NBA Daily Fantasy Picks
The Bulls and Raptors kick off Wednesday’s NBA play-in set of games. Toronto enters as the 5.5-point favorite with an over/under of 213.5. In the second game, the Thunder and Pelicans square off in New Orleans. The over/under sits at 227, with the Pelicans favored to win by 5.5.
Quick Links
Studs DFS Player
Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors
FantasyData Projection: 45 | DraftKings Cost: $9400
In terms of usage rate, Pascal Siakam is ranked 4th among today’s other options usage rate (27.3) and has a field goal percentage of 48.0% on an average of 37.3 minutes per game. Over his last three games, Pascal Siakam has averaged 46.9 fantasy points. When looking back on his previous five games, he has surpassed his fantasy point projection three times.
Fred VanVleet | Toronto Raptors
FantasyData Projection: 40 | DraftKings Cost: $8400
Even though the Bulls have been performing well on defense of late, they are 11th in points allowed over the entire season. In his games against teams in the middle third of the league (defensively), he is averaging 40.9 DFS points per game and has a season average of 40.6. Through 69 games, he has a field goal percentage of 39.3% on 19.3 points and 4.1 rebounds.
CJ McCollum | New Orleans Pelicans
FantasyData Projection: 38 | DraftKings Cost: $7900
So far, CJ McCollum has faced off against the Thunder two times this season, and is averaging 47.1 fantasy points and 21.5 points per game. Both figures are better than his season averages. Coming in at a price tag of $7900, McCollum has a fantasy projection of 38.3. He has surpassed this figure in 49% of his games.
Nikola Vucevic | Chicago Bulls
FantasyData Projection: 39 | DraftKings Cost: $7400
Nikola Vucevic provides some solid value at $7400, given that he has played a bigger role in the Bulls’ offense relative some of the other players in his price range. Heading into the game, he has the 9th best usage rate on an average of 14.0 field goal attempts. Through 82 games, he is averaging 40.0 fantasy points per game on 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest.
Value DFS Player
Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors
FantasyData Projection: 34 | DraftKings Cost: $7000
For the season, Scottie Barnes is averaging 34.3 fantasy points per game while playing an average of 34.8 minutes. In his previous game, Barnes scored 8 points against the Bucks and has averaged 24.7 fantasy points per game over his last three games. This year, the Bulls are 11th in points allowed to SF’s. Barnes has averaged 33.8 fantasy points per game against opponents in the middle third of the league at defending his position.
Jonas Valanciunas | New Orleans Pelicans
FantasyData Projection: 31 | DraftKings Cost: $6800
Jonas Valanciunas is coming off an 11 point 18 rebound performance against the Timberwolves. 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 Thunder ranked 26th in free-throws allowed per game. Overall, he is averaging 31.4 fantasy points and has surpassed that 38 times.
Luguentz Dort | Oklahoma City Thunder
FantasyData Projection: 25 | DraftKings Cost: $5400
Although Luguentz Dort is taking on a Pelicans defense ranked 7th in points allowed per game, he has performed well against strong defensive units this year. For the season, he is averaging 25.8 DFS points per game against top 10 defenses. Overall, he has averaged 25.7 fantasy points per game on 13.7 points and 4.6 boards.
Patrick Williams | Chicago Bulls
FantasyData Projection: 20 | DraftKings Cost: $4800
Patrick Williams has played three games against the Raptors and has averaged 22.8 fantasy points and 10.3 points per game, both of which exceed his season averages. With a price tag of $4800, Williams has a projected fantasy score of 20.9. He has exceeded this figure in 48% of his games.
