As the season dwindles down, the games are becoming more and more unpredictable. Injuries, resting players and playoff contention has thrown teams in a loop and while projecting winners has been a problem for bettors, score lines have been the go-to for me. While not entirely consistent, it does take into affect the pace and efficiency of both teams playing. Luckily none of this really applies to you if you are just a DFS player. Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 3/17/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.
This is one of the bigger Saturday slates with 11 games being played and the superstars are unfortunately scarce. Kemba Walker, Chris Paul, *Khris Middleton*, Draymond Green, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Dwight Howard round out my must-plays for tonight and the emphasis on Middleton should be noted. He is going up against the Hawks who rank last in the league against opposing shooting guards. Although it has the chance for a blowout, Middleton should still be the top producing Buck.
*insert pun about Bucks getting you bucks here...
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Yogi Ferrell - PG, at BKN ($4,200)
Yogi Ferrell has been destroying teams lately, but his box score production hasn't been showing it. He's been contributing across the board, effectively and efficiently scoring, but his ceiling the previous ten games is only 23 points. The Nets have the length and talent to cause problems on the defensive end, but none have the speed to keep up with Ferrell. The way Ferrell has been pulling up for three without hesitation, with confidence and seemingly the support of his teammates, he has plenty of upside tonight.
Darren Collison - PG, at WAS ($5,300)
Even off the bench Darren Collison is going to contribute. The former UCLA Bruin has been one of the more productive point guards all season for one of the better teams in the East. Compared to other guards tonight his usage rate is significantly lower, hovering around 18% over the last 10 games, but hitting at least 20% in 3 of his past 4 games. Collison will get the ball and get shots up, but there is always the chance the Pacers roll with Cory Joseph for most of the game. There is no way of knowing for sure, but Collison is usually a safe bet on most nights. He was one of the assist leaders earlier in the season and he can be hard to contained, even against a tough matchup.
Tim Hardaway Jr. - SG, vs CHA ($6,200)
With a 24% usage rate, there is a possibility of a Tim Hardaway Jr. explosion against the Hornets. The defense is exposable, Hardaway has had multiple 20+ point outings lately, and the Knicks still want him to be one of their top producers. Enes Kanter might feel some type of way about tanking, but ever basketball fan knows it's a "greater good" solution you have to accept. That being said, every game it looks like Hardaway is leaving points/production on the table. Missing easy, open shots is always frustrating seeing what he is capable of, but tonight his upside has been maxed out.
Other FanDuel DFS Guards to Consider: Will Barton - SG, at MEM ($6,200);
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Michael Beasley - SF, vs NYK ($6,100)
I didn't really want to buy into the Michael Beasley production for this game, but I'd be lying if he didn't prove me wrong on multiple occasions. It could be mainly due to the Knicks atrocious offensive schemes and how most of the possessions end with either Beasley or Hardaway trying to get off a tough shot. It's hard to fade those type of odds and while I won't blame you for the fade, don't be surprised if Beasley puts on a show....again.
Dwight Powell - PF, at BKN ($4,800)
This is your conductor speaking the the Dwight Powell train is at full speed. Powell has been impressive on the court lately and aside from the minimal mistakes, he is straight production. He goes after the hustle stats just like any right-minded DFS player loves. His range is increasing and he has proved himself to be a valuable asset to the team, but he won't see any decline with the Mavericks struggling. If anything, he might see an increase across the board if the rest of the Mavericks aren't hitting per usual.
Other FanDuel DFS Forwards to Consider: Nikola Mirotic - PF, vs HOU ($5,700);
FanDuel DFS Centers
Nerlens Noel - C, at BKN ($5,100)
Nerlens Noel had a massive line last game. It wasn't a monstrous double-double, but he filled the stat sheet from end to end and although he still struggles to score, he's similar to Powell, only more of a force in the paint. If he can keep up this type of effort, owners will be reaping the benefits. The chance he has a similar game are unlikely, but the production should still be there.
Other FanDuel DFS Centers to Consider: JaVale McGee - C, at PHO ($3,600)