We truly believe here at FantasyLabs that we have the most unique tools and data available to DFS users. However, we also realize that those tools and data are only as awesome and helpful as our ability to effectively communicate how to use everything. As such, we will continually listen to feedback of what you need and try our best to teach our subscribers how to use all of the cool things we have to offer.

With this in mind, we’ve begun a “Trend of the Day” series. Every weekday we’ll walk our subscribers through an important trend for that day’s slate of games.

Four-game slates admittedly aren’t for the faint of heart. That’s why contrarianism is generally stressed in times like these. It’s almost the only way to go when equivalent eyes have fewer selections to choose from. On that same note, those very eyes are also considering the fewer elite options available in order to round out their lineups. And, with Anthony Davis being one of only two players priced over $9K in this particular slate, now seems as good a time as any to delve into our options.

Trend: Anthony Davis in Back-to-Backs

Step 1: Time Filters > B2B > Select “2A, 2B”

Step 2: Team Filters > Team > Select “Detroit Pistons, New Orleans Pelicans”

I realize I promised you Anthony Davis’ numbers in back-to-backs. Don’t worry, we’ll get there. While on this journey, however, we might as well make a few quick stops. Gas up, bathroom breaks. You know, that type of stuff.

The Pistons, for instance, are the only other team on the second leg of a back-to-back in tonight’s slate. So why not check in on them while we’re at it?

Step 3: Player Filters > Player Name > Sort by “Count”

By sorting “Count” rather than “Average +/-“, we’ve essentially pushed all those that may have had one good or bad outing (not allowing for a proper sample-size of performances in order to more relevantly evaluate) to the bottom of our list. Instead, we get the results of all those who have been in this situation on numerous occasions.

But alas, I promised you Anthony Davis. Now comes the easy part in re-routing your map to the nearest main road (and just think: no more pit stops!).

Step 4: Select “Edit” > Team > Uncheck “Detroit Pistons”

By simply clicking “Edit” to the left of Team (under the Filter column), we can uncheck the Detroit Pistons, leaving us with only the Pelicans to choose from.

Step 5: Player Filters > Player Name > Sort by “Count”

And there, second from the top, lies Anthony Davis in all his glory. In 25 instances where he’s played a back-to-back over the last calendar year, Davis has averaged a score -1.67 points below salary-based expectations. And before you get any ideas, he’s only played in five back-to-backs (or 25%) at home over that same time period, which we can take practically nothing from.

This of course shouldn’t be the end-all be-all of your decision, especially when considering the Lakers do, after all, have the largest Opponent Plus/Minus allowed to power forwards in tonight’s slate. But trends like this can certainly help make your decision easier, even if using the same method for others.