DFS NBA – The Top Salary Value Plays – Make Me Your Mitch!

So as usual, with any DFS NBA 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 DFS NBA 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 so we can find the Top Value Plays on both DraftKings and FanDuel!

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 this fantasy basketball 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.

In addition to breaking down salary and a players value with their price tag, we are also going to add another section of pairing top-tier and low tier players together for your lineups. We can mix and match all we want with 150+ lineups (we don’t do that though) but in reality, there are usually two or three players we should throw in a lineup together.

Let’s not waste any more time and kick off the research for this 6 game Fantasy Basketball slate on DraftKings and FanDuel!

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Top Tier Plays

Russell Westbrook vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Salary – $11,100 – Needs to score 55.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (72.15 for 6.5x)

Paul George has come back to earth somewhat in the DFS world and so now we’re left knowing to roll with Russell Westbrook when it comes to a salary value standpoint. Westbrook didn’t hit 5x value on the small 3 game slate on Tuesday but he did still reach 52 fantasy points. He gets to face the 76ers who may be without Joel Embiid, Boban (5-7 days) which leads to no one stopping Westbrook in the paint. The 76ers only give up 45.23 fantasy points to point guards though.

Westbrook, on the other hand, is averaging 59.1 fantasy points per game and 1.69 fantasy points per minute. He hasn’t seen the 76ers this season but we know exactly what Westbrook is and does, he averages triple doubles.

Nikola Jokic vs. Utah Jazz

Salary: $10,000 – Needs to score 50 fantasy points or more to exceed value (65 for 6.5x)

The big man, Nikola Jokic, is on a roll since starting the second half of the season, scoring 49.25, 53, and 66.75 fantasy points. He’s averaging 50 fantasy points per game and 1.58 fantasy points per minute. Jokic now faces the Utah Jazz who are giving up 57.71 fantasy points to centers per game. In 9 games versus Rudy Gobart, Jokic is averaging 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assist but he recorded a monster triple double on November 3rd, recorded 7 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assist. Jokic shows no signs of slowing down and when paying up at center, he’s the guy to go to.

Ben Simmons vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Salary: $8,400 – Needs to score 42 fantasy points or more to exceed value (54.6 for 6.5x)

Ben Simmons has been priced up by $400 tonight and he may be affected even more if Joel Embiid is cleared to play so this is a cautious play that we need to watch the news for. Simmons is coming off of a bad game versus the New Orleans Pelicans with 36 fantasy points, a team the 76ers should have dominated. He’s averaging 43.4 fantasy points per game and 1.30 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 22%. He gets to face a Thunder defense that is allowing opposing small forwards to average 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist, plus 42.36 fantasy points per game. But like I said, just watch the Joel Embiid news all the way up until lock just in case he is cleared to play because then the Ben Simmons stock drops a little on this 6 game slate.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Top Tier Plays

Steph Curry vs. Orlando Magic

Salary: $9,300 – Needs to score 46.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (60.45 for 6.5x)

Now Steph Curry and the Warriors have started out the second half of the season on a really bad foot and who knows when they’ll care but hopefully it’s soon as they are battling for the 1st seed. Curry is averaging just 44.5 fantasy points per game and 1.3 fantasy points per minute. Curry has dropped off in the fantasy point category the past two games, scoring just 39 and 34.2 fantasy points.

They do face the Magic tonight who are giving up 45.73 fantasy points to the point guard position, allowing them to average 22 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds. We also know the DeMarcus Cousin has played a huge role in taking production from the other four starters and with him having last night off due to rest then he’ll be playing tonight. Curry’s usage rate does drop from 30% to 27% with him on the court also. If you aren’t willing to spend on Russell Westbrook as he is easier to use on Draftkings then Fanduel, Steph Curry is your next top play.

Kevin Love vs. New York Knicks

Salary: $7,500 – Needs to score 37.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (48.75 for 6.5x)

I miss writing Kevin Love up on articles but since he’s back and what seems to be running a good amount of minutes now, he’s in a great spot. Love has played 22, 25, and 28 minutes to kick off the second half of the season. He also has scored 26.7, 49.4, and 31.9 fantasy points in those three games. His price is somewhat reasonable but we should still be a little cautious because we never know what can happen to his minutes. He does get to face the New York Knicks who give up 48.29 fantasy points to the power forward position, allowing them to average 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. The Knicks are also an absolute miss so this is the perfect time to exploit them and why not use Kevin Love to do so.

