DFS NBA – The Top Salary Value Plays – KAT in The Hat Night

DFS NBA – The Breakdown

So as usually, 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 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 – Game & Point Totals

Orlanda Magics vs. Philadelphia 76ers – Point Total: Not Available

Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers – Point Total: 219.5

Houston Rockets vs. Toronto Raptors – Point Total: 228

Portland Trailblazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Point Total: Not Available

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Grizzlies – Point Total: Not Available

Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors – Point Total: Not Available 

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Top Tier Plays

James Harden vs. Toronto Raptors

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

James Harden is back to his prime form once again I’m assuming. He has now turned in two massive performances in his two previous games, scoring 95.3 and 63.8 fantasy points. He now has another opportunity to do some damage against the Toronto Raptors. He’s averaging 62.8 fantasy points per game and 1.69 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 40%.

The Toronto Raptors may be with or without Kawhi Leonard, none of us know until 5 minutes after lock. But they do give up 41.06 fantasy points per game. They also allow opposing shooting guards to average 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist. I’ve been more on the fading side of James Harden with the return of a healthy Rockets squad but it seems like we’re back to the usual “Don’t Fade” piece of the article.

Kevin Durant vs. Boston Celtics

Salary: $9,100 – Needs to score 45.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (59.15 for 6.5x)

I’m doing this strictly based off of the fact that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are best friends currently and I’m expecting them to go off against each other. The Warriors are struggling currently to find their rhythm in time for the playoffs. Durant has been near his 5x value in the past two games, scoring 47.3 and 46.8 fantasy points. He’s averaging 48.6 fantasy points per game and 1.38 fantasy points per minute.

The Celtics are usually a tough defensive team but they are similar to the Warriors and have been struggling in the second half of the season. They are giving up just 39.97 fantasy points to the small forward position. Allowing opposing small forwards to average 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game.

Karl Anthony-Towns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Salary: $10,600 – Needs to score 53 fantasy points or more to exceed value (68.9 for 6.5x)

Have you seen what KAT has been doing since kicking off the second half of the season? He has three straight games of 70+ fantasy points and then in his last game, he scored 55.5 fantasy points. He’s too cheap to fade tonight in my opinion. Hes averaging 50.1 fantasy points per game and 1.51 fantasy point per minute with a usage rate of 27%. The Thunder don’t have the best big men to slow down this new dominating KAT.

The Thunder are allowing opposing centers to average 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assist per game, plus give up 53.71 fantasy points. In 14 games versus Steven Adams, KAT is averaging 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist. KAT has the number of the Thunder and Steven Adams and with the way he’s playing, KAT is a must play.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Top Tier Plays

Kyrie Irving vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $9,400 – Needs to score 47 fantasy points or more to exceed value (61.1 for 6.5x)

I mentioned in the Kevin Durant piece that tonight him and Kyrie Irving will be battling it out to see who can out score the best friend more. But Kyrie has taken the past two games off and ruined lineups by scoring just 37.2 and 39.8 fantasy points. He is averaging 42.91 fantasy points per game though which is nice to see. Irving has a usage rate of 29% and is also averaging 1.34 fantasy points per minute.

The Warriors may be without Klay Thompson which could benefit the Celtics even more. The Warriors are allowing opposing point guards to average 22 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds per game, plus 44.51 fantasy points. I understand anyone is avoiding Irving tonight but I also think he’ll want to compete with Kevin Durant as they have been pretty buddy buddy since the All Star break.

Nikola Vucevic vs. Philadelphia 76ers

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

Now if Joel Embiid is out, Vucevic could have an amazing night as he has been on top of his game recently. Vucevic now has only one game below 50 fantasy points since returning from the All Star break and he is coming off of 61.6 fantasy points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s averaging 31 minutes per game with a usage rate of 27%. He’s averaging 45.26 fantasy points per game and 1.46 fantasy points per minute. If Vuc gets Bolden, go all in!

The Philadelphia 76ers are giving up 55.30 fantasy points to opposing centers currently but it will be more tonight if the cards fall correctly for Vucevic. They also allow centers to average 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. I’m really like Vucevic more as the thought goes on and the 52.5 fantasy points ceiling looks pretty easily for him to reach.

Lauri Markkanen vs. Indiana Pacers

Salary: $9,100 – Needs to score 45.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (59.15 for 6.5x)

Lauri Markkanen may be pushing it tonight at $9,100 and facing a tough Indiana Pacers team but the Bulls are fully rested so we should be in “safe” hands. He’s averaging 35.49 fantasy points per game and 1.07 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 25%. Markkanen almost put up a double double in the last meeting also versus the Pacers, recording 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assist in that game.

