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After a loaded slate to start off the weekend, things get toned down a bit on Saturday with only five games on the schedule. With the postseason right around the corner, fantasy managers need to keep an eye on the injury report throughout the day, especially since clubs with championship aspirations may keep players out of the lineup to rest.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/17/21. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also check out DraftKings lineup picks and injury news before lineups lock. Good luck, RotoBallers.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Stephen Curry, PG - @ BOS ($10,600)
It’s hard to imagine any winning lineup not having Curry in it. He has been on a roll lately, as reflected in his hefty DFS asking price of $10,600. He has hit at least 47 fantasy points in each of his previous nine appearances and put a hurtin’ on the Celtics a few months ago by finishing with 38 points, 11 boards, eight assists, and three steals. Although Boston will have Marcus Smart on the floor to make things more difficult, the former MVP should still be in the picture on Saturday night.
Andrew Wiggins, SG - @ BOS ($7,000)
The Warriors have been without Kelly Oubre Jr., who has been out the last four games while tending to a wrist injury. Without him in the lineup, Wiggins has enjoyed a noticeable increase in both usage and +/- differential. He had 38.2 fantasy points on Thursday against the Cavaliers, racking up 23 points, six boards, and six assists. He also takes care of the ball, so fantasy managers don’t have to worry about losing points off turnovers.
Coby White, PG - vs. CLE ($4,500)
Zach LaVine is expected to miss a few weeks while adhering to the league’s safety protocols surrounding COVID-19. Although it is unknown if he actually tested positive for the virus, we do know that his absence will open up the door for others to benefit. To make matters worse for Chicago, Tomas Satoransky may also miss some more time while dealing with a back injury. If Satoransky does sit on Saturday against Cleveland, White should get some additional run once again. He got the start on Friday night against Memphis, finishing with 27 points and seven assists throughout 33 minutes of work.
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FanDuel DFS Forwards
Khris Middleton, SF - vs. MEM ($7,800)
Middleton played really well while Giannis Antetokoumpo sat out six games due to a knee issue. Although the reigning MVP has since returned, it appears as if he will be facing a minutes restriction for the next few games moving ahead. Middleton’s DFS price is very generous when you consider the pace of the matchup against the Grizzlies, so for those looking to pivot off Jaylen Brown, this may be the place to do it.
Saddiq Bey, SF - @ WSH ($5,400)
The Pistons were shorthanded on Friday night against OKC as the team rolled without Jeremi Grant, Cory Joseph, Hamidou Diallo, and Dennis Smith Jr,—among others. Bey took advantage, producing 18 points while pulling down seven boards. He was hot from deep against the Clippers in the previous two games before going cold against Oklahoma City. If he can get hot again on Saturday night in a fantasy-friendly matchup against Washington, he could easily exceed his value.
Daniel Theis, PF - vs. CLE ($4,200)
Theis is beginning to find his groove in Chicago. He has logged at least 20 minutes in each of his previous four games and is averaging over 25 fantasy points per game during that span. The 28-year-old didn’t play too well against Memphis, but we can give him a free pass based on how well he played heading into Friday night. If Theis gets the start against Cleveland, keep him on the radar, primarily for those running low on cap space.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Jonas Valanciunas, C - @ MIL ($8,400)
Valanciunas has been a monster this season. After he was criticized for his lack of defensive prowess while in Toronto, the big man continues to remind everyone just how effective he can be. He had a double-double in 16 straight outings before it came to an end against Chicago, but he has a solid chance to get back on track against a Bucks team that is vulnerable underneath the rim at times.
Tristan Thompson, C - vs. GSW ($4,300)
Robert Williams will miss another game due to a bum knee, so Thompson will likely enjoy some additional minutes once again against Golden State. The veteran had 29.7 fantasy points the other night against the Lakers while filling in but Keep in mind; he will probably be a popular option on Saturday night, especially in GPP formats. Those looking to separate themselves from the pack may want to look elsewhere.
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