Below are some DraftKings DFS lineup picks for today’s NBA action, March 22nd, 2015. These players represent potential fantasy basketball sleepers based on their matchups, and can be strong DFS lineup plays based on their DraftKings prices and dollar values.
Keep in mind, DFS fantasy basketball is a fast-paced environment that includes last minute changes, so be sure to check NBA injury reports and your DFS lineups prior to tip-off.
Editors Note: for live banter about NBA DFS lineups and strategies, be sure to check out RotoBaller’s famous fantasy basketball chat room at the bottom of this article.
Worth the DraftKings Investment
Reggie Jackson (DET, PG) - $7,000
Jackson has had some up and down performances since joining his new team, but that is to be expected as he gets used to playing with a new cast of characters. He has seemingly found his groove of late, posting three consecutive double-doubles. This includes a triple-double against Philadelphia, and a 20/20 game against Memphis.
The matchup against Boston is a very favorable one as well. The Celtics have given up the 5th most fantasy points to opposing point guards over the last three weeks. They will also be without starter Marcus Smart on Sunday, who is serving a one game suspension.
For a guy to be playing as well as Jackson has been, his price has not really jumped that much. He is a ball dominant player, which is the type of player to target in daily leagues because they are more likely to have a huge game. Typically you have to pay $9,000 or more for a guy that is a near lock for 40 fantasy points.
Kenneth Faried (DEN, PF) - $7,200
There are not a lot of exciting options at the forward spots on Sunday. However, the Nuggets have played very well since the firing of Brian Shaw. Faried, in particular, has always been a guy that produces when he gets starters minutes, and coach Shaw just would not give him enough playing time to wreak havoc.
Now that the minutes are there, the Manimal is back! Faried has been rejuvenated, posting seven double-doubles in his last ten games. He is about as consistent as it gets lately, and now draws a favorable matchup with Orlando. The Magic have had a revolving door at the power forward position all season long due to injuries and ineffectiveness, and they simply have no one that can contain the Manimal.
Nikola Vucevic (ORL, C) - $8,000
On the other side of the coin is Vucevic. Orlando is dealing with a ton of injuries right now, so they will have to lean on Vucevic for a lot of minutes and production. He has put up four double-doubles in his last six, and has taken at least 17 shots in five of those six. Tobias Harris is chronically injured at this point, and is not a lock to play on Sunday.
Targeting big men against the Nuggets is always a good idea. It is an even better idea when you factor in the relatively high over/under of 202, along with a one point spread. Expect another big double-double from Vucevic. When you mix in all these ingredients, it is a recipe for fantasy goodness.
DraftKings Sleepers & Value Picks
Evan Turner (BOS, PG) - $5,600
Okay, so I am cheating a little bit here, as Turner is priced a tad higher than what I would normally classify as a sleeper. However, I believe he is a fantastic play today, so I had to find a way to fit him in. He has a lot of things working in his favor.
As I mentioned above, Marcus Smart is serving a one game suspension. Isaiah Thomas is still out of commission with an assortment of injuries. Turner typically plays small forward, but earlier in the season he ran the point when the Celtics were short-handed. I would expect that to happen again today.
Boston is going to need someone to make plays for them, and Turner will likely be that guy. He should receive a healthy dose of minutes in this one. When he has the ball in his hands this much playing point guard, he is a legitimate threat for a triple-double. I will gamble on that upside at this price point every day of the week, and twice on Sunday.
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