll link here! Lets not waste any more time and kick off the research for this 8 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. Orlando Magic

Salary: $11,400 – Needs to score 57 fantasy points or more to exceed value ( 74.10 for 6.5x)

Westbrook is holding a usage rate of 30% on the season and with Paul George being a true power-house this season, it’s hard to decide on who to play on these slates. Russell Westbrook is averaging 21 points, 11 assist and 10 rebounds per game, a true triple double monster. He’s averaging 57.7 fantasy points per game and 1.64 fantasy points per minute. Westbrook is facing an Orlando defense that is allowing point guards to average 22 points, 7  assist and 6 rebounds. Westbrook hasn’t missed value since January 24th so even with Paul George, it’s hard to fade Russell Westbrook.

Other Top Tier Option

Kemba Walker vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Salary: $8,700 – Needs to score 43.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

If there is one bright spot about the Charlotte Hornets, then it’s Kemba Walker who is averaging 24 points, 6 assist, and 4 rebounds with a usage rate of 30% . Walker is coming off of a huge game of 65 fantasy points against the Chicago Bulls. He’s averaging 42.1 fantasy points per game and 1.22 fantasy points per minute. Walker gets to face a Los Angeles Clippers team that is allowing point guards to average 23 points, 7 assist, and 7 rebounds per game. This is a good match-up for Kemba Walker who is coming off of a huge game and now gets a defense which he can easily destroy.

Low Tier Option

Jerryd Bayless vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Salary: $5,400 – Needs to score 27 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Draftkings is extremely behind on Jerryd Bayless still as his ceiling is just 27 fantasy points tonight. He has a usage rate of 19% and is averaging 7 points, 4 assist and 2 rebounds per game. Bayless hasn’t been below 30 minutes since January 22nd and has most likely found his spot in this Minnesota rotation. He has six straight games of destroying his value. He does face a Grizzlies defense that is allowing point guards to average 21 points, 7 assist, and 5 rebounds per game so we should be in store for another night of Bayless exceeding his value. Just be careful as he may be chalky.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Lou Williams vs. Charlotte Hornets

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

It’s tough to pay $7,300 for a bench player but Lou Williams is that guy that we’ll pay for when in a good spot. Even though he’s the second highest priced shooting guard, Lou Williams has impressive numbers. With a usage rate of 32%, he’s averaging 19 points, 5 assist, and 3 rebounds while averaging 26 minutes. He’s averaging 32.1 fantasy points per game and 1.23 fantasy points per minute. He’s coming off of a horrible game of just 23 fantasy points but returned value in the past three games before that. Now he gets to face a Hornets defense that is allowing shooting guards to average 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game, a great match-up for Lou Williams.

Other Top Tier Option

CJ McCollum vs. Miami Heat

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

It has been hard to pinpoint CJ McCollum this season and almost any Portland Trailblazers player but McCollum has a nice match-up tonight versus the Maimi Heat. The Heat are allowing shooting guards to average 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. On the season, McCollum is averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assist per game with a usage rate of 25%. He’s averaging 32.6 fantasy points per game and .95 fantasy points per minute. McCollum has returned value in just three of his last five games, scoring 42.75, 61.5, and 41.25 fantasy points. This seems like a good play at the short shooting guard depth that we’re looking at tonight.

Low Tier Option

Terrance Ross vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Salary: $5,000 – Needs to score 25 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Terrance Ross is similar to Lou Williams tonight, he’s also coming off of a poor game of just 9.5 fantasy points. Ross is averaging 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assist per game with a usage rate of 23%. He’s average 23.8 fantasy points per game and .89 fantasy points per minute. He has also returned value in four of his previous five games, scoring 43.5, 28.5, 28.5, and 32.5 fantasy points. This Oklahoma City Thunder team is allowing shooting guards to average 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assist per game so if this is a bounce back game then this is the one for Terrance Ross.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Paul George vs. Charlotte Hornets

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

I say do not fade Paul George! PG13 is on a killer streak currently and is averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assist with a usage rate of 29%. George has returned value in six straight games, scoring 64, 54.75, 65.75, 57.5, 67.25, and 53.5 fantasy points. He’s averaging 50.4 fantasy points per game and 1.4 fantasy points per minute. George gets to face the Charlotte Hornets who are allowing small forwards to average 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. If you can fit the two together, Russell Westbrook and Paul George, in a line-up then do it.

Other Top Tier

Lebron James vs. Indiana Pacers

Salary: $10,700 – Needs to score 53.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (69.55 for 6.5x)

Now Lebron James should be in play but the Los Angeles Lakers might rest him once again for “load management” which is what the Los Angeles Rams were participating in during the Superbowl on Sunday. Now James returned on January 31st with a stat-line of 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assist. On the season, James is averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist per game with a usage rate of 31%. He gets to face a Indiana Pacers team that is allowing small forwards to average 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assist per game so it will be a tough one if Lebron even plays.

