RADIO
The four games lined up for Sunday's main slate have actually got some intrigue. Instead of thinking of some filler, I can just go over each game outlining players that won't be listed below. The Lakers-Heat game will revolve around LeBron James and his ability to incorporate his teammates early, allowing them to carry the team along instead of James doing it himself. Bold task, but all this requires is a few more made shots for Los Angeles. Both teams guards have plenty of upside and defense will fall by the wayside until late in the game. Orlando and New York always have weirdly competitive games, but the Magic have too much talent for New York to keep up with. The Knicks can run with just about any team for three quarters, but when they need to produce, the offense is literally pass the ball the Tim Hardaway Jr. Granted, this is not my idea how how basketball should be played but alas, here we are.
The Wizards and Trail Blazers will rely on both their backcourts for production so look for the big four in this game. Damian Lillard will have almost too much upside and will likely have high ownership, so look for someone like DeMar DeRozan to fill the void will low ownership and a ton of upside. The Warriors are slipping without their key components it will take a few games for Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson to adjust to heavier workloads. I am not saying those two cannot succeed, but I don't expect to be blowing teams out of the water just yet.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings on 11/18/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options to lower-priced players and value picks. Also, check out today's FanDuel lineup picks and be sure to take a look at injury updates prior to the opening tip
Do not forget to check your lineups before tip-off and find me in the NBA Chat Room or @HalfCourtJester on Twitter with any last minute questions.
DraftKings DFS Guards
Tyler Johnson - PG/SG, vs. LAL ($4,300)
Over the past week, Tyler Johnson has seen close to a 20% usage rate while averaging over 15 PPG. Last game he seriously struggled to produce with efficiency and still put up 10 points and four assists versus the Pacers. His streakiness has just become a common occurrence when tracking Johnson and he usually responds to bad games with productive outings. Like plenty of other players, sometimes their efforts don't show up in the box score and that is always possible. Even then, the minutes are guaranteed and it's not like he won't want to make up for his last game. The Lakers guards won't lock-in on Johnson enough to keep him from producing.
C.J. McCollumm - SG, @ WAS ($6,400)
The Washington Wizards have really struggled in important match-ups, hence why I am jumping at this opportunity to play C.J. McCollumm at a major discount. While Twitter would tell you Bradley Beal and John Wall have fallen off, their stat sheets and anyone who watches the Wizards would argue otherwise. C.J. McCollumm will be lined up against stiff competition, but defensively the Wizards have be unable to even limit opposing guards. Until Washington can really establish themselves in the frontcourt, top-tier guards that can finish around the rim will be feasting.
DraftKings DFS Forwards
Otto Porter - SF/PF, vs. POR ($4,900)
It's fairly easy to stack this Portland-Washington game mainly because of the lack of defense throughout. Both teams have been able to score under certain circumstances, but neither has been able to really force opposing teams into consistently poor situations. Both teams will come out firing, meaning John Wall will be passing like he's in the left lane. It's too early in the season to completely give up teams, but the Wizards are lacking key pieces that keep them from winning. Until they find themselves a solid big that can run small and protect the paint, Washington will be forced to shoot themselves in-and-out of games. Meaning Porter will be shooting religiously. Porter has not been great this season and I think he will fall right under the radar and most people will roster Al-Farouq Aminu.
Aaron Gordon - SF/PF, vs. NYK ($7,600)
The only thing that would make this pick easier is if it was being played in Madison Square Garden. Aaron Gordon has made a career out of dismantling, destroying and deciphering the Knicks defense like they told him their gameplan the night before. Normally, his price is too high for the risk that he carries, but this game can't be passed up. It's one thing when Gordon is getting to his spots because he produces like no one else. But recently his defense, along with the rest of the Magic, has been fueling the offense. The Knicks don't really have a defensive presence anywhere on their team and whether it's Enes Kanter in the paint or Mitchell Robinson, it's not looking good for anyone other than Aaron Gordon.
DraftKings DFS Center
Javale McGee - C, @ MIA ($5,800)
Hassan Whiteside looks like the play tonight, but you can get similar production for an extreme discount by swapping out Whiteside for Javale McGee. Both players have been playing incredibly productive basketball, but only Whiteside has been able to stay consistently above 30 FPPG. Both players have upside even facing eachother, and the more productive one will most likely be on the winning team. LeBron James will have no trouble getting through the Heat defense, but if he doesn't play, McGee's upside all but disappears. I trust the Lakers to utilize McGee even without LeBron, but not at the rate that would make him more valuable than Whiteside. Both players should be played, but the riskier players can save close to 3K by playing McGee.
