The NBA is gearing up for the upcoming All-Star game and each nightly slate is helping shape the league’s standings heading into the break.
DraftKings is offering a contest with the chance to win $100,000. Below, I’ve identified a pair 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
PG/SG Isaiah Collier ($5,200)
The youth movement is in full effect in Utah. The blatant positioning to have a chance to draft Cooper Flagg or AJ Dybantsa in the following two drafts hurts the on-court product but opens the door for young players to see ample playing time fresh out of college. A year ago, Isaiah Collier was floundering as the lead man of a media-circus USC squad that struggled to be competitive. The former top recruit of his class fell out of the lottery completely, but Danny Ainge and the Jazz scooped him up with their 29th overall selection.
Even with the Trojans, Collier showed plenty of signs of being an effective on-ball creator. He’s a well-built 6-foot-3, but his explosiveness off the dribble makes up for his size. He’s been a far better facilitator as a pro, averaging eight assists over the last ten days. The only thing holding him back is his three-point jumper, which has regressed significantly since his high school days. He’s hitting 22% of his triples on the season and allowing teams to pack the paint on him.
Golden State lacks true rim protection, and Collier should have no problem darting to the paint. He’s a double-double threat and a true DFS riser.
SG Buddy Hield ($4,700)
How long can it look this bad? The Warriors are desperate to find a viable co-star opposite Steph Curry. The two-time MVP is the only superstar in the league without an All-Star-level second option. Buddy Hield isn’t supposed to be that caliber of player, but he is supposed to be producing at a much better clip.
The sharpshooter hasn’t been an ideal Klay Thompson replacement. There’s an argument he’s been worse. He’s only hit nine of his last 30 attempts from beyond the arc despite getting a hefty amount of clean looks.
Hield has been a streaky shooter for much of his career, but it’s hard to fathom he doesn’t start converting on these prime opportunities. The best way to break out of a slump? Face a Jazz bunch that is 29th in defensive rating.
