FanDuel & DraftKings NBA Value Plays: 1-25-17

With guys like Russell Westbrook and James Harden dropping 60+ fantasy point games, they will be staples in the lineups for many of us. But... To grab those players, value is crucial in NBA, just like any other DFS sport. Value opens up through injuries, site pricing, and rotational changes. We are staying on top of that for you here, talking about the best value at each position.

Point Guard

Patrick Beverley, Houston Rockets ($5,600 FD - $5,300 DK)

For the second night in a row, a game featuring Boston is the highest total of the night. The Celtics are on a back-to-back after a demoralizing defeat to Washington. They draw one of the best offenses in the league now, so this will be a tough rebound game. I am looking at a handful values from this game, and one is Patrick Beverley. Boston ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency to opposing point guards, and are allowing the 13th most fantasy points per game over the last ten games. They are middle of the league on the season. Houston has a 116 team total on the night, and Beverley is averaging over 25 fantasy points per game in his last ten games.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 28.38 - DraftKings: 32.01

Honorable Mentions: Marcus Smart, Ty Lawson

Shooting Guard

Lou Williams, Los Angeles Lakers ($5,700 FD - $5,800 DK)

The Lakers are coming off of a dreadful outing against Dallas, and had some time off to regroup. They get Portland on the road tonight, who have one of the softer defenses in the league. I am not particularly worried about Lou Williams numbers against Portland this season, I am more intrigued with his numbers given D'Angelo Russell is out. Williams' usage rate is already a high one (30.6%), and it takes a small 1.9% bump when Russell is out. Russell has missed 14 games this season, and in those games, Williams has averaged 21-2-3, compared to 16-2-3 with Russell. Williams had a hot streak before then, so price has come up a bit more than I like, but still a guy with immense value, and GPP winning upside for his price.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 29.10 - DraftKings: 32.10

Honorable Mentions: Norman Powell, Nick Young, Garett Temple

Small Forward

Robert Covington, Philadelphia 76ers ($5,400 FD - $5,600 DK)

Another player with a small bump in usage due to injury is Robert Covington. Joel Embiid is unlikely to play tonight, as well as Jahlil Okafor. Okafor is out, Nerlens Noel and Dario Saric become awesome values again. Covington is less dependent on Okafor's status, and has been playing well of late. He is averaging over 30 fantasy points per game in the last five, and right around 30 in his last ten. The Bucks are allowing the second most fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards this season, and rank 26th in defensive efficiency. Covington remains an awesome steal over on FanDuel, but isn't bad on DraftKings either.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 25.42 - DraftKings: 28.83

Honorable Mentions: Trevor Ariza, Brandon Ingram

Power Forward

Ryan Anderson, Houston Rockets ($4,600 FD - $4,500 DK)

Keying in on another Houston value, Ryan Anderson is intriguing tonight. After missing some time with illness, price has dropped on both sites. The Philly guys would jump ahead of Anderson if Okafor is out, so make a note of that. Otherwise, this is a great spot for Anderson. Boston ranks 25th in defensive efficiency, and allow the fifth most fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards. They also struggle rebounding, ranking 28th in the league. With a monster total James Harden is the focal piece of the offense, but there should be a lot to go around tonight.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 24.60 - DraftKings: 27.30

Honorable Mentions: Dario Saric, Nerlens Noel , Zach Randolph

Center

Mason Plumlee, Portland Trail Blazers ($6,500 FD - $6,200 DK)

Mason Plumlee is always at a reduced priced when it comes to center, despite being one of the safer high floor options in basketball. He is averaging over 30 fantasy points per game in the last ten games, and is around that mark on a season average. Against the Lakers this season, Plumlee has averaged 13-7-3 with 2.5 blocks + steals per game. He is a great cash game center tonight for a cheaper price, as well as a guy with some GPP upside. He has a 40 point ceiling in his last ten games. The Lakers allow the second most fantasy points per game to opposing centers this season, and rank 19th in rebounding. Plumlee should be able to surpass 30 fantasy points again in this one.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 27.82 - DraftKings: 29.38

Honorable Mentions: Greg Monroe (GPP), Steven Adams