RADIO
Jake Finnen highlights the top FanDuel NBA DFS lineup picks for 2/1/18, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.
Not many games this Thursday so let's get right into it. With only five games and limited options, look for the highest paid options to be a necessary evil tonight. Russell Westbrook, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are all fine plays, so do not hesitate to roster any of the three. There is a decent amount of value throughout the day, mainly the Grizzlies-Pistons game, and the matchup between the Rockets and Spurs.
Since it's peak flu season, it's best to check your lineups minutes before the games start if you have the chance. Injuries are plaguing the league and since this is arguably the densest stretch of the season, it should be expected. After the All-Star break, teams will need to up their urgency for playoff seeding, so expect the consistency to increase from teams making a playoff push, and superstars resting from the top teams.
Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 2/1/18. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel.
FanDuel DFS Guards
Ishmael Smith PG - vs. MEM ($5,500)
Yes, the Grizzlies are a blackhole for fantasy basketball, but they still tend to give up point to opposing point guards. Ish Smith has been conducting the Pistons offense for some time and he is capable of having big statlines, and that's without Blake Griffin. Whether Griffin is playing this game is still up in the air, but if he is, he gives Smith upside. Until there is a clear indication that Griffin is pulling from Smith's production, expect Smith to benefit from a versatile big that likes to finish around the rim.
Bryn Forbes SG - vs. HOU ($3,500)
Bryn Forbes is primarily a shooter in the Spurs offense, but now it's clear he has the potential be a fantasy gem. Unfortunately, he is only relevant if he is hitting his shots. The Rockets defense has been noted as one of the stingier defenses, but the Spurs are still the Spurs. Normally, I do not advise playing Spurs, but against a team that will force them to take more shots, it's easy to go with one of the better shooters on the team. Along with Danny Green, Forbes has plenty of upside.
Norman Powell SG - @ WAS ($3,500)
Following Norman Powell has been extremely frustrating this season. While he has helped the Raptors into the second seed in the East, his production and minutes have been a cause for concern. With little relevance in even the deepest of standard leagues, Powell has been even worse for DFS. This is strictly based off the potential that he has going into a game against the Wizards. As a small guard that finishes around the rim, he is facing one of the more susceptible defenses when it comes to shooting guards.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
P.J. Tucker SF - @ SA ($3,500)
Gerald Green has stolen the spotlight as the high-profile scorer in Houston, but P.J. Tucker has stolen the production. While his price is minimal and his upside is limited, when is hitting his shot he is one of the better DFS plays. The only problem with playing Tucker is that he has a very high chance for putting up a dud. Regardless, this will be the second game between the two and as one of the better defenders, he is nearly guaranteed minutes.
Paul George SF - @ POR ($8,200)
While Paul George may not have the most upside out of all the small forwards, his price is lower than Jimmy Butler's and I expect him to outscore Butler Thursday night. The Thunder-Nuggets game will be a high-scoring game and George continues to get his opportunities each and every night...as he has for the past few years. We know George is capable of absolutely massive nights, and the Nuggets will be pushing the Thunder offense to the limit with it's pace and shooting. This is gonna be a big night for Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Carmelo Anthony.
(I don't like calling them a big three.)
Gorgui Dieng PF - vs MIN ($4,000)
Cheap price with high potential. While Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau continues to drive his team further and further into the ground with heavy minutes, Gorgui Dieng is in the ideal spot to benefit from bench minutes and production. He produced in the starting lineup last year and has been a positive factor coming off the bench. It's not translating to direct production each night, but the chances are there and truthfully, he deserves more minutes. He might be rough around the edges, but Dieng is still a nightly target if a starter goes down.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Pau Gasol C - vs. HOU ($6,400)
Not a fan of his price and last game against the Rockets he struggled to generate. While that may be off-putting, it also might lead to a night where Pau Gasol has extremely low ownership. There has yet to be a game where Gasol has been completely ineffective and the box score suffers. He continues to excel in the Spurs scheme, but do be wary that he could see a dip in minutes. While I would still play Gasol, make sure he is starting before passing up on Jonas Valanciunas or Steven Adams.