The Pacers do give up 45.42 fantasy points to opposing power forwards while allowing them to average 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Markkanen will see Thaddeus Young tonight also since Domantis Sabonis is out. In 6 games when facing Young, Markkanen averages 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assist. Markkanen is pushing the border line for me when it comes to top plays but with the numbers on the paper, he should be good to roll out.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Mid Tier Plays

DeMarcus vs. Boston Celtics 

Salary: $8,000 – Needs to score 40 fantasy points or more to exceed value (52 for 6.5x)

I believe tonight you can actually focus on Kevin Durant over the cheap DeMarcus Cousins but he’s still in play. Boogie is an absolutely beast and has scored 37, 46.5, 51.8, 41.8, and 41 fantasy points since kicking off the second half of the season. Tonight is a huge game for both teams so expect some fireworks from both sides. Boogie is averaging 25 minutes but has been pushing near 30 minutes with the minute restriction taken off. He’s averaging 35.9 fantasy points per game and 1.43 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 27%.

The Celtics started out as a strong defensive team but have slightly fell off since. They are giving up 53.03 fantasy points to centers per game. They also allow opposing centers to average 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Boogie is averaging 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assist in 12 games versus Al Horford also.

Aaron Gordon vs. Philadelphia 76ers 

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

Aaron Gordon is coming in tonight on a nice streak plus gets a $300 price drop versus, what may be, a healthy 76ers team. He has only had one game below 30 fantasy points and that was on February 24th. He has since scored 40.8, 48.3, 31.5, and 31 fantasy points. Gordon is still averaging 1 fantasy point per minute while averaging 33 fantasy points per game with a usage rate of 22%.

The 76ers healthy could be a scary thing to face but they still have some weak spots. They are giving up 49.34 fantasy points per game while allowing opposing power forwards to average 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. I would still play Gordon even if the 76ers are healthy.

Zach LaVine vs. Indiana Pacers

Salary: $7,600 – Needs to score 38 fantasy points or more to exceed value (49.4 for 6.5x)

Zach LaVine absolutely destroyed line-ups on Sunday after a grueling 5 OT game the night before. He put in 28 minutes, scoring just 19.5 fantasy points but what do you expect after his crazy  Saturday? He does see a big $500 price drop in salary but he’s also facing a tough Indiana Pacers team. He’s averaging 38 fantasy points per game and 1.11 fantasy points per minute.

LaVine had a hell of a scoring night versus the Pacers on January 4th where he dropped 31 points off of 51% shooting, plus 5 rebounds and 3 assist. The Pacers do allow opposing point guards to average 18 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds, plus 42.18 fantasy points per game. LaVine may have been one of the guys to burn you on Sunday but I don’t expect the same outcome since he has had a good day off of rest.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Mid Tier Plays

Myles Turner vs. Chicago Bulls

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

Myles Turner get to face off with the Chicago Bulls tonight and he is not at a bad price. He has not had the best few past games at all, scoring just 30.7, 24.2, and 33.5 fantasy points in his last three games. He is averaging 32.98 fantasy points per game and 1.17 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 20%. He also is without Domantis Sabonis once again.

The Chicago Bulls are one of the weaker defenses when facing opposing centers. They give up the fourth most fantasy points to the position with 58.86. They also allow opposing centers to average 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. While Vucevic has what seems everything working in his favor for his match-up, Myles Turner is a great second option.

Darren Collison vs. Chicago Bulls

Salary: $7,400 – Needs to score 37 fantasy points or more to exceed value (48.1 for 6.5x)

The Indiana Pacers seem to be the team to focus on if we’re going strictly mid tier plays as Darren Collison also has a great match-up. He has put up 33.9 and 38.6 fantasy points in his past two games, recording almost two double doubles. He’s averaging a low 26.57 fantasy points per game on the season though and .94 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 17%. But he also gets to face the Chicago Bulls who slack versus the point guard position.

The Bulls are giving up 47.25 fantasy points to the shooting guard position currently. They are also allowing opposing shooting guards to average 24 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds per game. Collison gets a match-up that should work in his favor but we also need to be careful with the statuses of Tyreke Evans and Cory Joseph as they may get that late questionable tag as usual.

Draymond Green vs. Boston Celtics

Salary: $6,500 – Needs to score 32.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (42.25 for 6.5x)

Draymond Green gets an absolute boost as Looney and Iguodala are already announced out while Klay Thompson and McKinnie are currently hit with the questionable tag. Green has taken a huge hit though with DeMarcus Cousins coming in to the starting role at center but he did have a good game of 37.8 fantasy points versus the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s averaging 31.75 fantasy points per game and 1 fantasy point per minute with a low usage rate of 13%. If McKinnie and Thompson are also announced as out then I’m really rolling with Green.

