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DraftKings Daily Fantasy Basketball Picks (10/18/18): NBA DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on October 18, 2018. Leonard Francis' NBA DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

With the MLB postseason in full swing, the NFL season approaching its midway point, and more importantly, the NBA back in action, there is no better time of year to be a sports fan. (I've heard various arguments for other times of the year - they're all iniquitous and worthy of a boisterous Kawhi laugh.) Thing is, my Yankees lost to the stupid Red Sox and Eli Manning is worse than Uncle Rico... But, the New York Knickerbockers are undefeated! So, let's focus on the positives and talk some hoops.

Now normally, I'm an analytical guy. Not normally, I still am. But, the point I'm trying to make here is that I like to nerd out with stats and spreadsheets. There's not much information to be had on day three of the season, though, especially considering four of the teams on tonight's three-game slate have yet to play their season opener. Sure, I have years of data at my expense, but with coaching/personnel changes, rookies, injuries, and player improvement/regression, a lot of that data goes out the window early on. PS - I watch sports practically 24/7 (if my wife isn't watching one of those true crime shows or Insecure) so don't take those admissions as me being some accountant who has no feel for the game itself. Name the place, I'll give you buckets right now.

Anyway, what you'll find below are my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 10/18/18. As the season progresses, expect more nerdage. But, for now, talent and opportunity reign supreme. Also, I try to avoid chalky plays as much as possible. Where's the value in telling you that LeBron James is a good play? That said, my picks may vary from higher-priced options to lower-priced, value plays (and everything in between) and you can always head to the RotoBaller DFS page to check out more DFS advice and lineup picks or hit me up on Twitter @maxingyourodds. Enough with the pleasantries, though, let's win some money!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings DFS Guards

Rajon Rondo - PG, @ POR ($5,800)

Rondo led the league in assist ratio last season. That statement in itself might not seem moving, but when I tell you that he finished at 44.5%, you should at the least be minimally impressed. On one hand, playing alongside LeBron James will probably be a detriment to his assist numbers. On the other, playing alongside LeBron James will likely lead to some easy layups (that he'll pass up in favor of dishing the ball to someone else). Nonetheless, Rondo was one of the better values last season -- finishing in the 30 DraftKings fantasy point range on the regular -- and I'll be taking full advantage with Lonzo Ball expected to come off the bench to begin the season in what should be a fast-paced, high-scoring affair (the implied Vegas point total, or over/under, of 222 is the highest of the night and LA finished the preseason second in PACE).

Evan Turner - SG/SF, vs POR ($4,200)

It sounds like Maurice Harkless is going to play, but even if he does, I'd imagine his minutes will be limited given that he's still dealing with the lingering effects of the arthroscopic knee procedure that he underwent at the end of last season. The importance of game one is microscopic when compared to his health in the grand scheme of things, and should he be out, or limited, the door will be open for Turner, Nik Stauskas, or Seth Curry to step in and fill the minutes. Not only is Turner the most likely candidate, but he's also the most capable of doing a little bit of everything to fill up the box score.

 

DraftKings DFS Forwards

Dario Saric - SF/PF, vs CHI ($5,500)

Saric was one of my DraftKings lineup staples a season ago. Quietly, he ran off 40-straight double-digit scoring performances from the end of November to the beginning of March while putting up 13 double-doubles on the season. Sure, he didn't do much in Tuesday's season opener at Boston (six points, six rebounds, one assist) but the Sixers got drubbed - nobody outside of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons did much. If the home opener isn't enough motivation, the embarrassment of the 18-point loss on opening night should do the trick and Philly should look much better tonight with Saric putting up solid numbers in a favorable matchup.

Otto Porter Jr. - SF/PF, vs MIA ($5,600)

89 players attempted at least 300 threes a season ago. Otto Porter's 44.1% from deep led them all. Better than the Splash Brothers, better than J.J. Redick, Kyle Korver, Joe Ingles or whomever else you think can shoot the rock... He finished first. Now yes, Miami has almost always been known as a stalwart defensively, but injuries to Justise Winslow and James Johnson make them far less worrisome in that regard. They also get the pleasure of starting the season with a road back-to-back (this is the second half).

 

DraftKings DFS Centers

Jusuf Nurkic - C, vs LAL ($6,300)

Like Saric, Nurkic is one of those guys who you won't hear much about -- never will he be the SportsCenter lede -- but he balls. Consistently. One of the few true "bigs" left in the game, he averaged 14 points and nine rebounds a season ago and even adds a few assists, and steals for good measure. The only concern here is the Lakers opting to go small, with Lebron and Kyle Kuzma manning the four and five; extended run with that lineup would be death for Nurkic's minutes. However, as long as JaVale McGee or Ivica Zubac are out there, so too should Nurkic, and neither one of them can hold him.

NBA News and Player Updates




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Travis Etienne Jr.

Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
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Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
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Arrested on Saturday for Battery and Domestic Violence
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Could be a Holdout at Training Camp
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a Candidate for a Contract Extension?
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Exits Start With Blister
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Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
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One to Watch Going into Training Camp
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Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
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Officially Announces his Retirement
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Motivated After Disappointing Season
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Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
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Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
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Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
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Sitting on Saturday
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Placed on 10-Day Injured List
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Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
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Expects to Play on Saturday
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Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
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Leads the Way on Friday Night
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Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
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Heading into an Important Season
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Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
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2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
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has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
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Returns on Friday
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Signs Three-Year Extension
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Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
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Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
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Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
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Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
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Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
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Avoids Serious Injury
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in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
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Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
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Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
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Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
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Harry Hall

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Max Greyserman

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Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

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Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
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has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
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