Daily Fantasy Basketball is back, which means each day XN Sports will have a column detailing advised plays and lineups for the remainder of the NBA season. For those familiar with DraftKings, their daily fantasy basketball is formatted differently this season. There is no multi-position eligibility, which makes it a bit harder to set your lineup.
For those unfamiliar with DraftKings, you are given $50,000 in cap space to select a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center, a guard, a forward, and a utility player. There are no points deducted for missed shots, which changes the strategy from other sites. To read the full scoring, click here. Keep in mind that a double-double awards a bonus, which can be the difference between cashing in and winning nothing.
Generally, the goal for value is at five times a players salary. That brings a lineup to 250 fantasy points, which will cash on most days.
Give DraftKings a shot, as there will be a few freeroll opportunities each night in Daily Fantasy Basketball. Click here to play.
Without further ado, the value plays and lineups for November 17th:
Value Plays
Guard
In an odd twist with such a large slate, there aren’t any glaring values at this time at guard, which indicates excellent pricing for today on DraftKings.
The only player at minimum that could be worth a start is Portland’s Allen Crabbe, who will start if Batum is unable to go again tonight. In addition, keep an eye on the Heat’s injury list, because if Dwyane Wade is unable to go, Mario Chalmers becomes an excellent play at $5,300 against the Nets. P.J. Hairston should continue to start for the Hornets, but he is not much of an asset, despite his minimum price. If you want to play a Hornets guard at minimum price, Gerald Henderson is the guy.
Forward
Nerlens Noel, Power Forward, Philadelphia 76ers $3,000
It may be a glitch in the system or something that will scare others away, but Noel is the minimum price tonight on DraftKings. Regardless if it is correct or not, his price is still $3,000. At that price, only 15 fantasy points are needed for value and Noel could accrue much more than that. So far this season, he is averaging 22.2 fantasy points per game, and has 15.5 fantasy points or more in all but one game this season. The Sixers will face the Spurs tonight, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing power forwards this season. It is the Spurs, which will scare some players away, but look at the numbers for this play. The bottom line is that Noel will play starter minutes at minimum price and is facing the second-best matchup for power forwards this season.
Other values at forward: Shawn Marion, CLE $3,700, Shawne Williams, MIA $4,400, Wilson Chandler, DEN $4,700
Center of the Night
Center is just too difficult a position to find value on a nightly basis, which is why spending is highly advised. But each night, XN Sports will outline a center who could reach value, regardless of price.
Brook Lopez, Brooklyn Nets $6,700
Lopez has been eased into his role as the Nets center this season, as his minutes have fluctuated between 24-30 per game. But, he has still been able to average 16.4 points per game and just under 30 fantasy points per contest. As a center, his rebounds haven’t been up to par, but the Nets are facing the Heat tonight, who are 28th in the NBA in rebound percentage, so Lopez’ likelihood of a double-double couldn’t be higher. At his price, value can be attained at 33.5 fantasy points.
Lineup
PG – Mario Chalmers $5,300 (if Wade is out)
SG – Tyreke Evans $7,200
SF – Shawne Williams $4,400
PF – Nerlens Noel $3,000
C – Brook Lopez $6,700
G – Rajon Rondo $8,400
F – Shawn Marion $3,700
UTIL – LeBron James $11,000
If Wade does play, move Rondo to the PG slot, and use the remaining $5,600 on another guard.
Or, you can move Rondo to PG, put Davis in for LeBron, and you’ll have $5,700 to use on a guard.
*Keep an eye on the inactives, as things in the NBA change at the last second. Good luck tonight.
