FanDuel & DraftKings NBA Value Plays: 2-9-17

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.

Back Court

Jordan McRae, Cleveland Cavaliers ($3,500 FD - $3,000 DK)

For bare minimum, Jordan McRae is an intriguing option on a night where the Cavs are expected to rest their big three. Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith are also out with injuries, leaving the backcourt with just a few bodies. Kyle Korver, Kay Felder, DeAndre Liggins, and Jordan McRae makeup the backcourt. Korver is the bigger name, but certainly isn't a player that is going to just suck in a ton of usage and try and takeover a game. His failure to create his own shot, and lackluster peripheral stats have me off of him. McRae has a 0.77 FPPM, which is higher than Liggins and Korver this season. Felder has a 0.91 FPPM, and is probably my second most intriguing option among the guards. McRae has solid in preseason DFS, which doesn't necessarily translate, but the usage should be there. When all those names are off the court, Felder and McRae have the highest usage.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 20.88 - DraftKings: 22.91

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

Houston once again sits with the highest team total of the night (114), and head on the road to a team that ranks 23rd in total fantasy points allowed. Kemba Walker is an average defender at best, and I don't mind Beverley as a cheaper alternative tonight. I also assume a lot of people will take a stab at Felder, who isn't a 100% sure thing. Charlotte is in the bottom half in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing point guards, and Beverley contributes across the board. Beverley has been around the 25 fantasy point mark on average over the last ten games, and was around 25 in a previous matchup.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 27.59 - DraftKings: 31.31

Honorable Mentions: Kay Felder, Marcus Smart

Front Court

Channing Frye, Cleveland Cavaliers ($4,300 FD - $3,400 DK)

Channing Frye should pick up hefty minutes with LeBron James and Kevin Love out tonight, and even though he is better with James on the court, the minutes will be there. He has a 0.95 FPPM, which is the highest of all the players going tonight for the Cavs. The minutes will certainly be there, and a 99 team total is still viable to target. I expect him to be a somewhat popular play tonight, just due to the fact that the power forward position is rather weak. At the moment we have Frye to be the third highest fantasy point scorer on the Cavs tonight, which could trend up as the day goes on.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 21.36 - DraftKings: 23.52

Maurice Harkless, Portland Trail Blazers ($3,800 FD - $4,000 DK)

With Evan Turner out for a while, Maurice Harkless will step back into the starting lineup. He should hover around 30 minutes tonight in a high scoring game. Harkless has shot the ball better at home, shooting 51%, compared to 45% on the road. I like this game quite a bit, and it should stay competitive until the end. With James out, small forward is a dreadful position tonight, so dropping down to a cheap viable option is a good way to get exposure to some high priced guards, or upgrading center. Back when Harkless was healthy and starting, he was averaging 13-5-1, with 1.7 blocks + steals per game.

DFC Projection: FanDuel: 24.18 - DraftKings: 26.66

Honorable Mentions: Clint Capela, Al-Farouq Aminu