Low Tier Option

Reggie Bullock vs. New York Knicks

Salary: $4,200 – Needs to score 21 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Reggie Bullock is a true low tier option tonight and if you’re looking to save salary to pair with Paul George or even Lebron James, then he is your guy. Bullock has a usage rate of 16% while averaging 12 points, 2 assist and 2 rebounds. He’s averaging 20.8 fantasy points per game and .69 fantasy points per minute. He hasn’t returned value since January 23rd also so that is another downside to him. He does get to face a Knicks team that just made a trade that sent Kristap Porzingis off to Dallas so who knows what to expect. The Knicks are allowing small forwards to average 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Bullock could see extended minutes if the Detroit Pistons turn this one into a blowout.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Blake Griffin vs. New York Knicks

Salary: $8,800 – Needs to score 44 fantasy points or more to exceed value

This is a great value play but could also be way to be careful with as the Detroit Pistons and Blake Griffin get to face a horrible New York Knicks team. It can get ugly quick. Griffin is currently averaging 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assist with a 30% usage rate. Blake Griffin may be priced just right tonight as he hasn’t returned value since January 31st. Griffin is averaging 46.5 fantasy points per game and 1.29 fantasy points per minute. The New York Knicks are allowing power forwards to average 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Griffin did record 30 points, 5 assist and 4 rebounds in the first meeting with the Knicks but like I mentioned, this Knicks team is a lot worse now which makes this a great match-up.

Other Top Tier Option

Aaron Gordon vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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

Now Aaron Gordon is just like CJ McCollum except about five times worse, he’s hard to call. Gordon is averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assist with a usage rate of 21%. He’s also averaging 33.3 fantasy points per game and 1 fantasy point per minute. He gets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder that are allowing power forwards to average 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. In their previous match-up on the 29th, Gordon recorded 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assist, scoring 40.25 fantasy points. If he can repeat that performance again tonight, which is somewhat doubtful, then we are easily in store for a great night from Aaron Gordon.

Low Tier Option

Jonathon Isaac vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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

Staying in the same game and the same team, Jonathon Isaac is another power forward to target. Isaac has four straight games of exceeding value, scoring 26.5, 29, 36.75, and 39 fantasy points. With a lower ceiling to reach and $900 salary cheaper, Isaac is a great option also. He’s averaging 8 points and 5 rebounds with a usage rate of 15%. He’s averaging 20.4 fantasy points per game and .81 fantasy points per minute. Depending if Orlando can keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaac may see more burn if the Thunder do destroy them early on.

NBA Draftkings – Top Tier

Joel Embiid vs. Toronto Raptors

Salary: $10,500 – Needs to score 52.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (68.25 for 6.5x)

Joel Embiid is an absolute monster and is pretty affordable tonight versus the Toronto Raptord. Embiid is averaging 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assist per game with a usage rate of 33%. He’s averaging 54.7 fantasy points per game and 1.65 fantasy points per minute. He has returned value in eight straight games so there should be no doubt that he can do it again. One thing to watch for as usual with this Philadelphia 76ers team is the injury report, we can see Embiid, Simmons or Butler or all three pop up on it. Embiid does get to face the Raptors who are allowing centers to average 20 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assist per game. This is a great match-up for Embiid tonight and he should be your top center target.

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Other Top Tier Option

Myles Turner vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Salary: $6,500 – Needs to score 32.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value

We usually target centers versus Brooklyn or even the Washington Wizards but we now have the Lakers on the slate so Myles Turner is that guy up. Turner has a usage rate of 20% while averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. Turner is averaging 31.3 fantasy points per game and 1.11 fantasy points per minute. He has returned value in three of his last five games, scoring 36.75, 31.75, and 39.25 fantasy points. He gets to face this Lakers team that is allowing centers to average 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Turner did have a very disappointing game against the Lakers in their first match-up, recording just 6 points, 6 rebounds and 1 lonely assist.

Low Tier Option

Bam Adebayo vs. Portland Trailblazers

Salary: $4,200 – Needs to score 21 fantasy points or more to exceed value

Now the Miami Heat have a beautiful thing at the center position with Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo but that makes it very difficult for us, dfs players, to decide who to play. Adebayo is averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assist per game with a usage rate of 15%. He gets to face a Portland team that is allowing centers to average 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. In their first match-up, Adebayo did record 7 points and 6 rebounds. He’s averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game and .99 fantasy points per minute. Adebayo has returned value in three of his last five games, scoring 22.5, 22.75, and 24.25 fantasy points. Bam Adebayo could be a great, low salary play tonight but it depends on if Whiteside has a bad start to the game because Adebayo will get more of the run if so.

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR each and every day for all the latest NBA DFS news and analysis!