The NBA is starting to hit the next gear. Tuesday is an intriguing slate loaded with highly anticipated matchups that will shake up the early season standings.
DraftKings is offering another daily contest with the chance to win $100,000. Below, I’ve identified a pair of DFS value plays that will give your lineup a crucial edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $333K Zone Special [$100K to 1st]
DraftKings Value Picks
C Jonas Valanciunas ($5,200)
The professional basketball team in the nation’s capital hasn’t won 50 games in a season since the 1978-79 season—that streak is in no jeopardy of ending anytime soon. The tanking for 17-year-old phenomenon Cooper Flagg is apparent, and the young guys are getting plenty of run in Washington. 32-year-old Jonas Valanciunas sticks out amongst the youth movement, but he has been so solid that coach Brian O’Keefe is struggling to keep him off the floor.
The veteran center is averaging 12 points and seven boards a night. His minutes are inconsistent, but he’s not scared to get his shot up when his moment comes. Valanciunas is one of the most skilled post-scorers in the game, but his shaky defense and perimeter-oriented game have affected his prominence. He’s a mismatch against traditional stretch bigs and can do enough damage on the glass to be a walking double-double threat.
He gets a matchup against Cleveland, who have a pair of menacing paint protectors. Even so, Valanciunas has such a large frame he’s challenging to slow down. In his mind, he’ll have a neon green light and is an underrated DFS asset.
PG/SG Marcus Smart ($4,800)
Injuries to himself and the entire roster have made Marcus Smart’s tenure in Memphis forgettable, but he’s finally starting to carve out a role. Smart is anchoring the bench group, acting as a mentor and primary ball handler. He is a step lower, but still, the scrappy combo guard who loves to launch triples and back down smaller defenders.
Smart’s stuffing the stat sheet, scoring at least ten points, and dishing out five dimes in three consecutive outings. He’s an underrated passer who can generate high-assist turnouts any night. Smart is starting to hit his stride and become fantasy-relevant. If he can continue to be a maestro who is efficient enough from the floor, with the potential for defensive stats, Smart will be an ideal budget option going forward.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
