Sunday features a five-game main slate starting at 4 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
The Player Model looooooooves Russell Westbrook ($9,300). He has the highest Floor/Ceiling projection on the entire slate. I’m not as crazy high on him because it’s a pace-down spot for the Lakers (Memphis is 26th in offensive pace), and the Lakers are still figuring things out. Westbrook went for 18.25 DraftKings points in the opener. That said, he can triple-double on any given night and bounced back with 47.75 DraftKings points last game.
He’s played 35 minutes in each game so far, and minutes are half the battle. Yo, Joe!
Value
De’Anthony Melton ($4,200) has always been a per-minute fantasy beast. He just rarely got more than 20 minutes of run a game. With Grayson Allen in Milwaukee and Dillon Brooks injured, Melton has started the first two games of the season and flourished.
He’s played 31 and 33 minutes and produced 31.5 and 35.75 DraftKings points. He has a Bargain Rating of 94% on DraftkIngs, the highest projected Plus/Minus, and the most points per salary expectation. He is also projected to be rostered on 36% to 40% of teams.
Fast Break
Tyrese Maxey ($5,700) has benefitted the most from the BS of the Ben Simmons situation. He’s started two games, played 34 and 36 minutes, garnered a usage rate of 21%, and produced 36.75 and 23 DraftKings points. Joel Embiid is questionable for this one, so there’s a chance more usage comes his way. Since last season, with both Ben Simmons and Embiid off the court, Maxey has averaged 1 DKFP per minute.
Shooting Guard
Stud
Andrew Wiggins ($6,000) has the third-highest projection at the position on the Player Model with an 88% Bargain Rating. Jaylen Brown tops the position, but he’s questionable, dealing with a knee issue. Wiggins averages 0.97 DraftKings points per minute and thrives in up-tempo matchups.
It’s early but, so far this season, the Kings are fifth in offensive pace while the Warriors are first. Per the Trends tool, Wiggins has faced the Kings seven times over the past two seasons. He’s averaged 37 DraftKings points with a positive 3.11 Plus/Minus and a 71.4% Consistency Rating.
Granted, three of those games were when he was a member of the Timberwolves and put up a whopping 63.75 DraftKings points in one of those contests. That said, in the last three games against the Kings as a member of the Warriors, Wiggins has gone for 33.5, 46, and 30.75 DraftKings points.
Value
De’Anthony Melton is the best value at the position by a wide margin.
Fast Break
Jaylen Brown is questionable today as he is dealing with a knee issue. If he’s out, Jayson Tatum would see an elevated usage rate, but Josh Richardson ($4,100) could benefit as well. Richardson only played 21 minutes off the bench last game as he was dealing with a migraine issue. He did put up 19.75 DraftKings points in that limited amount of time. He could start or at least see more minutes in this one.
Small Forward
Stud
LeBron James ($9,100) has played 37 minutes in both games this season. The results have been erratic, though, as he’s gone for 61.25 and 39 DraftKings points. With the Lakers 0-2, James should have a big game in trying to stop the losing streak at two. The Vegas Dashboard has the Lakers favored by 5 points. James has the highest Floor/Ceiling projection at the position, and the Bargain Rating is at 94%.
Value
Desmond Bane ($4,200) has been great to start the season. He’s started both games and played 30 and 31 minutes. The usage rate has been 29% and 23.5%, while the shooting efficiency has been magnificent (8-for-16 and 7-for-15). He’s produced 33.75 and 33 DraftKings points and now gets a pace-up matchup against a Lakers team that is second in offensive pace in the early going.
Fast Break
Harrison Barnes ($7,300) used to be the boring player who would play a ton of minutes and score points without much else. Well, Barnes has played 37 and 38 minutes while scoring 36 and 25 points, but he’s grabbed 15 and nine rebounds while collecting three steals. That’s translated to 58.25 and 49.75 DraftKings points. Is he this good? Probably not, but what if regression occurs with some of the production remaining?
The game environment should be a good one tonight as the Kings are fifth in offensive pace while the Warriors are first.
Power Forward
Stud
There have been problems in La La Land, but Anthony Davis ($9,400) hasn’t been one. He’s played 39 and 38 minutes and literally stuffed the stat sheet in both games, producing 57.75 and 50.5 DraftKings points. As long as he’s healthy, Davis has one of the best floor/ceiling combos in the game.
Value
Brandon Clarke ($3,100) has played 12 and 21 minutes, so he is the anti-Anthony Davis in terms of playing time. That said, he’s $100 above the minimum and has produced 13.25 and 13.5 DraftKings points. It’s a pace-up spot for the Grizzlies, and Clarke does thrive in uptempo environments. If he gets around 20 minutes, Clarke could be a nice option because he averages 0.97 DraftKings points per minute.
Fast Break
In his season debut, Al Horford ($5,900) only played 25 minutes but put up 36.75 DraftKings points. The four blocks heavily contributed to that score, but he still scored 11 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out two assists. The usage rate was 23.5%. The game environment should be good as Houston is fourth in offensive pace, and Jaylen Brown could miss this game, which could have more of the offense flow through both Horford and Jayson Tatum.
Center
Stud
Julius Randle ($8,700) continues to impress. He could always score and grab rebounds, but the playmaking ability was showcased last season. So far this season, that hasn’t dissipated as he’s dished out nine and seven assists. He also expanded his jump-shooting range last season, and he’s gone 3-for-8 and 2-for-6 from downtown this year. The big improvement has been in the two steals and three blocks. If he can contribute those defensive stats on a consistent basis, then Randle will be one of the top fantasy players in the game.
The usage rate has been 35.3% and 31.3%. He’s put up 62.5 and 48.5 DraftKings points. The Knicks just faced the Magic last game and blew them out, 121-96. That is why Randle only played 30 minutes last game and put up 48.5 DraftKings points. A similar scenario could play out again but, even if New York does blow out Orlando again, Randle will likely be a big reason why.
Value
Steven Adams ($5,000) has gone for 33 and 39.25 DraftKings points to start the season. He’s played 32 and 27 minutes. He’s usually about rebounds, but he’s dished out five and three assists while accumulating three steals. The Lakers like to play big, and it’s a pace-up spot for Memphis, so Adams should see plenty of playing time and could thrive once again.
Fast Break
Richaun Holmes ($5,900) only played 18 minutes last game because he fouled out against Rudy Gobert. He still put up 29 DraftKings points. In the opening game, Holmes went for 45.25 DraftKings points. He stuffs the stat sheet and should have no problems dealing with Kevon Looney in this one. Or Draymond Green if the Warriors go small. This game features two teams that are top five in offensive pace, so there should be plenty of opportunities for fantasy goodies.
