Sunday features a five-game main slate starting at 6 p.m. ET.
Let’s dive into some of the top plays on the slate using the FantasyLabs Tools and metrics.
Also, don’t forget that for large-field tournaments, you can utilize our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Note: Projections and Leverages Scores/Ratings may change throughout the day after this article is posted. The NBA DFS landscape changes quickly. Consult the Player Models directly for any updates as we get closer to lock.
Point Guard
Stud
Dejounte Murray ($9,900) is my guy today. This game should be the best environment on the slate, as both teams are top 10 in offensive pace. The Kings are also 26th in defensive efficiency and boost the FPPM to point guards by 10.22%. Murray has triple-doubled in two of the last three games, which translated to 56.25 and 50 DraftKings points.
Value
Trey Burke ($3,800) doesn’t start, but he’s played 22 minutes in each of the last two games, as Luka Doncic has been out. When he’s on the court, he hucks and chucks. The usage rate has been 28.1% and 34.0% over the last two contests, and he’s hoisted 12 and 14 shots. That kind of volume is tough to find at this price range.
Fast Break
Patrick Beverley ($5,200) has exceeded point expectations 80% of the time this season! Since returning from a six-game absence, he’s scored at least 20 DraftKings points in every contest. Interestingly, he’s increased the production in every game, culminating in the 35.25 he put up Friday.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Derrick White ($6,700) may not be the top raw points scorer at the position, but he could come close at a significant discount. As mentioned in the Murray section, this game could be the juiciest one from a fantasy perspective. Over the last six games, White has gone for at least 30 DraftKings points in five of those contests with three above 40 and a high of 57.
Value
Lonnie Walker ($4,000) is, yes, another Spurs player. It’s not my fault. I swear! Walker doesn’t start, but he’s carved out the role as the microwave off the bench. Over the last four games, he’s played 26, 22, 22 and 30 minutes, attempting 15, 11, nine, and 12 shots. He’s scored in double digits in every contest and produced 37, 14, 18.75, and 32 DraftKings points. He doesn’t do much outside of scoring, so the floor is low, but when it all clicks he can access a ceiling game.
Fast Break
Max Strus ($4,500) is coming off a 45.75-DraftKings-points performance on Friday. He played 34 minutes as the Heat were decimated by injuries and COVID-related illnesses. When he plays, he garners a usage rate above 20% and can light it up on any given day. If Tyler Herro is out, then Strus becomes a viable option again. Keep an eye on the updates.
Small Forward
Stud
LeBron James ($10,800) isn’t in the greatest matchup, as the Bulls are 15th in pace and seventh in defensive efficiency. That said, Chicago does boost the FPPM to power forwards by 13.39% and James will have to shoulder more of the load with Anthony Davis out.
Value
Doug McDermott ($3,800) does start but only plays around 24 minutes per game. That said, when he’s out there, he’s hoisting up three-pointers with no regard for human life. On the season, he’s attempted at least five three-pointers in 13 of 18 games. The Kings boost three-pointers to small forwards by 3.65%.
Fast Break
Harrison Barnes ($6,300) has put up 31.75 and 34 DraftKings points over the last two games. He’s played 37 and 32 minutes while garnering a usage rate of 19.2% and 22.2%. With all the injuries on the Kings, Barnes has been one of the main offensive weapons. The Spurs boost the FPPM to small forwards by 5.36%.
Power Forward
Stud
Kristaps Porzingis ($8,800) has a team-high 30.0% usage rate with Luka Doncic off the court. He’s gone for 46 and 53.25 DraftKings points in the last two games and now faces a Timberwolves team that boosts the FPPM to the position by 4.15%. Minnesota is fourth in offensive pace, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Value
Chimezie Metu ($4,800) should start once again. Now there’s volatility to his game, as he’s gone for 14 and 38.75 DraftKings points in his two most recent starts. That said, the usage rate has been 23.8% and 26.6% over the last two games, and he played 37 minutes on Friday.
Fast Break
Maxi Kleber ($3,700) has not started the last three games, but he’s still played 33, 30, and 30 minutes. He’s put up 21.25, 19.5, and 28.25 DraftKings points in those contests. At this price, the playing time and production aren’t bad. The matchup and game environment should be good, since it’s a pace-up spot for Dallas and Minnesota boosts the FPPM to centers by 11.70%.
Center
Stud
Deandre Ayton ($8,200) gets what has been one of the juiciest matchups for centers – the Charlotte Hornets. On the season, they have boosted the FPPM to the position by 13.35%. Over the last six games, Ayton has produced at least 30 DraftKings points in every contest, with two above 40. Both teams are top 10 in offensive pace, while the Hornets are dead-last in defensive efficiency.
Value
Jarred Vanderbilt ($5,400) doesn’t have the best price, but there aren’t a ton of value options on the slate. Vanderbilt won’t have a high usage rate, as it is often sub-10%, so don’t expect points. He’s all about rebounds and defensive stats. Vanderbilt is relentless on the glass. Over the last four games, he’s played over 30 minutes in every contest and produced 33, 20.5, 32, and 30 DraftKings points.
Fast Break
Tristan Thompson ($4,500) will be a viable option if Richaun Holmes is unable to go again. Over the last two games, he’s played 21 and 29 minutes, producing 28.25 and 22 DraftKings points. The Spurs boost the FPPM to centers by 11.29%.
