FanDuel NBA: Saturday Value Plays

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Published on January 29, 2022

We have some fast-paced matchups on tap for Saturday's slate, including a potential NBA finals preview for the nightcap. Let's begin with the odds and totals for the evening.

SLATE OVERVIEW

DAL (-9.5) cs. IND O/U: 216.5

BOS (-4.5) @ NOP O/U: 213.5

PHI (-10.5) vs. SAC O/U: 216.5

MEM (-5.5) vs. WAS O/U: 227.5

MIA (-5.5) vs. TOR O/U: 207.5

GSW (-5.5) vs. BKN O/U: 231.5

Obviously, we'll have a lot of interest in both the Nets and Warriors in the most watchable game of the night. Although I can't possibly mention every player, there isn't much I don't like in either starting lineup. The Grizzlies and Wizards tell a similar tale, and although I mention several Grizzlies in this column, Washington has viable unmentioned options as well. The Pacers, Heat and Celtics generate the least interest.

INJURIES

IND Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) - OUT

IND Goga Bitadze (foot) - OUT

IND Myles Turner (foot) - OUT

We may see Bitadze's status change later in the day, but the team will need a filler at the four, with Sabonis likely sliding into the center position if the status holds. Torrey Craig ($5,300) is the most likely beneficiary. For Brogdon, the team has Chris Duarte ($5,700) in at the two, while Caris LeVert ($7,600) takes over Brogdon's job.

NOP Brandon Ingram (ankle) - OUT

NOP Jonas Valanciunas (illness) - OUT

NOP Devonte' Graham (knee) - QUESTIONABLE

The status for all three players could change by game time, but Willy Hernangomez ($5,100) will remain JoVal's best picot if he remains out. This week, Graham has played with this tag, so it's probably not wise to speculate on a pivot for his position. The beneficiary for Ingram is a huge gamble, but Herbert Jones ($5,900) is perhaps the steadiest option at the moment.

SAC De'Aaron Fox (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE

SAC Terence Davis (wrist) - OUT

Tyrese Haliburton ($7,700) will continue to start for Fox, and while Davion Mitchell ($4,900) is currently starting with Davis indefinitely out, Buddy Hield ($5,200) will see significant time as well.

PHI Seth Curry (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE

Furkan Korkmaz ($4,400) should continue to start if Curry misses Saturday's contest.

TOR Fred VanVleet (knee) - QUESTIONABLE

If VanVleet is held out, we will see more time from Malachi Flynn ($3,500), while Gary Trent ($6,000) will be the starter with the most to gain.

MIA Kyle Lowry (personal) - OUT

There's no word on when this status will change, but Gabe Vincent ($5,000) should be the budget pivot again.

ELITE PLAYER

This slate requires the employ of multiple premier options, as the majority of production in the player pool will flow from some of the league's best players tonight. James Harden ($10.200) and Stephen Curry ($9,500) both find themselves in fast-paced situations Saturday, but Curry's situation is a bit more favorable with Harden sharing production with Ktire Irving on the road. However, the best spot may belong to Ja Morant ($10,600), who finds himself in a massive pace-up spot against the Wizards.

Joel Embiid ($11,400) is arguably the hottest player in the league at the moment, and the trend should continue at home against the Kings. He mied the lone matchup against Sacramento, but Richaun Holmes should be no match for the All-Star.

Also consider: Luka Doncic, DAL ($11,100) vs. IND, Jayson Tatum, BOS ($9,800) at NOP

EXPECTED CHALK AND CORE TARGETS

Scottie Barnes, TOR ($6,300) at MIA

Barnes' numbers should be excellent regardless of Van Vleet's status. After a one-game absence, Barnes returned with one of his better assist totals of the season, helping to bolster his overall fantasy total. It appears that he has no minute restriction after logging 38 minutes in his previous game, so start him with confidence.

Tyrese Maxey, PHI ($6,000) vs. SAC

Maxey remains at an excellent salary point as Philly's floor general, and he should have no problem matching value against the Kings. Maxey is coming off a double-double against the Lakers but will definitely be less popular with so many elite point guards crowding the player pool. Still, with four-slot eligibility, his attractive salary has a high probability of helping you out as you try to keep costs down.

Spencer Dinwiddie, WAS ($5,800) at MEM

Dinwiddie presents a bit of a problem with his limited positional eligibility, but he warrants consideration in this pace-up game. He's had two consecutive games with mediocre totals, but if he can increase his shot volume, Dinwiddie's secondary numbers will usually deliver. His decreased popularity makes him a viable tournament option.

Also consider: Bam Adebayo, MIA ($8,000) vs. TOR, Klay Thompson, GSW ($6,200) vs. BKN

VALUE PLAYS

My top values from the injury section are Torrey Craig and Herbert Jones. Caris LeVert and Tyrese Haliburton were also mentioned and warrant serious consideration. Below are some additional value plays to help balance your elite picks.

PG/SG De'Anthony Melton, MEM ($5,600) vs. WAS

PF Brandon Clarke, MEM ($5,100) vs. WAS

SF Kessler Edwards, BKN ($4,000) at GSW

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.