FanDuel & DraftKings NBA Value Plays: 2-3-17

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

D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers ($6,100 FD - $5,900 DK)

I am hopping on the D'Angelo Russell train before it gets too expensive for me to ride. His price on both sites intrigue me, especially against Boston, who have allowed the seventh most fantasy points per game to opposing point guards over the last ten games. Boston are heavy favorites, but I do expect this one to stay remotely close, and the total is one of the highest on the night. Russell has been impressive since returning from injury, and is my favorite guard from this guard heavy Lakers team to target tonight. If this one stays close, it should come at the hands of Russell.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 31.68 - DraftKings: 35.84

Honorable Mentions: Yogi Ferrell (If Williams is out), Jameer Nelson (If Mudiay is out),

Shooting Guard

Wes Matthews, Dallas Mavericks ($5,400 FD - $5,300 DK)

Wesley Matthews heads back to his old stomping grounds, and is averaging around 25 fantasy points per game over his last ten. Portland's defense isn't a threatening one, and the Dallas team is basically a walking starting five of value on tonight's slate. Dallas has a 100 team total to target, which isn't at the top of the list tonight, but when you consider their prices and injury situations, I don't mind them. Portland allows the eighth most fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards, where Matthews is starting at the moment. They have also allowed the sixth highest FG% as well. Despite a bump in price, Matthews is a solid source of value.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 27.38 - DraftKings: 30.34

Honorable Mentions: Gary Harris, Norman Powell (If DeRozan is out)

Small Forward

Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets ($6,300 FD - $5,700 DK)

Nikola Jokic is due back tonight, but is on somewhat of a minutes restriction, which who the hell knows what that means with Mike Malone. Either way, Danilo Gallinari is out tonight, shifting minutes towards Wilson Chandler. He is my favorite points-per-dollar small forward tonight, and gets a solid matchup as well. The Bucks allow the second most fantasy points per game to opposing small forwards this season. Denver's offense has been one of the best in the league over the last month, and have a healthy total to target tonight (112). In 20 games where the Nuggets have been in a game with a total of 215 or more, Chandler has averaged 30+ fantasy points.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 31.50 - DraftKings: 35.10

Honorable Mentions: Matt Barnes, P.J. Tucker

Power Forward

Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers ($5,500 FD - $5,400 DK)

Power forward is a gross position tonight, and it got a little bit grosser with Nikola Jokic muddying up the situation being active and likely on a minutes restriction. Thaddeus Young isn't the sexiest play on the board, but this sure is the sexiest matchup in fantasy basketball. Brooklyn plays at a high pace, and give up fantasy points to every position at will. They also turn the ball over quite a bit, which is good for Young and his steals. He is averaging 10-5-2 over the last ten games, with three steals per game. The Nets allow the most fantasy points allowed to opposing power forwards per game, and rank 28th in rebounding.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 27.59 - DraftKings: 30.07

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Anderson, Dirk Nowitzki

Center

Clint Capela, Houston Rockets ($4,900 FD - $4,700 DK)

I have a similar feeling towards all the cheaper centers tonight. They carry some risk to them, but when you drop in price you can somewhat minimize the risk. Clint Capela is coming off of a big game, and played 30+ minutes for the first time in a while. On the back to back, that might be a bit different, so there's the risk. He has been solid on a FPPM basis of late, averaging 1.15 FPPM over the last ten games. If he can see 25-30 minutes tonight, Capela will be a solid value play. It is a tough matchup on paper against the Bulls, but the Houston offense and James Harden is a problem.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 24.20 - DraftKings: 25.30

Honorable Mentions: Jonas Valanciunas