We have a nice nine-game slate on tap tonight in the NBA. This is a slate that has a nice mix of both superstars and value plays. Here are my top options for FanDuel.
Point Guard
John Wall vs. Sacramento Kings
Salary $9,900
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 23.9 | Last Five Games: 24.8
Min/Game -- Season: 35.1 | Last Five Games: 36.7
FP/Game -- Season: 39.4 | Last Five Games: 43.1
Wall has been on a tear recently, averaging 43.1 fantasy points per game over his last five. He has seen a major spike in usage rate with Bradley Beal out of the lineup and there are few better matchups than the Sacramento Kings. The Wizards are projected to score 106 points tonight, which is the third-highest team total on the NBA odds board.
Chris Paul vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Salary $8,700
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 22.5 | Last Five Games: 23.2
Min/Game -- Season: 32.1 | Last Five Games: 33.6
FP/Game -- Season: 35.4 | Last Five Games: 41.6
I always love targeting Paul in big games. The Clippers have yet to have that notable win this season, but they can pick it up tonight against the Thunder. Paul has played well in his last five games, averaging 41.6 fantasy points during that stretch. He also draws a favorable matchup against Russell Westbrook.
Shooting Guard
James Harden vs. Charlotte Hornets
Salary $10,500
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 27.7 | Last Five Games: 28.2
Min/Game -- Season: 38.3 | Last Five Games: 34.5
FP/Game -- Season: 46.7 | Last Five Games: 41.6
Even though Harden’s production has been down a little recently, the Rockets have been winning games. Harden is still an elite play tonight, as Houston hosts the visiting Hornets. Harden has 50+ fantasy point upside every time he takes the floor and there is enough value in the slate to easily fit him in your lineup.
Allen Crabbe vs. Atlanta Hawks
Salary $3,800
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 14.8 | Last Five Games: 16.6
Min/Game -- Season: 24.2 | Last Five Games: 25.1
FP/Game -- Season: 14.9 | Last Five Games: 16.7
Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum were originally listed as probable for tonight’s game, but they have both been ruled out. Crabbe will likely step into the starting lineup and be their go-to player offensively. He could see 30+ minutes of action in a game where his usage should be through the roof. He’s a no-brainer tonight at $3,800.
Small Forward
Kawhi Leonard vs. Indiana Pacers
Salary $8,800
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 22.2 | Last Five Games: 21.6
Min/Game -- Season: 33.3 | Last Five Games: 31.2
FP/Game -- Season: 38.8 | Last Five Games: 39.9
Leonard has been extremely consistent this season. He is basically a lock for 32+ fantasy points every game with a ceiling of around 50 fantasy points. He should see minutes in the mid-30’s tonight against the Pacers. He will be tasked with defending Paul George and I wouldn’t be surprised if Leonard actually outplays him.
Omri Casspi vs. Washington Wizards
Salary $5,000
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 14.0 | Last Five Games: 12.8
Min/Game -- Season: 29.0 | Last Five Games: 37.8
FP/Game -- Season: 22.3 | Last Five Games: 28.8
Casspi is one of the best value plays on the board tonight. In his last five games, he has averaged 37.8 minutes and 28.8 fantasy points per contest. He also draws one of the best matchups on the board, as the Wizards’ frontcourt is still depleted. Casspi is a low-risk, medium reward play tonight at small forward.
Power Forward
Blake Griffin vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Salary $9,200
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 26.0 | Last Five Games: 24.1
Min/Game -- Season: 34.8 | Last Five Games: 37.5
FP/Game -- Season: 41.9 | Last Five Games: 39.9
Serge Ibaka is a competent defender, but that’s not enough of a reason to fade Griffin tonight in an important game for both teams. Griffin is coming off of a solid five-game stretch, where he averaged 39.9 fantasy points in 37.5 minutes per game. He could see close to 40 minutes tonight at home against the Thunder.
Cody Zeller vs. Houston Rockets
Salary $4,100
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 13.8 | Last Five Games: 13.0
Min/Game -- Season: 22.2 | Last Five Games: 24.0
FP/Game -- Season: 17.2 | Last Five Games: 18.6
Zeller is a viable punt tonight at power forward. His production hasn’t been anything to write home about, but he should see minutes in the mid-20’s against one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA this season. Zeller only needs around 20 fantasy points to reach value. That is a feat that he can certainly accomplish against Houston.
Center
DeMarcus Cousins vs. Washington Wizards
Salary $9,900
TO-Adjusted Usage -- Season: 28.7 | Last Five Games: 25.8
Min/Game -- Season: 33.2 | Last Five Games: 35.1
FP/Game -- Season: 43.6 | Last Five Games: 44.3
Cousins hasn’t exactly been his dominant self recently, but he has scored at least 42 fantasy points in each of his last five games. His price is still under $10,000 on FanDuel, which likely won’t be the case for much longer. He should have a field day tonight against the Wizards, who can’t rebound or defend the paint.
Note: This is not meant to be a full lineup. The picks are my favorite targets at each position.