NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer: Saturday (11/11)

It’s 11/11, and my wish is for us not to have such a weird four-game slate that starts at 6 PM EST, but here we are. There are at least some interesting games to target, and players in solid positions to succeed. So far the injury news is quiet, but Damian Lillard is the big one we’ll be waiting on throughout the day. One important piece of note to be aware of – FanDuel has eliminated the early game between Milwaukee and Orlando for their main slate. Follow me on twitter @jac3600 for all your DFS needs, from NBA to NFL!

View the best player prop bets for tonight’s slate with our NBA Prop Bet Cheat Sheet

NBA DraftKings & FanDuel DFS Primer

TOP PLAY

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) ($11,000 DK, not on FD)

Giannis went ballistic against the Pacers on Thursday with a 54-point, 12-rebound triumph. His rates noticeably spiked with Damian Lillard off the court and would stand to do so again if Dame Time were to miss again. Even if Dame is in, though, Giannis is still the unrivaled top play even in a tougher matchup. It’s a bit of a pace-down game compared to Indiana (Pacers second, Magic 11th), but there should still be plenty of scoring opportunities to go around with the slate high 231.5 O/U. Orlando is fourth in rebounding rate, but they’ve also allowed the fifth most FPPG to opposing frontcourts.

FANDUEL TOP PLAY – Jayson Tatum

CASH PICKS

Bam Adebayo (MIA) ($8500 DK/$8800 FD)

The big injury news of the day is that Tyler Herro is set to miss extended time, which propels the other Heat players up the ranks. Jimmy Butler is fine too, but he’s continued to struggle with knee tendinitis and his box scores have been affected by this. Enter Bam Adebayo, who has quietly been one of the best fantasy players in the game over the last four with three DK scores over 50 (and one with 71.75 against the Lakers!). In 11 games without Herro last year, Bam averaged 21.3 PPG and 10.5 RPG while seeing his usage spike to 27.9%. The price is getting up there, but it’s not reflective of life without Herro. This is also a huge pace-up game, with the Hawks ranking fourth.

Jalen Johnson (ATL) ($6200 DK/$6500 FD)

Jalen Johnson began the season as the backup to Saddiq Bey, but there’s no question that he’s the guy now, and he’s making the most of his time. Over the past three games, Johnson has averaged 40.83 DK PPG over 33.66 MPG. Johnson’s usage still leaves something to be desired over those three games (18%), but he’s averaging a double-double and the absence of Tyler Herro should help on the wing. Miami already ranks next to last in wing defense on the season, so there’s a lot of outs for Johnson to succeed today.

VALUE PLAYS

Josh Richardson (MIA) ($4700 DK/$4300 FD)

Josh Richardson is going to be chalky tonight, and rightfully so. He bottomed out the last two games, but was averaging 26 MPG in the three games prior. That would seem to be his floor tonight as the most direct beneficiary of Tyler Herro‘s absence, and he should have some upside as well with the matchup. In addition to ranking fourth in pace, Miami is also 25th against opposing wings.

Cameron Payne (MIL) ($4700 DK/not on FD)

This is another DK-specific play as FD has eliminated the first game, and it’s also contingent on Damian Lillard‘s status. If Lillard sits again, Payne is going to be a popular play even though his price rose by $1000. In his first game without Lillard on Thursday, Payne played 30 minutes in his starting role. On a short slate, Payne’s value could be important in fitting Giannis, Curry, or some of the top Miami options. Payne only had a 14.2% usage rate, but contributed in multiple categories with a 7-4-5 line.

OTHER TOP FD VALUES – Max Strus, Duncan Robinson

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