5 Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays for 1/27/16
One of the keys to finding success in daily fantasy basketball is uncovering potential value plays. If you're looking to roster a stud player or two, you'll need to also find one of these lower-priced options to squeeze everyone into your lineup.
Let's take a look at five guys -- prices according to FanDuel -- who can help fill the gaps in your lineup tonight. Of course, remember to check our projections closer to tip, since so much can change in the NBA throughout the day.
Archie Goodwin, PG, Phoenix Suns - $4,100
Limited to 28 minutes due to foul trouble yesterday, Archie Goodwin still managed to produce 42.2 FanDuel points. While he would appear to be a lock for your lineups this evening, there is legitimate concern that this game will turn into a blowout -- the Suns are 16.5-point underdogs. Despite this, I'm still not sure you can get away from him in cash games tonight.
We don't have a large sample size to determine how coach Jeff Hornacek will handle Goodwin's playing time if this game gets out of hand, but in a recent blowout against the Spurs, Goodwin still managed 38 minutes. Even if the minutes are limited, his low price and role in this offense -- he has a Usage Rate of 29.3% with Brandon Knight out the past few games -- should allow him to meet value again.
J.J. Redick, SG, Los Angeles Clippers - $5,200
The value at shooting guard is slim this evening, and the amount of projected blowouts doesn't help the matter any. J.J. Redick's inclusion has as much to do with the fact that his matchup with the Atlanta Hawks is projected to be the closest of the evening as it does with his potential to produce a big game. Redick has been steady of late, with his only down-game occurring in a blowout of the Knicks a couple of games ago.
The Hawks are among the league leaders in three-point attempts and makes allowed to opposing guards this year, which should bode well for the sharp-shooting Redick. Gary Harris, Devin Booker and C.J. McCollum have combined to make 8 out of 21 attempts over the past three games. Expect to see more of the same from Redick tonight.
P.J. Tucker, SF, Phoenix Suns - $4,500
Outside of an early exit due to injury, P.J. Tucker has averaged 34.83 minutes and 25.54 FanDuel points per game over his previous eight contests. Again, the blowout is a concern tonight, but you'll find that this will be an issue with many of the games on this slate.
The Cavaliers are tough on opposing small forwards, but much of this is due to their ability to limit their scoring. Luckily for Tucker, much of his fantasy appeal is tied to his ability to pile up the peripherals. His ceiling isn't elite, but the floor is acceptable at his price.
Josh Smith, PF, Houston Rockets - $4,000
Josh Smith disappointed in his last game, as his inefficient shooting finally caught up with him -- he's shooting 25.7% since re-joining the Rockets. But putting a positive spin on things, Smith saw his minutes increase for a third consecutive game and has now attempted double-digit shots in each game with the Rockets.
It may not be the best night to pay down at the power forward position in cash games, but Smith makes for an interesting tournament play. Recency bias and the tough matchup with the Spurs should push his ownership down significantly. And at this price tag, it's not unreasonable that we could see Smith return six or seven times value if he can finally get his shot to fall.
Salah Mejri, C, Dallas Mavericks - $3,900
With Zaza Pachulia doubtful once again, Salah Mejri is in line for another start. Mejri's rebound total and fantasy production were down last game, but Golden State has allowed the sixth most FanDuel points to opposing centers this year.
Mejri will likely only see minutes in the low-to-mid 20s, but he makes for a reasonable punt play if you're opting to pay down at the center position.
