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 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 because so much can change in the NBA throughout the day.
Elfrid Payton, PG, Orlando Magic - $5,500
Elfrid Payton has struggled recently, and as a result, his price is down $1,000 from what it was in late December. And while Chris Paul is not generally an opposing point guard that we'd wish to attack -- Paul ranks sixth among point guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus -- the Clippers have actually allowed decent production to the point guard position lately. Over their previous five contests, Los Angeles is allowing an average of 25.78 FanDuel points to opposing starting point guards -- not elite but acceptable considering Payton's price point.
It's tough to trust any of the lower priced options at point guard in cash games this evening, but Payton's in play if you're opting to pay down.
Jamal Crawford, SG, Los Angeles Clippers - $4,700
Over his previous four games, Jamal Crawford has averaged an impressive 28.6 FanDuel points per game, while seeing a healthy average of 27.9 minutes. His matchup with the Magic will likely push Crawford more towards tournament territory due to the Magic's very Jekyll and Hyde ability to defend opposing shooting guards. Over their previous six games, Orlando has allowed three starting shooting guards to eclipse 30 FanDuel points but have managed to hold the remaining three to 20 points or fewer. On the season, the Magic have stacked up very well against all opposing shooting guards -- ranking in the bottom third in terms of fantasy production allowed -- but over the previous 10 games, they have allowed the eight-most FanDuel points to opposing shooting guards.
Robert Covington, SF, Philadelphia 76ers - $5,000
Robert Covington struggled through Wednesday's game while battling illness. Assuming he's back to 100% this evening, he has a prime matchup with a Washington Wizards team allowing the most FanDuel points to opposing small forwards this season. Prior to his dud last game, Covington had averaged 28.5 FanDuel points per game over his previous five contests.
The 215 over/under for this game is the highest of the evening, and Covington will offer us a way to gain exposure to it at a reduced investment. The blowout is a slight concern -- the Wizards are 9.5-point favorites -- but not enough to push us off of him at this price.
Myles Turner, PF, Indiana Pacers - $5,600
This is a tough spot, as there are at least four legitimate value options at power forward this evening, and we wouldn't fault you for utilizing Taj Gibson, Aaron Gordon or Tristan Thompson in place of (or better yet, alongside) Myles Turner tonight. The matchups are nice for the whole bunch, but Turner's usage and upside push him to the front of the pack.
He has now attempted double-digit shots in nine straight games. And despite struggling with his shot against the Nets on Wednesday, Turner managed to collect at least three blocks for the fourth time in six games.
The Hawks -- despite successfully capping the ceiling of opposing starting power forwards (they've allowed only one to eclipse 30 FanDuel points over their previous six contests) -- have allowed an average of 26.33 FanDuel points per game over their previous six games. Turner should bounce back tonight and return solid value once again.
Jordan Hill, C, Indiana Pacers - $4,600
For many of the same reasons we've recommended Turner above, we're including Jordan Hill. Hill and Turner are actually fairly interchangeable between the four and five, depending upon the matchup. Luckily, the Hawks struggle against defending both frontcourt positions -- they allow the fifth-most FanDuel points to opposing centers in addition to the power forward production highlighted above.
Hill should see plenty of playing time with Ian Mahinmi again ruled out tonight. At his discounted price, he's in play in cash or tournaments if you're paying down at the position.