The last time I wrote up a FanDuel lineup I prognosticated a one game renaissance for the Suns Jared Dudley. That happened – unfortunately it was one game after I picked him to do so. Despite many good picks in that lineup it was undone by the disastrous performances of Andrea Bargnani, David Lee, Avery Bradley, Kevin Martin, and Dudley. I’ve decided to try a more balanced lineup tonight with a host of second tier players while trying to avoid loading up on the max salary players that force you to comprise with high risk bargain picks to complete a full lineup.
Mar. 8, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) goes up for a shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center. Nets won 95-78. Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
PG: Ricky Rubio $7200: Rubio has had back-to-back efforts of 39 and 44 fdp against two of the better defenses in the league, and has taken the hobbled Wolves squad on his back of late. Facing the porous Rockets defense he should be able to produce well.
PG: John Wall $6600: Wall turns the ball over a lot, but like Rubio he has posted very strong efforts in the last few games as he tries to pick up the slack in the wake of injuries to the Wizards backcourt. With Bradley Beal almost certain to miss another contest, Wall could have a chance to run up 40 or more once again.
SG: Jodie Meeks $3900: Kobe is out, so why not? Meeks can be incredibly effective when his shot is on. While his minutes limit his fantasy relevance, Bryant’s absence should give him more minutes and 20 fdp or more from this bargain bin lineup pick would be enough.
SG: DeMar DeRozan $7000: Charlotte is across-the-board terrible against basically every position so DeRozan is a good second tier SG after the 9000+ salaried players available tonight. He is Toronto’s second scoring option after Gay so he should produce 30+ tonight.
SF: LeBron James $9900: Between Durant and James for this salary I would go with James tonight. Milwaukee is middle of the road against opposing SF’s but James of course is not middle of the road talent.
SF: Kyle Korver $4700: A bit of a slump has seen Korver’s salary decrease to a point where he is a decent value pick, especially if Jeff Teague misses another contest. This is a very enticing matchup against the terrible Phoenix squad.
PF: Anthony Davis $7100: Davis has had his ups and downs all season but has been on a tear of late. His is a multi-faceted and athletic big man who can give you a bit of every stat, therefore a 30+ fdp night is a safe bet.
PF: Amir Johnson $6200: Johnson against the Bobcats is a matchup that substantially increases his value. For the season, Charlotte ranks last against opposing PF.
C: Marc Gasol $7700: Denver gives up a lot of points to the C position and Gasol is one of the most statistically efficient bigs out there. He has scored 30 or more fdp is 9 of his last 10 games, so he is very consistent.
Total Daily Fantasy NBA Salaries: $60,000
