DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Guide 8/12/20

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Guide 8/12/20

Jac Calliott

8/12/20

Slate Overview:

NBA DFS right now can be looked at one of two ways – either the late breaking news and spread out games makes it too unpredictable to play, or there’s a massive edge to be had.  We’re going to choose the latter of the two.  With only three days of games left before the playoffs start, we’re beginning to see teams rest more and more players.  The Pacers look like they’ll be putting the entire starting lineup on the shelf for today’s game against the Rockets, and Westbrook has already been announced out on the Houston side.  Another thing I’ll be keeping a close eye on is the Sixers injury situation.  If they’re without Tobias Harris, Al Horford, and Embiid again today that makes someone like Josh Richardson or even Kyle O’Quinn a great play again today.  Every game on the slate has plenty of players listed as questionable, so make sure you’re paying attention to your NBA news today.  

Point Guard

Pay Up

James Harden ($11,100) – Yesterday we saw Harden get some rest while Westbrook started and logged 28 minutes.  Today we see that flip-flopped, with Harden moving back into the lineup and Westbrook getting some rest.  I’m not entirely certain Harden will log his usual 36 minutes today against an injury depleted Pacers team, but on a slate like this it’s as safe of a floor that we can find – especially with Russ out. 

Other Option: Goran Dragic ($5,300)

Value

Aaron Holiday ($4,600) – It’s looking like the Pacers will be without their usual starters today, meaning Holiday should see all the minutes he can handle.  Against a Rockets team that loves to push the rock and being a near lock for 30+ minutes, I expect Holiday to go for at least 30 DKFP.

Other Option: TJ McConnell ($3,500)

Shooting Guard

Pay Up

Fred VanVleet ($7,300) – With just two games of seeding play left and the 2 seed in the East locked up, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Raptors rest more guys today.  I don’t expect VanVleet to be one of those guys, however, as he sat out for their last game against the Bucks.  He’s been playing well as of late and if I’m paying up at SG today, I like Fred VanVleet against a banged up Sixers team.

Other Option: Josh Richardson ($5,700)

Value

Austin Rivers ($4,800) – Rivers should draw another start today with Westbrook out.  Two games ago when we saw the same scenario, Rivers erupted for 60 DKFP.  I’m not expecting that to happen again today as Eric Gordon will be returning, but he should still be good for 30+ and some flames next to his name in your lineups.

Small Forward

Pay Up

Robert Covington ($6,800) – With so much up in the air today at Small Forward, Covington is the guy I’m choosing if I pay up at the position.  He should be locked in for 30+ minutes and as always should have no problem stuffing the stat-sheet.  I like Kawhi today as well but I have a hard time trusting that he’ll play and with that game being the last on the slate, he’s a very risky play.

Other Option: Kawhi Leonard ($9,500)

Value

Edmond Sumner ($3,000) – This is a play that completely hinges on whether or not Indiana rests their starters.  If they do, and it’s looking that way, this is a guy that could fall thru the cracks a bit in terms of ownership numbers.  Sumner is for sure a GPP play, but he’s a guy that is very comfortable on the fast break and from mid-range.  He also has the ability to get his teammates involved.  I actually like Sumner a lot today if the Pacers sit their guys, and he has a great matchup in Houston.

Power Forward

This is such a gross position today when it comes to the top guys.  If they aren’t listed as out or questionable, they’re at risk to be rested.  You could slot Covington in here if you choose to go the value route at SF, but other than that I’d rather focus on the values Power Forward on today’s slate. 

Value

Jae Crowder ($5,100) – Crowder has been starting at Power Forward since the bubble began and has not squandered the opportunity.  In fact, he’s made four 3’s in 4 out of the last 5 games.  The shot volume is also encouraging, while another added bonus to Jae’s game is what he can do for us on the defensive end and on the boards.  He should see his usual 30minute workload and if the 3-ball is falling again today for him I like Jae Crowder quite a bit.

Chris Boucher ($4,600) — If Serge Ibaka misses another game due to a bruised knee cap, Boucher becomes one of my favorite plays of the day.  Boucher erupted for 52.8 DKFP against the Bucks on Monday and should be in line to do more of the same if we see Ibaka sit again.  He’s a former G league MVP, so playing in an empty gym like this one probably feels like the good ole’ days to him. 

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Center

Pay Up

Bam Adebayo ($7,700) – Bam is a guy that can do it all for his team, and if he gets his normal time on the court Wednesday should have no problem paying off his price.  Miami is still playing for the 4-seed, but obviously home court advantage doesn’t mean anything.  We can’t be certain how much Miami will play their studs, but on a slate with so much up in the air when it comes to playing time, I’d rather pay up for Bam than cough up another $1500 for Jokic.

Value

Kyle O’Quinn ($3,000) – If the frontcourt of the Sixers is hampered due to injury again today, then this is sure to be one of the chalkiest plays on the slate.  We saw O’Quinn fall one point short of a triple double yesterday, and while I don’t quite expect him to duplicate that performance he should still have no problem paying off his salary at minimum price.