DFS NBA – The Top Salary Value Plays – Don’t Fade The Beal!

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 9 game Fantasy Basketball slate on DraftKings and FanDuel!

DFS NBA – Games Schedule & Totals

7:00/4:00 P.M.

Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets – Point Total: 234

Dallas Mavericks vs. Orlando Magic – Point Total: 213.5

8:00/5:00 P.M.

Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies – Point Total: 213

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat – Point Total: 213.5

Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Point Total: 232.5

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Houston Rockets – Point Total: N/A Currently (Joel Embiid Injury News Pending*)

Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls – Point Total: 218.5

10:30/7:00 P.M.

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors – Point Total: 233

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers – Point Total: 236.5

When targeting games for the DFS slate on Draftkings and Fanduel, one major thing to look at is the point total. With slates like tonight, we have multiple high point total games which will help spread out ownership for us.

People will probably target the value from New Orleans Pelicans in their game versus the Toronto Raptors with a point total of 232.5 points. One game to look forward to is the Washington Wizards versus the Charlotte Hornets which has a point total of 234. Both late games can also be targeted, especially with the stars that have a high-priced salary.

But if you’re on Fanduel then be careful with the “lock” time as we have been hit with late news after it. Also another thing is the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Houston Rockets has yet to have an official point total (9 p.m. California time) due to Joel Embiid and Boban injury news which most likely will be late news for us once again.

Don’t always just attack the highest point total game but if they have players with a great match-up, then roll with them and your gut. Targeting low scoring games will most likely end up in barely returning value for yourself and that isn’t what we are here to do.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Top Tier Plays

Russell Westbrook vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Salary: $10,800 – Needs to score 54 fantasy points or more to exceed value (70.2 for 6.5x)

Now we get Westbrook and Harden on the slate tonight which makes it hard on who to spend up for and they are only a $200 difference but I’m going with Westbrook tonight. Westbrook is coming off of a huge game versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 66.25 fantasy points. He’s averaging 58.7 fantasy points per game with a usage rate of 31%. He had two bad games before the Minnesota one but with a healthy Paul George back, he should be back to his dominate form.
The Los Angeles Clippers are fighting for a playoff berth while the Lakers are out so they may put up a fight tonight. They are giving up 47.91 fantasy points to the point guard position currently. They also allow opposing point guards to average 24 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds per game. If you can find the value and want to get dare devilish, throw Westbrook and Harden in a lineup together.

*It was brought to the attention of the FantasyCPR team that Russell Westbrook received his 16th technical foul last night and may be suspended. So go James Harden if you want to pay up or go all in on Paul George (unless he gets rested too). 

Bradley Beal vs. Charlotte Hornets

Salary: $9,500 – Needs to score 47.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (61.75 for 6.5x)

STOP FADING BEAL PLEASE! Bradley Beal is the single, only hope for the Washington Wizards and he has yet to break the $10k mark. He hasn’t hit below 45 fantasy points in his last 10 games. He’s also averaging 45 fantasy points per game with a usage rate of 28%. He’s averaging 37 minutes per game and is averaging 1.21 fantasy points per minute.

The Charlotte Hornets are giving up the fourth most fantasy points to the shooting guard position with 44.02. They allow opposing shooting guards to average 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assist per game. I will not fade Bradley Beal until John Wall is back or Beal announces that he pulled a Lebron and agreed to a minute limit for the rest of the season.

Kawhi Leonard vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Salary: $8,900 – Needs to score 44.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (57.85 for 6.5x)

This play once again depends on if Kawhi Leonard will actually play or not as he gets the usual “load management” tag on random games. Leonard has been very hit and miss when it comes to returning 5x value but tonight’s match-up with the Pelicans, he should be on it. He’s averaging 46 fantasy points per game and 1.35 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 29%.

The New Orleans Pelicans could actually allow this game to be a blow out but I assume it’ll actually be closer than we think. They are giving up 49.09 fantasy points to the power forward position. They also allow power forwards to average 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. If Leonard does play, I can see him being lower owned even with this game having a good point total.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Top Tier Plays

Andre Drummond vs. Chicago Bulls

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

Andre Drummond and the Detroit Pistons get to go up against the Chicago Bulls who may not be able to stop the big man. Drummond is averaging 45.5 fantasy points per game and 1.33 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 23%. He’s coming off of a huge game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 31 points and 15 rebounds in 38 minutes. Fun fact: Andre Drummond has also scored 16 straight double doubles.

The Chicago Bulls are a fighting, tanking team though which hopefully means they will keep this game close with the Pistons. They currently allow opposing centers to average 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. They also give up 58.95 fantasy points, the fifth most, to centers. While we have James Harden as the top priced guy tonight, Drummond should be an easy path to returning value.

