This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
Top Players:
Ky Bowman, G, Boston College ($9,900 DK, $8,600 FD): Bowman checks in as the most expensive guard option on DK, but a borderline bargain as the third option on FD. This game against DePaul looks like a duel among star guards (more below), as it's got a narrow spread, high total (150) and both sides lack complimentary pieces. For his part, Bowman has just two games with less than 29.4 fantasy points, he's played at least 37 minutes in five straight and has at least seven boards in four of his last five to complement his scoring prowess.
Max Strus, G, DePaul ($9,700/$8,500): As a slight favorite, Strus may be more appealing than Bowman given the higher implied scoring. A quick glance at his game log shows the immense upside, with Strus putting up at least 18 points in six of his last nine while grabbing at least eight boards at the same ratio. Eli Cain ($7,800 on both sites) represents the only real support Strus receives, and there's a lot of appeal to pairing Strus and Bowman as high-scoring options, especially on FanDuel where they're a little more cost-friendly.
Nicolas Claxton, F, Georgia ($9,200/$8,400): Tennessee's Grant Williams $10,700/$9,000) is the obvious choice in the frontcourt, and he's proven matchup proof. He'll get his, but a large spread could lead to reduced minutes, and Wake's length could at least semi-stifle Williams. Enter Claxton at a reduced price in a likely closer matchup. He's gone for at least 15
Top Players:
Ky Bowman, G, Boston College ($9,900 DK, $8,600 FD): Bowman checks in as the most expensive guard option on DK, but a borderline bargain as the third option on FD. This game against DePaul looks like a duel among star guards (more below), as it's got a narrow spread, high total (150) and both sides lack complimentary pieces. For his part, Bowman has just two games with less than 29.4 fantasy points, he's played at least 37 minutes in five straight and has at least seven boards in four of his last five to complement his scoring prowess.
Max Strus, G, DePaul ($9,700/$8,500): As a slight favorite, Strus may be more appealing than Bowman given the higher implied scoring. A quick glance at his game log shows the immense upside, with Strus putting up at least 18 points in six of his last nine while grabbing at least eight boards at the same ratio. Eli Cain ($7,800 on both sites) represents the only real support Strus receives, and there's a lot of appeal to pairing Strus and Bowman as high-scoring options, especially on FanDuel where they're a little more cost-friendly.
Nicolas Claxton, F, Georgia ($9,200/$8,400): Tennessee's Grant Williams $10,700/$9,000) is the obvious choice in the frontcourt, and he's proven matchup proof. He'll get his, but a large spread could lead to reduced minutes, and Wake's length could at least semi-stifle Williams. Enter Claxton at a reduced price in a likely closer matchup. He's gone for at least 15 points in three of four, grabbing nine or boards in every outing. He could further feast if and when GT's James Banks ($7,600/$7,500) gets into foul trouble.
Ja Morant, G, Murray State ($9,200 FanDuel Only): The top-priced option on FanDuel has to be mentioned here. But he's a complete fade for me. True, he only has two games under 45.2 fantasy points all season, and I have little doubt he'll score in bunches Saturday. But an equal part of his appeal is his distribution ability, and with one of the lowest implied totals on the slate at 62.3 points, Morant is going to have to have his hand in nearly every Racer point if he's to reach the lofty 45.6 fppg he's currently averaging.
Games/Teams to Target:
Marshall @ Texas A&M (-8), o/u 155.5, 2:00 p.m. EST: Marshall loves to force tempo as evidence by their ninth-ranked tempo ranking, and they've allowed 93 or more points three times in their last seven. Their defensive efficiency isn't as awful (No. 127) but the thought here is the Aggies are more offensive than usual. This puts Savion Flagg ($7,100 on both sites) and T.J. Starks ($6,700/$6,100) into play as second-guard options with upside. And if you're a believer in Marshall forcing pace, their own guards (Jon Elmore ($9,800/$8,500) and C.J. Burks ($7,900 on both) make great sense.
Indiana State @ Colorado (-7.5), o/u 148, 3:00 p.m., EST: The Buffs are the obvious target here with an implied total of 77.8 facing a defense that ranks No. 113 in efficiency. Cash game players may enjoy some stability and savings with their top guards in McKinley Wright ($9,300/$8,200) and Tyler Bey ($7,800/$7,600), but my personal preference is to target this matchup for some secondary options to pair with the studs mentioned above. CU's Lucas Siewert ($6,000/$5,900 really fits that bill, as does Evan Battey ($4,900/$5,200), both of whom have proven well capable of 20+ fantasy points.
Wichita State @ Virginia Commonwealth (-5.5), o/u 137, 4:00 p.m. EST, FanDuel only: Everything about this game screams stay away, as the low total is highly justified. VCU has held all but two opponents under 67 points, and while I'm punting all things Shockers, the Rams look to have a bit of value. The low total keeps pricing down, and the run that F Marcus Santos-Silva ($6,400) is on (32.4 fantasy ppg in his last four) makes him a bargain. Marcus Evans ($5,700) does little more than score, but as the Rams' go-to option at this price, he's absolutely going to provide a return on investment. Either option provides great cost savings with a stable floor.
Games/Teams to Avoid:
Murray State at Auburn (-13), o/u 138.5, 4:30 p.m. EST: The Racers have feasted on lesser opponents, with no signature wins and their only loss being to Alabama by six. They're stepping up in class significantly here, and that doesn't factor in that Auburn is coming off of a loss to N.C. State. It feels like we're writing a gambling column, as this is a bad, bad spot for Murray State to compete. The total is low, Auburn brings a balanced lineup with four players averaging double-digits while nine players play at least 11.8 minutes. The set-up suggests a wide variety of production across the Tigers rotation while we've previously noted the Racers' potential one-man show.
St. Louis at Florida State (-7), o/u 138.5, 2:30 p.m. EST: The 'Noles leading scorer, Mfiondu Kabengele ($5,400/$5,700) plays just 18.5 minutes nightly. They have five players averaging between 7.9 ppg and 12.4 ppg, and play a whopping 10 players at least 10.1 minutes nightly. The Billikens are very content to grind things out, ranking 14th in defensive efficiency and 147th in adjust tempo, while also balancing their offensive output across eight players that see at least 17.1 minutes. There's just no clear and easy path to production on either side.
Injuries:
Marcquise Reed ($8,600/$8,200): There's been no indication that Reed will return for the first time since Nov. 26. His price hasn't fallen at all in that span, and even if he suits up, there's no bargain here.
Note: North Carolina-Kentucky is the marquee matchup Saturday, and only available in late, non-main slates. The total of 165 seems low personally, and it puts all starters on both sides in play. It's likely Kentucky will try to run with the Heels, and if your evening lineup doesn't have at least a few from this contest, it's likely missing out prizes.
