The NBA $400K CROSSOVER at DraftKings has a first prize of $100,000, more than enough to warrant the $27 entry fee. Last night “pianoclub” scored 321.25 points to win the $100K guaranteed pool, taking home $10,000, while 1,999 other entries (out of 8125) shared $90,000 in consolation prizes.
The winner entered multiple teams at $12 each; a lineup with Anthony Davis and Omer Asik paid off. Congrats to everyone who cashed last night; my hopes were dashed when Dwight Howard got in foul trouble. Nobody said this would be easy. The beauty of daily fantasy is, there’s a clean slate of NBA games with great picks at every position and salary range.
Even if the 27 bucks is too steep, check out DK for free. You will be taken to a $2 entry for the NBA $50K Layup, and can pick your team, which will be free if you sign up. There are many more contests of various sizes and cost, including head-to-head leagues (vs. one opponent) and 50/50 games, where half the field wins. Even the free contests, which feature the same rules, are fun and challenging.
As I pointed out a couple of times on Twitter, last night’s $100K was an overlay. The field was “only” 8125 — out of a possible 9500. (DraftKings makes a 14% profit when it fills; they actually lost 2.5%.) From the player’s perspective, instead of 21% of teams cashing, 24.6% finished in the money. It looks like the same thing may happen tonight on a larger scale.
NBA $400K CROSSOVER
A total of 3,475 teams (out of a possible 16,800) will win a cash prize. At noon, with seven hours to go, there were less than 4000 entries. With the entire $400,000 guaranteed, the odds are in our favor.
How to win the hundred grand? Spend more to make more. Multiple entries are permitted, with no limit, so a little guy like me is at a disadvantage.
Pay attention to breaking NBA news, and try to capitalize. Avoid mistakes. For example, do not use Brook Lopez $6800; consider Mason Plumlee $5400. David Lee $7000 is iffy with a hamstring and Draymond Green $5100 gains most.
Consider scheduling and travel. The Lakers and Rockets are playing back-to-backs on the road.
Stacking (covered in yesterday’s Spin) can be great if you key on the right team. A quick look at over/under lines points out the most likely high-scoring games, like Detroit at Denver.
The Pacers are missing three important players: George Hill, David West, and Hill’s backup C.J. Watson. Rodney Stuckey $5500, who was doubtful, may play limited minutes. However, CJ Miles $3800 is capable of big scoring nights. Roy Hibbert $6900 was a disappointment to his Roto owners last year but could make amends tonight. Donald Sloan $3000 will start at PG, Luis Scola $4500 takes over PF and Chris Copeland $3300 is a wild card in this less-than-stellar game that could produce bargains.
Assuming the Suns romp at home, Markieff Morris $6500 and Marcus Morris $3600 are both worth a look and Isaiah Thomas $5800, the least expensive of three quality PG, might finish this one.
It all comes down to getting the most production from your eight players. Here are a few more suggestions among thousands of possible combinations.
PG: Russell Westbrook $10400 and Stephen Curry $10100 will get their numbers. Sloan is worth plugging in at G if you need a rock-bottom salary to contribute.
SG: Klay Thompson $7100 and Gordon Hayward $7400 are the safe plays, Gerald Green $4600 benefits in a rout.
SF Carmelo Anthony $9400 is too rich for me in a new offensive scheme vs. the Bulls’ D. Nicolas Batum $7300 and/or Miles are my guys. Perry Jones $3000 are both expected to start and the price is right.
PF Scola might be the best value (points/dollar) but I lean to Zach Randolph $7300 against the rebuilding T-Wolves. With both Nene and DeJuan Blair suspended, Kevin Seraphin $3000 is a live longshot.
C DeMarcus Cousins $10000 and Al Jefferson $9100 deserve those prices. Pick one, or both if you aren’t spending big at PG.
Good luck with all your teams tonight; see you at DraftKings.
The Fantasy Spin offers DFS advice every day. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy.