DFS NBA Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings - Thursday 3/30

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Guards

Darius Garland FD - $9300 DK - $10100
Opponent - ATL
Proj Pts FD - 45.41 DK - 50.28
Caris LeVert FD - $5200 DK - $5800
Opponent - ATL
Proj Pts FD - 34.15 DK - 36.74

Despite the Hawks and Cavs being the only two teams playing on a back-to-back tonight, I have heavy interest in this game for fantasy as both have ranked outside the Top 20 in defensive efficiency since the All-Star break. I will start with Cleveland and their breakout star in Darius Garland who has been very consistent down the stretch averaging 24.9 points and 11.4 assists and over 50 fantasy points per game in March. He also gets a plus individual matchup here are Trae Young is a well below-average defender.

For Levert, he is back on the fantasy radar as he stepped back into the starting lineup last Saturday and has been efficient. In three starts, he has put up at least 14 shots in each game and contributed in both the rebounds and assists categories and most of all has totaled 28 or more DK points in each of those games. Provided he is back in the starting lineup again tonight, he is on my radar in all formats.

Russell Westbrook FD - $8000 DK - $8600
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 44.05 DK - 48.32
Malik Monk FD - $5800 DK - $5500
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 28.48 DK - 31.22

While this may seem a little insane as the Lakers are 12.5 point dogs tonight, it is hard to ignore the value with both Lebron and Davis out of the lineup. Let's start with Westbrook who has actually provided a consistent fantasy return down the stretch, pretty or not. Over his last six games(five on the road), he has put up 21.8 points on 52.5% shooting and added over eight rebounds and assists per game which ends up as an average of 43 FD/46.8 DK points per game. As for Monk, he has been in and out of the starting lineup but has been solid in the short-term putting up 16 or more shots in three straight which has resulted in at least 32 DK points in each of those. It is a slightly tougher matchup against the Jazz but they have not been the same defensive powerhouse in the second half ranking 20th in defensive efficiency since the ASB. All things considered, I will have exposure to both in all formats tonight.

Small Forward

Kevin Huerter FD - $5500 DK - $5400
Opponent - CLE
Proj Pts FD - 28.19 DK - 30.91
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot FD - $3700 DK - $3100
Opponent - CLE
Proj Pts FD - 15.65 DK - 16.56

The Cleveland value here at small forward is largely dependent on the status of Gallinari and Collins but wanted to point out a couple of beneficiaries should they both miss again, which appears likely. Let's start with Huerter who is the safer option as the regular starter for the Hawks and he has also been consistent down the stretch. He has put up double-digit shot attempts in four straight games and while mostly shooting dependant has put up 30 or more DK points in four of his last five games. He is a value I will consider in cash games regardless of other injuries. For TLC, he got the start last night at near min price, made four of eight shots, added six assists+rebounds, and now has over 20 fantasy points in back-to-back games. If he was to get another start, I will add him to my stars and scrubs builds.

Also Consider: Kevin Durant(BKN) if looking for another payup on this slate. Despite Kyrie back full-time, KD hasn't let up putting up 23 or more shots in three of his last four games and is averaging over 53 DK points per game in March

Power Forward/Center

Joel Embiid FD - $11500 DK - $11500
Opponent - DET
Proj Pts FD - 62.73 DK - 65.42

It comes down to Durant or Embiid as the top pay up on this slate tonight and I lean the latter for multiple reasons and it starts with the matchup against the Pistons who rank 24th in defensive efficiency on the season. Regardless of the matchup, Embiid is always a consideration as he has been cementing his case for the MVP down the stretch averaging a double-double on 30.1 points and 12.4 rebounds since the start of March while also averaging over 55 fantasy points on both sites. Embiid is our top overall play from a raw points perspective and is in play in all formats.

Stanley Johnson FD - $4500 DK - $3800
Opponent - UTA
Proj Pts FD - 21.75 DK - 21.78

There is a risk the Lakers get blown out without their superstars in the lineup but at these prices, Johnson's risk is somewhat mitigated. Outside of the dud against the Pelicans where he didn't start, Johnson has been solid in the short-term with 12 or more real-life points and 23+ DraftKings points in four of his last five games. On a smaller slate where we are most likely going to want two studs in our lineups, Stanley Johnson makes a lot of sense, especially on DraftKings.

Also Consider: Andre Drummond(BKN) who has a double-double in three straight and four of his last six games while averaging just over 35 DK points per game in that time 

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