NBA DFS Picks: DraftKings (May 10th)
Miami looks to close out their series vs. the Knicks as they currently lead 3-1. However, New York is favored to win by 4 at home. The over/under for this matchup is currently 209.5. Also, looking to punch their ticket to the Conference Finals, the Lakers are up 3-1 over the Warriors. Right now, the over/under is 226, with Golden State favored by 7.
Studs DFS Player
Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors
FantasyData Projection: 48 | DraftKings Cost: $10000
Stephen Curry has an average of 50.2 fantasy points per game this season and heads into the game with a salary of $10,000. Despite the high cost, it’s worth adding him because he is a near lock to be among the one of top-options in usage rate. For the season, he has a usage rate of 31.2, which is the third highest for today’s games.
LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers
FantasyData Projection: 51 | DraftKings Cost: $9800
After his impressive 27-point and 9-rebound performance against the Warriors, Lebron James is in line for another big game vs. Golden State. Today, he may have the chance to take advantage of additional opportunities at the free-throw line, as the Warriors are currently ranked 25th in free throws allowed per game. Overall, James is averaging 52.6 fantasy points, and he has exceeded that number on 29 occasions this season.
Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks
FantasyData Projection: 43 | DraftKings Cost: $8700
Although the Miami Heat are currently ranked second in points allowed per game, I’m not passing up on Jalen Brunson and his outlook against the Heat. Brunson has performed well against top-ten scoring defenses, averaging 40.6 fantasy points per game, including an average of 24.7 points per contest. Overall, Brunson has a player efficiency rating of 25.3 and has successfully made 49.1% of his field-goal attempts this season.
Bam Adebayo | Miami Heat
FantasyData Projection: 38 | DraftKings Cost: $7600
Most recently, Bam Adebayo scored 23 points on 58.8% shooting against the Knicks. Adebayo has now increased his scoring total in two straight games and has a season-long average of 20.4. Compared to today’s other options, he is 2nd in DFS points per game (40.0).
Value DFS Player
Austin Reaves | Los Angeles Lakers
FantasyData Projection: 25 | DraftKings Cost: $5700
Austin Reaves will be matched up against a defensive unit that has been slipping of late, giving up 126.0 points per game over their last three games which places them 23rd. Reaves is coming off a 32.0 fantasy point performance against the Warriors. This year he has averaged 25.3 DFS points against defensive units in the middle third of the NBA. His overall season average sits at 23.4 (DFS).
Kyle Lowry | Miami Heat
FantasyData Projection: 24 | DraftKings Cost: $5300
Kyle Lowry has played well against the Knicks this season. So far, he has seen New York six times and is averaging 26.6 fantasy points. For the season, he is averaging 26.9 fantasy points per game on 11.2 and 4.1 boards. Over their last five games, the Knicks have allowed an average of 109.0 points per game.
Dennis Schröder | Los Angeles Lakers
FantasyData Projection: 23 | DraftKings Cost: $4100
Even though Dennis Schröder is not one of the top options in terms of offensive workload, ranking 12th in field goal attempts per game. He has shown signs of playing a bigger role in Los Angeles’ offensive game plan, increasing his shot attempts in each of his last two games. This season, he is averaging 24.0 fantasy points per game on 12.6 points and 2.5 rebounds.
Jarred Vanderbilt | Los Angeles Lakers
FantasyData Projection: 20 | DraftKings Cost: $3900
So far this year, Jarred Vanderbilt has played in 78 games and is averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game, which is 14th compared to today’s options. One thing to note is that he has outpaced his season usage rate (13.8) in seven straight games. This includes his most recent game, putting up 2 points and 3 rebounds against the Warriors. When looking across his late three games, he is averaging 10.5 DFS points.
