December 29th: NBA DFS DraftKings/ FanDuel Core Plays
By Chris Brent
Welcome back NBA DFS fans, we have 10-games on the slate on the docket tonight. First few days of the NBA season have been successful. So far this NBA season has been extremely predictable and straight forward from a DFS standpoint. A good time to build up the bankroll as new people are trying to figure out their process. This article is a starting point for today’s slate, could be completely different by the time lock rolls around, as NBA DFS is an sport that requires us to constantly following the news given to us.
Important piece of information I want to share before we get started. For the newbies, NBA DFS is a sport where all the plays are handed to you throughout the day. It is important to just take the information and don’t overthink it because you believe it is too easy. Sometimes it is simply that easy and you should just play it. I’m not saying don’t get different, just don’t get stupid. Dillion Brooks was $3,700 on FanDuel last night and he was still just at 50% owned.
NBA DFS Core Plays:
Goran Dragic, MIA (DraftKings: $5,800 / FanDuel: $6,900)
Jimmy Butler is listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s contest against Milwaukee. Using last years numbers, without Butler on the floor, Dragic’s fantasy points per minute rises from 0.98 points per minute to 1.12 fantasy points a minute. Also, Dragic see’s about a three-percent increase in usage rate as well jumping from 25-percent to 28-percent. The major issue with Dragic is the minutes and matchup against Jrue Holiday. However, Dragic has been on fire this year averaging nearly 40 fantasy points a game without even hitting three pointers. Dragic is going to be a focal point in my lineups on Tuesday.
Russell Westbrook, WAS (DraftKings: $9,700 / FanDuel: $10,600)
DraftKings made a huge pricing error, pricing Russell Westbrook under $10,000 against the Chicago Bulls. Westbrook has been the focal piece of the Washington offense this season, averaging a triple double and just got a night off on the back-to-back. However, Westbrook is averaging 58 DraftKings points a game and has yet to have even a respectable shooting night. If the shots fall, Westbrook will easily coast to 70-plus fantasy points against this Bulls defense. The 30-point triple double is coming and I do not want to miss it!
Luguentz Dort, OKC (DraftKings: $4,600 / FanDuel: $5,100)
It’s Dort’s world and we are just living in it. Truth be told on FanDuel his price point is getting to a point that I almost can’t trust it. However, on DraftKings, he appears to be the go-to value of the day. Dort has been a key contributor for this Oklahoma City offense without Chris Paul. Dort has posted back-to-back 30 fantasy point games and I don’t see it stopping anytime some. Orlando and Oklahoma City rank in the top-10 for pace in the league currently. Dort in an up-tempo game at this price is a player that cannot fail.
NBA DFS Low Owned Tournament Option:
J.J Reddick, NO (DraftKings: $4,200 / FanDuel: $4,100)
Reddick is an interesting tournament option for me tomorrow on a slate that is starved of value initially. Reddick gets to square off against one of his best friends Chris Paul, and you know that J.J. is frustrated that he has shot just a brutal 1-11 from the 3-point line in his last two games. Reddick is a savvy veteran, that has been hitting the gym and will be a key to the Pelicans competing against the Suns in tonight’s game. Reddick could completely bust or could repay us with a high tournament finish because of what the Reddick value allows us to fit.
Good luck to all! Hopefully you’re day is profitable.