Just like with NFL DFS, stacking games for NBA DFS is a strategy that can really pay off. Embracing correlation with multiple players from the same game can be the key to climbing the leaderboard in GPPs. Below, I have featured two of my favorite games to stack for Tuesday’s four-game slate on DraftKings.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers
With this game between the Bucks and Trail Blazers presenting a 229-point total and a tight 5.5-point spread on DraftKings Sportsbook, this matchup is a great contest to stack Tuesday. Starting with the Bucks, Khris Middleton will likely be rested tonight after logging 27 minutes in last night’s win over the Jazz. The veteran has yet to play in both legs of a back-to-back this season and his likely absence will result in boosts for all of the Bucks’ key players. After erupting for 72.5 FPTS last night, Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,700) is the No.1 play on the slate. With Middleton inactive this season, Antetokounmpo is amassing 60.1 FPTS per game. Damian Lillard ($8,700) is also a compelling spend against his former team. The guard has scored at least 49 FPTS in five of his six starts and is averaging 46.2 FPTS per game in the 21 starts he has made without Middleton this season.
On the cheaper side, both Brook Lopez ($5,700) and Gary Trent Jr. ($4,100) are great value plays in the likely event that Middleton is rested. Lopez is scoring 29 FPTS per game with Middleton inactive this season and Trent Jr. has poured in 29.25 and 27.25 FPTS off the bench in the past two games he has played sans Middleton.
On the other side of this matchup, Deni Avdija ($7,100) just exposed the Thunder and their league-best defense for 54 FPTS on Sunday. The veteran has now topped 40 FPTS in seven of his last 11 starts and is the best option from Portland. Plus, Anfernee Simons ($6,100) and Jerami Grant ($5,600) both are underpriced for their large roles and have a strong chance to exceed five-times value. Lastly, Deandre Ayton (knee) is questionable and if the center sits, Donovan Clingan ($4,500) will be worth rostering in GPPs if he continues to start in place of Ayton. Clingan has played 10 games without Ayton this season and has been awesome on those occasions with 28.1 FPTS in 21.6 minutes per game.
UPDATE: Middleton surprisingly has been listed as probable for Tuesday night, while Bobby Portis (personal) is out. While Middleton’s presence hurts Trent’s value, Antetokonmpo, Lillard and Lopez all receive boosts with Portis out and remain strong options.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
With Joel Embiid (knee) still out for the 76ers, this is a great spot to attack the Lakers. With Embiid missing 12 of their 14 games this month, Philadelphia ranks second-to-last in defensive rating. After bullying the Warriors for 65.25 FPTS and the Hornets for 77.25 FPTS in his last two starts, Anthony Davis’ ($10,500) brilliant run should continue tonight against this depleted 76ers team that has no chance of slowing down the big man.
While Davis is the better target, LeBron James ($10,000) is always viable and rostering the two stars together is a strategy that could really pay off in this elite spot. This season, Davis and James positively correlate. With at least 24 FPTS in four of his last five, Rui Hachimura ($4,600) has appeal and lastly, Max Christie ($4,200) is a solid punt to consider from the Lakers. The 21-year-old is attempting 5.7 three pointers per game in his last 10 and the 76ers have been terrible at defending outside shooters this month, allowing the second-highest field goal percentage on three pointers in the NBA.
In addition to Embiid, Paul George (finger) is out tonight for Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey’s ($9,800) usage rises to 32.6% with both Embiid and George off the floor this season, and Maxey brings huge upside as the 76ers’ alpha. Kelly Oubre ($6,200) also sees a much larger role sans Embiid and George, and Oubre is a standout target for this short slate coming off back-to-back double-doubles north of 40 FPTS. Eric Gordon ($4,000) and Ricky Council ($4,300) also stand to benefit in starting roles and are some of the best punt plays this short slate has to offer. In the last three games the 76ers have played without Embiid and George, Gordon is scoring 20 FPTS in 29.3 minutes per game, while Council is providing 29.25 FPTS in 33.5 minutes per game.
