If you played yesterday’s lineup, then you already know that its 259.6 points didn’t make the cut. Dud games from Kemba Walker and Thaddeus Young in favorable matchups were disappointing. Additionally, D’Angelo Russell getting hurt didn’t help.
Other than that, the lineup was a good one and we’ll look to avoid landmines tonight with a monstrous 12-game slate. There are too many ways to make an ideal roster and I will show you one of them. Let’s start building the perfect NBA FanDuel lineup for March 23.
(PG) Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers - $8,900
Getty ImagesIn his last game against the Dallas Mavericks, Damian Lillard had a good game with 39.8 fantasy points. However, facing them again tonight in Portland, I'm expecting the former Weber State star to have a great night. Lillard tends to perform better in home games and Dallas has given up the fourth-most fantasy points to PGs this month. He should score at least 40 with 50-plus upside.
(PG) Emmanuel Mudiay - Denver Nuggets - $5,600
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I know that this isn't the most popular pick, but I like Emmanuel Mudiay's chances to play better than he has lately. He's averaging 18.8 fantasy points over his last four games, but I'm expecting him to exceed that average by at least 10 tonight against the 76ers. Philadelphia is ranked 29th in defensive efficiency against PGs this month and it should lead to Mudiay scoring 25-35 fantasy points.
(SG) Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns - $6,300
Getty ImagesIn his last game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Devin Booker exceeded value by scoring 37.5 fantasy points. He is in a great position to have a similar performance against them tonight. The Lakers are ranked dead last in defensive efficiency against SGs this month and are giving up the most fantasy points to them. This bodes well for Booker to score at least 30 with a small chance for 40.
(SG) Brad Beal - Washington Wizards - $5,500
Getty ImagesOver his last four games, Brad Beal is averaging 29.4 fantasy points and is exceeding value. As long as his price remains this low, it's hard to pass on him. He will face the Atlanta Hawks tonight and they haven't been defending SGs the best lately. They're ranked 14th against them this month, but are also giving up the eighth-most fantasy points to the position in that span. I feel that Beal will find success and score between 25-35.
(SF) Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks - $8,700
Getty ImagesAfter sitting out his last game with a migraine, Carmelo Anthony will return to action against the Chicago Bulls tonight. It's a great matchup for his return as the Bulls are ranked 28th in defensive efficiency against SFs this month. They've also given up the fifth-most fantasy points during that span, and Melo should be able to take advantage. I can see him scoring at least 40 with a slight chance for 50-plus.
(SF) Rudy Gay - Sacramento Kings - $6,100
Getty ImagesWith the news that DeMarcus Cousins won't be playing tonight, it means that Rudy Gay's offensive usage will increase. This is good news as he will be facing the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. Minnesota is ranked 25th in defensive efficiency against SFs and PFs this month. This means that Gay should be able to exploit it regardless of which position he plays more tonight. He should score at least 30 with 40-plus upside.
(PF) Tobias Harris - Detroit Pistons - $6,000
Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsThis pick has very little to do with the fact that Tobias Harris is facing his old team. While it would make for a great story, the reason why I like Harris is due to Orlando being a subpar team against PFs this month. It has been giving up more rebounds than it should and I feel that Harris will excel against it. He won't go berserk for 40-plus, but he's a safe bet to score between 25-35 fantasy points.
(PF) Jerami Grant - Philadelphia 76ers - $5,200
Getty ImagesHe may not be the sexiest pick out there, but Jerami Grant is a solid player to target for cheap consistency. He is averaging 25.7 fantasy points over his last four games and has scored less than 20 only once over his last 10. He will face the Denver Nuggets tonight and they're ranked 24th in defensive efficiency against opposing PFs this month. This bodes well for Grant to score at least 25 with a slight chance for 30.
(C) Andre Drummond - Detroit Pistons - $7,700
Getty ImagesKarl-Anthony Towns will most likely be a super popular play, but I like Andre Drummond's upside just as much for a cheaper price. He is averaging 34.3 fantasy points over his last four games, but I expect a bigger number against the Orlando Magic tonight. Orlando is ranked 25th in defensive efficiency against opposing centers this month. This should lead to Drummond scoring at least 35 with 45-plus upside.
