3 NBA DraftKings Value Plays to Target on 12/15/17

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto Raptors

DraftKings Salary: $4,900

Jonas Valanciunas feels a bit like a trap tonight. To be fair, if you have played DFS over the past few years, Valanciunas should always feel like a trap play if he's been playing well. Coach Dwayne Casey has repeatedly crushed the dreams of JV truthers over the years, inexplicably limiting his minutes just when it seems the big fella is on the verge of a breakout. As such, he should be treated as nothing more than a tournament play tonight.

With the disclaimer out of the way, let's examine Valanciunas' tournament prospects. The Lithuanian big man has played over 28 minutes in back-to-back games, which mark just the third and fourth occurrences this season. He put up 43.75 and 37.25 DraftKings points in those games, which brings his average to 40.2 in games when he has played at least 28 minutes this season. Is it possible that Casey has seen the light?

If given the playing time he deserves, Valanciunas could absolutely smash value in this spot, as the Brooklyn Nets have struggled against centers all season. In four meetings with Brooklyn last season, Valanciunas averaged 25.5 minutes and 28.6 DraftKings points, which is plenty at a salary that requires 24.5 DraftKings points to reach value. He is an intriguing tournament option, but should go nowhere near your cash game lineups.