This article is part of our FantasyDraft NBA series.
Each week, RotoWire will provide value plays for your daily fantasy basketball lineups on FantasyDraft. Users have a salary cap of $100,000 to select a lineup comprised of eight players made up of three guards, three forwards/centers, and two utility players. The scoring is as follows:
Point Scored – 1.0 point
3-Point Basket – 0.5 bonus points
Assist – 1.5 points
Rebound – 1.25 points
Steal – 2.0 points
Block – 2.0 points
Turnover – minus-0.5 points
Double-Double – 1.5 bonus points
Triple-Double – 3.0 bonus points
FantasyDraft is running NBA contests each and every day. There are 50/50s, guaranteed tournaments and more available options in the lobby, so be sure to check it out. With contests at every entry fee level, there are a ton of options to choose from.
The target for each player to reach value is 2.5x the player's salary. If a player costs $10,000 against the cap, expected value is 25 fantasy points.
Jerryd Bayless ($9,400)
Bayless is now a starter for the Bucks, with head coach Jason Kidd benching Michael Carter-Williams. His price has not fully appreciated considering his new role, so consider him a value play on FantasyDraft. At $9,400, anything over 23 fantasy points is a solid return, and Bayless has scored at least 29 fantasy points in each of the last four games. Expect his production to remain well over his salary for the time being, so take advantage of his price.
Gerald Green ($7,800)
As long as Luol Deng (hamstring) is out, Green will continue to start. In two games as a starter, Green has scored 25.25 and 30.5 fantasy points. Considering his price needs a return of just 19 fantasy points for good value, his price is far too low. Green's value lies in his ability to score, which is always risky because a poor shooting night can ruin his production. That being said, his current price makes him worth the risk.
Kevin Durant ($18,200)
Durant in a value piece article? On FantasyDraft, he is a value play. The way that the pricing works is to favor stars who are at a relative discount. Durant's price would need a return of over 45 fantasy points. The Thunder star has eclipsed that mark in each of the last six full games he has played, including three straight since returning from injury. Durant has contributed in the rebounding, assist and blocks categories this season as well, making him a solid play in cash games as well.
Meyers Leonard ($8,100)
Leonard was a top value play early in the season, as his price was far below his return. He has returned from a shoulder injury that kept him out for a few weeks, and he hit value in his first game by scoring 20 fantasy points. In his last five full games, Leonard has exceeded value four times. His minutes will only increase as he gets back into game shape, which makes his price at just $8,100 far too low. As long as Leonard continues to start, he is a great value.
Notable Injuries
DeMarcus Cousins (back), Questionable
Cousins may return Monday night but if he were to miss any more time, Rudy Gay would get a huge boost in value. In addition, Kosta Koufos would likely draw the start and would be an excellent value play at the forward/center position.
Rodney Hood (back spasms), Questionable
Hood is questionable, but with back spasms it is more likely that he would be a game-time decision as the nature of the injury is volatile. If Hood cannot go, Alec Burks gets a big boost in value and Gordon Hayward's usage rate would rise a bit.
Luol Deng (hamstring), Doubtful
Deng has missed the last few games and is likely to miss another game or two for the Heat. Green has started and been a very good value play in his absence, and he is worth playing until Deng comes back. Justise Winslow's minutes have increased as well, giving him a slight boost in value.
Tyreke Evans (knee), Will Return Soon
Evans will return to the Pelicans' lineup before too long, and that will shake up the rotation. Ish Smith's value will go way down, as will Eric Gordon's and Jrue Holiday's. In addition, Anthony Davis' usage rate decreases as well, with Evans' tendency to shoot the ball while on the floor. When Evans returns his price may not be fully appreciated, so he is worth a cheap play as his minutes increase.
Al Jefferson (calf), Questionable
Jefferson left Sunday's game with a calf injury and is set to have an MRI on Monday. If he misses any extended time, Cody Zeller will see a boost in minutes and production. In addition, Kemba Walker's usage rate (over 32 percent) without Jefferson warrants a boost in value as well.
Gary Harris (concussion), Questionable
Harris is working his way back through a concussion. If he is unable to go, Randy Foye and Will Barton get boosts in value.
More injuries can be found here.
