On weekends, we often see unusual NBA start times. As a result, Saturday is like four daily fantasy “seasons,” not just one. At 5:00 EST, you can enter Early contests at DraftKings that span just two games, and/or All Day contests on the full seven-game slate. Our sample lineup and Short List offers advice for the largest pools at 7:00, covering the five evening games, and you can play Late (8:00) on the final three.
San Antonio visits Cleveland, well-rested after trouncing the Rockets on Wednesday. Danny Green $4400 hit six triples as the Spurs went small with Kyle Anderson $3100 starting. LaMarcus Aldridge $7200 showed no sign of a sore back, Tony Parker $5300 was sharp and Kawhi Leonard $8200 was not overtaxed.
The Cavs won their third straight with a balanced attack in Detroit last night, as Kevin Love $7100 (29) and Kyrie Irving $6400 (28) led the way. Tristan Thompson $5200 double-doubled, and LeBron James $9500 nearly triple-doubled (20 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST) despite playing only five minutes in the final frame.
Free $65,000 Contest For New Users
The Early $65K Sharpshooter is only a $3 buy-in (FREE with your initial deposit at DK) where the top 5,150 finishers (from up to 24,916 teams) win cash. First place earns $5,000. Deadline is 5:00 EST; enter before it fills. Or wait until that one closes, and the same link will work until 7:00 for the $250K Sharpshooter and its $20K top prize.
With Anthony Davis $9800 (concussion) and Tyreke Evans $7400 (knee) both questionable, the Pelicans might have to rely again on Ryan Anderson $6900, Jrue Holiday $7100 and Norris Cole $5600. The big surprise in Thursday’s win was Bryce Dejean-Jones $3500 starting ahead of Holiday. The D-League callup played 35 minutes, scoring 14 points and making Toney Douglas $3600 irrelevant. Omer Asik $3400 had his best game in ages but faces Brook Lopez $7100 tonight. The Nets lost in Dallas last night, are 2-12 in their last 14 and do not inspire confidence.
Danilo Gallinari $7200 is having a career year, rookie Emmanuel Mudiay $5700 keeps improving and Will Barton $5900 is an explosive sixth man. The Nuggets are entertaining, and just good enough to make the Pacers work. Paul George $8900 disappointed on Thursday (2-for-11) but Monta Ellis $6800 picked him up with 25 points, George Hill $5200 is back at full speed and rookie Myles Turner $5300 has been fantastic at both ends of the floor, taking over the starting PF job. The second unit is led by C.J. Miles $4400 and Jordan Hill $4100 until Rodney Stuckey (ankle) returns.
The Wizards have lost three straight and five of six. They can hope the Rockets are tired from last night’s tough loss in Oklahoma City. Dwight Howard $7500 was ejected after 21 minutes, so he might be relatively fresh against Marcin Gortat $7000. Most likely, John Wall $9400 and James Harden $10100 will be trading buckets all night. Nene Hilario $4600 has been healthy and productive for three weeks and remains affordable.
Winless in the first two games of this road trip, the Kings are only slight underdogs in Memphis. Rudy Gay $6800 (eye) is expected to return, which means fewer touches for DeMarcus Cousins $11400 and Rajon Rondo $8500. The Grizzlies have won six of seven with solid defense, Mike Conley $6200 and Marc Gasol $7500. Back with the second unit, Jeff Green $5000 has led the team in scoring in two straight.
Last night, we keyed on Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Harden but whiffed on our ultra-cheap selections. Tonight is all about balance. While Turner is not a “punt” at C, his low cost lets us use some strong second- and third-choice guys in every other spot. Breaking news — for example, Davis being cleared to start — can change everything.
| Pos | Premium | Midrange | Bargain |
| PG | John Wall $9400 | Jrue Holiday $7100 | George Hill $5200 |
| SG | James Harden $10100 | Monta Ellis $6800 | Bryce Dejean-Jones $3500 |
| SF | LeBron James $9500 | Danilo Gallinari $7200 | Jeff Green $5000 |
| PF | DeMarcus Cousins $11400 | Ryan Anderson $6900 | Nene Hilario $4600 |
| C | Marc Gasol $7500 | Myles Turner $5300 | Omer Asik $3400 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.