X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

NBA DFS Sleepers and Targets: DraftKings, FanDuel Picks and Value Plays for 10/19/22

Trae Young - Atlanta Hawks

NBA DFS sleepers and values plays for DraftKings and FanDuel on October 19, 2022. Juan Carlos Blanco gives you his top NBA DFS picks and lineup targets.

After easing us in with an exciting two-game slate Tuesday night, the NBA cuts the ribbon on the new season in earnest with a mammoth 12-game slate Wednesday night.

It's always an interesting night for roster construction in DFS when there are 24 teams in action -- while there's certainly no shortage of ways to differentiate for tournaments, the number of options at our disposal can also certainly be a bit on the overwhelming side. As such, it can even be helpful to play multiple split slates offered on DraftKings and FanDuel on nights like this, in addition to taking a shot at the super-sized main slate.

This article will provide you with my daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 10/19/22. Remember to monitor the NBA injury report as the slate can completely change before lineup lock, which is at 7:00 pm ET tonight. Good luck, RotoBallers.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code WIN! 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!

 

NBA DFS Guards: DraftKings, FanDuel

Trae Young - PG, ATL vs. HOU ($9,500 DK; $9,100 FD)    

You'll naturally have no shortage of guards to pay up for Wednesday night, but Young is one that offers you a nice discount of some of the highest-salaried options while still giving you just as much upside, especially in his matchup. The star point guard should benefit from a bit less defensive attention this season with Dejounte Murray now playing alongside him in the backcourt, and he'll be facing a Rockets team he shot 57.1 percent, including 56.3 percent from three-point range, against in two games last season.

Houston finished the season allowing an NBA-high 28.3 percent offensive efficiency rating to point guards, and they'll be once again attempting to defend Young with the likes of Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green, which did not prove effective last season.

Donovan Mitchell - PG/SG, CLE at TOR ($8,500 DK; $7,900 FD)

Mitchell will undoubtedly be raring to go in his new Cleveland digs, and much like Young, he'll have the benefit of a new dynamic backcourt mate that should help afford him some open looks and clearer paths to the basket. Mitchell will be sharing the floor with the electric Darius Garland, but the former should still enjoy solid usage and is coming off an encouraging three-game preseason sample where he averaged 17.0 points per game and shot 47.4 percent from three-point range.

The Raps gave up a 20-point, three-rebound, four-steal effort across 29 minutes to Mitchell in their one encounter with him last season, and they ranked in the bottom-10 of the league in offensive efficiency surrendered to shooting guards (22.5 percent). The Raptors also allowed 37.0 percent three-point shooting at home last season and postseason, brightening Mitchell's outlook further.

C.J. McCollum - PG/SG, NOP at BKN ($6,900 DK; $7,300 FD)

McCollum will be overshadowed a bit in this game by the return of teammate Zion Williamson after his season-long absence due to a foot injury, as well as with the trio of stars on the other side of the floor. However, McCollum makes for a very intriguing play at his extremely reasonable salary, especially considering how well he fit in once he was traded to New Orleans last season.

Slotting in at point guard, McCollum averaged 24.3 points (on 49.3 percent shooting, including 39.4 percent from three-point range), 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 26 games. He'll have another major scoring asset to help facilitate for in Williamson, and McCollum should also continue to see plenty of opportunity in his own right after averaging a career-high 19.2 shot attempts per game during his 26-game Pelicans tenure.

ALSO CONSIDER: Kyrie Irving - PG, BKN vs. NOP ($9,700 DK; $8,900 FD)

 

Want more NBA DFS tools and content? Our NBA Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our NBA analysts. Check out this big win from RotoBaller premium member Bsuperak on FanDuel using our Premium tools - join in on the winning!

 

NBA DFS Forwards: DraftKings, FanDuel

Karl-Anthony Towns - PF/C, MIN vs. OKC ($9,800 DK, $9,300 FD)

Towns is now a full-time power forward after Rudy Gobert's arrival this offseason, and the move could very well help the big man enjoy even more offensive success with fewer defensive duties to be concerned with. Towns is coming off a season where he shot a stellar 52.9 percent, including 41.0 percent from three-point range.

He draws a premium matchup to start the season, as the Thunder allowed the third-highest offensive efficiency to frontcourt players (86.5 percent) a year ago. Towns delivered at least a 5x return on Wednesday's DK salary on 32 occasions and in 34 instances with respect to his FD salary last season, making him a highly appealing option if you're investing heavily at forward Wednesday.

Scottie Barnes - SF/PF, TOR vs. CLE ($6,100 DK; $6,600 FD)

Barnes' rookie campaign saw him finish with averages of 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest while averaging 33.3 and 33.1 DK and FD points per game, respectively. The talented forward enjoyed his three encounters with Cleveland as well, putting up just under 40 fantasy points per game on either site across a healthy workload of 38.3 minutes per game.

Barnes should be set for a bump in his 18.7 percent usage rate from last season now that he has 78 total regular-season/postseason games under his belt, and his DK salary is one he delivered at least a 5x return on in 47 games last season/postseason, while he accomplished that feat with his slightly higher FD figure in 39 instances.

Franz Wagner - SF, ORL at DET ($6,000 DK; $5,700 FD)

Wagner enjoyed an impressive rookie season that saw him average 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 46.8 percent. Despite the arrival of top overall pick Paolo Banchero, Wagner should still be a key member of the Magic's young attack and opens his sophomore campaign with what is a premium matchup on paper. The Pistons allowed the second-highest offensive efficiency to small forwards last season (24.6 percent), including 37.4 percent three-point shooting to the position.

Wagner shot an incandescent 55.8 percent, including 53.3 percent from distance, in four games versus the Pistons last season, and he enjoyed a productive preseason where he sported an encouraging 23.3 percent usage rate. With Detroit's vulnerabilities defensively and Wagner's body of work against them, he makes for a very appealing value play to start the season.

ALSO CONSIDER: Jimmy Butler -SF/PF, MIA vs. CHI ($8,800 DK; $8,400 FD)

 

NBA DFS Centers: DraftKings, FanDuel

Nikola Jokic -  DEN at UTA ($10,300 DK; $11,600 FD)

There's really no need to overthink things whenever Jokic is on the slate, especially in a matchup against the Jazz that got exponentially easier this off-season. Rudy Gobert was part of Utah's fire sale, and his replacement, Kelly Olynyk, is going to be challenged to slow Jokic down, to say the least.

The big man already averaged 63.2 DK points per contest last season in three games against the much more formidable version of the Jazz, and even with Jamal Murray back for Denver, Jokic will still naturally see massive usage and will undoubtedly benefit from Murray's facilitation skills.

Domantas Sabonis - SAC vs. POR ($8,100 DK; $8,600 FD)

The Kings-Trail Blazers game carries a projected total of up to 226.5 points at some sportsbooks, and it's a safe bet Sabonis will be a big contributor to that number. The versatile big man was a success during his brief time in Sacramento last season, putting up 18.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 55.4 percent over 15 games.

The Trail Blazers were vulnerable to frontcourt players last season while allowing the second-highest offensive efficiency rating (86.8 percent) in that split, and Portland also ranked in the bottom half of the league in points in the paint allowed per game (47.8) while also surrendering the second-highest three-point percentage (37.1 percent). A player as versatile as Sabonis is just the type to take advantage of that pair of weaknesses, as well as the Trail Blazers' No. 20 rank in rebounds per contest surrendered (53.3).

Jusuf Nurkic- POR at SAC ($6,300 DK; $7,100 FD)

Having just talked up Sabonis, Nurkic makes for a very viable mid-salary/value play on the other side of the matchup. Defense is one area that isn't a strong suit of Sabonis, and the former is finally healthy after he played just 91 total games in the last two seasons.

The big man sported an encouraging 28.3 percent usage rate across four games this preseason while averaging 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, and the Kings finished last season allowing the second-highest offensive efficiency to centers (35.5 percent) while also surrendering 53.8 rebounds per contest and the third-most points in the paint per game (51.3). Nurkic was also downright dominant in three games against the Kings last season, averaging 20.7 points, 15.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.0 steal across 33 minutes per contest while shooting 61.5 percent.

ALSO CONSIDER: Rudy Gobert, MIN vs. OKC ($8,600 DK; $7,800 FD)



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy basketball mobile app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, lineup notifications & DFS articles. All free!

NBA DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
NBA

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Tuesday Night
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Pulled With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Game 2 of Brewers-Cubs on Monday Postponed
Bryce Miller

to be Activated on Tuesday
Kyle Tucker

to Get Multiple Days Off
Shane Bieber

to Make Season Debut on Friday
Joe Mixon

Could Start Season on NFI List
Zack Wheeler

has Surgery to Remove Blood Clot
De'Von Achane

Unlikely to Practice This Week
Justin Jefferson

Returning to Practice
Chris Godwin

Bucs Chris Godwin Likely to Start Season on PUP List
Joe Flacco

Browns Name Joe Flacco as Their Week 1 Starter
Jalen McDaniels

Inks Deal With New Orleans
N'Faly Dante

Signs Deal With Hawks
Matthew Stafford

Practicing on Monday
Dru Smith

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Austin Dillon

Scores an Upset Victory at Richmond
William Byron

Clinches the Regular Season Championship Title at Richmond
Denny Hamlin

Pit-Road Struggles Impede Denny Hamlin's Chances of a Top Finish at Richmond
Joey Logano

Earns A Fourth-Place Finish at Richmond
Kyle Larson

Rallies to A Top-10 Finish at Richmond
Malik Nabers

Dealing With Back Injury
Khamzat Chimaev

Is The New UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus Du Plessis

Gets Dominated At UFC 319
Aaron Pico

Suffers Knockout Loss In His UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Scores Stunning First-Round Knockout
Leodalis De Vries

Earns Promotion to Double-A
Nathaniel Lowe

Finalizing Deal with Boston
Geoff Neal

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Ketel Marte

Arizona Could Trade Ketel Marte in the Offseason
Carlos Prates

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Page

Dominates At UFC 319
Jared Cannonier

Gets Outclassed
Tim Elliott

Gets Submission Win
Kai Asakura

Still Winless In The UFC
Austin Cindric

has Arguably his Best Run of the Season at Richmond
Ryan Blaney

Contends for First Richmond Win but Comes Up Short
Alex Bowman

Finishes Second but Loses Ground in Playoffs
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Sets Personal Laps-Led Record at Richmond
Chris Buescher

Falls Out of Playoffs After Miserable Richmond Run
Coby White

Bulls Not Interested in Trading Coby White
Dereck Lively II

Expected to be Ready for Camp
Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders "Shopping" Brian Robinson Jr.
John Metchie III

Texans Trade John Metchie III to Eagles
Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory