NBA Daily Fantasy Picks
Monday features a smaller slate of just four games. The Pistons and Hornets kick things off in what is projected to be the highest-scoring game with an over/under of 237. The Heat also travel to take on the 76ers in an Eastern Conference showdown, while the Magic and Pelicans wrap things up in a non-conference matchup. The over/under for this game sits at 224.
Friday Article Recap
- Jalen Brunson Projection: 39 | Results: 30
- Devin Booker Projection: 41 | Results: 39.5
- Zach LaVine Projection: 38 | Results: 35.75
- Jordan Poole Projection: 33 | Results: 29.25
- Spencer Dinwiddie Projection: 32 | Results: 36
- Draymond Green Projection: 29 | Results: 30.25
- Jalen Williams Projection: 24 | Results: 29.5
- P.J. Washington Projection: 29 | Results: 36
I didn’t get to break out the fire emoji for this recap, as all the projections were very close to the result, but that’s what you want. FantasyData’s NBA Projections are reliable for building lineups, and our NBA Optimizer is easy to use. It’s nice when players outperform their projection, but consistency is critical when playing DFS. For that, I’m going to grade last Friday’s article a B+
Studs DFS Player
James Harden | Philadelphia 76ers
FantasyData Projection: 44 | DraftKings Cost: $9800
Although Harden comes into the game ranked 15th in season usage rate, he has shown signs of taking on a bigger role in the team’s offense. He has now increased his game-by-game usage rate in 2 straight contests. Most recently, he played 41 minutes against the Celtics, scoring 21 points on 31.2% shooting from the field. Through 43 games, he is averaging 50.0 fantasy points, placing him 6th among today’s players.
Julius Randle | New York Knicks
FantasyData Projection: 46 | DraftKings Cost: $9300
Today’s game will be the second time that Julius Randle has faced off against the Celtics. This year he is averaging 47.4 fantasy points and finished with 48.0 in his previous game against Boston. For the season, he is averaging 35.8 minutes per game and has a usage rate of 29.2 which is 4th among today’s options.
Jimmy Butler | Miami Heat
FantasyData Projection: 37 | DraftKings Cost: $8800
Although Jimmy Butler isn’t one of today’s top options in terms of minutes played, he has seen his playing time increase in 2 straight contests. Currently, his season-long usage rate sits at 25.6, which is 13th among today’s players. Over his last three games, he has averaged 31.0 fantasy points and has a season-long figure of 40.8.
CJ McCollum | New Orleans Pelicans
FantasyData Projection: 37 | DraftKings Cost: $7400
So far this season, CJ McCollum is averaging 38.4 fantasy points per game and is one of the more expensive options. However, it is worth targeting him today as he is a sure bet to get his fair share of opportunities. For the season, he has a usage rate of 27.0, which is 7th among today’s options. At $7400.0, it’s worth paying up for McCollum, given the primary role he will be playing.
Value DFS Player
Kelly Oubre Jr. | Charlotte Hornets
FantasyData Projection: 28 | DraftKings Cost: $6300
Kelly Oubre Jr. is coming off a 15 point 8 rebound performance against the Heat. In the game, he played a total of 22 minutes. Today, he could find himself picking up some extra opportunities at the free-throw line, with the Pistons ranked 27th in free-throws allowed per game. Overall, he is averaging 32.0 fantasy points and has surpassed that 19 times.
Wendell Carter Jr. | Orlando Magic
FantasyData Projection: 32 | DraftKings Cost: $6500
So far this year, Wendell Carter Jr. has played in 41 games and is averaging 31.8 fantasy points per game, which is 26th compared to today’s options. One thing to note is that he has outpaced his season usage rate (21.2) in 4 straight games. This includes his most recent game, putting up 5 points and 11 rebounds against the Pacers. He is averaging 34.8 DFS points in his late three games.
Josh Richardson | New Orleans Pelicans
FantasyData Projection: 20 | DraftKings Cost: $5400
When looking at today’s options, Josh Richardson sits outside some of the top options in terms of salary. However, he has a chance to produce like some of the players priced ahead of him. With Zion Williamson set to miss today’s game, Richardson should get some additional opportunities against Orlando. Also, the Magic are currently just 17th in points allowed per game. With a price tag of $5400.0, Richardson is a good value option.
Tobias Harris | Philadelphia 76ers
FantasyData Projection: 29 | DraftKings Cost: $5300
Not only does Tobias Harris have a good matchup against a Heat defense ranked just 23rd at defending his position. This year, he has outperformed his season-long fantasy average against teams in the bottom third of the league at defending SF/PFs. For the season, he is averaging 15.5 points per contest on an average of 33.6 minutes. Currently, his usage rate sits at 19.0.
