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 10-game slate today in the NBA. Get your lineups in as soon as possible.
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Value Plays
Guard
Will Bynum DET ($7,701)
The Pistons have only won a handful of games since the All-Star break, but that does not mean Bynum should be avoided. It means just the opposite, actually. The Pistons management is taking a good look at Bynum until the season is over, deciding whether or not he is a part of the future plans. He is likely not, but that means the former Georgia Tech guard is playing for a spot elsewhere as he possesses a valuable expiring contract next season. On top of the motivation, at under $8K, Bynum has been a very good value in eight of his last 12 games, averaging over two times his salary. Tonight the Pistons take on Suns, who have allowed 100 or more points in 12 of their last 15 games. Bynum should continue to be a good cheap option, so get him into your lineups tonight.
Forward
Drew Gooden WAS ($8,980)
First things first, this is not the Drew Gooden of the early 2000s, as he would have been a steal for under $9K. But, that is just what is so odd about his resurgence. The former Kansas star has been playing like his old self for the past three games, and fantasy players have been reaping the benefits. In the Wizards’ last three, Gooden has averaged 19 points and eight rebounds for a fantasy total of over 30 points per game. At $9K, 30 fantasy points is terrific value. But, at some point Gooden’s run has to end, right? Yes, as all good things come to an end. But, it will not be tonight as the Wizards take on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers continue to be among the worst teams in the NBA, as the last team to score under 100 points against them was exactly one month ago (Nets scored 92). The Lakers are giving up over 125 points per game in the last seven games. If that doesn’t excite you in terms of fantasy points, I do not know what will. Maybe the fact that the Wizards starting center Marcin Gortat is questionable for tonight’s game will end all doubts for starting Gooden. Get him into your lineups.
Center
Joakim Noah CHI ($19,700)
As mentioned before in this column, Noah has been the best fantasy center for a few weeks, if not months now and the only big man who has been “hotter” is Anthony Davis. Noah and the Bulls take on the Indiana Pacers in what promises to be a low-scoring game. That will turn some fantasy players off, but Noah has proven to be matchup-proof, and will get yet another double-double or possibly even flirt with a triple-double. Noah is averaging over 41 fantasy points per game in his last eight, and should reach that again tonight.
Optimized Lineup
G – Will Bynum DET ($7,701)
G – Tim Hardaway Jr. NYK ($7,906)
G – John Wall WAS ($17,968)
F – Drew Gooden WAS ($8,980)
F – Amar’e Stoudemire NYK ($10,830)
F – Greg Monroe DET ($15,954)
C – Joakim Noah CHI ($19,700)
U – Jared Sullinger BOS ($10,911)
Good luck tonight, and be sure to check the starting lineups before tip to be aware of any changes.
