Every big time superstar in the NBA is playing tonight. Every single one.  On nights like these it is important to pick your top two performers and build around them. Don’t be afraid to take the big money guys but then you absolutely have to hit on some of the lower tier players. Also, because no one wants to play 82 games anymore, back-to-backs and healthy scratches must be monitored and watched carefully.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy NBA lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/01/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players, to mid-priced options, and value plays on DraftKings. Without wasting anymore time, let's get down to business!

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DraftKings DFS Guards

Stephen Curry - PG, GSW ($9,200)

Steph has started the season off slow by averaging just 25 points. That is an insane statement but it is also true. But Steph’s assists, steals, rebounds, and percentages are all a slight tick down from his averages over the last two years. Going against Damian Lillard should hopefully bring the best out in Curry and give him the MVP performance we’re all so used to seeing. Curry ended the preseason with 35 points in 28 minutes against the Blazers. There is no doubt that Steph likes to play against Lillard and McCollum just to remind everyone that he’s the best point guard in the league.

Zach Lavine-SG/PG, MIN ($5,700)

Lavine has been one of the brighter spots for a young Minnesota team that is so talented but not quite there yet. He has taken on a starting role and looks to be fitting in as more than just an explosive scorer. After two games his 20 points, 5 boards, and 2.5 assists all look sustainable playing heavy minutes in a Tom Thibodeau coached team. Also, Ricky Rubio is out with an injury meaning only more playing time for both Lavine and Kris Dunn. Only Lavine has so far shown that he’s ready for it.

Joe Johnson- SG/SF ($4,900)

Iso Joe is back! Well until Gordon Hayward gets back. After Hayward’s return there will likely be no room for Joe in most fantasy formats let alone daily. Until then Johnson is worth the risk of under performing for his insanely low price tag. He may lead the Jazz in scoring while adding small bits of contribution in every statistical category or he may remind everyone that he is so old to still be out here getting buckets as a guard.

 

DraftKings DFS Forwards

LaMarcus Aldridge PF/C, SAS ($7,000)

Aldridge was rested on Sunday for “recovery” purposes. Gregg Popovich and the Spurs are always playing the long game so you never know what you will get with them. Safe to say that Aldridge will play tonight and should be well rested. He is still one of the elite big men in the game and while everyone is tripping over themselves to fawn over Kawhi Leonard the Spurs have to have Aldridge play at an All-Star level if they want to compete. Tonight will be a night for the team to make sure Aldridge is happy and feed him the ball kind consistently.

Kristaps Porzingis PF/C, NYK ($7,100)

The little secret no one in New York wants to say is that, “this is already Porzingis’s team”. It seems like Jeff Hornacek might be trying to run a lot more of the offense through the young Latvian this year than last. While Porzingis has looked good he is still yet to really get going offensively. Tonight in Detroit will be a litmus test for Kristaps going against Andre Drummond. It would be perfectly logical to think to stay away from Porzingis for his price. Right now his production hasn’t quite lived up to all of the potential and excitement people see around him. That being said, Daily Fantasy is about taking risks and picking the guy who has the breakout when no one else sees it. Hopefully the Knicks realize that less shots by Rose and Jennings and more by Porzingis gives them the best chance to win.

Dario Saric SF/PF, PHI ($4,600)

Saric has had a rough start to the season. He is getting his shot off and being active in over 25 minutes a game but nothing seems to be fully clicking yet. The Sixers will need Saric to step up and play a larger role over the next few nights. Nerlens Noel is out and Jahlil Okafor will be out tonight while Joel Embiid will be rested on Wednesday. The next two nights, while still early in the season, will be integral moments in Saric’s growth. I expect him to shock everyone by taking some of the shine away from Embiid tonight.

 

DraftKings DFS Centers

Marc Gasol C, MEM ($6,100)

Marc Gasol has been injured a lot and maybe that is the reason people have forgotten about just how good this Spaniard can be. On a night filled with many talented big men going at it no one gives you better value for your buck than Gasol. Points, rebounds, blocks, and threes are all valuable and he can give you a decent amount in all four categories. Gorgui Dieng and Karl-Anthony Towns are very skilled defenders but they are in for a lesson from Pau’s younger brother.

Zaza Pachulia C, GSW($4,000)

There are four starters on the Golden State Warriors you should never fear taking at any point in any draft. The fifth is Zaza. After a very solid year in Dallas he signed an extra small contract to fill the Andrew Bogut role on the Warriors. He’s already had one double-double and is always capable of contributing on the boards or scrapping together some offense. If you’ve already spent all your money on some of the great guards and forwards going at it tonight, Zaza is a lower tier big man that might get lots of garbage time minutes or play an integral part with the starters. He is a boom or bust candidate with a lot more potential for bust. But when you have no money left and you need a big man, he might be your best bet.

 

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