Welcome to our NBA Daily Fantasy Basketball Top Value Plays article for 3/26/24. Maximizing your DFS lineup’s potential often hinges on identifying high-value plays that allow for the inclusion of top-tier talent elsewhere. Today’s slate offers several value options poised to outperform their price tags. Let’s dive into the top 5 DFS value plays, highlighting their matchups, potential impact, and why they’re set to be difference-makers in today’s contests.
1. Jose Alvarado (PG – NOP)
- Price: $4,100 DraftKings, $4,400 FanDuel
- Matchup: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Key Insights:
- Increased Role: Alvarado is expected to see more minutes with Brandon Ingram out, offering significant upside at his price.
- Recent Performance: Coming off a game where he scored 36 DK points, showing he can capitalize on extended minutes.
- Why He’s Valuable: His ability to contribute across the board and potential matchup against SGA could lead to increased fantasy production.
2. Keon Ellis (SG/SF – SAC)
- Price: $4,500 DraftKings, $5,000 FanDuel
- Matchup: vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Key Insights:
- Starting Opportunity: With Kevin Huerter out, Ellis has stepped into a starting role, providing a solid fantasy floor.
- Upside Potential: Demonstrated his ceiling with a recent 42-fantasy-point outing, showcasing his scoring and defensive capabilities.
- Why He’s Valuable: His low cost and starting role against a Mavericks team that struggles defensively against SGs make him a prime value pick.
3. Daniel Gafford (C – DAL)
- Price: $6,000 DraftKings, $6,900 FanDuel
- Matchup: vs. Sacramento Kings
- Key Insights:
- Solid Production: Since being traded to Dallas, Gafford has consistently delivered value, including games with over 40 DK points.
- Matchup Advantage: Faces a Kings squad that can be exploited inside, aligning with his strengths.
- Why He’s Valuable: His price hasn’t fully adjusted to his production level or starting role, making him a steal against the Kings.
4. Pat Connaughton (SG/SF – MIL)
- Matchup: vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Key Insights:
- Expanded Role Possible: With the Bucks managing minutes for their stars, Connaughton could see increased playing time.
- Versatile Contributor: Known for his ability to rack up points, rebounds, and assists, especially in an uptempo game.
- Why He’s Valuable: Given the game’s high pace and potential for extended minutes, Connaughton’s multifaceted game makes him an intriguing value.
5. Trey Murphy (SF – NOP)
- Price: $6,400 DraftKings, $6,700 FanDuel
- Matchup: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Key Insights:
- Stepping Up: With Ingram sidelined, Murphy has taken on a larger offensive role, leading to increased DFS production.
- Recent Form: Has been a consistent performer, scoring at least 29 DK points in most starts.
- Why He’s Valuable: His ability to score in bunches and increased role in the Pelicans’ offense make him a high-upside value play.
Game Context and Impact:
- Lakers vs. Bucks: Expect a high-scoring affair. Players with expanded roles due to injury, like Connaughton, can thrive.
- Mavericks vs. Kings: A matchup with defensive vulnerabilities on both sides. Value players who can exploit these weaknesses, like Ellis and Gafford, should be prioritized.
- Pelicans vs. Thunder: With key players out for New Orleans, value picks like Alvarado and Murphy gain appeal due to increased usage and scoring opportunities.
Closing Thoughts:
Today’s DFS slate is ripe with value plays that can help balance your lineup, enabling the inclusion of star players without compromising on potential points. Keep an eye on injury reports and starting lineups as they can shift the value landscape dramatically leading up to game time. Good luck, and may your value picks lead to DFS success!
