fbpx

Basketball Picks Daily Fantasy Expert Advice

03/28/2016
Austyn Varney

Daily Fantasy NBA Basketball Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings - 3/28/16

Today is a standard Monday slate with 10 games on the docket. There are 6 games with a total over 210 as of now. I expect the tournament winning scores to be over 400 points with a ton of high scoring games. Make sure to keep an eye out for injury news as we are still waiting on some very important news. Keep an eye out for our injury and updates article that comes out around noon.

Now’s your chance to get DFSR Pro with NBA Optimal Lineups, Projections, Player Cards and Google Chrome extension that auto-populates your lineups into FanDuel. Or try a free trial of our base package with projections for every player. While the seasons overlap, you'll get access to our tools for the NBA and NHL (and MLB when the time comes)! Get started for free by clicking the button below.

First time with NBA? Be sure to read our free NBA Ebook on building lineups, general strategy and more. We've got you completely covered.

A quick heads up - we post an updates article every day in the early afternoon, EST, to catch everyone up on how things are changing as a result of whatever news has come through. We also have great talks in the comments of that article. Hope to see you there!

We've also launched a Stats and Research Page, which includes a lot of the individual statistics that we use to make our projections. It's free! Enjoy.

POINT GUARD

Russell WestbrookRussell Westbrook - FD 10600 DK 10400
Opponent - TOR
FD Proj. Pts - 54.16 DK Proj. Pts - 55.88
Russell Westbrook has been a man on fire recently with 7 straight games over 40 fantasy points. The Toronto Raptors have been average against point guards over the last month as Kyle Lowry has been dealing with a few injuries. I expect this game to be very close as well with the Raptors trying to secure their spot in the playoffs. Westbrook is going to give you a confident roster spot with a very high floor and as good of a ceiling as anyone in the league. Plug Westbrook into both your cash games and tournaments with confidence.

Brandon KnightBrandon Knight - FD 7100 DK 7300
Opponent - MIN
FD Proj. Pts - 37.01 DK Proj. Pts - 39.33
Brandon Knight returned from illness (which we don't even want to talk about around these offices) last game and immediately jumped into 39 minutes of work. This relieves any worries I have of the Suns limiting his minutes due to injury risk (or open tanking). Knight and the Suns will be taking on Ricky Rubio and the Timberwolves in a fast-paced game currently sitting with a 218 game total. Knight has historically played better in fast paced games as his style of play is helped tremendously when there are fast break possessions and turnovers up for grabs. Ricky Rubio is not a defender to be afraid of as he will go for steals and leave Knight wide open on multiple possessions throughout the game. Knight will have his opportunities to score at the rim as well as the 3-point line.

Raymond FeltonRaymond Felton - FD 4100 DK 4300
Opponent - DEN
FD Proj. Pts - 20.66 DK Proj. Pts - 22.15
J.J. BareaJ.J. Barea - FD 4000 DK 4600
Opponent - DEN
FD Proj. Pts - 26.41 DK Proj. Pts - 27.72
Felton and Barea are going to be sharp plays until Deron Williams comes back and/or their prices trend up around the industry. The Denver Nuggets are not a team that is going to stop any perimeter players that are looking to attack the rim and assert themselves on offense. Barea was the chalk play last night, but Felton saw more minutes, running with both units. Keep an ear out for D-Will news as it will make both of these guys solid options in a wide open game.

DFSR 705x90

SHOOTING GUARD

C.J. McCollumC.J. McCollum - FD 7000 DK 7200
Opponent - SAC
FD Proj. Pts - 32.52 DK Proj. Pts - 34.56
C.J. McCollum has been stepping up more and more throughout this entire season and is showing no signs of slowing down now. The Kings have been a bottom 5 team against shooting guards this season and have not seen many better than McCollum. McCollum will attack Seth Curry early and often with intent to score and ignite the offense. McCollum is a terrific option in all of your game formats as he provides you with a high floor and generally high ceiling. I expect a game total of around 225 in this one, which only adds to our excitement.

Zach LaVineZach LaVine - FD 6100 DK 5800
Opponent - PHX
FD Proj. Pts - 28.68 DK Proj. Pts - 30.12
Zach Lavine is a player who has a ton of upside due to his pure athleticism on the court. He's been slightly priced down around the industry which opens up a great opportunity cost. The Phoenix Suns do not have anyone that will be able to match his physicality on the inside or on a drive. he can get out on the break and to touch the ball often in half-court sets though he's incredibly scoring dependent. Devin Booker will likely guard Lavine at first which will not turn out well for Booker due to his size. I do prefer Lavine in his tournaments due to his high minutes volatility. He has a ceiling around 40 if this game stays close.

Rodney HoodRodney Hood - FD 5000 DK 5000
Opponent - LAL
FD Proj. Pts - 25.91 DK Proj. Pts - 28.33
Rodney Hood is a pretty tough player to figure out as it seems like his production varies for no rhyme or reason. The Lakers have absolutely no way to guard him whether it is on the pick and roll or isolation. Hood is an excellent source of value on this slate as he provides you with a cheap high floor as well as a ceiling over 40 points as he has shown multiple times throughout this year. Jordan Clarkson will likely be his match-up for the majority of the game. Clarkson struggles greatly against guards who can shoot as well. It's always good to get the Jazz in up-pace games because they're priced as a plodding squad.

