DraftKings NBA Picks March 26: Cash Is in the Bagley

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 05: Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers flexes after drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 5, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Picks March 26: Cash Is in the Bagley

We have a big ten game slate tonight for our DraftKings NBA tournaments. Teams are starting to be nicer to us DFS players with Kyrie Irving already announced as being rested tonight. Zach LaVine, Otto Porter, Jrue Holiday, and Cody Zeller will all join him in street clothes. That certainly opens up some Bulls value, but is it all a trap?

I had a good night last night with Jusuf Nurkic and Lillard as my core plays. I moved off of George to D’Angelo Russell, but that didn’t make much of a difference. I even hit 357.25 despite having the total dud from T.J. McConnell.

papagates took this down with a staggering 423.5 DraftKings points. He built with Booker, Russell, and Nurkic and got massive value from the Grizzlies value and Derrick Favors.

By popular demand, I am switching back to the old format. As always, if you have suggestions to improve the article (besides making better picks), let me know!

If you would like to try DraftKings for the first time, use this link for the referral bonus! It is good for $10 in free DraftKings entry tickets with your first deposit of $5 or more.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 17: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Sacramento Kings during their game at Spectrum Center on January 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Point Guards:

Best Bets:

Kemba Walker ($8,600): Walker went for 52.5 DraftKings points in the first meeting with the Spurs this year. The Spurs aren’t any better on the ball than they were then. Walker has upped his game lately as the Hornets still have an outside playoff shot. He should be worth every bit of this price tag. It’s very reasonable, actually.

Trae Young ($8,200): I kind of want no part of the Doncic injury (or not) thing they have going on in Dallas. If we get confirmation, I could see going with him just because the Kings are so bad defensively, but Doncic’s numbers haven’t been great for the price against the Kings this year. It makes more sense to attack the Jrue-less (and maybe Elfrid-less) Pelicans. The Hawks aren’t really good enough to blow anyone out, so Young should see a full compliment of minutes here. Young only played 31 minutes against the Pelicans 16 days ago and he was under value because of a horrendous shooting night (2-14). All of the peripherals were good though, so if he can get the shooting up around 40%, he’ll hit value with ease.

Honorable Mention:

De’Aaron Fox ($7,700): Fox has 88.5 DraftKings points in two games against Dallas this year. Fox has a pretty nice floor for the price and solid upside to go with it. I think that may be better than Luka right now, especially since there doesn’t seem to be any limits on Fox.

Elfrid Payton ($7,600): The Pelicans may elect to hold Payton out here, and against the Hawks, who could blame them? I really hope he plays though. Payton could start another triple double streak against the defense of Trae Young. Payton already did that to them back on March 10th.

Terry Rozier ($6,800): Wow, this is the downside of having news this early. Rozier’s priced jumped $1,700 with news of Kyrie being out. That means Rozier needs 40.8 DraftKings points for 6x value. That’s not a given. However, against Cleveland, there’s no reason to think Rozier wont hit that mark. It does make this is harder decision about using Rozier though.

Tomas Satoransky ($6,100): This is a really good spot for Satoransky. The Lakers defense has been terrible. Satoransky only had 29 DraftKings points in the first meeting with the Lakers in 45 minutes of court time. However, Satoransky’s recent strong run has me considering him anyway. He has 110.25 DraftKings points in the last three games.

Dark Horses:

Collin Sexton ($5,900): I will admit that having Kyrie out is making Sexton look better, but I would have probably recommended Sexton anyway. Sexton has averaged 30.8 DraftKings points in the three games against Boston this year. Sexton doesn’t have a big ceiling, but he is a sure 5x value. That probably leaves him better suited for cash games unless you are looking for a lineup filler at this price.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($5,700): I can see playing Tyus Jones here as well, but to me SGA has more upside and is playing better lately. And he doesn’t have a big time fantasy monster on this team. Williams, Harrell, and Gallinari are very good fantasy players, but they aren’t Towns. SGA has at least 5x value in six straight games. He is only getting better at the end of his rookie season.

Frank Jackson ($5,100): Jackson has been a strong contributor with Holiday out. He has at least 20 DraftKings points in seven of those nine games, including three straight games of 26 or more. This is a great matchup with the Hawks, so Jackson is about as good as a value pick gets at PG tonight.

