NBA

3 Daily Fantasy Basketball Value Plays for 4/12/16

Jacob Gibbs  —  @jagibbs_23 Apr 12th, 2016
Enes Kanter is likely to be one of the most popular value plays on the board -- and for good reason. Who else can offer some salary relief tonight?

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.

Jonas Valanciunas, C, Toronto Raptors

FanDuel Price: $5,900

Jonas Valanciunas has played well recently, averaging 30.1 FanDuel points over his past 10 games. He's been able to do that while topping 30 minutes only three times during that stretch, which helps settle some fears that he may see his minutes cut slightly if this game gets out of hand.

There's a good chance it could get out of hand, as Valanciunas' opponent today is the 76ers. Philadelphia ranks 24th in Defensive Efficiency and dead last in both Rebounding Rate and fantasy points allowed to centers.

In two games against Philly this season, Valanciunas has averaged 32.4 FanDuel points, while playing just 25.8 minutes per game. Valanciunas could easily reach value in just 25 minutes, and if this game stays close, he could put up a monster game. He'll also be very contrarian compared to our next value play.

Enes Kanter, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

FanDuel Price: $5,600

The Thunder are likely to rest Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Serge Ibaka just like they did last week against Portland. In case you don't remember, Enes Kanter was finally unleashed in that game, playing 36 minutes and having the offense run through him.

The result was a monster 33-point, 20-rebound double-double and 60 FanDuel points. We've always known that Kanter had the ability to be a stud when given the opportunity, and after a game like that, he is certain to be popular today, even against the Spurs.

If those three players are ruled out for Oklahoma City, put Kanter in your lineups and try to differentiate elsewhere. His upside is simply too high to fade at this price.

Jerian Grant, PG, New York Knicks

FanDuel Price: $4,200

Jerian Grant has stepped up his play recently, averaging 23.7 FanDuel points over his past five games and topping 29 FanDuel points in back to back games.

He has stepped into a larger role for the Knicks, and that should continue tonight because Kristaps Porzingis is out and Carmelo Anthony is questionable.

Grant is worth a dart-throw in tournaments at this price regardless, but he becomes a very appealing play if Anthony is ruled out, too. Be sure to monitor this situation as the day unfolds.