 

SMALL FORWARD

Kevin DurantKevin Durant - FD 10300 DK 10000
Opponent - TOR
FD Proj. Pts - 48.79 DK Proj. Pts - 51.61
Kevin Durant and the Thunder will be facing off against the Raptors tonight in a game that should stay relatively close. However, Durant may have the biggest mismatch on the board tonight and it is not too close. The Raptors are going to be forced to cover Durant with the likes of Terrence Ross, Norman Powell and/or James Johnson. None of these guys have a minuscule chance of stopping him or even remotely slowing him down. Durant is going to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants and is easily my favorite option on the slate in both cash games and tournaments.

Andrew WigginsAndrew Wiggins - FD 6600 DK 6300
Opponent - PHX
FD Proj. Pts - 31.77 DK Proj. Pts - 32.65
Wiggins has faced off with the Suns twice before this season and is averaging over 30 fantasy points in those 2 games. Wiggins will likely draw the defense of a stingy P.J Tucker. However, due to Wiggins' pure shot volume and minutes played I am confident he will hit value. This game is going to be a constant up and down battle which is where Wiggins excels most. Look for Wiggins to take 15-20 shots in this game with many of the coming within 5 feet of the rim. Wiggins is more of a tournament play for as he does have a low floor if Lavine or Towns take over the game.

Kyle AndersonKyle Anderson - FD 3600 DK 3400
Opponent - MEM
FD Proj. Pts - 23.92 DK Proj. Pts - 24.53
Kyle Anderson will likely step into the starting lineup for the 3rd straight game for the injured Kawhi Leonard. Memphis is not the same defense as they have been the majority of the year and does not scare me away from anyone at all. Anderson is a terrific option across the entire industry due to how many minutes he will play and how many shots he will take. Memphis will stick Tony Allen on Danny green which will leave Matt Barnes or Lance Stephenson on Anderson, who he will have distinct advantages against.

 

POWER FORWARD

Derrick FavorsDerrick Favors - FD 7300 DK 7000
Opponent - LAL
FD Proj. Pts - 34.75 DK Proj. Pts - 35.19
Favors is far and away my favorite option at power forward tonight and is head and shoulders above everybody else. The Utah Jazz have been running the offense through Favors and there is no reason for that to change against the Lakers who cannot guard power forwards for their life. Favors will be able to establish himself into deep post position and get ready for an east turn and score. There is nobody on the Lakers that will be able to stop Favors from scoring, rebounds, blocking shots or anything else he may want to do. I am very comfortable plugging Favors into both my cash games and tournaments.

Kristaps PorzingisKristaps Porzingis - FD 6700 DK 6100
Opponent - NOP
FD Proj. Pts - 34.34 DK Proj. Pts - 35.42
Kristaps Porzingis is going to stepping into a prime match-up against the Pelicans with nobody that can step out to the perimiter and guard his 3-point shot. I expect Ajinca to start on him which provides a significant outside mismatch for the Pels. Porzingis is an extremely safe cash option on this slate due to the match-up problems the Pelicans are going to be forced into. His minutes are starting to appear safe which felt like a pipe dream only a few weeks ago.

Mirza TeletovicMirza Teletovic - FD 4500 DK 4700
Opponent - MIN
FD Proj. Pts - 22.89 DK Proj. Pts - 25.72
Mirza Teletovic will likely slide into the starting lineup against the Timberwolves. Make sure to keep a keen eye out for injury news throughout the day. Tyson Chandler and Jon Leuer are both questionable and will have a huge impact on the status of Teletovic as a play. If Teletovic does end up starting he is a tremendous source of value on a slate that has some great upper level salary options. Teletovic can get hot from the outside and put up a 30+ fantasy point night with a double-double.

 

CENTER

DeAndre JordanDeAndre Jordan - FD 8300 DK 7900
Opponent - BOS
FD Proj. Pts - 39.68 DK Proj. Pts - 40.43
DeAndre Jordan is coming off a game where he put up nearly 40 fantasy points in 1 half and has looked extremely well in the past couple games. Boston has no big men that will able to match Jordan with length or strength. I am looking for the Celtics to stick Amir Johnson on Jordan to begin the game which will not start or end well for Johnson. I expect this game to stay close and high scoring due to the Celtics pushing for a playoff spot. Jordan is a great mid-range option at center that provides you with a great floor and ceiling. I would prefer Jordan in tournaments due to the next guy mentioned and how big of a fan I am of his tonight.

Robin LopezRobin Lopez - FD 5800 DK 5400
Opponent - NOP
FD Proj. Pts - 29.07 DK Proj. Pts - 29.51
ROLO TIME! The PElicans have been throwing 2 centers in the starting lineup recently which is going to force Lopez to play around 35 minutes tonight. The only concern we ever have with Lopez in his minutes and if we can confirm those we are in great shape. Lopez is my favorite center on the night when you consider price. ROLO has shown his upside in the last 10 games with 3 games over 40 fantasy points and one over 50. While I am not projecting that, I am projecting a value shattering performance.