Ish Smith ($4,200): You can rag on Ish all you want, but he is a much more solid producer than Reggie Jackson and he’s still several hundred cheaper. Ish hasn’t been below 5x value since March 13th. His upside isn’t great, but this is still a nice punt play given the consistent return.

My pick: Sexton(PG), Jackson(G)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 27: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on February 27, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Shooting Guards:

Best Bets:

James Harden ($11,400): Yeah, the Bucks are a solid defensive squad, but they are also still without Malcolm Brogdon, one of their better defenders. Beard already did Beard-like things to the Bucks earlier this year, racking up 70.75 DraftKings points. That was when a healthy Brogdon was on the court, but also without Chris Paul. This is still a strong spot to play Harden since the game should stay close.

Bradley Beal ($9,300): Beal put up 45.5 DraftKings points on the Lakers this first time around. Even if he just hits that mark again, I think we would be satisfied with that. Beal has topped 55 DraftKings points in half of his last ten games, but he has also shown an alarmingly low floor in that span. We’re not going to see the floor against the Lakers, but Beal isn’t as hot as he was about a month ago.

Honorable Mention:

DeMar DeRozan ($7,700): Charlotte is running all sorts of youngsters out there right now, so there is considerable upside for DeRozan here. He had an off night against the Hornets earlier this year, but I would lean on DeRozan right now just like the Spurs are. DeRozan has at least 37 DraftKings points in four straight and 10 of the last 12. He’s getting hot at the right time for the Spurs.

Lou Williams ($6,900): Williams has given Minnesota some problems this year, putting up 83.25 DraftKings points in 61 minutes. Williams has good upside, but the floor is around 4x value. That’s still not horrible, but you are obviously wanting more for the price. At any rate, Williams has good enough upside to use him here and the price seems right.

Dark Horses:

Evan Fournier ($5,300): Fournier’s price is way too low once again. He was off for a few games, but now he’s hotter than ever and back with a vengeance. Fournier has 122.75 DraftKings points over the last three games. Miami is going to present more of a defense, but Fournier is kind of hard to fade right now. When he’s on, he can put up big numbers no matter the opponent.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($5,000): There’s a lot of fluff tonight, as in players that only get 5x value or under no matter what the matchup. Those are the things we need to watch out for. KCP isn’t exactly a safe play, but his ceiling is pretty high. KCP put up 44 DraftKings points against the Wizards the first time around. The minutes are there for KCP right now. If you are taking a shot with a Lakers guard, it should be KCP, not Caruso or Stephenson.

Dwayne Bacon ($4,000): Bacon has been getting extended run for the Hornets with Batum out. He has 50.5 DraftKings points over the last two games, which make him a strong 6x value right now. Bacon doesn’t do much besides score, but that’s exactly what they need with Batum out.

My pick: N/A

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 17: LeBron James #23 of the LA Lakers and Team LeBron shoots against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Team Giannis in the second half during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Team LeBron won 178-164. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Small Forwards:

Best Bets:

LeBron James ($10,200): LeBron was a bust in the first meeting with the Wizards, but these are his playoffs. When the Lakers play him, LeBron is playing for keeps. The Lakers have him listed as probable for this one. The Wizards have been one of the worst defensive teams around since the break. LeBron is a bit of a risk, but the potential outweighs it tonight.

Kawhi Leonard ($9,100): Leonard was merely average against the Bulls in his only game against them this year. However, Leonard is getting primed for a playoff run. He has at least 45 DraftKings points in each of the last five games. I like this less is Lowry is at full strength, but a matchup with the Bulls is awfully tempting.

Honorable Mention:

Danilo Gallinari ($7,400): Gallinari has remained the driving offensive force for the Clippers over most of the last month. The Timberwolves aren’t a great defensive team. Gallo has at least 35 DraftKings points in every game this month. That’s a really good floor, and Gallinari has 6x value upside.

Jabari Parker ($6,300): Parker remains a strong part of the Wizards rotation. I don’t really trust the Lakers at all. While Parker has been much better with Washington, I’m still not sure how much to trust him. Parker has been cold over the last two games, and that has resulted in decreased minutes. Parker is still getting a good chunk of minutes, but the Wizards have shown a willingness to let others pick up the production. There’s risk involved here.

