Sunday features an eight-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
LeBron James ($11,600) has been literally carrying the load for the Lakers lately. The usage rate has been over 30% in eight of the last 10 games, and he’s scored at least 30 points in nine of those contests with a high of 43. He’s gone for at least 60 DraftKings points in seven of the last 10 games with three games over 70. The Lakers are first in offensive pace while the Grizzlies are 12th, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
Value
Tyus Jones ($4,200) will likely make his 14th start of the season, as Ja Morant did not play Saturday due to left thigh soreness and could be out for Sunday. In his prior 13 starts, Jones averaged 30.5 minutes, 10,.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, six assists, and 1.2 steals with a 14.0% usage rate. He’s gone for at least 30 DraftKings points five times.
Fast Break
Cole Anthony ($7,600) has played two games since returning from injury. He’s gone for 43 and 45.75 DraftKings points with usage rates of 27.7% and 39.7%. He’s baaaack.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Fred VanVleet ($10,200) has been on quite the heater, going for over 50 DraftKings points in six of the last eight games with a high of 76. He’s scored at least 30 points in five of those contests, but it’s been the defensive contributions that have been eye-opening. He’s racked up at least two steals in seven of those games with two games with three. He’s also chipped in five blocks. The shooting efficiency can be a problem, but he’s getting the volume and the contributions in the other categories provides a relatively high floor. The Pelicans are 24th in defensive efficiency and boost the FPPM to point guards by 8.14%.
Value
Gary Harris ($4,800) has exceeded point expectations 80% of the time and is coming off a 41.5-point DraftKings performance. Over the last 11 games, he’s gone for at least 30 DraftKings point five times with only one game below 20.
Fast Break
Anfernee Simons ($6,500) has really stepped up with no Damian Lillard in the lineup. He’s played 34, 39, and 39 minutes and garnered a usage rate of 23.9%, 25.0%, and 30.0%. That’s translated to 31.25, 45.75, and 60.75 DraftKings points. Sacramento is fourth in offensive pace and 26th in defensive efficiency.
Small Forward
Stud
Anthony Edwards ($8,000) has gone for at least 40 DraftKings points in the last three games. In the opening game against Houston, he went for 44. Houston is second in pace and 29th in defensive efficiency, so the game environment should be a juicy one.
Value
Talen Horton-Tucker ($4,800) doesn’t start, but he’s played 33 and 31 minutes over the last two games and gone for 36.5 and 34.25 DraftKings points. He’s shot 7-for-13 and 9-for-13, so that kind of efficiency should be expected to continue. That said, the usage rate has been 20.0% and he’s showing the potential that made the Lakers hesitant to trade him.
Fast Break
Aaron Wiggins ($4,400) isn’t sexy, but he’s started the last eight games, averaging 30.8 minutes per contest. He’s gone for at least 30 DraftKings points three times.
Power Forward
Stud
Jaren Jackson Jr. ($6,300) has a low floor and could score in the 20s. That said, he’s coming off a 57-point DraftKings performance, and the game environment and matchup should be favorable since the Lakers play fast and LeBron James will be playing minutes at center. The power forward position is lacking top-tier talent, so I’d rather pay down.
Value
Brandon Clarke ($4,700) will likely play in the mid-to-upper 20s due to Steven Adams and Kyle Anderson being out. He averages 1.14 DraftKings points per minute and played 28 minutes while scoring 48.25 DraftKings points in the most recent contest. He should thrive in the fast-paced environment.
Fast Break
Maxi Kleber ($4,400) will likely make his fifth straight start. He’s played 24, 31, 35, and 26 minutes in the prior four and put up at least 19 DraftKings points in all. The ceiling is limited, but the floor is high.
Center
Stud
Nikola Jokic ($12,200) is expensive, so it will come down to projected ownership and roster construction. He averages a ridiculous 1.75 DraftKings points per minute and has one of the highest floor/ceiling combos on the slate. He’s gone for at least 70 DraftKings points seven times this season.
Value
Alex Len ($4,000) was seeing his playing time increase in each of the last four games while Damian Jones was receiving fewer minutes. Len played 25 minutes last game and went for 39 DraftKings points. Jones is now out, so Len will presumably get the start. The matchup is fantastic, as Portland boosts the FPPM to centers by 14.74%.
Fast Break
Jusuf Nurkic ($7,200) has picked up the offensive slack with Damian Lillard out of the lineup. Over the last three games, the usage rate has been 38.3%, 15.6%, and 28.7%. He’s played 26, 33, and 31 minutes while producing 46, 38.75, and 42.5 DraftKings points. The Kings are fourth in pace, 26th in defensive efficiency, and boost the FPPM to centers by 10.32%.
