FanDuel & DraftKings NBA Value Plays: 1-30-17

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.

Afternoon/Evening Updates

Given this article is posted in the morning or early afternoon, I will do my best to keep you posted as the day moves on. News occurs throughout the day, and up until lock altering values plays for the slate. You can find notes in this section here.

- Al Horford is starting tonight. Johnson/Jerebko/Olynyk are less intriguing.

- Tyler Johnson is probable. Downgrades Wayne Ellington.

Point Guard

Yogi Ferrell, Dallas Mavericks ($3,500 FD - $3,500 DK)

Yogi Ferrell signed a 10-day contract with Dallas and was immediately thrown into the fire, playing 35 minutes against San Antonio last night. He posted a 9-2-7 line, with two steals. Cleveland is a plus matchup for Ferrell, as they allow the sixth most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards. For bare minimum he is certainly in play tonight, alongside teammate Seth Curry. Dallas has a team total north of 100, I don't mind targeting this backcourt.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 24.80 - DraftKings: 28.83

Honorable Mentions: Reggie Jackson

Shooting Guard

Seth Curry, Dallas Mavericks ($4,300 FD - $5,300 DK)

Coming off of a career game, Seth Curry should be a bit chalky against the Cavs. His price is a bit expensive on DraftKings, where you can look at Wesley Matthews for a cheaper price. Cleveland's backcourt defense lacks quite a bit, and Dallas offense should run through Curry, Matthews and Ferrell tonight. All three are at a cheaper price tag, while Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki draw tougher matchups and are a bit more expensive. Curry has had some big upside at times, but overall is averaging around 23 fantasy points over his last ten games.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 27.01 - DraftKings: 30.71

Honorable Mentions: Wesley Matthews

Small Forward

Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets ($4,400 FD - $4,000 DK)

Small forward value is pretty ugly tonight, there are a few options you can use on DraftKings who are small forward eligible, but other than that we are diving into some riskier plays. Caris LeVert is certainly talented, but minutes sit around the 25-28 mark if we are lucky. LeVert is averaging 24 fantasy points per game over his last five, which I would certainly take at this price tag. Miami is also 22nd in defensive efficiency against opposing small forwards. I tend to find myself using Andrew Wiggins and Jae Crowder more than not at this position.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 20.54 - DraftKings: 22.62

Honorable Mentions: P.J. Tucker

Power Forward

Jon Leuer, Detroit Pistons ($4,400 FD - $4,400 DK)

Jon Leuer and Tobias Harris have both been splitting time at the four, which has been a bit of an issue for us DFS players. This is an excellent position for both, as Boston allows the sixth most fantasy points per game to opposing power forwards, and rank 26th in rebounding. Leuer's cheaper price tag is intriguing, and there are not many power forwards to really pay up for outside of that middle range. Leuer has a better projection, per out site, and also a cheaper price tag. I don't mind him using him on tonight's slate.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 24.64 - DraftKings: 26.88

Honorable Mentions: Amir Johnson (If Horford is out).

Center

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,900 FD - $4,600 DK)

Kevin Love being out doesn't make Tristan Thompson a better play all that much. The matchup is really what I am looking at, given Dallas ranks 30th in rebounding, and 16th in defensive efficiency against centers. He dropped 30 on them earlier this season, which I would expect similar production again. Having four blocks and four steals last night to go with a double double will certainly heighten his ownership. There is no doubt he is one of the better points-per-dollar centers on the slate.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 26.10 - DraftKings: 27.84

Honorable Mentions: