On DraftStreet, there is a $100,000 cap, which is used for eight players; three forwards, three guards, a center, and a utility player. In terms of value, should a player cost $15,000, incredible value would be 45 fantasy points. Unlike other daily sites, playing for five times value is not the goal here, as it is nearly impossible to find on a consistent basis. As a $100K salary cap would yield about 225-255 fantasy points for a good night, the best value is normally 2.25 or higher. Anything above 2.25 is a great value.
If you have not played over at DraftStreet, be sure to check the scoring system first, as it varies from other sites. Head over to make your deposit and start playing tonight!
DraftStreet Scoring: PTS: 1 pt, REB: 1.25 pt, AST: 1.5 pt, TO: -1 pt, Missed FT: -0.5 pt, Missed FG: -0.5 pt, STL: 2 pt, BLK: 2pt.
There is a five-game slate today in the NBA. Get your lineups in as soon as possible.
Create Your Own Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup at DraftStreet
Value Plays
Guard
Ray McCallum SAC ($6,428)
With such a small slate of games, finding value at the guard position is always tough. Fortunately for daily fantasy players, McCallum’s salary is still under $6.5K, meaning 15 fantasy points is good value, especially on a short slate. McCallum is averaging 11 fantasy points in his last eight contests, but faces the Washington Wizards tonight. The Wizards are 12th in the NBA as far as points allowed goes, which is very good. But, here is the kicker: opponents are shooting over 46 percent against the Wizards. With McCallum shooting under 37 percent from the field this year, this could be a good matchup for him to increase his shooting percentage. Remember on DraftStreet there is negative points for missed shots, so even though the Wizards play good defense overall, they allow opponents to shoot a high percentage which gives McCallum every opportunity to exceed value tonight.
Forward
Elton Brand ATL ($7,136)
Brand continues to be cheap across the DFS industry, but his price has risen on DraftStreet first. Nevertheless, at just over $7K, Brand can still meet great value with 18 fantasy points or more. In his last seven games he is averaging just under 17 fantasy points, and maintaining that average tonight against the Raptors will lead to dividends for fantasy owners. The Raptors play very good defense, but remember that Brand will play 18-25 minutes, which gives him every opportunity to reach 17 fantasy points. In Brand’s last six games, he is shooting over 60 percent from the field as well, so the threat for losing points is not as evident as some other forwards at the low price of $7K.
Center
Kyle O’Quinn ORL ($9,719)
O’Quinn has been the most consistent fantasy basketball player for under $10K in the industry, and for a day with a small slate, that is all you can ask for. At the center position there are only a handful of players worth spending big money on, and only one of them (Cousins) is slated to play tonight. O’Quinn has averaged 21 fantasy points in his last five games, and has only been under 20 fantasy points twice since February 22. Tonight the Magic take on the Golden State Warriors, who are 18th in the NBA in allowing fantasy points to big men, but also play at a fast pace. With the Warriors taking a ton of shots, O’Quinn will have every opportunity for rebounds. At just $9.7K, expect the former Norfolk State star to reach 20 fantasy points yet again, but with upside to reach a double-double.
Optimized Lineup
G – Ray McCallum SAC ($6,428)
G – DeMar DeRozan TOR ($13,824)
G – Kyle Lowry TOR ($17,648)
F – Elton Brand ATL ($7,136)
F – Nicolas Batum POR ($17,127)
F – Draymond Green GS ($9,116)
C – Kyle O’Quinn ORL ($9,719)
U – Stephen Curry GS ($18,613)
Good luck tonight, and be sure to check the starting lineups before tip to be aware of any changes.
