This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
The Wednesday main slate is almost identical across both sites, save one additional game on the docket for FanDuel. Today, we'll focus on the shared seven games, and I'll provide an additional short blurb regarding the BYU/Utah contest.
SLATE OVERVIEW
Purdue (-1) vs. Virginia O/U: 102.5
Maryland (-9.5) vs. Notre Dame O/U 142
Oklahoma State (-11) vs. Georgetown O/U: 145.5
BYU (-2.5) @ Utah O/U: 144.5 (FANDUEL ONLY)
Texas Tech (-1.5) @ DePaul O/U: 139.5
Penn State (-11.5) vs. Wake Forest O/U: 144.5
NC State (-5) vs. Wisconsin O/U: 130.5
North Carolina (-4) vs. Ohio State O/U: 136
We'll underline our favorite games to target and fade below but upon first inspection of the sportsbook numbers, it's remarkable to see how competitive most of the contests are on Wednesday. No spread exceeds 11.5 points, and most of the totals are within about 10 points of each other. This dynamic puts almost every game in play.
TOP PLAYS
Paul Reed, F, DePaul (DK $8,700, FD $8,500) vs. Texas Tech
I think we've only just started to see how high Reed's ceiling might go, as the Blue Demons haven't played anyone worth mentioning, save Iowa. Against Texas Tech we should see Reed's playing time clock well north of 30 minutes. The junior was expected to step up and start every game in the DePaul frontcourt, and so far he's done exactly that, averaging a double-double per contest in the process.
John Mooney, F, Notre Dame (DK $8,500, FD $7,600) @ Maryland
Notre Dame's key to staying competitive against the Terps lies with Mooney, who comes in at a very attractive price on FanDuel. The Fighting Irish's big man inside has notched four double-doubles in six games of action, and although Maryland is already distinguishing itself as a strong rebounding team behind Jalen Smith, Mooney is more of a bruiser than Maryland's talented sophomore. I expect him to throw his weight around in the paint and keep the Irish in this one.
Anthony Cowan, G, Maryland (DK $7,500, FD $6,700) vs. Notre Dame
Cowan's play really came alive during the Orlando Invitational, but the 6-foot senior, who's started every game he's played in Maryland, is almost always going to give you a reliable floor regardless of the matchup. Through eight games, he's beating almost all of his career numbers, and doing it with about three minutes less per game. His numbers take a slight hit due to some blowouts in the early going, but a high-pedigree team like Notre Dame should keep Cowan on the floor for at least 30 minutes.
Mike Watkins, F, Penn State (DK $7,900, FD $7,800) vs. Wake Forest
There's yet another great big man to target in Watkins, who has played lights out aside from subpar games against Wagner and Yale where he wasn't utilized enough. He absolutely destroyed Syracuse with a superb 15/16 double-double last week, notching a 48.5 FP payday. He's already gone north of that number once this season, so the ceiling is definitely there. The Demon Deacons provide a challenge inside, especially with 7-0 sixth man Olivier Sarr (DK $7,000, FD $6,900) causing trouble off the bench, but I have confidence that Watkins can do enough to post a bug number.
Myreon Jones, G, Penn State (DK $6,300, FD $5,500) vs. Wake Forest
We drop down a bit to feature the Nittany Lions' starting swingman. If last week's game against Syracuse is any indication, the sophomore's impact on the offense is going to be significant as competition steps up. He racked up his first career double-double in that contest, so the prospect of increased contribution is on the horizon. Although not quite an elite play, I think he comes in at a great value with guard eligibility on this slate.
Also consider: Lamar Stevens, F, PSU (DK $8,200, FD $8,000); Yor Anei, F, Oklahoma State (DK $7,500, FD $6,800); Isaac Likekele, G, Oklahoma State (DK $8,000, FD $7,200)
VALUE PLAYS
Cameron McGriff, F, Oklahoma State (DK $5,300, FD $5,800) vs. Georgetown
My only knock on McGriff is that he can't seem to put all the categories together in one game -- at least not yet. His steady 29-minute average and floor-stretching three-point ability are all there for the 6-7 senior, but he has yet to match it all up with his rebounding totals, which can often pop above 10 boards in the right game script. With Georgetown far from full strength due to multiple departures this week, I think the Hoyas will leave some lanes available for McGriff to come through with a decent stat line.
Darryl Morsell, G, Maryland (DK $5,300, FD $5,100) vs. Notre Dame
Just look at the last two games for Morsell, and you'll see exactly why he makes this list. He's coming off two straight double-doubles against Marquette and Harvard, two teams that are on par with the kind of defense the Terps will face tonight. He received 32 minutes of court time in both of those victories, and I think it's a good sign of increased usage for the 6-5 junior.
Rex Pflueger, G, Notre Dame (DK and FD, $5,200) @ Maryland
The senior guard's penchant for multi-category contribution over the past few games is what draws me to an endorsement here. He may not come up with eye-popping scoring totals, but his rebound and assist numbers are rock-solid. If he can rev up his long-range shot, he could come up big as Notre Dame fights to keep up with the Terps.
Jericole Hellems, F, NC State (DK $4,800, FD $4,900) vs. Wisconsin
Thanks to the suspension of DJ Funderburk, Hellems is a regular starter and making a great impact as a starter in the Wolfpack's under-sized frontcourt. You're always going to find variance at these low prices on the college slates, but opportunity is always a solid indicator. He's averaging just over 28 minutes per game and has put together some decent scoring totals so far. If we can get at least 25 FP from him at this price, we'll be happy.
Thomas Dziagwa, G, Oklahoma State (DK $4,300, FD $4,400) vs. Georgetown
His production is almost entirely dependent on his three-point shot, and while he hasn't been the most accurate, he's put up 22 shots from beyond the arc over the past two games and could provide huge upside if he starts converting at a higher clip. He's a bit below his career-average conversion rate from long range, so things should start to even out anytime now.
GAME TO TARGET
North Carolina (-4) vs. Ohio State, o/u 136
This game ranks at the top in terms of watchability and I like the abundance of targets in the game. The overarching question is that status of standout freshman guard Cole Anthony (foot). I expect he'll play, but I would also expect a minute restriction of some kind, so I'm not high on this expensive play, although in other circumstances he's a solid add. Beyond Anthony, I'm a big fan of Armando Bacot (DK $7,200, FD $6,800) for the Heels, and I also think Brandon Robinson (DK $5,600, FD $5,700) could provide some good value, especially if Anthony doesn't play. For the Buckeyes, your leading candidate is Kaleb Wesson (DK $7,600, FD $6,600), who's averaging 12.7 points and 9.1 rebounds so far this season. A value guy that's showing consistency is recent Florida State transfer C.J. Walker (DK $4,500, FD $5,100). As he becomes more acquainted with the offense, his number should improve, making him a nice GPP pick.
GAME TO FADE
Purdue (-1) vs. Virginia, o/u 102.5,
Despite some top talent available for the Boilermakers, I simply can't endorse the Cavaliers unless they pick up their pace. Virginia's pace is so slow, Vegas regularly rates their totals as much as 30 points below the expected median for college hoops, and I don't have to tell you that those numbers spell bad news for DFS potential.
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