NBA

3 Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays for the Two-Day 5/15/16 and 5/16/16 Slate

Alex McDonald  —  @McDonaldA12 May 15th, 2016
If you want to roster the studs, you will have to save cash elsewhere. Who should you target for salary relief?

With only one game apiece on Sunday and Monday, daily fantasy contests that begin today include both nights.

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.

Harrison Barnes, SF, Golden State Warriors

FanDuel Price: $4,300

Harrison Barnes is often the unsung hero of Golden State. He is a solid player, and he consistently produces good numbers without many people noticing.

Barnes is averaging 21.8 fantasy points in the three games against the Oklahoma City Thunder so far this season. That is right in line with 5.1 times his current cost (points per $1,000 in salary).

Barnes may not erupt for 40 fantasy points, but he does bring a level of safety to your lineup while saving a lot of money. He will likely play about 35 minutes in what should be a very fast-paced game. The fantasy production will practically come to him on accident.

Bismack Biyombo, C, Toronto Raptors

FanDuel Price: $5,700

We're going to keep rolling Bismack Biyombo out there. His price is creeping up, but there is still plenty of value to be found here. Unlike Barnes, Biyombo could erupt for over 40 fantasy points.

With Jonas Valanciunas still out of the lineup, Biyombo should play about 35 minutes, as well. However, he is much more involved in the game than Barnes. Biyombo is averaging 9.0 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games this series since he took over the starting role.

The high-floor and high-ceiling combo is almost impossible to find at this price range, but he has it because his price tag hasn't yet fully caught up to his production.

Patrick Patterson, PF, Toronto Raptors

FanDuel Price: $3,800

Patrick Patterson has benefited from the Valanciunas injury, as well. He is averaging 38 minutes per game over the last three contests, and Patterson has turned the minutes into fantasy production. He is averaging 16.4 fantasy points over those three games. Before you write that off as terrible, remember he only costs $3,800.

The savings Patterson offers is crucial if you want to roster studs like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. With the savings, you are also getting a decent player.

Like every player in this price range, Patterson does carry a bit of risk. However, with the extended minutes, he could easily put up a mere 19 fantasy points, which would be a five times his salary.