NBA

3 NBA FanDuel Value Plays for 10/17/17

Rookie Jayson Tatum is expected to start tonight as the Celtics take on the Cavaliers. Which other low-cost players are in a good spot on tonight's season-opening two-game slate?

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 three players who can help fill in the gaps in your lineup.

Jayson Tatum, SF, Boston Celtics

FanDuel Price: $3,500
Projected FanDuel Points: 24
Projected FanDuel Value: 6.85

Jayson Tatum is a highly-touted prospect, and he's expected to start in tonight's clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will look to find success by using his versatile inside-out game and playing off the ball alongside dribbling magician, Kyrie Irving.

Per our numbers, Tatum has the highest value among all players on tonight's two-game slate, and his starting role should give him a nice floor.

Jae Crowder, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

FanDuel Price: $4,500
Projected FanDuel Points: 24
Projected FanDuel Value: 5.33

It wasn't too long ago when Jae Crowder openly criticized Celtics fans when they cheered for then-Jazz player Gordon Hayward at a Boston home game. It's safe to say there is absolutely no doubt that Crowder will turn it up a notch (or two) in his first game versus his old team.

Narratives aside, Crowder is projected to net the third-most FanDuel points among all players at his position, and that's with our models accounting for LeBron James playing. James is a game-time decision tonight, and Crowder would likely see extended playing time if LeBron is out -- although he'd also be very popular in that scenario.

Aron Baynes, C, Boston Celtics

FanDuel Price: $3,200
Projected FanDuel Points: 16.6
Projected FanDuel Value: 5.18

Aron Baynes sat out Boston's last preseason game due to a knee injury, but he says he is on track to play. Baynes will be much-needed versus the Cavaliers, as the Celtics will be without power forward Marcus Morris for the first three games of the season.

According to our models, Baynes has the third-highest value among all centers playing tonight.