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The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on November 8, 2019. Jake Finnen provides NBA DFS analysis and sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.
We have an 11 game slate tonight and that means we are going to have a ton of variety in our lineups. Per usual, we need some of those super-value plays to open up the chance to play the superstars, so this article is going to be full of low-to-mid level options. An important matchup to watch is the Trail Blazers versus Nets. Portland seems like they have played every day this week and the Brooklyn Nets have not played a game since Monday. Already, I know that I will not be running many, if any Trail Blazers tonight.
This is a bit ambitious, but the first thing I noticed when making lineups for tonight is Nikola Vucevic's price. He just missed a game-winning shot his last time out, and while that might discourage most players, I think it forces him to overcompensate versus the Grizzlies at home. The Magic should have no problem defending Memphis' athleticism and Vucevic is going to give the Grizzlies frontcourt problems all game.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/8/19. You can also check out today's FanDuel lineup picks. Remember to monitor injury news as the slate can completely change before line-up lock. Find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter.
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DraftKings DFS Guards
Ish Smith - PG, WAS vs. CLE ($4,100)
Just about everyone has been torching the Cleveland Cavaliers this season and narratives like that don't change on a whim. Since Ish Smith has been consistent in his role off the bench, its pretty easy to make this pick and walk away. With so many teams playing tonight, there is bound to be some outliers here and there, so even though Ish Smith seems like a low-level pick, his ability to contribute across the board is keeping him more than relevant for DFS. This contest should be one of the higher scoring games of the night, so even if you don't trust Smith, there are other options out there you should consider on both of these teams.
Justin Holiday - SG/SF, vs DET ($3,500)
The Pistons rank in the top 10 versus opposing small forwards, but this is Justin Holiday, not Kawhi Leonard. He isn't going to attract the best defender and most teams will actually resort to giving him an open shot on the wing, rather than letting someone like Malcolm Brogdon drive. This is the pick that you make when you have a great lineup, but need that one super cheap player just to fill space. Last night, that was Patty Mills and he scored 17 points. Tonight, it will be Justin Holiday and 15 points seems more than reasonable.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Royce O'Neale - SF, vs MIL ($3,400)
Similar to the Justin Holiday pick, this is the option you need as a filler. If you want to really cash out tonight, you are going to have to roster some low-priced picks and there are not many players getting minutes in Royce O'Neale's price range. Even though his price is extremely low, he remains near the top of the Jazz rotation. Although not the strongest scorer, he contributes across the board and he should have plenty of upside tonight against the Bucks. The Bucks are ranked 11th against small forwards, but O'Neale is getting his production through hustle rather than scoring and I like the idea of him lining up across from Wesley Matthews.
Bobby Portis - PF/C, vs DAL ($5,500)
This game is going to be all about Kristaps Porzingis, but since both the Knicks and Bobby Portis have been slumping, they will need to find a way to get out of it. There isn't much promise for the Knicks, their rotations aren't consistent and they do focus their lineups around their power forwards. Marcus Morris picked up the slack last time out and while Julius Randle should produce, Bobby Portis is due for a bounce back game.
Since the Mavericks frontcourt is on the weaker side when it comes to rebound and defense, I expect Porter to roam the paint and freely chase offensive rebounds.
DraftKings DFS Centers
Alex Len - C, vs. SAC ($4,000)
If you haven't noticed, a common theme of tonight has been playing low-level players against high-tier defenses. The Kings might not have a high-tier defense, but they are able to limit opposing centers with their length. It is going to be a duel between Trae Young and De'Aaron Fox, but Alex Len is going to be one of the main beneficiaries when Young gets to the paint. Moving forward, with John Collins missing time, Alex Len, Damian Jones and Bruno Fernando must be considered whenever they play.
