NBA

5 Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays for 1/9/17

Jay Kim  —  @ThirtyDimes Jan 9th, 2017
The Bulls present great value across the board, but Doug McDermott could benefit the most.

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 need to consider squeezing in one of these lower-priced options into your lineup.

Let's take a look at five players who can help fill in the gaps in your lineup.

Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Chicago Bulls

FanDuel Price: $4,800
Projected FanDuel Points: 21.0
Projected FanDuel Value: 4.38

Michael Carter-Williams has done a decent job since becoming the starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls, as he's averaging 8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a steal in 25.1 minutes over his last four games. Also worth noting, Carter-Williams has tallied 3.8 fouls per game over that span, which has limited his time on the court.

Because he's projected to score the sixth-highest FanDuel points at his position tonight, he's worth considering as a value play.

Courtney Lee, SG, New York Knicks

FanDuel Price: $4,100
Projected FanDuel Points: 19.43
Projected FanDuel Value: 4.74

Since returning from a wrist injury that kept him out three games, Courtney Lee has shown consistent production. Over his last four games, Lee is averaging 11.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers made in 33.6 minutes. Even with Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup, Lee will continue to see opportunities on the floor.

The New York Knicks have the highest implied total tonight at 109.5 points, and Lee has the highest projected value at the shooting guard position among all teams playing tonight.

Doug McDermott, SF, Chicago Bulls

FanDuel Price: $4,000
Projected FanDuel Points: 18.52
Projected FanDuel Value: 4.63

With Jimmy Butler being a game-time call tonight, Doug McDermott will undoubtedly have a bigger role on offense to fill the humongous void. Over his last five games, McDermott has been on fire with averages of 13.6 points on 10.6 shot attempts, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 three-pointers in 31.8 minutes.

The Bulls host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who offer the second-best matchup to opposing small forwards on Monday's slate.

Donatas Motiejunas, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

FanDuel Price: $3,800
Projected FanDuel Points: 18.36
Projected FanDuel Value: 4.83

It's tough to judge anyone on just one game, but Donatas Motiejunas has started more than 100 games in four years of NBA experience. In his first game this season, Motiejunas played 20.4 minutes and recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Motiejunas has the fifth-highest projected value among all power forwards tonight and, at a near-minimum salary, may be worthy as a flier.

Robin Lopez, C, Chicago Bulls

FanDuel Price: $4,200
Projected FanDuel Points: 20.0
Projected FanDuel Value: 4.76

With the elevated play from McDermott, Nikola Mirotic, and surging MVP candidate Butler, Robin Lopez has seen his offensive numbers wane in comparison to the early season. Nevertheless, Lopez is still putting in work, as he's averaging 7.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 25.9 minutes over the last four games.

Lopez owns the fourth-highest projected value among all centers on Monday's slate. He may see an uptick in minutes as he battles the stalwart Thunder big men.