DFS NBA Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings - Thursday 3/24

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Guards

Darius Garland FD - $9500 DK - $9700
Opponent - TOR
Proj Pts FD - 41.17 DK - 46.14

It may seem odd starting this article with the lowest total on the slate and against a Top 10 defense but we just can't ignore what Garland is doing on the court. He has taken a huge step forward in his third season in the league with improvements across the board statistically as he is leading the Cavs to the Playoffs(currently #6 seed). The price is on the way up but I am not concerned as he has been very consistent in March tallying 42 or more DK points in nine of 11 games while averaging 48.3 per game. The Raptors have also been giving up points in bunches to guards in the short term so all things considered, I will have exposure to Garland in all formats.

C.J. McCollum FD - $8000 DK - $9100
Opponent - CHI
Proj Pts FD - 43.71 DK - 47.4

Volume is the name of the game when paying up at guard and like Garland, McCollum absolutely loves to shoot. Since joining the Pelicans at the trade deadline, McCollum has averaged 18.9 shots, 25.9 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds per game which, for fantasy, equates to an average of 45 DK/43.3 FD points per game. He and the Pels now get a plus matchup against a Bulls team that ranks in the bottom third(20th) in defensive efficiency and run the league's 12th fastest pace. Lock and load in all formats.

Tyus Jones FD - $5100 DK - $4300
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 34.23 DK - 36.28
Monte Morris FD - $4500 DK - $4600
Opponent - PHO
Proj Pts FD - 23.35 DK - 25.71

I am going to group these two value guards together tonight as there is news surrounding both but I am optimistic they will both keep their roles, at least for tonight's games. Let's start with the Grizzlies who are playing the second leg of a back-to-back tonight after taking down the Nets at home last night without Ja Morant who missed his second straight game. Tyus Jones has been terrific in Morant's absence starting both games, putting up 21 shots on 48% shooting for 30+ DK points in each game. With the Grizzlies sitting as the #2 seed, I don't see a need to rush Morant back and if that's the case, I love the PTS/$ value with Jones facing a Pacers team that is 23rd in defense since the All-Star break.

For Western Conference-leading Suns, they have been without Chris Paul since late February and while there was word he may be back early, it appears it won't be tonight. That would likely mean a continued boost to Monte Morris who has been consistent in Paul's absence. While Booker and Ayton take most of the shots in the offense, Morris has been a steady producer across the board(for his price) averaging 11.1 points, 4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds for an average of 23 DK/25 FD points per game and that includes two duds in those 15 games.

Stay tuned for news and starting lineups but both of these players would be top PTS/$ plays for me in all formats should they get another start.

Small Forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo FD - $11400 DK - $11700
Opponent - WAS
Proj Pts FD - 60.54 DK - 64.12

As usual, the SF position is a minefield so let's just pay right up with Giannis and lock in that elite raw points floor. Even as a huge favorite, I am not that concerned, seeing as the Bucks blew out the Bulls on Tuesday and Giannis still managed 59 DK points in just 30 minutes thanks to another insane rebounding game(17). That isn't even really an outlier game either as it was the fifth time in 10 games he tallied 15 or more rebounds and going back to the start of February, Giannis is averaging 58.7 DK/60.7 FD points per game. Facing a Wizards team that ranks 29th in defensive efficiency since the ASB(25th worst overall), Giannis is a lock for me in all formats.

Also Consider: Dillon Brooks(MEM) if Ja Morant is out again or Mikal Bridges(PHO) who, despite the tougher matchup, plays a ton of minutes and has provided a consistent PTS/$ floor

Power Forward/Center

Evan Mobley FD - $7500 DK - $7800
Opponent - TOR
Proj Pts FD - 42.76 DK - 44.14

The center position has close to as many choices to make as the guards but I will start with my favorite PTS/$ option and the likely rookie of the year, Evan Mobley. Sure, you get a bit of inconsistency as he has tallied under 35 fantasy points three times in his last nine games but in the other six he has averaged over 48 DK points per game. Overall, in that time, he has provided a very balanced fantasy attack with an average of 18.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.5 blocks+steaks. While the Raptors are 13th in defensive efficiency on the season, their weak spot has been against bigs and more specifically centers(23rd in Fpts to C) so I will have exposure to Mobley in all formats.

Jaren Jackson Jr. FD - $6600 DK - $6900
Opponent - IND
Proj Pts FD - 35.84 DK - 36

Even with a rising price, the system absolutely loves Jaren Jackson again tonight. The spread opened in the double-digits which presents the possibility of a blowout but my expectation is that Morant sits again and with the Grizzlies playing on a back-to-back, I think we get a full run from the starters. There have been ups and downs for JJJ this season but he has been consistent in teh short term putting up 29 or more DK points in seven straight games while averaging 32.6 in that time. Against a Pacers team that is giving up 118.5 points per game and ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency since the ASB, I will have exposure to JJJ in all formats.

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