Exploring Core Plays in Daily Fantasy Sports
As the DFS landscape evolves, certain players emerge as pivotal picks in the wake of the All-Star break. Dejounte Murray of the San Antonio Spurs has carved out a remarkable niche for himself, especially evident in his recent performances. Murray's prowess will be crucial as he faces the Charlotte Hornets, a team currently ranked 29th in defensive efficiency. In a previous encounter, Murray amassed an impressive 66 DraftKings (DK) points against the Hornets, forecasting a potentially lucrative outing for DFS players banking on him.
Similarly, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves has commandeered the offense in Karl-Anthony Towns's absence, boasting an average of 46 DK points per game. This surge underscores Edwards's escalating value in DFS domains. On another front, Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers recently hit a season-high with 68 DK points, adding to his allure as a core play. His earlier performance of 52 DK points against Phoenix further cements his standing as a robust pick.
Cash Game Essentials
For cash games, where stability and reliability are paramount, Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks stands out as a beacon for DFS investors. Leading the league with an average of 66 DK points per game, Dončić's recent exploits of 73 and 72 DK points in outings against Miami make him an indispensable asset.
Not to be overlooked, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, with an average of 61 DK points per game, has demonstrated his mettle by scoring at least 76 DK points in three of his last four appearances. Jokić's consistent performances against Minnesota, highlighted by scores of 58 and 60 DK points, solidify his place in cash game considerations.
Adding to the mix, Josh Giddey of the Oklahoma City Thunder is enjoying the best stretch of his career, averaging 42 points in the discussed period, making him a noteworthy mention for DFS enthusiasts.
Grand Prize Pool (GPP) Targets
In the realm of GPPs, where variance and upside are king, Gary Trent Jr. of the Toronto Raptors emerges as a compelling selection. Playing 35-40 minutes and averaging 20 shots a game, Trent Jr. has consistently delivered, scoring at least 30 DK points in 10 of his last 11 outings.
Bobby Portis and Zach Collins also offer interesting dynamics, with their performances slated to improve with increased minutes and shot attempts. Specifically, Collins, who had higher valuation last season when starting, remains a sleeper pick with potential upside.
Unearthing Value Plays
Daniel Gafford present intriguing opportunities for DFS players. Once a $7K player, Gafford's anticipated increase in minutes could translate to significant fantasy points. Likewise, Dennis Schroder, now steering the point guard duties for Brooklyn, has shown commendable consistency, averaging 31 DK points across his last 21 games.
Vasilije Micic of the Hornets has emerged as a catalyst for the team's recent upswing, stringing together at least 29 DK points in six consecutive outings. Micic's continued form against Atlanta is something fantasy players might capitalize on.
Advantageous Pricing Insights
DFS strategy also entails leveraging pricing discrepancies across platforms. Zach Collins, for example, is listed at $4,900 on DraftKings and $6,200 on another platform, offering a clear advantage for savvy DraftKings users. Similar disparities exist for players like Noah Clowney, Clint Capela, Haywood Highsmith, Wendell Carter Jr., and Justin Champagnie, underscoring the importance of platform-specific pricing strategies.
Understanding these variances can markedly enhance a DFS player's ability to construct a high-upside roster while maximizing value. As the DFS landscape continually shifts, paying heed to core plays, cash game staples, GPP targets, and value plays, along with pricing strategies, remains central to navigating the competitive realm of daily fantasy sports effectively.
