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All throughout the 2014-15 NBA campaign, RotoBaller will be analyzing the top NBA DFS lineup picks and providing our expert advice for the best sleepers at the guard, forward and center positions. Below are some DraftKings DFS picks for February 22nd, 2015.
Keep in mind, fantasy basketball is a fickle game when it comes to injured players, so be sure to check all lineups prior to tip-off. If you want to chat about your roster picks, check out the DFS chat room at the bottom of this post.
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Worth the Investment
Russell Westbrook (OKC, PG) - $10,600
I usually do not like paying up for top dollar guys, but Westbrook is one guy that I will make the exception. He is always a great play, but when Kevin Durant is out he becomes a must-start. Durant is considered day-to-day, but he did not play on Saturday so his availability for Sunday is in doubt.
Without Durant on the floor, Westbrook has an insane usage rate. He dominates the ball, which gives him a big opportunity to put up some massive numbers. Coming off back to back games with at least 57 fantasy points, Westbrook now draws a favorable matchup at home versus the hapless Denver Nuggets. If Durant remains sidelined, Westbrook should once again thrive for the suddenly surging Thunder.
Wilson Chandler (DEN, SF) - $5,700
There are not a lot of great options at the forward spots, so I will be looking to save money here. I really like Serge Ibaka for many of the same reasons mentioned above for Westbrook, but I will go in a different direction.
Many thought that Chandler would get moved at the trade deadline. However, it was Arron Afflalo that was dealt instead. Afflalo’s departure gives Chandler a major boost in value. Combine that with Ty Lawson being in the doghouse (he was a DNP-CD last game), and Chandler looks to be the man to carry the load offensively. At this price, I like him whether Lawson plays or not.
His last game without Afflalo and Lawson was decent, putting up 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, three treys, and one block. However, his peripherals were very strong. He played 38 minutes and had a very high 29.5 usage rate. He also attempted a whopping 20 shots, 12 of which came from three point range. If he can get his shot to fall, there is some massive upside here.
Nikola Vucevic (ORL, C) - $8,400
Vucevic is the most expensive, but easily the best center option. He gets an outstanding matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers. Tobias Harris is also ailing, which would create more opportunities for Vucevic if he cannot play. Harris did not play on Friday, even with the long layoff during the All Star break, so still may not be ready to play.
Vucevic has another thing working in his favor. He has been logging a ton of minutes ever since interim coach James Borrego took over following the firing of Jacque Vaughn. He is a double-double machine, and should find little resistance against the weak 76ers frontcourt. Expect another dominant effort on Sunday.
Top Sleeper
Mo Williams (CHA, PG) - $4,800
The trade sending Williams from Minnesota to Charlotte is paying immediate dividends for the Bobcats. In his first game with his new team, Williams started and played a surprising 38 minutes. He went bonkers for 24 points, four rebounds, 11 assists, one steal and five threes.
Williams has virtually no competition for playing time until Kemba Walker returns. He should get a ton of shots as well, since the Bobcats have next to nothing offensively outside of Al Jefferson. He is a must-play at this price point. Take advantage now while you still can because his price will not be this low for very long.