Paul George vs. Los Angeles Clippers

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

Paul George gets a huge uptick in value tonight as we should see Russell Westbrook be announced out due to his technical foul from last nights game. He hasn’t been performing like his usual self since coming back from injury but tonight could be the night. He’s averaging 49.9 fantasy points per game and 1.38 fantasy points per minute.

Paul George had a pretty good outing the last time he saw the Los Angeles Clippers, recording 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assist. The Clippers do give up 40.8 fantasy points to opposing small forwards also. They allow them to average 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Paul George should easily get back to his normal, dominating self with Westbrook benched for the one game.

Luka Doncic vs. Orlando Magic

Salary: $9,800 – Needs to score 49 fantasy points or more to exceed value (63.7 for 6.5x)

Doncic is back to his rookie of the year self! Or we at least hope after he dominated the Washington Wizards with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assist for 64.7 fantasy points. He’s averaging 38.9 fantasy points per game and 1.21 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 29%. We know the Mavericks seem to have given up on the season already so that may affect Doncic at certain times in the game and take a hit on his minutes.

The Orlando Magic aren’t a bad defensive team but they can be exploited. They give up just 40.08 fantasy points to opposing shooting guards. They allow them to average 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Doncic may not be able to hit the 64 fantasy points this game but he still should push close to the 5-6x value that we need him too.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Mid Tier Plays

DeMarcus Cousins vs. Denver Nuggets

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

People will most likely be targeting the center on the opposite end tonight but DeMarcus Cousins actually gets a price drop by $400 and has a good average versus Jokic. He’s averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assist in 6 games versus Jokic. He’s averaging 35.3 fantasy points per game and 1.41 fantasy points per minute. While the Warriors are on an uphill battle to find another W, Cousins could go low owned.

The Nuggets are a good team all around so it is seen as a difficult match-up. They are giving up just 52.10 fantasy points to the center position. They allow opposing centers to average 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Boogie is still priced low which makes what is seen as a difficult match-up look just as good as it would for a good one.

Otto Porter Jr. vs. Detroit Pistons

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

Otto Porter Jr. may have a good opportunity to be a low owned play tonight and is even a good salary price that may come as a steal. He’s averaging 28.8 fantasy points per game and has only been below 35 fantasy points twice in his last five games. He has a usage rate of 19% and is averaging near 30%. But it will be a tough one.

The Detroit Pistons are giving up the fewest fantasy points to the small forward position with just 37.14 fantasy points. They allow opposing small forwards to average 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Porter Jr. has already seen Detroit this season but as a Washington Wizards member but recorded 19 points and 4 rebounds. He has a low ceiling tonight but is at a good price to be used in a lineup or two.

Jamal Murray vs. Golden State Warriors

Salary: $6,200 – Needs to score 31 fantasy points or more to exceed value (40.3 for 6.5x)

Jamal Murray is the main focus when it comes to the point guard position for the Denver Nuggets as they have depth. He’s averaging 33.4 fantasy points per game and 1 fantasy point per minute with a usage rate of 25%. He hasn’t been below 30 fantasy points since February 13th also which was against the Sacramento Kings where he scored 18 fantasy points in 31 minutes.

The Golden State Warriors are a weird team currently as they give the other teams a chance to completely blow them out. They are allowing opposing point guards to average 22 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds per game, plus 46.03 fantasy points. This game should be another high scoring game but it could go either way.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Mid Tier Plays

Elfrid Payton vs. Toronto Raptors

Salary: $6,300 – Needs to score 31.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (40.95 for 6.5x)

Now Elfrid Payton may chalk tonight or at least on the higher end of ownership since Jrue Holiday is out for some time. He has a pretty low ceiling and his minutes are actually near the 30 minute mark already, so he may push near 40 tonight. He is coming off of a poor performance versus the Utah Jazz, scoring just 15.1 fantasy points. He is averaging 26.5 fantasy points per game and .94 fantasy points per minute.

But this is where the value chasing comes in to play and many people may target these low-priced guys tonight. The Toronto Raptors are giving up 43.63 fantasy points to the point guard position. They allow them to average 21 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebounds per game. This is where the chalk chasing comes in and Payton may be the focus point for those people.

Montrezl Harrell vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Salary: $7,200 – Needs to score 36 fantasy points or more to exceed value (46.8 for 6.5x)

Montrezl Harrell has been a very consist player lately, staying around the 30 fantasy point in the past four games. He is averaging 32.1 fantasy points per game and 1.23 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 22%. But the Clippers are playing at high levels lately which could make this game very interesting and close.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will most likely be without Russell Westbrook and that may be a big benefit to the Clippers. The Thunder are currently giving up 46.96 fantasy points to the power forward position while allowing them to average 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. If the Clippers keep playing at the intensity that they have been lately then Harrell should be able to bounce back above the 5x value range.

Marc Gasol vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Salary: $6,700 – Needs to score 33.5 fantasy points or more to exceed value (43.55 for 6.5x)

The Pelicans are just a horrible team without Anthony Davis when it comes to defending the paint which means Marc Gasol should be able to compete as a major play tonight. He’s averaging 36.3 fantasy point per game and 1.13 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 22%. Gasol only played 17 minutes versus Houston though, scoring a sad 9.2 fantasy points in that game.

