This article is part of our FanDuel NBA series.
Before I get into the value plays for Wednesday on FanDuel, I can't help but voice my disappointment in the decision by New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman to declare daily fantasy sports as illegal gambling in the state. I'm not going to get too political, so don't worry. I'll make it quick.
I have lived in New York my entire life and it's certainly not because of the weather. It is generally a great state that provides wonderful opportunities and benefits to its residents. There are plenty of areas that still need to be addressed and improved, but daily fantasy sports is not one of them. If you are a New Yorker like myself or really just anyone who enjoys this fun and harmless hobby, please contact your representatives and ask that this decision will be reconsidered.
Ok, now that I have stepped down from my soap box, let's get to the task at hand and see where you can pinch some pennies on your FanDuel lineup that will hopefully make you a big winner when the night is over.
Point Guard
Ish Smith, $5,100, NO:Jrue Holiday started Tuesday against the Mavericks, so that means he will likely sit Wednesday against the Hawks as he has yet to be cleared to play in back-to-back contests. Smith has filled in admirably for Holiday when he has been unable to play and actually excelled Tuesday even with Holiday playing by posting 40.6 FanDuel points. Look for him to play big minutes and put up solid numbers in this contest.
Shooting Guard
Marcus Thornton, $4,500, HOU: Thornton has played at least 31 minutes in four of his last five games, posting no fewer than 24.4 FanDuel points in any of those contests. Finally given the chance to play extended minutes, it looks like Thornton is making the most of this opportunity. Wednesday brings a matchup against his former team in the Nets, so there might be a little extra motivation at play as well. At this low of a price, it's hard to argue against taking a chance on him.
Marco Belinelli, $4,000, SAC: Belinelli has played at least 32 minutes in both of his last two games with Darren Collison (hamstring) out of action. It's possible Collison will be out again Wednesday against the Pistons, but I'd be ok with playing Belinelli either way at this price. He has posted at least 22.7 FanDuel points in three of his last four games and I expect him to be right around that production again in this game.
Small Forward
Khris Middleton, MIL, $5,800: I recommended Middleton Tuesday against the Celtics and while he didn't put up big numbers, he wasn't a flop either with 19.4 FanDuel points. He has a great matchup Wednesday against the Nuggets, so I expect him to come closer to the 30.0 FanDuel points that he averaged in his last four games leading up to Tuesday.
Jae Crowder, $4,700, BOS: Crowder provides a lot of value on the defensive end as he is averaging 3.2 steals a game this season. He's no slouch offensively either as he is averaging 10.7 points to go along with 5.3 rebounds a game. By posting at least 22.7 FanDuel points in five of six games this season, Crowder is a nice option at this price.
Power Forward
Jared Sullinger, $5,200, BOS: I'm going to the well again with Sullinger as he didn't disappoint Tuesday against the Bucks by posting 31.5 FanDuel points. He is scoring, rebounding and putting up excellent defensive stats despite playing no more than 27 minutes in any of his last three games. Look for him to be productive again Wednesday against the Pacers.
Center
Meyers Leonard, $4,500, POR: Leonard might not be an obvious choice at home Wednesday against the Spurs, but it's important to note that he is much better on his home floor than on the road. While he is only averaging 4.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in four road games, he is averaging 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in four home games. It's unlikely that he is going to put up elite numbers in this game, but that's not really what you should expect for this little of your budget.
