Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Phoenix, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
I just finished watching the late games on Saturday, and it was a heck of a basketball night. Utah pulled out another shocking win over Memphis, while OKC overcame a 16-point deficit in the final five minutes to upset Dallas. Seeing random players on these bad teams is something I love about the NBA because there's so much talent littered throughout the league. That's why I love the NBA because these guys play basketball at an unfathomable level. With that in mind, let's kick things with one of the most ridiculous players in the league.
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Opponent - ORL
Proj Pts FD - 62.6 DK - 67.42
We have a ton of value plays on this slate, so getting a guy like Doncic into your lineup is imperative. This has been the best player in fantasy, and it's likely to continue when you see his league-leading 40 percent usage rate. Dallas wants Doncic to do everything for this offense right now, scoring at least 66 fantasy points in four of five games. He's also leading the NBA with 69 DraftKings points per game, averaging 35.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 9.4 assists. That's why he's earned this $12K price tag, but it's also why he needs to be in every lineup out there. Orlando is an outstanding matchup, too, with the Magic ranked 19th in defensive efficiency ratings. They're also missing all of their guards, and Doncic should feast against what's possibly the worst roster in the league.
Opponent - MIN
Proj Pts FD - 34.25 DK - 33.84
The Josh Primo situation in San Antonio is unfortunate, but it's giving Jones full reign on the point guard position. He's started every game, averaging 29 DraftKings points per game across 31 minutes a night. That's the guy we saw last season, with Tre totaling a 31-point average as a starter last year. He's taking over the Dejounte Murray role in this San Antonio offense, and he's only going to get better at the age of 22. Devin Vassell being out of the lineup is another boost to his value, and he shouldn't have any issues against a Minnesota team that ranked 25th in points allowed last year. These teams have already played twice this season, with Tre averaging 33 fantasy points per game.
Reggie Jackson (FD $4500 DK $5800) should never be $4,500 on FD. He was a $6K player at times last year and is still playing 30-35 minutes as the Clips starting point guard.
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 47.14 DK - 48.33
Using players against Houston is a cheat code. This team was second in pace and dead-last in defensive efficiency last year and has all the same pieces this season. They're actually surrendering the most fantasy points to shooting guards this season and regularly get destroyed by the opponent's best player. That happens to be Book, averaging 44 DraftKings points per game this year. This All-Star is a safe bet for 35-40 minutes and 15-20 shots, and he could be asked to do more with Deandre Ayton out of the lineup. Booker bludgeoned this Rockets team last year, too, scoring at least 47 fantasy points in all four of their matchups.
Opponent - MIN
Proj Pts FD - 28.4 DK - 29.12
I used to love J-Rich in his days with the Heat, but something has happened to him over recent years. He's been stuck in NBA purgatory since then, but a move to San Antonio has him back as a fantasy-relevant player. While the veteran was coming off the bench to start the year, Rich has started the last two games in the absence of Vassell. He's producing in this expanded role, combining for 68 fantasy points across 64 minutes in those two outings. That's all you can ask for from a $5K player, and it's clear he's one of the primary playmakers when you look at his 16 assists in that span. There is a chance he misses this game because of a back issue, but Jeremy Sochan would be a fantastic fill-in if that comes to fruition.
Caris LeVert (FD $6700 DK $6400) had 41 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals against an elite Boston defense on Saturday and should continue to see monster usage with Darius Garland sidelined.
Opponent - DAL
Proj Pts FD - 31.78 DK - 32.54
I was disappointed with Wagner's output on Friday, but this dude is in a sensational spot. Orlando's roster is in shambles, playing without Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Moritz Wagner, Gary Harris, and Markelle Fultz. Three of those are the only point guards on the roster, forcing Franz into the starting point guard job on Friday. That's massive for a blossoming sophomore like this, with Wagner averaging 30 DK points per game this year. That's on par with what we saw in his breakout rookie season, and we genuinely believe that'll be his floor in this expanded role. If we get 35-40 minutes, 15 shots, and primary ball-handling duties from a player this talented, he needs to be $8K on both sites.
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 29.19 DK - 28.56
Everyone on this roster will have to step up in the absence of Ayton, but Bridges has already been doing that. The defensive stud is averaging a career-best 32 DK points per game, seeing his statistics bump across the board. This versatile forward is being asked to do more than ever in this offense, and that's big news since he's regularly playing 40 minutes a night. A hustler like this is even more horrifying for a defense like Houston, with the Rockets ranked 23rd in points allowed this year. We know they're going to be one of the best matchups all year, and that was on full display when Bridges dropped 45 DK points in their most recent matchup last season.
Naji Marshall (FD $4200 DK $4000) is playing a ton in the absence of Zion and Ingram, collecting 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists across 35 minutes in the Pels most recent game.
Opponent - DAL
Proj Pts FD - 44.29 DK - 45.4
It feels crazy to recommend a rookie at $8K, but Banchero is special. This guy is a specimen at 19 years old, dominating opposing teams with his physicality. The rookie has scored at least 33 DraftKings points in all six games, surpassing 46 fantasy points in four of those outings. That's right on par with his ridiculous 44-point average, and it's scary to think this kid is scratching the surface of what he could become. We already discussed how Orlando is missing all of their ball handlers, forcing Paolo into a primary playmaking role as well. He had 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists in the first game without those guys on Friday, and he did that damage despite playing just 27 minutes in that blowout. Look for him to play his usual 35 here and provide elite value at this $8K price tag.
Opponent - MIN
Proj Pts FD - 38.74 DK - 40.39
We weren't exactly sure who the go-to guy in San Antonio would be at the beginning of the season, but KJ has taken over this team. The former Olympian has scored at least 32 DraftKings points in all six games, en route to a 39-point average. That's quite the total from a sub-$8K player, and it's likely to continue since Johnson is averaging 33 minutes and 18 shots per game. He's also leading the team in usage and could be looking at even more with Vassell out of the lineup as well. KJ has had his way with the T'Wolves over the last two years, too, averaging 41 DK points across their last four matchups.
Michael Porter Jr. (FD $6300 DK $6000) has shown the ability to be an $8K player in the past, averaging over 33 fantasy points per game this season.
Opponent - LAL
Proj Pts FD - 56.83 DK - 58.93
It's been a bit of a slow start for the two-time reigning MVP, but a slow start for this guy is fantastic for most. The big man is still averaging 52 DK points per game, dropping a 69-spot on this Lakers defense earlier in the week. It's no surprise that he slaughtered LA, with the Lakers allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing centers last year. He's had his way with them for a while now, scoring at least 51 fantasy points in each of their previous five meetings. A floor like that is no surprise because Jokic has at least 34 DK points in all but three games since 2020. That's 149 games in a 152-game span, making The Joker the most reliable option on every slate.
Opponent - HOU
Proj Pts FD - 27.66 DK - 26.9
This is slightly risky, but we feel like Biz will start at center with Ayton out for the Suns. He was the one who stepped up in Phoenix's most recent game, dropping 36 DK points across 23 minutes of play. As long as this beast plays 20 minutes, Biyombo should be above $6K. We say that because Biz averaged 33 fantasy points per game in the 11 outings he played over 20 minutes last year. He was splitting the center minutes with JaVale McGee when Ayton was out, and that shouldn't be an issue with McGee suiting up for the Mavs. We already discussed how horrible Houston's defense has been, surrendering the most fantasy points to opposing centers last season.
Bol Bol (FD $4900 DK $5100) is averaging 30 DK points per game across his last three outings and is seeing more playing time than ever for this shorthanded Orlando team.
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