The Pelicans went from being a pretty good team to limiting Anthony Davis to 20 minutes basically and now being without Jrue Holiday for a while. They are giving up 58.14 fantasy points to the center position while allowing them to average 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assist. While Gasol may not be the dominating center that you look for, he can still get the job done at a cheaper price.

DFS NBA – Draftkings: The Low Tier Plays

Jalen Brunson vs. Orlando Magic

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

Jalen Brunson is a very inconsistent player but has a spot in the startling lineup while averaging 19 minutes per game. He scored 26.75 fantasy points though in his last game while playing 36 minutes. He’s playing time is just absolutely scattered everywhere so it’s hard to trust the guy but we just need 18.5 fantasy points to have our 5x value tonight.

The Orlando Magic are giving up 46.69 fantasy points to the point guard position currently. They allow them to average 22 points, 7 assist, and 6 rebounds per game. Brunson is basically a cheap, punt play tonight and while I don’t expect him to hang a 30 fantasy point game on the Magic, he should have an opportunity to hit 5-6x value.

Frank Kaminsky vs. Washington Wizards

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

Like Brunson, Frank Kaminsky is also super cheap for a guy who knows how to score around 25 fantasy points lately. He has now scored 25.75, 26.75, and 26.75 fantasy points in his last three games. With the way he is currently playing, he should continue to see around the 20-25 minutes that he has seen also in the last three games.

Kaminsky is apart of this great Charlotte Hornets versus Washington Wizards game which means he’s in complete play. The Wizards are giving up the most fantasy points to the power forward position and allows them to average 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Add Kaminsky to the line-up build and use him as a salary relief option.

Thomas Bryant vs. Charlotte Hornets

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

Sticking to the same game stack of the Wizards versus the Hornets, Thomas Bryant could finally see himself reach his 5x value. He hasn’t seen 5x value since February 27th against the Brooklyn Nets where he scored 30.25 fantasy points. He’s averaging 21.4 fantasy points per game and 1.12 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 17%.

This game is one of the highest point totals of the night which means most of these guys are in play. The Charlotte Hornets are currently giving up 57.59 fantasy points to opposing centers. They are also allowing opposing centers to average 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. While there are betting “higher” priced centers on the slate, if you’re looking for a cheap one, Thomas Bryant is your guy.

DFS NBA – Fanduel: The Low Tier Plays

Jordan Clarkson vs. Miami Heat

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

Now this isn’t a game that I will target heavily but at $5,000, Jordan Clarkson is a good cheap play. He has scored 27.9, 25.1, 20.2, and 24.9 fantasy points in his last four games. He’s averaging 25.7 fantasy points per game and .98 fantasy points per minute with a usage rate of 28%. Clarkson did find a way to hit almost every column on the stat sheet in their previous match-up versus the Heat, but he only recorded 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist. While that’s enough to get by, we’ll need a little more.

More from FanSided

• Thunder projected lineup and rotations heading into 2023-24 season
• NWSL Challenge Cup news: Courage ruthless against Washington, Racing remain perfect
• 2023 Women’s World Cup: Ary Borges and Brazil showed the entire world what they are about
• Trea Turner’s rough season goes from bad to worse
• Brewers attempt to troll Elly De La Cruz backfires 456 feet

The Miami Heat are actually pretty good when it comes to being shown on paper. They are only giving up 38.75 fantasy points to the shooting guard position. They allow opposing shooting guards to average 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. Clarkson should be able to get the job done tonight and at a low owned percentage.

Amir Johnson vs. Houston Rockets

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

Amir Johnson has found his way back to being in a good role for the 76ers as Embiid and Boban are both ruled out so far. Things can easily change though. Since coming back from his missing a game, Johnson scored 30 and 22.6 fantasy points in 19 and 20 minutes. He’s only $3,900 tonight and could easily be the punt play due to the drop score rule.

The Houston Rockets are currently giving up 44.42 fantasy points per game to the power forward position. They allow opposing power forwards to average 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assist per game. Just be safe with this play as the 76ers can go with either Amir Johnson, Mike Scott, or Jonah Bolden or just completely split up the minutes between all three of them.

Mason Plumlee vs. Golden State Warriors

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

We are getting to that hit and miss point with Mason Plumlee but tonight shouldn’t be an off night for him. He scored 20 fantasy points in 11 minutes in his last game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game with a usage rate of 17%. Plumlee had a good previous outing versus the Warriors, scoring 9 points, 6 assist, and 5 rebounds.

The Warriors are currently giving up 55.01 fantasy points to the center position. They are allowing the opposing centers to average 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assist per game. While Plumlee is in no way a top option in any lineup tonight, he is someone who will help you save in the salary department.

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