Welcome back to the Fantasy Alarm NBA DFS Value Vault! We have a huge 9-game main slate on tap in the Association for this lovely Sunday! Let’s find some value to help build our lineups around, shall we?
DRAFTKINGS
1.) Lauri Markkanen PF, CHI ($6,500)
Markkanen has played well to start the season, he’s played 28 and 30 minutes in the first two games, carrying a shade over 22% usage rate, averaging 18.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Today, the Bulls get a home match up against the Warriors who could potentially be without Draymond Green for a third-straight game. This game has a modest total of 227, with a small spread of just 3 points, so likely we can expect a closer game here, and in that event, I think Markkanen presents a decent contrarian look, and even though his price isn’t the greatest, many will not even stop to take a look at him today in my opinion. We saw him go for 40+ DK points in the Hawk’s game, and I think he has that upside once again today.
2.) Terrence Ross SG, ORL ($4,700)
All credit to Mr. Grande as he was all over Ross last night in a great performance that Ross put up against the Wizards with 25 points, two boards, one assist, and two steals. Guess who Ross gets to face once again today? The Wizards. Ross is carrying an average of 26% usage rate so far over the course of two games played and averaging 28 minutes a game to boot. He has taken 14 shot attempts in both games, while averaging 1.5 steals, as well. This game has a listed total of 229.5 at the moment and is the second-highest total on the board, as we know the Wizards play with a very fast PACE. Think this places Ross in both cash or GPP categories with his upside and minutes stability.
3.) Patty Mills PG, SA ($4,200)
This is basically a free square on today’s slate with the Spurs missing Derrick White at the PG spot still. As a result of White’s absence so far to start the season, Mills was granted 29 minutes against the Raptors in their OT win over the Raptors, in which he took full advantage of going 8-of-9 from the field in route to 21 points, with a rebound, and three assists. I would likely go further to say that Mills is a cash play on today’s slate, as he should provide a solid floor with the extended minutes that he will be receiving without White suiting up. He did only get 19 minutes in the win over Memphis in the opener, but still managed a hefty 24.2% usage rate, while putting up 12 points, two boards, and two assists. If we couple the anticipated minutes with the fact that the Spurs are playing the Pelicans and this game has a total of 229 at the moment, third highest total listed on the board, I think Mills is a decent value play today.
FANDUEL
1.) Mikal Bridges SF, PHO ($5,300)
Bridges has taken leaps since last year coming into the new season with a few new faces on his roster. He isn’t going to be a high usage player with the guys like Chris Paul and Devin Booker around him, but he makes up for it in contributing in multiple categories. In two game so far this season, Bridges is averaging around 32 minutes a game, 13.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, and 2.5 BPG. The defensive skills he brings with both steals and blocks is going to pad his value on FanDuel where you get the extra points for those stats, not to mention he has also been a great source of points and rebounds as well so far this season. The Suns and Bridges get a lovely match up here against the Kings in Sacramento tonight with a game total of 227 at the moment.
2.) Jarrett Allen C, BRK ($5,200)
Allen has played really well given the fact that he is coming off the bench for veteran Center DeAndre Jordan . He has actually out-played Jordan as well, and even Head Coach Steve Nash mentioned to reporters that Allen will have a big contract to sign “when the time is ready.” Allen has played 20 and 21 minutes so far in the two games this season as a reserve but has put up starter-type production in the shorter stints with an averaged of 8.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, and 3.0 BPG. As we mentioned above with Bridges, it is the defensive statistics that are the main focus here when looking at Allen on FanDuel. Allen has put up 27 and 35 FD fantasy points in his first two games and gets a match up against the reserves of the Charlotte Hornets today, a team that is starting Bismack Biyombo and P.J. Washington in the front court. I fully expect Allen to have his way when he gets to take the floor against this mismatch today.
3.) Ish Smith PG, WAS ($3,900)
FanDuel really dropped the ball on the pricing here with Smith today. DraftKings has Ish listed as $5,700, and for good reason because we knew ahead of time that Russell Westbrook would be sitting this game today due to the back-to-back. That means that Ish Smith will man most of the starting PG duties here today in this game against the Magic. Ish has played 22 and 23 minutes so far in the reserve role to start the season and should likely see closer to 30 or more minutes today alongside Bradley Beal . Ish has put up 7.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 0.5 BPG so far in the reserve role, and we should expect those numbers to balloon a bit today with his anticipated start at the PG spot.