This article is part of our FanDuel College Basketball series.
If you are new to FanDeul's college basketball options, or need a refresher on how things work, and what types are available, take a peek at our initial column from last week.
Friday's FanDuel slate features six games with a mix of big names and mid-majors, and gets going a little earlier than usual due to some preseason tournaments, with one game tipping at 5:00 p.m. EST. The pool includes (totals):
Wisconsin – Georgetown (136)
DePaul - South Carolina (142.5)
Murray State – Georgia (148.5)
Duke – VCU (155)
Xavier – Michigan (144.5)
East Carolina – California (149)
The players below represent some of the better value plays, which will give managers ample funds to spend on some of the higher priced studs. Among those options, I like Michigan's Caris LeVert ($7,700) the best.
Guards
Derryck Thornton at VCU ($4,500)
With just a first glance at the slate, the Blue Devils-Rams game was one I wanted to exploit, and that it has the highest total on the board only furthers that belief. Thornton is still coming off the bench for Duke, but his minutes have increased in each game. The Blue Devils lack a point guard, and facing the Rams full-court pressure, I suspect they'll have little choice but to play Thornton often. He hasn't topped 11.1 fantasy points yet, but at this low price, even 15 points would make him a solid play.
Damarcus Croaker at Georgia ($5,600)
Through two games, the Racers have four players averaging double-digits points, but Croaker and forward Wayne Langston ($6,200) are the only two who have scored at least 10 points in both games. Croaker has shown the potential to do other things than just score, having eight boards in one contest and five assists in the other. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs gave up 92 points to Chattanooga in their season opener. While a more inspired defensive effort seems probable, there should be plenty of scoring available, and Croaker would be one of the many beneficiaries.
Jordan Mathews vs. East Carolina ($6,200)
Mathews seems a bit lost in the freshman hype that is the Bears roster. He is priced less than three of his teammates, and is averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in the early going. My only real concern with Mathews is the spread in this contest. Cal is as much as a 20-point favorite while no other game has a line larger than 10. If the line is accurate, Matthews could be off the court as much as he's on it, limiting his potential for a big night.
Other guards to consider: Kenny Gaines vs. Murray State ($5,900); JeQuan Lewis vs. Duke ($6,500)
Forwards
Brandon Ingram at VCU ($6,800)
Ingram's price fell $900 after Tuesday's 4.7-fantasy-point stinker against Kentucky. It's simply left him as a bargain Friday. He averaged 31.1 fantasy points in his first two contests and his athleticism and length play right into the type of game this matchup should be; wide open, free flowing and high scoring.
Trevon Bluiett at Michigan ($5,600)
Bluiett was a regular in this column last season and until his price increases, he seems likely to be again this year. As a freshman, Blueitt was a bit inconsistent both with his minutes and production, but through two games this year, he's been anything but. He's played 28 and 31 minutes, respectively, and is averaging 14.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists, resulting in a 23.1-fantasy-point per game average. His seemingly steady play and modest price tag make him a safe option Friday.
Mindaugas Kacinas vs. DePaul ($5,500)
Though Kacinas is fourth on the Gamecocks in scoring through two contests, he leads the team in rebounds and is second in minutes. He is shooting only 35.3 percent (6-of-17) but has played 28 and 33 minutes thus far. You have to assume his shooting improves at some point, as he's a career 54.6 percent shooter, and so long as he's on the court, some form of production is inevitable. He's the type of glue guy on your roster that isn't going to win you a tournament, but isn't likely to lose it for you either.
Other forwards to consider: Gee McGhee at Georgia ($4,500); Vittto Brown at Georgetown ($6,000)
