3 NBA DraftKings Studs to Target on 2/7/18
Andre Drummond, C, Detroit Pistons
DraftKings Salary: $9,800
DraftKings refuses to price Andre Drummond up. He heads into this game at a $1,200 discount from FanDuel, where he is listed at $11,000. His price spike is certainly warranted, as Drummond has averages of 58.4 DraftKings points over the past week and 56.8 over the past two weeks. Those numbers easily eclipse value at a price tag that requires just 49 DraftKings points of him.
What is most exciting about Drummond's performance during that time is the massive ceiling he has put on display. He has some monster finishes of 83, 71, and 64 DraftKings points to his name -- a ceiling that could certainly be accessible in an advantageous matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn has allowed more DraftKings points per game to opposing centers than any other team, and they have been particularly susceptible since moving Jarrett Allen into the starting lineup. At 6'11" with a 7'0" wingspan, Allen has the length to be a capable defender, but his wiry frame allows more physical opponents to have their way with him on the low block. In five starts, Allen has allowed Clint Capela, John Henson, Julius Randle, Joel Embiid, and Enes Kanter to average 21 points and 15 rebounds. For reference as to what a large boost the matchup has provided, those five have combined to average 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds this season.
If a 220-pound John Henson can bully his way to a near 20-20 game, just imagine what someone with the physicality Drummond possesses can do in this matchup. Even after losing 30 pounds this summer, Drummond still weighs in at 285 pounds -- a 65-pound advantage over Allen. He should have his way down low against the inexperienced lightweight.
The only real downside for Drummond is the potential for a blowout. The Detroit Pistons are listed as 9.5-point favorites at home against a team playing on the second half of a back-to-back. That is enough to keep Drummond to tournament-only status at this price tag. If the game remains competitive, though, he should absolutely smash value.
