Xaiver Aguiar gives his top DraftKings DFS value plays for Saturday’s NBA slate.
After more than a week of competition, the NBA is just starting to heat up.
DraftKings is offering a daily contest with the chance to win $100,000. After analyzing the five-game slate, I’ve found a pair of value options that are sure to give your lineup a crucial edge.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA $300K Fadeaway [$100K to 1st]
With Stephen Curry sidelined with a high ankle sprain, Brandin Podziemski takes over as Golden State’s lead ball handler. The second-year guard from Santa Clara was impressive as a rookie, flashing as a combo guard with tremendous instincts and a feel for the game. He’s been in the midst of a sophomore slump, primarily due to his struggles from beyond the arc. Last season, he shot 38.5% from distance on low volume, but with a slight uptick in attempts during the young campaign, he’s a woeful 20.7% from downtown.
It takes players some time to adjust to an expanded role, and Podziemski is still going through the motions. His playmaking continues to be valuable, and he is coming off consecutive outings with at least five assists. He’s able to get to the cup fairly consistently and has sported a silky mid-range jumper. If Podziemski can find his three-point stroke, the breakout potential is there.
Houston has a solid defensive backcourt but is vulnerable in the paint. Podziemski is due for a solid shooting night, and paired with his premier passing, he can have a monster DFS showing.
Jay Huff is one of the best stories in sports. After five years at the University of Virginia, he went undrafted in 2021. Despite brief stints in the NBA, the 27-year-old spent the bulk of his time in the G-League. He signed a two-way deal with Memphis in the offseason, but due to its lack of depth in the frontcourt, he has been able to get playing time out of the gates.
Huff is a 7’1″ behemoth on the low block who has solid side-to-side mobility for his size. His rebounding has been substandard for his size, but it’s an area that should only improve over time. He’s a talented finisher near the basket but also has the ability to stretch the floor. Huff’s already had a pair of performances with over ten points and isn’t scared to get shots up. I like Huff to take advantage of a thin center unit against a Philly squad without its superstar in the middle, Joel Embiid.
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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is xaiver-aguiar) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
