Steve Krebs provides a way to fit both DeMarcus Cousins & Russell Westbrook into your FanDuel lineup
From outside the fence, DFS may appear to be a way to parlay your sports knowledge into the kind of lucrative prospect that would surely set Ralph Kramden (Google it) running around the room in glee. The truth is, playing DFS is comparable to many facets in life; ye get out, what ye put in.
So, if you think that you’re about to become the next millionaire by just sitting on the bowl and creating lineups based solely on your perception, you might want to wake up, because that is not in any way realistic.
To become even remotely successful playing on a daily fantasy site, it takes time, planning, approach, game theory, and a plethora of research. Incorporate posts (such as this fine read), and podcasts, into your strategy, but do not take them as gospel.
Let the research guide you to your selections, not only the words of someone whose suggestions may carry an allegiance, or bias.
One last piece of advice I would like to offer up; watch the games! Sure it’s nice to know player-A scored 20 points, and grabbed 10 boards, but knowing how he attained those stats will benefit you so much more in future situations.
Without any further preamble, let’s dive into this tasty pie, otherwise known as tonight’s 12-game slate.
All lineups are in regards to 50/50, and H2H contests, unless stated different.
New FanDuel users get a free entry into an NBA DFS contest where the top-half wins! 
PG – Russell Westbrook – $10,800
Not sure there is an argument worth listening to that suggests fading Westbrook any night he is on the court. The price is steep, though, you are paying for 50-point production. The fact the Orlando Magic guards do not put defense at the top of their priorities leaves the door open to amass 60 or more FanDuel points, if the score can stay somewhat close.
PG – Emmanuel Mudiay – $5, 500
After lighting-up Patrick Beverly, and the Houston Rockets, to the tune of 17 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, Mudiay is in a prime-spot to eclipse that against a much weaker defender in Ricky Rubio. The rookie is going to receive all the minutes his legs can handle, and obviously the talent is there.
SG – C.J. McCollum – $6,000
In a word, wow! Sure, many thought McCollum would take a step forward this season, but dropping a 47.7 in the first game? You are lying if you say you saw that coming! Although we would welcome a repeat performance, returning a 6x value on the price will be just fine.
SG – Rodney Hood – $4,300
Starting, check. Low salary, check. Playing against Philadelphia guards, all-in!
SF – Nikola Mirotic – $6,000
This weekend could be the last that you are able to get Nikola for under 7K, and our suggestion is that you do so, as much as possible. In the first two games of the season, the opposing starting PF (even though his position on FanDuel is SF) is averaging just under 34 fantasy points against Detroit.
SF – Harrison Barnes – $4,600
Barnes could very well average 24 fantasy points per game this season, even though he is the fourth option on his team. Take him tonight, and cash-in on a solid 5x value, with a very reasonable price.
C – DeMarcus Cousins – $10,900
This is me when I am able to fit Boogie, and Westbrook in the same lineup…
PF – Julius Randle – $4,700
If you watched the Lakers first game, you are well aware that this will be another situation where the low salary will not sustain. Randle is going to out-produce his asking price tonight, and you can book that!
PF – Kenneth Faried – $6,900
Faried will be most likely defended by Kevin Garnett if the T’Wolves roll out the same starting lineup as they did for their first game, which means all the Faried, every last morsel. It’s going to take a terrible offensive outing for the Manimal to miss on return tonight.
New FanDuel users get a free entry into an NBA DFS contest where the top-half wins!
Value Plays
- Otto Porter – $5,400
- Isaiah Canaan – $5,300
- Meyers Leonard – $5,000
- Marco Belinelli – $3,900
- Joffrey Lauvergne – $3,700
Steve Krebs is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Steve, check out his archive and follow him @BKHoops5.