Nikola Vucevic vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $10,400 – Needs to score 52 fantasy points or more to exceed value (67.6 for 6,5x)

We already know that Vucevic will be facing a fully rested DeMarcus Cousins and Golden State Warriors tonight. We also know that Vucevic doesn’t have the best stats versus Boogie, averaging just 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assist in 9 games. But the big man has been on fire lately so it’s hard to avoid him. He has recorded three straight games of 50+ fantasy points to kick off the second half of the season, averaging a double double. The Warriors are giving one some of the fewest fantasy points to centers also, giving up just 43.28 fantasy points. While this isn’t the ideal match-up or write up to tell you to play Vucevic but with the momentum that he is on, roll with him at the Center position if your salary allows you too.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Mid Tier Plays

Darren Collison vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Salary: $6,000 – Needs to score 30 fantasy points or more to exceed value (39 for 6.5x)

Darren Collison has hit value in four (almost five by 1 fantasy point) straight games now, scoring 32, 32.25, 30, and 36.25 fantasy points. He Has almost seen 30 minutes in all of those games also which is a major positive. He gets to face the Minnesota Timberwolves who are allowing opposing point guards to average  20 points, 9 assist, and 6 rebounds for 46.19 fantasy points per game. Collison is coming off of another game but if Tyreke Evans is out once again, look for Collison to get major run time.

Andrew Wiggins vs. Indiana Pacers

Salary: $6,100 – Needs to score 30.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (39.65 for 6.5x)

I’m completely on the Wiggins train to kick off the second half of the season as he has only had one bad game so far, scoring just 20.25 fantasy points. But he bounced back from that performance last night, scoring 31 fantasy points. He’s averaging 30.8 fantasy points per game and .90 fantasy points per minute. He gets to face a tough team tonight though with the Indiana Pacers, so this is a ballsy play. The Pacers only give up 38.29 fantasy points to the small forward position, allowing them to average 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assist. The final note is that Wiggins is averaging 34 minutes per game which means he’s going to see the burn on the court no matter what, giving himself more opportunities.

Mitchell Robinson vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Salary: $6,400 – Needs to score 32 fantasy points or more to exceed value (41.6 for 6.5x)

Be Prepared for Chalk! Give me all of the Mitchell Robinson tonight! If I make 150 lines, Robinson would be in 150 of them easily. He has put together two performances of 45 and 54 fantasy points in his last two match-ups while playing 30 and 33 minutes. He put up 15 points and 14 rebounds versus the San Antonio Spurs. Then he put up 17 points and 14 rebounds versus the Orlando Magic. Now he gets to face the Cleveland Cavaliers! A match made for Heaven. The Cavaliers are giving up 52.65 fantasy points to the center position, allowing opposing centers to average 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Robinson will be chalky no matter what but you can not pass up on him on this slate, at all!

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Mid Tier Plays

Clint Capela vs. Miami Heat

Salary: $7,700 – Needs to score 38.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (50.5 for 6.5x)
Now this isn’t the biggest drop in salary for a “mid tier” play but going down from Vucevic to Capela is a good one. Capela is coming off of a huge game versus the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 2 assist for 52.4 fantasy points. He now gets to face a Miami Heat team that is already without Hassan Whiteside. When facing Bam Adebayo, Capela is averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds but it’s a small sample size of just 3 games. Capela also put up 6 points, 14 rebounds with 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block in their December match-up. On the defensive end, Miami is giving up 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assist for 50.51 fantasy points to the center position. Capela is in line to have back to back good match-ups while being at a very reasonable price tag.

Josh Richardson vs. Houston Rockets

Salary: $6,400 – Needs to score 32 fantasy points or more to exceed value (41.6 for 6.5x)

Sticking in the same game, Josh Richardson is in line for a good match-up after coming off of a strong performance versus the Golden State Warriors where he scored 33.5 fantasy points. He is averaging 30.5 fantasy points per game and .89 fantasy points per minute. He hasn’t been the best at returning value lately but has improved every game since returning from the break, going from 27.6 to 28.7 to the 33.5 fantasy points. The Rockets are allowing opposing small forwards to average 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assist for 41.26 fantasy points per game. Richardson did record 22 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds in their last match-up versus the Rockets.