The Celtics are truly a tough team when it comes to defense.  The Celtics give up just 42.64 fantasy points to the power forward position. They allow opposing power forwards to average 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Like any slate, watch the Warriors and their injury news all the way up to lock but have small ownership in Draymond at least.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Low Tier Plays

Taj Gibson vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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

Taj Gibson may be in a battle for the power forward position but he has been doing the most for it and only in about 20 minutes per game also. He has now score 20+ fantasy points in his past three games with 20.5, 29.8, and 30 fantasy points. He’s averaging 23.3 fantasy points per game and .97 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 16%. He now gets to face the Oklahoma City Thunder who allow power forwards some nice numbers.

The Thunder are currently allowing opposing power forwards to average 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. They are also giving up 48.93 fantasy points to the position. While Gibson isn’t the starter, it’s hard to pass up his production and salary price.

Jaylen Brown vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $4,300 – Needs to score 21.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (27.95 for 6.5x)

Jaylen Brown continues to be really cheap and that’s due to his minutes as he only averages 26 minutes per game. He has been over 20 fantasy points in 5 of his last 6 games also, scoring just 18.3 fantasy points in one. He is averaging 23.1 fantasy points per game and .92 fantasy points per minute. I think Jaylen may get an uptick in minutes if this game is a fast paced one throughout the whole night so some guys will need some rest.

The Warriors may be without Klay Thompson but are already withoiut Andre Iguodala and Kevin Looney but that just means the Celtics won’t have to worry about Thompson’s defense. The Warriors allow opposing shooting guards to average 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist per game, plus give up 40.71 fantasy points also. I think there are better options when looking to save salary but I also think Jaylen Brown will be super low owned.

Jonah Bolden vs. Orlando Magic

Salary: $3,900 – Needs to score 19.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (25.35 for 6.5x)

Now this play depends on Joel Embiid and if he plays tonight but he was at practice yesterday so I assume he will but we never know with the 76ers and their late decisions of their rosters. Bolden has scored 26.5, 20.8, and 23.8 fantasy points while replacing Embiid in the starting lineup but Mike Scott also took some of those minutes. But honestly if Embiid plays, don’t risk playing Bolden and assume he will still get some good minutes because he won’t.

The Orlando Magic allow opposing centers to average 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. They also give up 52.74 fantasy to centers per game also. So once again be cautious with Bolden and watch the Embiid news up until lock if you are looking for a cheap center option.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Low Tier Plays

D.J. Augustin vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Salary: $5,100 – Needs to score 25.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (33.15 for 6.5x)

My addiction is on the slate once again! D.J. Augustin is a little bit more difficult to play on Fanduel but I like his match-up tonight which makes the $5,100 price tag okay. Augustin is coming off of a good game of 30.5 fantasy points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s averaging 22 fantasy points per game and .81 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 16%. But as usual, Augustin gets the burn when it comes to minutes so as long as this game stays close, Augustin will be in a good spot again.

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The 76ers are pretty good when it comes to defending the point guard position. They give up 44.33 fantasy points to the position while allowing them to average 22 points, 7 assist, and 5 rebounds per game. I won’t suggest 100% of D.J. Augustin in your lineups tonight but throwing him in to one or two won’t be a bad thing.

OG Anunoby vs. Houston Rockets

Salary: $3,900 – Needs to score 19.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (25.35 for 6.5x)

This is a huge play playing off if Kawhi Leonard is rested or starting. If Leonard is out then roll with OG Anunoby as we know he’ll get the nod easily. Anunoby is coming off of 34 minutes while recording 13 points and 6 rebounds versus the Detroit Pistons. We could throw more sample sizes of Anunoby play off of the season but they are extremely small as he rarely gets the playing team with a healthy squad.

The Houston Rockets are giving up 41.12 fantasy points to the small forward position, allowing them to average 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Anunoby only played 11 minutes in their last meeting also, recorded a sad 2 points and 1 rebound. Kawhi Leonard has already had a day of rest so expect for him to actually be ready for this game, making Anunoby a non-factor once again.

Jordan Bell vs. Boston Celtics

Salary: $3,800 – Needs to score 19 fantasy points or more to exceed value (24.7 for 6.5x)

With Kevin Looney announced out already, Jordan Bell should be the back-up for DeMarcus Cousins tonight and get extra playing time. He has only played 13 and 15 minutes in the past two games, scoring 15.1 and 14.1 fantasy points in those games. Bell has a very low ceiling tonight but it’s Fanduel so Bell can easily be the dropped score if needed. The Warriors could be resorting to their bench tonight with all of the “Out” and “Questionable” tags already before lock.

The Celtics give up 51.87 fantasy points to the opposing centers while allowing them to aveage 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assist per games. The Celtics are a tough defensive team but this second half of the season, any team can get one over on them. Fanduel dropped score makes it a little bit better when it comes to punting because even if we get a great game from Jordan Bell, then we’re doing something correct.

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