NBA

4 Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays for 4/7/16

Jacob Gibbs  —  @jagibbs_23 Apr 7th, 2016
Jonas Valanciunas has really stepped up his game recently and looks to stay hot in an inviting matchup against a weak Atlanta interior defense.

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 three guys 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.

Devin Booker, SG, Phoenix Suns

FanDuel Price: $6,900

Devin Booker has continued his hot second half, averaging 32.9 FanDuel points over his past eight games. He's coming off of a 34 point, 45 FanDuel point game against Atlanta, and looks to carry that hot streak into tonight's matchup with Houston.

The Rockets rank 22nd in Defensive Efficiency and have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to shooting guards this season.

Booker has averaged 39.2 minutes and posted a 28.6 percent Usage Rate over his last five games, so he should have every opportunity to keep his hot streak going against Houston's weak defense. James Harden is the preferred play in cash games, but Booker makes for a nice salary-saving option in any format if you can't afford Harden.

Luol Deng, PF, Miami Heat

FanDuel Price: $6,300

Luol Deng has really played well for Miami as they prepared for a playoff run, averaging 34.6 FanDuel points over his past four games.

The Heat may be without Hassan Whiteside tonight, too, which would leave their frontcourt very thin. Per NBAwowy.com, Deng has averaged 0.97 FanDuel points per minute without Chris Bosh or Whiteside on the floor, as opposed to 0.75 with Whiteside on and Bosh off.

Even if Whiteside is in, Deng is still worth a look against the Bulls, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to power forward this season. Deng has fared well in this revenge matchup in the past, averaging 30 FanDuel points in his past six matchups with Chicago.

If Whiteside is out, Deng is a lock for cash games. If not, he's still a strong candidate for any format.

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto Raptors

FanDuel Price: $6,200

Jonas Valanciunas has really stepped up his game for Toronto over the last two weeks, averaging 33.3 FanDuel points over his past seven games.

Valanciunas is in a perfect situation to keep up his solid play, as his opponent, the Hawks, have been abused by opposing centers all season long. Atlanta has allowed the 7th-most fantasy points to opposing centers and ranks 28th in Rebounding Rate.

Valanciunas took advantage of this matchup just a little over a week ago, putting up 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 30.8 FanDuel points. DeMarcus Cousins is the preferred cash game center today, but if his salary is too restrictive, Valanciunas is a nice secondary option.

Trevor Ariza, SF, Houston Rockets

FanDuel Price: $5,600

Trevor Ariza has been consistently hitting value recently, averaging 26.8 FanDuel points over his past four games.

He draws a perfect matchup tonight against Phoenix, who ranks 28th in Defensive Efficiency, and has allowed the 4th-most fantasy points to opposing small forwards. Phoenix is especially bad at defending in transition, where they have allowed the most points in the league.

Ariza has thrived in transition this season, trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and Giannis Antetokounmpo among small forwards in transition scoring. His Effective Field Goal Percentage rises from 51.4 percent to 67.1 percent in transition.

Ariza has taken full advantage of this matchup this season, averaging 38.7 FanDuel points in two previous meetings with the Suns. He is a nice play in any format tonight and will come at a lower ownership.