Jordan Clarkson vs. New York Knicks

Salary: $5,300 – Needs to score 26.5 fantasy points or more  to exceed value (34.45 for 6.5x)

Jordan Clarkson has taken a slight hit with the return of Kevin Love but he’s still producing except for one game on the 23rd which was versus the Memphis Grizzlies where he only scored 7.7 fantasy points. Clarkson bounced back on the 25th though, scoring 30 fantasy points off of 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assist. He’s averaging 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and 25.8 fantasy points per game with a usage rate of 28%. He gets to face the New York Knicks who are giving up the fourth most fantasy points to the shooting guard position, allowing them 42.89 fantasy points per game. Clarkson is a very affordable shooting guard that can hit that 5x value easily and could even push for the 6.5x value as long as the Cleveland Cavaliers stay in shooting distance tonight.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Low Tier Plays

Bam Adebayo vs. Houston Rockets

Salary: $4,000 – Needs to score 20 fantasy points or more to exceed value (26 for 6.5x)

Hassan Whiteside was ruled out late last night which puts Bam Bam in the perfect spot to be a salary relief guy once again. He just put up 32.75 fantasy points against the Phoenix Suns but now he gets the Houston Rockets. The Rockets are giving up 56.09 fantasy points to the center position, allowing them to average 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Bam Adebayo is averaging 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assist per game while averaging 22 minutes. He’s also averaging 21.4 fantasy points per game and .97 fantasy points per minute. Bam Bam is a great option at center if you’re looking for relief and stacking the likes of Russell Westbrook with Nikola Jokic.

Eric Gordon vs. Miami Heat

Salary: $4,800 – Needs to score 24 fantasy points or more to exceed value (31.20 for 6.5x)

Starting or not starting, whatever it may be tonight, Eric Gordon is still a good play when it comes to the price tag of $4,800. He has returned at least 5x value in 7 straight games now which is what we’re looking for at minimum. He’s coming off of a bad game though versus the Charlotte Hornets. He does get to face the Miami Heat who are giving up 41.56 fantasy points to the small forward position, allowing them to write 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. In their last match-up, Gordon recorded 20 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assist. If Gordon can repeat that performance, we’ll get passed the 5x and even reach the 6.5x value.

D.J. Augustin vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $4,500 – Needs to score 22.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (29.25 for 6.5x)

Guys! It’s my drug choice of DFS once again with D.J. Augustin and Dan just might yell at me for it. Augustin has seen 27, 27, and 30 minutes since returning to the second half of the season, scoring 28.75, 31.75, and 30.25 fantasy points in each of those game. He broke the 6.5x value mark in two of them. He is averaging 23 fantasy points per game and .85 fantasy points per minute. Augustin is facing a Golden State Warriors that hasn’t been themselves since returning and this just may be the game they bounce back, who knows. The Warriors allow opposing point guards to averaging 22 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds, plus 45.25 fantasy points per game. Like I always say with D.J. Augustin, he’s a low salary costing guy and he gets major run time which makes it hard for me to avoid or even say avoid his match-ups.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Low Tier Plays

Collin Sexton vs. New York Knicks

Salary: $5,000 – Needs to score 25 fantasy points or more to exceed value (32.5 for 6.5x)

Collin Sexton has shown true potential as of lately but since starting the second half of the season, he has had to under-performing performances, scoring just 18.4 and 15.7 fantasy points. But he did put up 36.7 fantasy points versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He’s averaging 22.6 fantasy points per game and .75 fantasy points per minute. He gets to face the tanking Knicks who allow opposing point guards to average 21 points, 8 assist, 6 rebounds, and 45.23 fantasy points per game. This could be a game that a lot target due to value and what is probably going to be an ugly one but Sexton is at top of the list when it comes to value plays.

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Gerald Green vs. Miami Heat

Salary: $3,700 – Needs to score 18.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (24.05 for 6.5x)

Gerald Green is extremely cheap for a guy that has returned value in three of the first four games to kick off the second half of the NBA. He has scored 10, 18.3, 18.7, and 28.5 fantasy points in those games. He also has pushed nearly 20 minutes in all of them except versus the Atlanta Hawks where he only played 13 minutes (He played 18 minutes versus the Los Angeles Lakers). He’s averaging just 15.6 fantasy points per game and .74 fantasy points per minute. The Heat do give up 41 fantasy points to the small forward position, allowing opposing players to average 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. My main thinking is that Green is very cheap and if worse comes to worse, he’s just the dropped score for the night.

Kelly Olynyk vs. Houston Rockets

Salary: $5,500 – Needs to score 27.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (35.75 for 6.5x)

I’m also really liking this Miami Heat and Houston Rockets game as Kelly Olynyk is in play too. Olynyk has turned in 25.7, 22.3, 44.5, and 27 fantasy points to kick off his second half of the season. He has had some really good games but he has also had some really bad games, tonight shouldn’t be one of them. The Houston Rockets are allowing opposing power forwards to average 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assist and 44.80 fantasy points per game. Olynyk recorded 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assist in 22 minutes in their last match-up versus the Rockets also on Deecember 20th. When choosing low tier guys, I would suggest going with Gerald Green and Collin Sexton but Olynyk is a great second option if you are scared of the Cavs and Knicks chalk (potentially).

Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all of your DFS needs. We have the NBA, PGA tour, NHL, and NASCAR all covered!