In the fast-paced world of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), finding those value plays that can make or break your lineup is crucial. These are the gems priced lower on the slate but poised to outperform their cost, providing the salary relief needed to fit in the high-cost stars. Let’s dive into the Top 5 DFS Value Plays for today’s NBA slate, emphasizing why they’re poised to deliver significant bang for your buck.
1. Dennis Schroder (PG – Brooklyn Nets) – $6,000 DraftKings / $6,400 FanDuel
- Against the 76ers: A prime matchup as Schroder steps into a larger role due to injuries. The 76ers have been softer defensively without Joel Embiid, creating an excellent opportunity for Schroder.
- Why a Top Value: With Ben Simmons and possibly others sidelined, Schroder’s increased usage and minutes make him an intriguing option. His performance as a starter earlier this year and recent outputs of 33 and 45 DK points show his upside.
- Injury Impact: The absences in Brooklyn’s lineup not only secure Schroder’s minutes but also increase his ball-handling and scoring responsibilities.
2. Isaiah Hartenstein (C – New York Knicks) – $5,900 DraftKings / $5,800 FanDuel
- Facing the Hawks: An ideal situation as the Hawks rank near the bottom in defensive efficiency and points allowed.
- Why a Top Value: Expected to play significant minutes with Julius Randle and others out. Hartenstein has shown the ability to fill the stat sheet and, with increased court time, should exceed value easily.
- Matchup Perks: Atlanta’s defensive struggles, especially inside, provide Hartenstein a golden opportunity to dominate the boards and contribute scoring and blocks.
3. Bojan Bogdanovic (SF/PF – New York Knicks) – $6,000 DraftKings / $5,900 FanDuel
- Opportunity Knocks: With the Knicks missing key starters, Bogdanovic’s role is expected to expand significantly, especially in scoring.
- Why a Top Value: Historically, Bogdanovic has thrived in a starter’s role, and his sharpshooting against a weak Atlanta defense could lead to a high-scoring outing.
- Increased Usage: His expected uptick in minutes and shots, particularly from beyond the arc, makes him a high-reward play at this price point.
4. Clint Capela (C – Atlanta Hawks) – $5,700 DraftKings / $6,100 FanDuel
- Against the Knicks: New York’s frontcourt is depleted, offering Capela a chance to dominate the paint and rack up rebounds and blocks.
- Why a Top Value: With a minutes restriction easing and his historical performance when playing 30+ minutes, Capela is a rebounding machine with a significant double-double threat.
- Frontcourt Advantage: The Knicks’ missing bigs give Capela a less contested path to high fantasy production, especially in rebounding and inside scoring.
5. Fred VanVleet (PG/SG – Houston Rockets) – $7,300 DraftKings / $7,800 FanDuel
- Versus the Spurs: A dream matchup as San Antonio allows the most fantasy points to opposing guards, and their pace of play should create extra possessions for VanVleet.
- Why a Top Value: Showing signs of breaking out of his slump, VanVleet’s recent 52 DK point performance hints at his upside. With his price lower than usual, he’s a steal.
- Scoring and Playmaking: With the Spurs’ defensive issues, VanVleet’s dual-threat capability in scoring and assists positions him to be a centerpiece in DFS lineups.
Key Insights Across Matchups:
- Injury Opportunities: Each value play listed benefits significantly from teammates’ injuries, ensuring increased roles.
- Matchup Advantages: Whether it’s facing defensively challenged teams or benefiting from the absence of opposing key players, these value plays are positioned in environments conducive to fantasy success.
- Price vs. Potential: The common thread among these players is their potential to outperform their price tags based on recent performances, expanded roles, and the matchups they face today.
Incorporating these value plays into your DFS lineups provides the flexibility to allocate funds towards star players while capitalizing on the upside these cheaper options offer. Remember, in DFS, it’s not just about who you pick but also about finding the right balance of stars and steals to maximize your lineup’s point potential. Good luck!
