This NBA DFS picks article utilizes Awesemo’s player point projection and value grades to identify the slate’s top potential plays for DraftKings NBA and FanDuel NBA lineups. Be aware of how the plays vary from site to site, often salary and popularity will completely change how a player looks on DraftKings as compared to FanDuel. The value rating takes into account a player’s point per dollar performance, while the points grade is a ranking of the fantasy point projection for NBA DFS contests.
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Guard: Cole Anthony
DraftKings: Points: D, Value E; FanDuel: Points: B, Value D
At the bare minimum salary across the industry, NBA DFS has yet to catch up to the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Cole Anthony. Averaging 22.5 fantasy points per game through his first five contests, Anthony delivers for fantasy owners despite his limited run, putting up 1.10 fantasy points per minute in FanDuel NBA contests and 1.13 in DraftKings NBA action. Anthony looks to be in position for the potential to push the 25 minute mark with so many injuries in the backcourt for the Orlando Magic. At his price, rostering Anthony opens builds and could crush value. Anthony is attempting 9.6 shots per game, producing 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Orlando heads to Oklahoma City for their game against a Thunder team that ranked seventh in the NBA last year by defensive rating, though their roster turnover has them just 19th so far this season. No Magic starter received more than 24 minutes playing time last game, a blowout at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. While we don’t expect that result in this contest, the Magic are still managing several injuries to key players, which could open a path for Anthony to see significant minutes and return significant value.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 5.5% Â FanDuel 9.9%
Bonus Round: LaMelo Ball –Â DraftKings 7.3% Â FanDuel 6.5%
Forward: Zion Williamson
DraftKings Grades: B, Value B; FanDuel Grades: B, Value B
A few things about Zion Williamson stand out for me on this NBA DFS slate. One is the ceiling potential. Williamson’s 65.4 is seven points higher than any other forward on the slate, yet he is just the sixth-highest owned forward in FanDuel ownership projections. It seems that the public is not accounting for the blowout factor from his last two games, Williamson’s staggered production seems to be keeping NBA DFS players from clicking his name tonight. If this projection holds, Williamson looks to be a top GPP play.
In what looks to be a close game with a -1 spread against the Toronto Raptors, Williamson should see upward of 36 minutes barring a total blowout or significant foul trouble. Williamson is averaging 1.13 fantasy points per minute, producing 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds. Caution is warranted as the Toronto Raptors are still 2nd in the league defensively, posting a 99.6 rating. They have also nearly doubled their pace from last year from 12th to 6th this year.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 9.9%Â FanDuel 12.9%
Bonus Round: De’Andre Hunter – DraftKings 6.5%Â FanDuel 10.5%
Center: Myles Turner
DraftKings Grades: C, Value C; FanDuel Grades: B, Value D
Myles Turner has been all-around solid through his first five games of the NBA DFS season. Leading the league in blocks with 21, Turner has strung together impressive defensive stats to go with his 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds. The 4.2 “stocks” average is incredibly valuable on FanDuel, where blocks and steals score more than in DraftKings NBA contests. Turner has been a career double-double threat and we’re seeing his minutes increase from game to game so far this year. If we reasonably project 34 minutes at his current 1.29 fantasy points per minute rate, in a game that should remain competitive, Turner looks like a terrific play. The center averages 38.3 fantasy points per game and has put up two steals and four blocks in each of the two most recent games. He will likely continue the trend against the New York Knicks tonight. The Knicks have improved dramatically on defense this year, but I still think we can attack this spot with Turner, given the recent quality.
Projected NBA DFS Ownership: DraftKings 13.7% Â FanDuel 5%
Bonus Round: Bismack Biyombo – DraftKings 6.5% Â FanDuel 2.7%
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