After the usual holiday lull, college hoops picks up big time Tuesday evening with conference games getting cranked up. DraftKings is following suit with a solid nine-game main slate, and the 7K Heating Up main tournament has $2,000 going to the winner.
Gonzaga (94.5 points) and North Carolina (89.0) lead the way in expected scoring, but neither game is expected to be overly competitive. Louisville (84.5) and Creighton (80.0) follow behind in what could be tighter games. Only UNC's Caleb Wilson ($10,800) is priced in five-figures and could make for an attractive option if you can find enough value, as I don't anticipate many will gravitate towards him.
Injury wise, Louisville should have Mikel Brown ($7,600) back, and he's attractive given their anticipated point total, though a full slate of minutes isn't guaranteed.
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College Basketball DFS Picks for Tuesday, December 30
College Basketball DFS Top Players
Graham Ike, F, Gonzaga ($9,300)
Ike lands here because I can't ignore the Bulldogs completely with the amount of points they're expected to score. But I also don't feel terrific about paying for any of the Zags with this game likely to get out of hand. But Ike has seemingly been matchup-proof, posting three straight double-doubles, two coming in 23 minutes or less. He's had just three games all year under 30 DKP, making for a rock solid option to build around.
Jalen Haralson, G, Notre Dame ($7,700)
With Markus Burton sidelined, it's been Haralson's show for the Irish, having at least a 43.2 percent usage rate in each of his last three games. It hasn't always translated into huge fantasy production, as Haralson isn't a terrific rebounder. But he'll stumble into a handful, is a lock for double-digit scoring, and with a narrow spread and the conference nature of the game, I'd expect 30+ minutes here. Haralson went for 38.5 DKP in 38 minutes the last time the Irish faced stiff competition.
Check out RotoWire's college basketball starting lineup data to view recent stats, usage trends and identify potential DFS value plays.
Middle Tier
Seth Trimble, G, North Carolina ($6,800)
This is about as much as I'm willing to pay for Trimble, but he gives us a cheaper entry into the Heels lineup who are in a terrific, paced-up spot, facing an FSU side that' eighth in tempo (per KenPom) and just 115th in defensive efficiency. Trimble has improved as a shooter, remains elite in the open floor and rebounds well for a guard, giving him multiple paths to fantasy success.
Shelton Henderson, F, Miami ($6,000)
Henderson seems like an elite tournament play and a potential landmine if playing cash games. He's gone for at least 30.25 DKP in four of his last five, averaging 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals. He also struggled against tougher opponents in Georgetown and Florida previously, so there's a wide range. Miami is pushing pace (65th) and have been highly efficient, bringing a reasonable 78.0 point expectancy into Tuesday. They aren't deep either, so minutes are assured. If you need to save $100 and want shares of the 'Canes, Ernest Udeh is an option. He's been terrific on the glass, but his scoring can completely disappear.
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College Basketball DFS Value Plays
JT Rock, F, New Mexico ($4,800)
I can't sit here and pretend to tell you I've watched New Mexico play; I haven't. But they look like an intriguing spot to put a dart throw to round out builds for two reasons; they have three rotational options under $5,000, and they are incredibly banged up, forcing minutes on those that are healthy. Rock has played 20+ in two straight and over his last five, he's averaging 9.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. His floor has been 17.25 DKP offering the rare frontcourt paydown.
Jase Butler, G, Colorado State ($4,300)
The Rams aren't an overly attractive fantasy lineup, ranking 364th (out of 365 teams!) in tempo. And it's not a one-to-one replacement with forward Kyle Jorgensen set to miss time. But Butler got a season-high 29 minutes in CSU's last game and I'm willing to pay this low number for minutes. He's reached double-digit fantasy points six straight, reaching a 3.5x return in half of those. With an anticipated close game, Butler's floor should still be present without any semblance of an elite ceiling.
