NBA - November 17th Starting 5
The NBA season is finally here! We have such an exciting season up ahead and plenty of opportunities to win some money! There are four key things I look for in a player to have the highest probability of being optimal!
Price
Opponent DvP
Minutes
Usage
These four statistics paired together are the best suitors to find a gem. Almost everyone I mention below hits on atleast 2 of these if not all of them! Hopefully this will help you be more successful while building lineups and give you a higher chance of winning the big bucks!
I would also like to note that I write these articles early in the day. It is always beneficial to check @Underdog__NBA for lineup changes. Those changes could have a direct effect on some of my "favorite plays" in the sense that if a cheap guy that was one of my favorites doesn't start, then they might no longer be a favorite play or even a play at all. Check out my Twitter @HeatingUpDFS or join the Discord for any updates on favorite play changes!
Socials
If you enjoy all of the content, there are multiple ways to show support! We have a Twitter and Discord Channel that you can join for up to the hour line up discussion and slate overviews! Click the links below to join/follow!
Slate Starters
Below are some of the slate dynamics involved during the writing of this article. The entire slate could possibly change between the time I finish writing this and lock, so be sure to join the discord for any updates!
Joel Embiid is ACTIVE
Giannis Antetokounmpo is ACTIVE
Lebron James is ACTIVE
All of the Celtics are ACTIVE
All of the Hornets are ACTIVE except Terry Rozier
Including Miles Bridges who will play solid minutes
OG Anunoby is OUT
Gary Trent is ACTIVE
PG: Dyson Daniels ($5,100)
This is more of a value play with him being pretty underpriced for the role and minutes he has been playing lately. Without CJ McCollum, he has had games where he has played well over 30 minutes and has 25+ DK points each of the last 4. He is starting which really helps boost his minutes floor which makes it a lot easier to want to go to him. They play Denver who is solid defensively, but the one spot they struggle most is against guards. This could be a spot where they focus defensively on Ingram and Zion and let the role players beat them. That puts Dyson and others in a really good spot to produce.
Other PGs in Play:
High: De’Aaron Fox ($9,000)
Mid: D’Angelo Russell ($7,100)
Cheap: Collin Sexton ($4,100)
SG: Kevin Huerter ($5,900)
This feels like chasing given he has been so hot shooting the ball as of late and is bound to come back down to earth, but man is the spot he is in perfect. The Kings have the highest implied team total on the slate, given they run at one of the slowest paces in the league and they play the team that runs at the 3rd fastest it is a massive pace up spot and SA ranks dead last in terms of team defense. What more is there to like? Huerter is playing north of 30 minutes every night and has 28+ DK points in 4 straight games with two over 50 DK points. The ceiling is there, he just has to hit his shots and the Kings want to give him those shots right now.
Other SGs in Play:
High: Donovan Mitchell ($9,500)
Mid: DeAnthony Melton ($5,800)
Cheap: Alec Burks ($4,900)
SF: Miles Bridges ($5,300)
I in no way shape or form approve of the actions that Bridges made off the court. Should he even be able to touch an NBA court again? No. However, he is back, the coach is saying he will have a significant role from the start and is massively underpriced if that is the case. The Hornets are still without Rozier and Miller + Hayward are banged up. Bridges was legit a 1.2 FPPM type of player back when he was playing and unless he completely lost his touch then he should hit value tonight. They play Milwaukee who has not been as good defensively this season so take advantage of Bridges’ low price before it goes up drastically.
Other SFs in Play:
High: Lebron James ($9,900)
Mid: Tobias Harris ($6,300)
Cheap: Terance Mann ($3,800)
PF: RJ Barrett ($6,400)
Barrett has not played the last few games, but I expect him to come back and pick up right where he left off. He has had 37+ DK points in 3 straight and now gets to play arguably the worst team in the NBA (Washington) that runs at one of the fastest paces in the league. This is just far too cheap of a price tag for how he has been playing this season. He has been showing legit 50 DK point upside in some matchups and this is definitely one he could get to that.
Other PFs in Play:
High: Giannis Antetokounmpo ($11,100)
Mid: Aaron Gordon ($6,600)
Cheap: Saddiq Bey ($4,400)
C: Mitchell Robinson ($5,500)
I have not be right on Mitchell lately, but the Wizards STRUGGLE to defend the C position. As long as Mitch can stay out of foul trouble I see no reason he can’t have another great game. He has massive block upside just about every game and against a team like Washington that chucks up a ton of shots (and misses), he should be able to hit his rebound quota pretty easily. One of these games he is due for some extra lobs and offensive usage to really get him over the hump and on his way to a double double. He just needs this game to stay close so he can maintain around 30 minutes of action.
Other Cs in Play:
High: Nikola Jokic ($12,500) or Julius Randle ($8,800)
Mid: Brook Lopez ($5,800) or Alperen Sengun ($7,700)
Cheap: Jabari Walker ($3,700)