So yeah, basketball season! And we've got some goodies you can take with you. At the end of the post, we have our NBA eBook that you really ought to check out before setting even a single daily fantasy NBA lineup. It's free, below.

GRAB A FREE TRIAL OF OUR PROJECTION SYSTEM, AND CHECK OUT DFSR PRO!

GET OUR FREE EBOOK ON DAILY FANTASY NBA!

And Daily Fantasy NBA Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings every day!

image sources

34 Visitor Comments

  1. Think I will run 1 lineup that is all Phx and Min, no defense, should be some good values. I had a couple top 20 finishes last night and 1 of them was running all Warriors and Sixers

  2. Yikes. Thanks. Had published this last night and didn’t see that news. Updated (picture too)

  3. Supposedly Koufus starting what is Acy’s value?

  4. I was reading it at 2AM as I was collecting my cash from last night. Optimal was hot! Thank you guys. Who woulda guessed WCS and Casspi?!

    • Yup last night crushed FanDuel and cashed 50/50 on DK even with Mejri which feels like a miracle. Blowout in SAC helped

  5. What do u guys think of dragic, felton, booker, noman Powell ( TOR), Durant, Carmelo, favors, dieng, and R Lopez for fanduel?

    • Kenny, I am very low on Powell and Carmelo. I would definitely prefer sticking Lavine and Gay in there instead. Gives you a more balanced lineup with a safer floor and a higher ceiling. Gay will have an increased usage today with Cousins out. Hope this helps.

  6. Ok i really want to join this site but skeptical about it working…Doug Norrie pick me a DK lineup tonight that will cash n ill be sold..Thanks

      • Rubio, barea, McCollum, hood, melo, Durant, WCS , favors and robin lopez? Shoot me a reply and ill try the free 3 day trial…cant beat that!!

  7. Cousins is Doubtful, not out. We’ve seen many a times where a guy is listed as doubtful and still play. Wait for the official news that he’s out before looking at Koufus and WCS as plays. Gay of course as well, but he’s been the likes of awful lately in those situations.

    • I hear you on this. The good news is I don’t think you must play either Boogie or other Kings regardless. That being said, I very much doubt he plays.

  8. Finished 1st in the Mobile Strike NBA shot last night although I tied with some but I’m feeling good going into Monday.

    A player I like tonight isn’t going to shatter any fantasy value but still I like Will Barton and even more now since his price has dropped to 5,200 where he belongs….Dallas in the past week to 10 days has been giving up the most DFS points to the SG position and although Gary Harris will get more minutes,I think Barton is the better play of the two…..Barton has faced Dallas 3 times this year with DFS numbers between 29.5 to 33…good enough for 5x-6x value now that his price has come down.

  9. I’ve been with this site a while now and it is pretty awesome. Do the FREE trial and check it out. That’s what I did and I was sold.

  10. From my past experiences Gay has not benefited much from Cousins being out.

    • His usage rate definitely climbs with Boogie out. That’s for sure, though the last couple of games have been rough. There may be something up with Gay that’s causing his lack of production.

  11. Wayne, did you tie with 172 1st place on that late Strike? That sucks,I don’t like to share!

    • I shared with 172 other people in a 43,000 man contest not bad,not great but got $165 each for the payout and a $2 game..not bad . it could have been even worse if LA didnt make a slight comeback and cause the Washington starters to return and score a few more points which pushed me and the others into the 1st finish slot

  12. Is the Free trial classic or the pro? Which is better for the moneys?

    • And do I have to cancel after 3 days or will it cancel itself? If I don’t like it

  13. Good call on Boogie being OUT Cory LOL. Too bad he was doubtful and now PLAYING.

    • He was reported as doubtful from numerous sources. But the Kings being a mess with info dissemination, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise

      • Boogie is still playing on bad feet and I think its nuts not to shut him down now and save his talents for the next season…..I am hoping this eventually does not result in a sudden AD type result where he makes a bad step and is out for the game while being heavily owned

  14. I too am considering 3 day trial, how do you cancel if you don’t like it?

  15. Josh, wow you got a jab in. You go on ahead and play him. I like to keep my money.

  16. No one said I was going to play him. I just don’t know why people say guys are out until they’re officially out. Doubtful hasn’t meant a darn thing anytime recently.

  17. Rubio, barea, McCollum, hood, melo, Durant, WCS , favors and robin lopez? What are yalls thoughts?

  18. Or, Coliison, Lillard, Lavine, Hood, Hayward, Durant, Favors, WCS and robin lopez?

Post a Reply

FREE EBOOK

SECRETS TO CRUSHING DAILY FANTASY FOOTBALL!
DON'T SET ANOTHER LINEUP BEFORE YOU READ THIS BOOK.

DOWNLOAD YOUR EBOOK NOW

Our free NBA and MLB eBooks, and picks to your inbox every day!

Your eBooks are on their way!