HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
The NBA season is off to a great start and although my focus for the next several months will be on NFL, during the week I need something to do and will be dabbing a bit into NBA DFS. For me, it's a great way to try to build some bankroll for the upcoming NFL weekend. I am pretty conservative during the week with NBA, playing small amounts in cash games. That said, I might as well put out a couple articles on my DFS picks when I do play. Just note, I play periodically and don't expect to put these articles out on a regular set schedule. These will be less detailed than my NFL articles but as always will include guys I will be playing in my own lineups.
Tonight we focus on another decent sized 7-game slate. Picks include a combination of value and top dollar plays. I utilize defense vs position in a lot of my NBA analysis and must point out www.hashtagbasketball.com and www.rotogrinders.com for their great collection of matchup and NBA data data. Prices are based on Draft Kings unless noted otherwise. Let me know your thoughts on tonight slate in the comments below. Make sure you check lineups prior to lock as a lot can change between now and tip off. Without further ado are my top picks on the slate.
TOP PLAYS
Deandre Ayton - $7,100
This kid is off to a great start for the Pheonix Suns and has proven he can handle himself down low with the best of them. Surprisingly, Ayton's price tag tonight is on the lower end of his season salary points, making him even more attractive in my book. He has posted at least 45 Draft Kings points in 4/6 games and it appears as long as he gets 32+ minutes, he can easily find 40+ points. His last game was his worst so far this season where he managed only 36 DK points in 32 minutes but we have to recognize that was his first back to back as a pro player. His other performance below 43 points came against Denver earlier in the season when he played only 22 minutes. So I think we can safely scratch both of those performances and trust Ayton to go to work tonight on 2 days rest.
The Suns will also be playing without their star guard Booker tonight, meaning his high usage will need to be consumed by other players such as Ayton. The Spurs are a tough matchup for centers but so was Memphis and Ayton still prevailed. At just $7,100 we only need 36-37 points to hit value which I think he can easily do tonight vs the Spurs as the primary offensive threat at home on significant rest.
Noah Vonleh - $4,100
Vonleh has gotten the last 2 starts for the Knicks and hasn't disappointed. In his two starts, Vonleh has played between 22-28 minutes and posted no less than 25 DK points. Although his general offensive usage hasn't been encouraging (10 shots 2 starts), Vonleh has offered value in other categories such as rebounds. The importance here is that he is priced at just $4,100 on DK, making him a salary saving value for your lineup. Indiana has offered trouble for opposing big men so far this season, but Vonleh's value comes from non-scoring attributes. The question is, can he put up 21+ DK points tonight? I think the answer is yes, especially with his uptrending minutes.
DeAndre Jordan - $7,600
I typically don't spend up on centers in fantasy, but it's hard to deny the spot DeAndre Jordan is in tonight vs the Lakers. The Lakers are one of the best matchups for big men on the season across the board by most all metrics. Jordan on the other hand can flash elite upside at times with his ability to grab an insane amount of boards. He has yet to grab anything less than 10 rebounds on the season and has gone as far as grabbing 19 against Utah a few days ago. His usage isn't the greatest but with his rebounding total, he is a threat to post an easy double double every night. He has even shown the ability to dish out some assists this season. At $7,600, against one of the weakest defenses in the league, playing in an up tempo high total game, I have no reason to believe Jordan can't hit value tonight.
Elie Okoboo - $3,700
I just realized I this post consists of nothing but big men, so I will go ahead and throw a value guard into the mix tonight. Elie Okoboo not only has an outstanding name but he also offers great salary saving value tonight at the point guard position. With Booker ailing for the Suns, Okoboo has gotten extended minutes and performed quite well. Last game Okoboo managed over 34 DK points in over 30 minutes of play. Tonight he is listed as a starter and should get at least another 25 minutes of run. He has showing good usage and the ability to score while adding rebounds and assists. At just $3,700 on DK, Okoboo offers huge salary relief with tremendous value should get hit 20-25 DK points.
That wraps up tonights NBA top plays. As always, good luck tonight. Let's win some money!
And of course, Happy Halloween!