RADIO
Let's dive right into things as there isn't any time to mess around when it comes to NBA DFS. Let's remember, OKC and GSW will play fast and put up some points so selecting players mostly from this matchup may be your meal ticket. The Warriors will also likely put the Thunder away early, and as a result, the "Hamptons Five" may get some extra rest. With Russ out for OKC, look for Paul George and Dennis Schroder to monopolize the offense with Steven Adams coming in as a third option (if he plays). Terrance Ferguson and Hamidou Diallo will also get involved more than they normally would. I also like Jerami Grant and Patrick Patterson, especially if Adams can't go. With Markelle Fultz being named a starter in Philly, it will be hard to tell exactly how many minutes he will get and more importantly, how will his shot hold up? How does J.J. Redick fit into the equation now? There are too many questions in Philadelphia at the moment and for that reason; I may avoid both of those guys. Gordon Hayward will also begin the season with his minutes being monitored, but who will benefit the most? Those are the things I will be watching.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 10/16/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.
As always, don't set your lineups to early and check player statuses prior to opening tip. Give me a follow on Twitter @Den_Clausen with questions or comments. Good luck everyone.
FanDuel DFS Guards
Kyrie Irving - PG, vs PHI ($8,400)
Why am I going to pay up for Steph Curry when I will likely get the same amount of production from Kyrie Irving? I mean, he appeared healthy during the preseason, and it has already been announced that he won't face a minutes restriction so without a doubt, he is very reasonably priced. If you are going to play both Kyrie and Steph, fine, go for it, but if you are looking to save some pennies for Joel Embiid, then cutting costs here will help.
Dennis Schroder - SG, @ GSW ($6,100)
With Russell Westbrook officially listed as out, Schroder will be in line for some extra minutes and touches on Tuesday night. After hearing about all of the off the court drama surrounding Schroder last season, including spending a lot of time at Atlanta strip joints (I don't blame him), we forgot just how good of a player he actually is. At only $6,100, he should have no issues hitting the five times value mark.
Quinn Cook - PG, vs OKC ($3,500)
There is a realistic chance that this one will get out of hand, especially with the Thunder being down Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, and potentially Steven Adams. However, if Shaun Livingston is able to go, you may want to scratch him off of your list. Keep an eye of Livingston's status because if he doesn't play and things go south quick for OKC, Cook could get some extra minutes on the floor.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Marcus Morris - PF, vs PHI ($4,500)
Morris has looked pretty solid this preseason, averaging 13.8 points and four boards, and should get some added minutes, especially with Gordon Hayward on a minutes restriction. He will also be looking to get paid next Summer, and it is crazy how that kind of stuff motivates some people. Check him out if you are looking to save some cash.
Patrick Patterson - PF, @ GSW ($3,500)
Coach Donovan will likely dispatch Patterson to start the game at the four spot on Tuesday night. However, with Steven Adams potentially either missing time or losing minutes due to a back ailment, Patterson could see some extra time on the court. Westbrook won't be around either, and in case you didn't know, Patterson can shoot the ball effectively from deep.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Steven Adams - C, @ GSW ($6,900)
It's not that I hate Joel Embiid, I just hate the fact that I have to pay $10,400 to acquire his services against a potent Boston defense. We know that Golden State and OKC will be running hard and putting up points with Adams getting an even bigger boost offensively if Russell Westbrook isn't able to go in the season opener. Just be careful as the big man has been experiencing some back soreness, and if he plays, he may see a decrease in minutes.
Damian Jones - C, vs OKC ($4,000)
Head coach Steve Kerr indicated that Jones would get the starting nod in the season opener. Though most of the scoring duties will be obviously handled by Curry, Thompson, Durant, and Green, Jones' efficiency on the defensive end and the potential for him to hit the double-digit mark in the rebounding department could give you everything you need to seal the deal on Tuesday. However, until we figure out exactly how much time he will share with Kevon Looney or Jordan Bell, this pick is a little riskier.
