Daily Fantasy College Basketball 2015: CBB Draft Kings Strategy for Feb. 21

The most difficult decisions are often the ones that feature a number of different choices, and that is exactly what Draft Kings players must face with Saturday's loaded college basketball slate.

There are 18 games featuring at least one ranked team, and that's not even getting into the countless matchups without a ranked squad. With so many options to choose from, Draft Kings players must find a way to focus in on the productive draft candidates.

One way to do that is by picking a high-priced player or two to go along with some value picks. With that in mind, here is a look at some players who will shine during Saturday's games. 

*The cutoff point separating a high-priced player from a potential value pick was a $7,000 salary. Stats are as of Friday evening (Feb. 20).

High-Priced Players Worth the Cost

Chris Jones, Guard, Louisville ($7,200)

Timothy D. Easley/Associated Press

Louisville guard Chris Jones is back from his suspension to face Miami, so he should be plenty motivated to redeem himself with a solid individual outing.

The last time he faced the Hurricanes, he turned in a dominant performance and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists and an incredible six steals. It was the type of stat-stuffing showing that fantasy players are looking for in their draft picks, and he was definitely worth the price that night. 

Miami boasts the No. 104-ranked defense in Ken Pomeroy's defensive ratings, so it's not like Jones is going up against a stifling juggernaut. Look for another impressive outing against the Hurricanes from Jones, especially since he will be trying to put the suspension in the rearview mirror.

Bobby Portis, Forward, Arkansas ($9,100)

Gareth Patterson/Associated Press

Few players in the SEC (or the country for that matter) have been as statistically dominant as Bobby Portis this season.

The Arkansas forward is averaging 17.6 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and will get a chance to go up against a Mississippi State defense that is ranked 131st in Pomeroy's ratings. That is a matchup made in fantasy basketball heaven, and Portis tallied a double-double the last time he faced the Bulldogs with 19 points and 11 boards.

Alabama coach Anthony Wright discussed why Portis is capable of putting up those numbers, via Drew Champlin of AL.com:

"

I said earlier this week I think he's one of the leading candidates for Player of the year right now for what he's able to do. At 6-foot-11, he's got great size and physicality. It looks like he's put on some good weight.

He's got the ability to stretch to the three-point line, and also post you inside, we're going to have to do a great job as a team offensively in terms of limiting his offensively. 

"

Portis has scored in double figures in every game this season but one, which is exactly the type of consistency players are looking for if they are going to spend a lot of money on a roster spot.

Potential Value Picks

Ryan Arcidiacono, Guard, Villanova ($5,300)

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Villanova was a 10-point favorite over Marquette as of Friday evening on Odds Shark, so there are plenty of players on the Wildcats who could put up big numbers. In fact, the last time Villanova played Marquette this season, it dominated the proceedings with a 70-52 win.

The star of that game was Ryan Arcidiacono, who scored 18 points and hit four three-pointers. 

It was part of Arcidiacono's current 11-game stretch where he scored in double figures eight times and has helped the Wildcats remain in contention for a No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. Look for another impressive performance against the Golden Eagles from the guard.

Devin Booker, Guard, Kentucky ($5,400)

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Devin Booker continues to be a cheap option despite putting up impressive numbers for the No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats.

In fact, he just dropped 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds the last time out against Tennessee and is shooting 45 percent from beyond the three-point arc. He is the one guy this season on the Kentucky roster who has consistently stretched the defense for the offensive attack, and there is no reason to expect that to change Saturday against a porous Auburn defense. 

The Tigers are No. 160 in Pomeroy's defensive rankings and will struggle to stop Booker on the outside. What's more, the versatile guard can do more than just shoot, as Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports noted:

Good luck stopping that with a lackluster defense, Auburn.

Amile Jefferson, Forward, Duke ($4,900)

Gerry Broome/Associated Press

It is all about opportunity with this pick.

Andy Katz of ESPN.com noted that Jahlil Okafor is questionable for Saturday's game against Clemson, and Duke's next-best post presence is Amile Jefferson. He could put up some impressive numbers if Okafor doesn't play.

Even if Okafor does play, he will likely be limited, which will put more defensive responsibility on Jefferson's shoulders. That will mean more blocked shots and rebounds, which is good news considering Jefferson just swatted a ridiculous six shots against North Carolina to go along with his 13 points. 

Duke should handle Clemson rather easily, especially at home, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Mike Krzyzewski limits Okafor's minutes. That means production time for Jefferson.

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