Dark Horses:

Miles Bridges ($4,700): The matchup with the Spurs is a little imposing, but Bridges has really been playing well lately. He has at least 6x value in four straight games. DraftKings hasn’t adjusted his price accordingly, so Bridges is a very strong play here.

Pat Connaughton ($4,500): Connaughton has put up some good numbers over the last four games with Brogdon out. He has been the most consistent fill in for the Bucks, putting up at least 25 DraftKings points in four straight. That’s a floor of 5.5x value.

Josh Okogie ($4,500): Okogie has 121 DraftKings points over the last four games. He is finally becoming comfortable with his role in this offense with the Minnesota backcourt gutted. I trust Okogie’s value more than that of Wiggins right now, and the price is much more reasonable.

My pick: Bridges(SF), Connaughton(SG)

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks prepares to dunk against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 29, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Power Forwards:

Best Bets:

Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,300): The first showdown of Giannis vs. Harden was won by Harden, but Giannis was strong in that game as well. The Freak put up 62.75 DraftKings points in that game. The difference between the two is that Giannis could do it again. Harden put up those big numbers with Paul out. The Bucks are less healthy than the first meeting with Houston. Giannis should be worth the price tonight if you want to pay for a star.

Julius Randle ($8,200): This is a pretty tough sell on Randle here. He has had two horrible games in a row. Like games where his floor was redefined. That makes it tough to ride Randle, but this matchup with Atlanta is too good to ignore. Randle could come at lower ownership, and he could wind up with a monster line.

Honorable Mention:

Pascal Siakam ($7,600): Siakam is going to put up a monster line if the Raptors let him. The problem is that I doubt he sees 30 minutes in this game. The Bulls are bad to begin with, but when you factor in all of the injuries, this team may not be able to hang around with anyone right now, let alone one of the best teams in the East. My instincts say to avoid Toronto entirely, but the upside here is very high.

Kevin Love ($7,600): Boston looks like a MASH unit right about now, and they are weak at the four anyway. We saw Love put together a big line against the Bucks, who are similarly weak at PF. Tatum and Horford are both questionable. I’m betting at least one of them doesn’t play. This could be another time Love goes off.

Marvin Bagley ($7,300): Don’t fade Bagley. Just…..don’t. Bagley put up 47.5 DraftKings points in the first meeting against Dallas less than a week ago. Nothing has changed but the venue. That may drop Bagley’s score by a handful of points, but not enough to turn me away from him.

Dark Horses:

Thomas Bryant ($5,200): So far the Wizards are making good on their declaration that they were going to play Bryant more. Bryant has played 71 minutes in the last two games and has responded with 69.25 DraftKIngs points. That’s a great value at this price. The Lakers aren’t all that strong up front either, so Bryant should be in for another 30+ DraftKings points.

Dario Saric ($4,800): Saric has decent upside with Taj Gibson still out. He also racked up 37.5 DraftKings points on the Clippers in his only appearance against them this year. Saric could have some sneaky upside here, but I would still rather play Bryant.

Kenneth Faried ($3,700): Faried put up big numbers in small minutes against the Pelicans over the weekend. Hopefully that means he’s back in the rotation becuase Faried wreaked havoc on Milwaukee in the first meeting. If Faried starts, he’s a must play. If not, there’s going to be a healthy amount of risk, but the reward is enticing.

My pick: Bagley(PF), Bryant(F)

Basketball Parlay: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 16: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates a three-point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of the game at Target Center on November 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

DraftKings NBA Centers:

Best Bets:

Karl-Anthony Towns ($10,700): Towns had average numbers against the Clippers in two prior games this year, but both of those were before the break. Towns has been an absolute monster since. He has only been below 5x value twice in the last dozen games. He’s about as safe as they get tonight.

Andre Drummond ($8,700): Drummond put up a strong 53 DraftKings points on Denver in just 26 minutes in the first meeting. On top of that, he shut down Jokic. If it comes down to one of these two, I’m going with Drummond. Honestly, I don’t really want to mess with this situation.