The NBA is nearing the halfway point in the season, and Tuesday provides another excellent all-around slate.
DraftKings is offering a contest with the chance to win $100,000. Below, I’ve identified a trio of DFS value plays that will give your lineup a critical edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
DraftKings Value Picks
C Wendell Carter Jr. ($5,900)
Despite often fielding an injury report longer than a grocery list, the Orlando Magic have somehow remained afloat. Coach Jamahl Mosley has done a masterful job navigating constant blows to his rotation and empowering those left in uniform. After missing most of November, Wendell Carter Jr. has been a rare staple in the Orlando lineup.
Carter has tried to transform into a spacing big but has had little success. He’s shooting 20% from distance on the campaign, yet has taken at least three attempts from deep in four straight contests. Carter excels on the glass, where he’s improved as a rebounder. His prowess around the cup is shaky, but he has a constant green light on a squad desperate for scoring.
If Carter can continue to be a double-double threat, the DFS value for his pre-assigned price tag is compelling. Toronto’s frontcourt is a defensive disaster, and Carter has the opportunity to thrive on both ends.
C Jonas Valanciunas ($5,000)
The tanking for Cooper Flagg has captivated the nation’s capital, but it’s never a bad idea to position for the future. Jonas Valanciunas sticks out on a roster with no desire to win in the midst of a youth movement. The veteran center is still a monster on the low block who can use his brute strength or flurry of post moves to create his own offense.
After spending much of the season buried behind rookie Alex Sarr, Valanciunas has seen an uptick in movement. With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, it’s convenient timing that a player they can dump for picks is getting time to showcase his abilities. Valanciunas is an efficient scorer and underrated rebounder. When he’s in, he will shoot plenty and stuff the stat sheet. Take advantage of his aggressiveness and willingness to show off for potential trade suitors.
Dark-Horse Play: SG/SF Julian Strawther ($3,300)
The Denver Nuggets have regained their groove and are back to being borderline contenders. Julian Strawther has stepped up as a depth piece off the bench. He might still struggle with being inconsistent, but the second-year sniper has grown confident on the offensive end.
He’s got a decent handle and can create separation on the perimeter. Strawther is a 37% shooter from beyond the arc and is lethal off the dribble. He can be a bit too trigger-happy at times, but it’s clear his current role is to be a spark plug for the non-Jokic minutes. Strawther is cheap and has a favorable matchup against a sinking Philly side that plays with no defensive intensity.
