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DraftKings Preview: Best Value Plays 11/25

Cody Taylor helps you assemble your DraftKings team, sharing his best bargain players for tonight.

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
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Virtually every team is in action tonight ahead of tomorrow’s holiday, which will give you plenty of options when it comes to your DraftKings lineup. We’re here to help you by highlighting several players to keep an eye on that should help your team do well.

Each Wednesday, we’re picking a handful of relatively cheap players who figure to do well given their upcoming matchup. Picking these low-budget guys will enable you to draft the top-tier players that put up great numbers each night. Usually, finding these steals is the key to winning cash on Draft Kings.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to enter our DraftKings league tonight. Here are six cheap plays to keep an eye on for tonight – all of whom will cost you less than $6,000:

PG: Deron Williams, Dallas Mavericks – $5,900

Williams has been one of the most consistent point guards this season in DraftKings. Glancing at his stats doesn’t necessarily back up this claim, but when you take a deeper look into his season, you might be sold. In 14 games this year, Williams has put up at least 20 fantasy points in all but two games. 

Put simply, Williams has become a player you should have in your lineup given his steady production and cheap price. He’s been one of the hottest players over the last week, as he’s averaging 35.2 fantasy points over his last four outings. Williams has battled through several different injuries over the past few seasons, but he’s proven to be healthy this season and is back playing well.

Honorable Mention: Keep an eye on the status of Mo Williams for Cleveland. If Williams can’t go tonight, look for Matthew Dellavedova to provide solid production for only $4,700. Dellavedova had 32.5 fantasy points in place of Williams on Monday against the Orlando Magic.

Last week’s pick: Elfrid Payton – 49.3 fantasy points

SG: J.R. Smith, Cleveland Cavaliers – $5,200

Smith was limited during the first couple of weeks this season, but he appears to be healthy and is playing at a high level again. Smith is easily coming off of his best game of this campaign after dropping a season-high 26 points on Monday night against the Magic. He’s beginning to put together more consistent outings, as he’s turned in five-straight games with at least 23.8 fantasy points and is averaging 28.2 fantasy points per game during that stretch. 

Just as Smith looks to be nearly 100 percent again, Cleveland suffered another injury with Mo Williams being sidelined for the past two games with inflammation in his right ankle. Williams has been the team’s third scoring option behind LeBron James and Kevin Love. Smith stepped up in Williams’ absence on Monday and should have more opportunities tonight if Williams can’t go. Smith has been known to get hot from behind the three-point line, which should be considered given the bonus points DraftKings hands out for three-pointers.

Honorable Mention: Tyler Johnson – $3,900

Last week’s pick: Alec Burks – 22 fantasy points

SF: Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets – $5,700

Ariza hasn’t been shooting particularly well this season, but he can make up for it in a variety of ways. He’s scoring 12.3 points per game, but is also adding 5.5 rebounds and nearly two assists and two steals. Ariza is another player that has been very consistent this season. On the year, he’s averaging 26.7 fantasy points per game and has had at least 20 fantasy points in all but three contests.

Ariza faces a favorable matchup tonight as the Memphis Grizzlies, who rank 19th against opposing small forwards. The Rockets just played the Grizzlies on Friday, and Ariza dropped 19 points, four rebounds, three steals and an assist, which was good for 32.5 fantasy points. He has shown that he can get hot from behind the three-point line as well, which should prove good enough for a look tonight.

Honorable Mention: Chandler Parsons – $4,200

Last week’s pick: Joe Johnson – 28 fantasy points

PF: Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers – $5,900

That criticism against players who put up big numbers on a bad team really doesn’t apply in fantasy sports. The Sixers are 0-15 and are well on their way to another lottery pick, but they have a couple players who can still help out your fantasy team. Noel fits that bill as he’s available for just $5,900.

Noel is averaging 27.2 fantasy points per game this season, and has absolutely dominated in some stretches. Consider this: Noel has put up at least 30 fantasy points in six of his 13 games this season, including a 50-point fantasy performance against the Cavaliers on Nov. 6. He’s going to give you a little bit of everything, and can dominate on the defensive end with blocks and steals. The Celtics rank 20th against opposing power forwards, which could help Noel to another big night.

Honorable Mention: Dwight Powell – $4,700

Last week’s pick: Ryan Anderson – 47.8 fantasy points

C: Zaza Pachulia, Dallas Mavericks – $5,800

It’s somewhat surprising that Pachulia is still available for less than $6,000. He’s averaging just under 30 fantasy points per game and is a double-double machine. DraftKings gives you bonus points for each double-double, meaning Pachulia should strongly be considered while the price is low; he’s third in the league with nine double-doubles, including four straight.

Pachulia is currently riding a hot streak over the past week after posting four consecutive outings with at least 35 fantasy points, including two 40-point fantasy performances. Pachulia and the Mavs face a good matchup tonight as the San Antonio Spurs rank 19th against opposing centers.

Honorable Mention: Gorgui Dieng – $3,700

Last week’s pick: Mason Plumlee – 31.5 fantasy points

UTIL: Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs – $5,100

Parker is a solid option in your point guard slot or here at the utility position. He has been extremely effective this season and has seven straight outings with at least 21.8 fantasy points. He’s also sprinkled in a couple of performances near 40 fantasy points as well. If you’re looking for a solid 25 points or so, Parker is your guy for only $5,100.

Last week’s pick: DeMarre Carroll – 21 fantasy points

*****

We encourage you to give these players a look as you build your starting lineups for tonight. Here are three contests you can enter now:

$250K Sharpshooter: This contest features a $250,000 prize pool, including a $20,000 first-place prize. It costs $3 to enter (or free for new users). The top 19,550 teams win cash.

Massive $25 Double Up: This contest features a $90,000 prize pool and this contest costs $25 to enter. In a Double Up, all you have to do is finish in the top half of the field and you win $50 (doubling your money).

$300K Crossover: This contest features a $300,000 prize pool, including a $30,000 first-place prize. It costs $20 to enter and the top 3,500 teams are paid out.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

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