March 3, 2018

Jake Finnen highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 3/3/18, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

Seven games on Saturday's slate, FanDuel's only using six of them. Of those six games, four of them feature a team that is on the second night of a back-to-back. There's a short list of players I would spend up for, with Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Nikola Jokic being the only players worth their hefty price tags. LeBron James is a always a possibility so feel free to play him, but the price is extremely steep. Don't worry, even if you feel the need to play him, I'll help you get the value, but speaking of the Cavs...

So this whole J.R. Smith story has taken the internet by storm and from what the rumors say, it sounds like a comical situation from the outside looking in. Hopefully no one was hurt, but the suspension certainly seems justified from the assistant coach standpoint. I don't know what made J.R. throw the soup, but my conspiracy theory is that's how Jordan Clarkson got the bruise near his eye. In an attempt to hit the coach, Clarkson was caught in the crossfire...anyway, this WILL have fantasy implications that will be addressed later in the article.

Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 3/3/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also read more DFS lineup picks for DraftKings and other sports too.

Don't find me funny or knowledgeable? Let me know on Twitter @HalfCourtJester

FanDuel DFS Guards

George Hill - PG, vs. DEN ($4,800)

It's usually not hard to roster George Hill, and it comes much easier knowing the Nuggets rank 28th against opposing point guards. His price is fairly low and when guard value is somewhat scarce, Hill is like a security blanket. He hasn't managed to hit 30 FPTS in his last 10 games, but it's not lke the opportunities won't be there. Hill's length and defense have been his biggest impact this far in the season, but at some point his shot will fall and when it does you are going to need to capitalize on his price. If there is any night where Hill has the best chance to exceed his projected, it's going to be against a team like the Nuggets.

Gary Harris - SG, @ CLE ($6,700)

On the flip-side of the previous paragraph, Hill would have just as much, if not more success than if he played for Nuggets. Luckily, Gary Harris is a more talented shooter and the Cavaliers backcourt is still among the league's worst. The only problem with this game is the amount of moderately priced options. Along with the always streaky Rodney Hood and Will Barton in the game, there is nothing saying both of them won't go off for 30 each. That being said, Harris continues to take more than his fair share of shots and this is going to be the case again Saturday. The Nuggets will want to look to get Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap going early, but expect Harris to continue to be the well-fed security valve that is riding a hot-streak.

C.J. McCollum - SG, vs. OKC ($7,400)

It's unfortunate C.J. McCollum doesn't have a lower price that resembles his downtrend, but even then this is going to be a game where McCollum needs to be on is game. Recently it's been a small struggle but McCollum's near 30% usage rate the past week, not to mention his incredibly high floor of around 20 points or so, gives him minimal recoil on the pick. It's hard to say there is a lot of risk involved because McCollum is good for close to 20 FPTS each night, but there's also little reason to fade him if you need a mid-high level shooting guard. Do not let the lack of scoring scare you, McCollum will get it going and the Trail Blazers really want this win that would clinch the season series over Oklahoma City.

FanDuel DFS Forwards

Kyle Anderson - SF, vs. LAL ($5,800)

Kyle Anderson has been a solid source of consistency when it comes to production, and the Lakers rang among the worst when it comes to defending opposing small forwards. Granted, Anderson offers a unique skill set, he still will be able to get to his spots and do what he has been doing all season in Kawhi Leonard's absence. The Lakers might have a few players that can hold their own against Anderson, but his length and total submergence into the Spurs offense makes him a difficult player to guard. He has one of the higher floors of most players today and his upside increased due to a highly favorable matchup.

Josh Richardson - SF, vs. DET ($6,100)

Another mid-level pick that has a significantly higher floor than most players tonight is Josh Richardson. First off, there are few players that contribute like Richardson does. Not only is it across the board statistics, but his defensive stats have an obvious impact and it usually leads to offensive production. Like, his production is so good, it's actually offensive to anyone who didn't get the chance to roster Richardson. In the previous week his usage has gone up 1% and while it does merit a massive change in his role, it shows that Richardson has a better chance of getting out this somewhat slump today than he did yesterday. Not the most confidence-inspiring message but this downtrend from Richardson will end at some point and Detroit is very bad at limiting opposing small forwards.

Paul Millsap - SF, @ CLE ($5,900)

Paul Millsap returned to the lineup with a modest stat line, but proved to mesh with the team just as easily as he did earlier in the season. Of course, it could have been better, Millsap IS STILL getting used to the team and rightfully so. Luckily, him being a technical big makes it easier for him to mesh through the defensive end, letting his offense come to him. Even then Millsap is a secondary target for the offense, letting Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Will Barton, do most of the facilitating. It also doesn't hurt Millsap's case when the Pistons rank in the bottom ten against opposing small forwards, point guards and centers. The upside is real.

FanDuel DFS Centers

Al Horford - C, @ HOU ($6,100)

It's hard not to just play Horford based on a whim when his price is so low. His past four games have been borderline abysmal when it comes to production. He has gotten two double-doubles in his past 10 games and his most recent outing are a direct influence on his price for Saturday. Horford's minutes look to be dwindling, but really it's a mix of extremely poor outings mixed with common blowouts. Horford needs to be played when the game will be close and there aren't two teams that have more hype than the Rockets and Celtics. Two teams expected to be the number one contender to the REAl contenders in their respective conferences. You can be sure you will see an impactful performance from Horford.

Other FanDuel DFS Center to Consider: Hassan Whiteside - C, vs. DET ($7,400)

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