Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: Best NBA DFS DraftKings Lineup for March 31
If you're a DraftKings player and you look at the schedule and see that there are only four games on tap for Tuesday night, and that one of them is the Golden State Warriors vs. the Los Angeles Clippers, you have to be thinking, "Yes, please."
With limited options available, it's a good idea to make sure this potentially high fantasy-scoring contest is represented in your lineup, but don't overdo it.
Take one look at the top-10 leaders in every major fantasy statistical category: points, rebounds, blocks, assists, steals and three-pointers made. There's at least one player from the Warriors or Clippers among the leaders in each category.
Obviously, you can't draft everyone, so you'll have to pick the players who figure to shine in the night's marquee matchup.
It would be nice to take both Stephen Curry ($9,300) and Chris Paul ($9,600), but that $18,900 would eat up a large chunk of your daily salary allotment. Also, if you take a look at the season series, neither Curry or Paul have blown up in head-to-head games against each other.
Paul is averaging 42.3 fantasy points per game against the Warriors. That's two points less than what he's averaging on a whole this season. Curry is at 36.5 fantasy points per game, which is almost 10 points less than his overall season average.
As crazy as it might sound, I'd hold off on drafting both of them. You're likely to get more value from another of the six starting point guards in action on the NBA schedule.
For the Warriors vs. Clippers game, it's better to focus on the frontcourt, specifically the Clippers' bigs.
The Warriors don't have the presence on the inside to slow down Blake Griffin ($8,600) and DeAndre Jordan ($8,400). The two combined are averaging 64.9 fantasy points against the Warriors.
Playing at home Tuesday, the Clippers' duo could come up even bigger. Take a look at my optimal lineup for Tuesday's schedule.
| PG | Reggie Jackson | $8,700 | Atlanta |
| SG | Kyle Korver | $4,500 | Detroit |
| SF | C.J. Miles | $5,200 | Brooklyn |
| PF | Blake Griffin | $8,600 | Golden State |
| C | DeAndre Jordan | $8,400 | Golden State |
| G | Mario Chalmers | $4,200 | San Antonio |
| F | David West | $5,400 | Brooklyn |
| UTIL | Boris Diaw | $4,200 | Miami |
The Paul and Curry Alternative
The Detroit Pistons' Reggie Jackson should provide more value than Curry or Paul. At $8,700, Jackson gives you a little room to fill the other spots on your lineup.
He doesn't just have a more affordable salary; he's also been on a roll of late. In his last five games, Jackson is averaging 50.9 fantasy points per contest. He's also made seven of his last 15 three-point attempts as well.
On Tuesday, Jackson and the Pistons host the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta has lost three of its last four road games. With Jackson solidifying himself as the Pistons' leader and the Hawks playing less than their best, he'll produce another strong effort Tuesday.
High-Value Pacers
The most fantasy points per salary dollar will likely come from the Indiana Pacers, who are away against the Brooklyn Nets.
C.J. Miles has been performing above his $5,200 salary over the past week. In his last three games, Miles is averaging 31 fantasy points per game. That's a 10-point hike over his season average. The three-point shot has been key for Miles, who has sunk 12 of his last 22 attempts from long range.
Even if he produces just less than his recent totals, Miles is still a solid selection for the cost.
Miles' teammate David West offers a similar value. The Pacers veteran has also been playing well of late. His ability to stuff a stat sheet has made him a valuable yet still affordable daily fantasy option.
West has scored in double figures in four straight games as well as rebounded (six per game) and dished 4.2 assists per contest. For $5,400, I like West on Tuesday night.
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