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FanDuel NBA DFS Lineup Picks (8/1/20): Daily Fantasy Basketball Advice

Happy weekend, RotoBallers! I know we've all waited a long time to get basketball back in our lives, but I must say that having wall-to-wall action all day is a perfect way to make up for all the games we've missed over the last few months. With 22 teams participating, we don't have our usual defensively-weak teams to pick on, but there is always a way to find value.

In Saturday's five-game slate, we have New Orleans taking on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pelicans rank in the bottom seven in fantasy points allowed to point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards. Combine that bad defense with the Pelicans' third-fastest pace in the league, and there should be a ton of opportunities for points in their game. They already dropped their first game to the Jazz. If they want to make the playoffs, they will have to take the training wheels off Zion Williamson and unleash him on opposing teams.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/1/20. You can also check out today's DraftKings lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before lineups lock. Good luck!

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FanDuel DFS Guards

Paul George - SG, LAC vs NO ($7,700)

Paul George looked excellent in his first game back on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are the second-toughest defense against shooting guards, but that is not the case, today, against the New Orleans Pelicans. They rank 26th versus shooting guards while allowing 42.6 fantasy points per game to the position. George's salary is only the 11th-highest on the slate, but the matchup and his recent form give me a reason to believe that he could finish inside the top-five scorers today.

Before the season suspended in March, George was averaging his highest true shooting percentage and offensive rating of the season. That form didn't seem to drop off on Thursday, and if the 30-year old puts up another massive performance on Saturday, this will likely be the lowest salary you will see for George for the remainder of the season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - SG, OKC vs UTA ($7,300)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was in the middle of a breakout season before the league stopped a few months ago. The second-year guard was averaging 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 35.1 minutes. I don't believe that he will slow down after the restart. On the season, he averaged 34.5 fantasy points per game, and that means his price is appropriate heading into Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. We want those players that can return four to five times their value in our lineups. SGA also offers more upside than his similarly priced colleagues on the slate. Utah ranks in the middle of the pack against shooting guards, but Gilgeous-Alexander is not a middle of the pack guard. If the previously mentioned Paul George is just a little too expensive for your lineup tonight, SGA is a great alternative.

Monte Morris - PG, DEN vs. MIA ($3,900)

Jamaal Murray, Will Barton, and Gary Harris are all banged up and may miss tonight's restart opener versus the Heat. That leaves a lot of ball-handling opportunities to Monte Morris. The young guard has shown what he can do in flashes. When he plays at least 20 minutes, the former-Iowa State guard has averaged 11 points, 4.2 assists, and shot 50.4 percent from the field. However, if you increase the minutes to at 30, he averages  13.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 53.1 percent from the field. Morris only has to hit 20 fantasy points to hit that excellent range of returns on his cost. I suspect that he eclipses 30 minutes tonight with the Nuggets slightly hobbled.

The Nuggets are a safe bet to finish as a top-four seed, but it remains to be seen what is the priority for Head Coach Michael Malone. If it's to make sure everyone is healthy for the playoffs, then Malone should err on the side of caution and sit his injured players. This would leave Morris as a great value play on Saturday against a Miami defense that allows 43.8 fantasy points per game to point guards.

 

FanDuel DFS Forwards

Kawhi Leonard - SF, LAC vs. NO ($9,500)

Kawhi Leonard has the third-highest salary on Saturday's slate of games, but I think he has the easiest matchup in the top-10. It's very similar to the case for Paul George. The Pelicans do not have a good defense against small forwards. They allow 42.4 fantasy points per game against the position, and Leonard averages 47.6 FPPG on the year.

There is always the danger that he sits out for rest, so keep an eye on the lineups heading into the contests. There should be some decent options to pivot towards if he did sit. However, if he does play, then I fully intend to have him in some of my lineups. The over/under for this game is the highest of the night at 227. Therefore, we should see a lot of scoring and rebounding opportunities for Leonard. The matchup, the player, and the value are too good to ignore tonight.

Kyle Kuzma - PF, LAL vs TOR ($4,700)

Kyle Kuzma seemed to have a rough season. He couldn't find a way to fit into the new-look Lakers starting lineup, but he was still averaging 20.7 fantasy points per game. Well, the break may have done him some good as Kuzma stormed back and kicked off the restart with quite a performance. In 22 minutes, he recorded eight points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. That added up to 29.4 points for his fantasy managers.

It's probably unrealistic to expect that every night, but his price point has not changed enough for me to keep him out of some lineups tonight. Toronto ranks 11th versus power forwards this season, but they could still be shaking off some of the COVID-19 rust. Kuzma can take advantage of that and continue to play his way into more minutes as the Lakers cruise towards the playoffs and one of the best records in the league.

Dion Waiters - SF, LAL vs. TOR ($3,900)

"Hello? Yes, I would like to book a trip to Waiters Island." If you've been an NBA fan long enough, you've at least visited Waiters Island. Maybe you were even tricked into purchasing a timeshare property there during the second half of the 2017 season. Well, that was a lousy investment long term, but maybe you can make some of your money back tonight.

Waiters scored 11 points in his Lakers debut on Thursday to go along with three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 21 minutes. No offense to Frank Vogel, but if LeBron James liked what he saw out of Waiters, then he is going to get more playing time. They need someone to take the offensive load off James and Anthony Davis, and Waiters showed he wasn't afraid to take on that challenge with his 10 field goal attempts on Thursday night.

 

FanDuel DFS Centers

Derrick Favors - C, NO vs. LAC ($5,100)

The Los Angeles Clippers do not have a lot of weak spots on the defensive end. They rank in the top-15 against points guards, shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards. The center position is a different story and is an area to attack them now with Montrezl Harrell out for today's contest.

Derrick Favors has been a stabilizing veteran for a New Orleans team that has found itself in the thick of a playoff race. Their loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday was a blow, but a bounce-back win against the Clippers would be huge. Favors is only averaging 9.1 points and 9.8 rebounds on the season, but, without Harrell, he has an opportunity to return substantial value against a weakened Clippers interior defense. The 29-year old may not be the most exciting option, but he is capable of putting up some monster games. In three of his last seven appearances, he has scored at least 34 points.

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

NBA

Bronny James Scores 10 Points
Harrison Ingram

Limited on Sunday
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Drops 16 Points
NBA

Ryan Rollins Staying with Bucks
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF