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Daily Fantasy Basketball Lineup Picks (10/27/17): NBA Advice for FanDuel, DraftKings

Happy Friday to you all, my fellow hoop addict friends. The second Friday of the regular season brings us a relatively light slate compared to most Fridays, but seven games is still a pretty healthy number. The range of anywhere between five and eight games is pretty optimal, in my opinion, as you have a chance to deep dive into each matchup entirely (as opposed to 10+ game slates, where it's extremely time consuming), while worrying less about ownership percentages of your target studs (as compared to 2-4 game slates, where ownership percentage leverage is critical to your success in tournaments).

I like to kick things off with Vegas lines that are of interest and a few to be aware of. There are a handful of games with no totals or spreads as of this writing, so I'll try to come back once they're posted. As of right now, the Nets - Knicks game, with point total projections of 108 and 110, respectively, looks like a great place to find value as that's a pretty high total and the cost of rostering their core players is pretty low. The Wizards at Warriors matchup looks intriguing as well - a 230 over/under and a lot of star power - just beware of the potential for blowout, as that spread is currently at 10.5. And the Rockets at Hornets (211 over/under, 4.5 point spread) looks very game stack-able.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel and DraftKings on 10/27/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on FanDuel and DraftKings. If you have any questions or comments, let me know @kpLUCH on Twitter.

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DFS Guards to Consider

Kemba Walker - PG, HOU @ CHA (DK - $7,800, FD - $8,000)

This matchup has all the makings of one to target for cash and tournament formats. It starts with Kemba, who is pretty moderately priced and in a great position to exceed his price implied value. Kemba has had a few rough shooting nights, but the defense (or lack thereof) of the Rockets and the faster pace and extra possessions should benefit the crafty veteran guard and get him back on the right track. Not only does this game have one of the better point total projections of the night, it also has one of the tighest spreads, which makes it a good idea to target starters and spend up where appropriate. Kemba is projected for 35ish minutes, which gives him an incredibly high floor and his Usage rate in the high 20's gives him the ceiling we chase in tournaments.

Dejounte Murray - PG, SAS @ ORL (DK - $5,300, FD - $5,500)

I'm cringing seeing his name right now because the memory of his six point dud still stings, but I'm excited for his potential tonight. That recent dud I speak of could help to depress his ownership quite a bit, as could the matchup as Spurs and their competition aren't often targeted (for good reason, mainly). Murray is appealing, though, because of his ability to fill it up in a number of categories and while the Spurs normally operate with a pretty slow, plodding offense, they are in a big time pace-up game for them. I think the up-and-down nature and speed suits Murray's style and athleticism. Consider this - you'd be getting a player who's fantasy points are fairly non-scoring dependent and he's likely to play 25-28 minutes with a Usage rate around 25. Twenty-five-plus minutes and a Usage rate in the mid-twenties is attractive already, not to mention the cash savings and likely depressed ownership.

Also Consider: Jamal Murray - PG, DEN @ ATL (DK - $4,500, FD - $4,900) - Cash/GPP punt

 

James Harden - SG, HOU @ CHA (DK - $11,000, FD - $11,500)

On the other side of the Kemba coin is my favorite cash target among the shooting guard options Friday night. The price certainly isn't cheap, but he does seem a tad under-priced considering his consistent production, the positive game context I previously mentioned, and Walker's lackluster defense. The Rockets are operating with a tight rotation right now due to a number of minutes, so we know Harden's minutes in the upper 30's are solidified, and his Usage rate is consistently over 30. I don't think he has any trouble reaching value here, and if this game stays tight (like it should) I think his ceiling is 65+ points.

Also Consider: Jeremy Lamb - SG, HOU @ CHA (DK - $5,700, FD - $6,400) - Cash

 

DFS Forwards to Consider

Let me start this section by saying the options at forward are quite ugly. There are plenty of name brand players and minutes aren't in shortage, it's that the game context for many is okay at best and the defensive assignments many of them will draw are difficult. I tend to see this slate as a stars-and-scrubs type slate, but if anything, it is most especially true at the small forward and power forward positions.

Kevin Durant - SF, WAS vs GSW (DK - $9,400, FD $10,100)

I hate starting an article off where three of the four have been All-Stars, but this slate calls for grabbing value from the faster paced games and paying up for the studs in cash. Their floors are safer and seeing as any are still capable of 60+ even in more difficult defensive situations, you need to have your exposure because the drop off at every position outside of point guard is quite steep. Durant actually has one of the best matchups of the elite talent tonight and he'll be featured in the game with the highest projected total. Save for a blowout, his minutes are safe in the upper-to-mid thirties and with a Usage rate at 26 and his efficiency, the sky is the limit tonight. He's a lock for me in tournaments.

Also Consider: Paul George - SF, OKC @ MIN (DK - $7,700, FD - $8,300) - *GPP only if Jimmy Butler is playing*

 

Kyle Kuzma - PF, TOR vs LAL (DK - $4,700, FD - $4,900)

In a game where I think most of the Lakers starting unit could struggle to score against Toronto's defensive prowess, Kuzma could be a strong value play on the second unit. He's a steal at this price point when you consider his Usage rate is just shy of 20, he's active on the glass, and he often plays in the mid to high twenties in minutes, playing with more than one Lakers' rotation.

Also Consider: Carmelo Anthony - PF, OKC @ MIN (DK - $7,200, FD - $8,000)

 

DFS Centers to Consider

Enes Kanter - PF/C, - BKN vs NYK (DK - $5,900, FD - $6,000)

Kanter has been a rebounding machine in his welcome week with his new teammates in New York. In the pre-season, we saw very few minutes from Kanter, which made it tough to project how he would be used in this offense and in which rotations he'd play in. It's a short sample, but thus far we've seen a Usage rate around 25, with minutes in the low 20's (but trending up) and double digit rebounds in each - including a monstrous 19 boards his last time on the court. This season he's averaging 1.19 fantasy points per minute, which is fantastic for a player in his price range.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jalen Williams

Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Alex Tuch

Hopes to Remain in Buffalo
Sidney Crosby

Wants to Play for "as Many Years as Possible"
Troy Terry

Could Miss Start of Next Season Due to Hip Surgery
Arber Xhekaj

Scratched for Game 1 of Eastern Conference Finals
Jakub Dobes

Seeks More Success Against Hurricanes
Frederik Andersen

Looks to Stay Undefeated Thursday
Calvin Ridley

Not Taking Part in OTAs as Value Continues to Plummet
Carnell Tate

Receiving Early Buzz at OTAs
Ashton Jeanty

Bigger Role Could be Coming for Ashton Jeanty in Year 2
Robby Snelling

Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Malik Nabers

' Goal is to be Ready for Start of the Season
De'Von Achane

Dealing With Injury at OTAs?
Dalton Kincaid

Says he Feels "Really Good"
Keenan Allen

Door isn't Closed for Keenan Allen in Los Angeles
Ty Simpson

Does Ty Simpson Have First-Round Appeal in Rookie Drafts?
Fernando Mendoza

Working Behind Other QBs
Cam Ward

is "Perfectly Healthy"
James Cook III

Absent From OTA Practices This Week
Darnell Washington

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Fernando Mendoza

a Top Dynasty Target Even if He Doesn't Start Week 1?
Tyreek Hill

Dynasty Outlook Dependent on Landing Spot
Mack Hollins

Should Managers Trade for Mack Hollins Amid Roster Questions?
Michael Wilson

a Prime Dynasty Sell Candidate
Jake Ferguson

Insurance Upside Makes Him a Borderline TE1 in Dynasty
Brock Bowers

One of the Most Valuable Assets in Dynasty
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Contributes 22 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Mike Gesicki

Still Provides Some Dynasty Insurance as His Standalone Value Fades
Stephon Castle

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Victor Wembanyama

Records Eighth Postseason Double-Double
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Nolan Smith Arrested for Speeding and Reckless Driving
Isaiah Hartenstein

Bounces Back With Double-Double
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Exits Game 2 Early Due to Right-Leg Injury
Jalen Williams

Suffers Another Hamstring Injury
Valeri Nichushkin

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Extends Point Streak With an Assist
Brett Howden

Pots Another Goal in Game 1 Win Against Avalanche
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Extends Point Streak to Four Games
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Scores in Fourth Straight Outing
Carter Hart

Records Third Consecutive Win
Timothy Liljegren

Capitals Re-Sign Timothy Liljegren to Two-Year Extension
Jackson Merrill

Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
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Giants Offense to be a Run-First Unit?
Chicago Bulls

Jerry Stackhouse Emerges as Bulls Head-Coach Candidate
Cooper Flagg

Kon Knueppel Headline All-Rookie Team
De'Aaron Fox

is Ruled Out for Game 2 on Wednesday
Jiri Kulich

Aims to Return Next Season
Jeremy Lauzon

Not Expected to Play Wednesday
Mark Stone

Likely to Remain Out Wednesday
Scott Wedgewood

Starting Western Conference Finals for Avalanche
Sam Malinski

Set to Return Wednesday
Artturi Lehkonen

Expected to Play Wednesday Night
Cale Makar

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Lincoln Riley Believes USC is Ready for Playoff Run
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Notre Dame-Stanford Rivalry Renewed Through 2028
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Ahmad Hardy Says He's "Back to the Road to Success"
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Texas Tech Graduate Judge Recuses Himself from Brendan Sorsby Case
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UCLA Tackle Jordan Davis Officially Eligible for 2026 Season
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Bret Bielema Supports Significant College Football Playoff Expansion
Michael Thorbjornsen

Brings High Upside to CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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Carrying Poor Form Into CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Tom Kim

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Sungjae Im Brings Upside to TPC Craig Ranch
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Looking for Turnaround at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Adam Hadwin

Difficult to Trust at TPC Craig Ranch
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Luke Clanton

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Si Woo Kim

Looks To Stay Hot at CJ Cup
James Harden

Struggles in Eastern Conference Finals Opener
Evan Mobley

Bags Second Consecutive Double-Double
Donovan Mitchell

Produces Top Two-Way Performance in Game 1 Loss
OG Anunoby

Plays Key Role in Comeback Win
Mikal Bridges

Remains Efficient in Game 1 Against Cavaliers
Karl-Anthony Towns

Extends Double-Double Streak to Four Games
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks to Historic Comeback Win
Scottie Scheffler

to Defend CJ Cup Byron Nelson Title This Week
Jordan Spieth

Looking For Victory at TPC Craig Ranch
PGA

Matti Schmid Looks to Keep Recent Momentum Going at TPC Craig Ranch
Brooks Koepka

a High-Upside Play at CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Yandy Díaz

Yandy Diaz Exits Early on Tuesday After Being Hit By Pitch
Dean Wade

Returns to Starting Unit Tuesday
OG Anunoby

Starting on Tuesday
Tobias Harris

May Remain in Motown
Chris Kirk

Continues Search For Putting Form at TPC Craig Ranch
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking to Shake Off Poor Major Showing at TPC Craig Ranch
Joel Dahmen

is of No DFS Consideration This Week in Dallas
Pierceson Coody

is Not The Fun DFS Play He Used to Be
Gerrit Cole

to Make Season Debut on Friday Against Rays
Drake Baldwin

Braves Place Drake Baldwin on Injured List With Oblique Strain
CFB

Ezavier Crowell has Immediate Opportunity at Alabama
CFB

Mark Bowman a Day 1 Impact Player for USC?
CFB

Bill Belichick Says Relationship with First North Carolina Team "Wasn't Great"
CFB

Kemario Taylor a Breakout Candidate at Quarterback
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss the Undisputed Top SEC Quarterback Entering 2026?
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Rocco Becht The "Unifier" of Penn State's Roster
Mattias Samuelsson

Picks Up an Assist in Season-Ending Loss
Jackson Holliday

Orioles Reinstate Jackson Holliday From Injured List on Monday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Reinstate Ronald Acuna Jr. From Injured List on Monday
Jose Altuve

Astros Put Jose Altuve on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Corey Seager

Going on Injured List With Back Injury
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Monday Against Twins
Melquizael Costa

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 117
Arnold Allen

Bounces Back
Daniel Santos

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Dohoo Choi Wins His Third Consecutive Fight
Malcolm Wellmaker

Suffers His Second Loss In A Row
Juan Diaz

Scores Second-Round Submission
Christian Edwards

Defeated At UFC Vegas 117
CFB

Transfer Running Back Arnold Barnes Visiting Iowa State on Monday
Modestas Bukauskas

Gets Split-Decision Win
Jhostynxon Garcia

Expected to Join the Pirates on Tuesday
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF