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The top DraftKings daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for 4/17/17 by Tom Vecchio. Expert NBA DFS advice, sleepers & player recommendations for DraftKings.
We only have two games on the slate tonight due to the playoffs being underway. So there are limited options at each position, and there are some prices gaps between players, since the player count is so low. Perfect time of year to mix it up if you are a cash game player, go for some tournaments. Good luck, and let's win some contests.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/17/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know @DFS_Tom on Twitter.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Mike Conley - PG, @ SA ($7,200)
Normally I don't like to suggest players going up against the Spurs, since they are a great defensive team, but with only two games on the slate, you have to be willing to make some exceptions. The Grizzles got embarrassed the other night in game one, and if they are going to make this anything close to a real series, it has to start with Conley. He signed the largest contract in NBA history this past off-season, and this is the time for him to show he was worth it. He had 37 DraftKings points in game one, and that included him going 5-14 FGs. So if he can get his shooting up, we can see him break the 45 point level, and really provide great value for you. Should be noted that the Spurs were the sixth best team in the league versus point guards this year.
Jeff Teague - PG, @ CLE ($7,300)
The highest priced shooting guard on the slate tonight is Monta Ellis at $4.3k. He doesn't provide a lot of consistency, and his minutes generally aren't that high, so no great options at shooting guard. You should try to get two of the top point guards in your roster, and Teague is a great option. During the regular season, the Cavs gave up 47 DraftKings points per game to point guards, and their defense in the last few games of the season was quite bad, so this is the spot you want to attack them in. Indiana doesn't have a true second star behind George, so the production is going to have to come from everyone. Teauge has good upside, because of the double double chance, and if this is another high scoring game, he should be able to hit value.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Lance Stephenson - SF, @ CLE ($4,000)
There are three of the elite small forwards all on the slate tonight, so if you are looking to differentiate yourself in a GPP, and trying to squeeze one of them in. you need some savings. Cue Lance Stephenson music. When Lance isn't blowing in opposing players ears, he can actually be quite effective on the floor. In game one of this series, he had 16 real points, for a total of 29 DraftKings points. At only $4k, he needs 20 fantasy points to hit value, so he can smash value for you, along with providing some salary relief. The risk with him comes from the fact that LeBron is a good wing defender, and if he is also guarding LeBron, he could get into some foul trouble and limit his time on the floor.
LaMarcus Aldridge - PF, vs MEM ($6,400)
Aldridge posted 30.5 DraftKings points in 30 minutes in game one. So barley averaging one fantasy point per minute. But the game was a bit out of hand in the fourth quarter, so he really didn't have to play extended minutes. So the consistency and production are there, even if it is in limited quantities. As fantasy players, we hope for high scoring games that remain close, so all the starters can stay in the game and have the chance to put up big numbers. That is the spot we find ourselves in for game two of this series. We want a close competitive game, so Aldridge will be on the floor more, and thus continue his trend of one fantasy point per minute.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Tristan Thompson - C, vs IND ($4,500)
At this lowered price point, Thompson is really a great play. he has the double double upside, and is going to be on the court when it counts. He is back from his injury and looking pretty solid, and even with his limited offensive role, he can get it done on the boards to hit value for you. He is a solid play for either cash or GPPs, due to the smaller player pool, and he only needs 22.5 fantasy points to hit 5x value.
Also consider: Marc Gasol - C, @ SA ($7,000)
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