This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
The two top sites share seven games today, with both sites also offering some alternate contests. We'll cover all of it below!
Slate Overview
Indiana (-3) vs. Notre Dame O/U: 142
Wichita State (-5.5) vs. VCU O/U: 135.5
Kansas (-1.5) at Villanova O/U: 146.5
Illinois (-3.5) vs. Missouri O/U: 129
Butler (-1.5) vs. Purdue O/U: 117.5
Providence (-1) vs. Texas O/U: 133.5
North Carolina (-4.5) vs. UCLA O/U: 141
Alabama (-1) vs. Belmont O/U: 159.5 (DraftKings only)
Florida (-2.5) at Utah State O/U: 133 (DraftKings only)
Ohio State (-3.5) at Kentucky O/U: 131.5 (FanDuel only)
Top Players
John Mooney, Notre Dame (DK $8,800, FD $8,300) at Indiana
Indiana will be a tough test for the Irish, but it's hard to think of Mooney as anything other than matchup-proof. His totals have remained rock steady this season. His double-double averages of 14.8 points and 13.4 rebounds make him worth every penny at this lofty price. Expect to see his sixth consecutive double-double Saturday.
Saddiq Bey, Villanova (DK, $7,700, FD $6,700) vs. Kansas
If you're watching these picks on DraftKings, you'll notice I'm clicking on a lot of guys who have DvP numbers in the red. That's not by accident — as the sites roll out more and more college basketball contests, you're going to find more players throwing darts at players without much knowledge about all the teams, and going by numbers only. These red DvPs result in a significant cut in ownership and provide enormous value despite the price. Bey is a great example, as he isn't the first player you'd target for Villanova but is worth the price as a pure shooter who will deliver in every category.
Erik Stevenson, Wichita State (DK, $7,600, FD $6,600) vs. VCU
I think Stevenson is underpriced on FanDuel, and should be a low-owned target who will fly under the radar a bit. The sophomore is categorized as a guard on both sites, but he has a nose for the ball off the glass and is actually the Shockers' second-best rebounder to go with being their top scorer. Vegas seems to think this game will be a bit more competitive than I do, but I think the 9-1 Shockers will prevail here with Stevenson leading the way.
TJ Gibbs Jr. Notre Dame (DK $6,700, FD $6,100) at Indiana
The 6-foot-3 senior is excelling in his third year as the Irish's starting off-guard. He'll occasionally pop in both the scoring and assist boxes, and he's gone as high as 22 points and eight assists in those categories. The Irish will need to move the ball around against Indiana, and he'll share those duties with Prentiss Hubb (DK $5,600, FD $5,400) in the backcourt. I don't mind Hubb at his price, either.
Also consider: Juwan Durham, Notre Dame (DK $6,200, FD $5,900) at Indiana
VALUE PLAYS
Justin Moore, Villanova (DK $5,600, FD $4,900) vs. Kansas
Moore is a bit puzzling, as the freshman guard is actually killing it off the bench after struggling for six games as a starter. He certainly seems motivated to get back with the first unit, but his usage rivals the starters in a reserve role anyway, averaging 32 minutes per game since his return to the bench. He's also compiled an average of 18 points and 2.3 rebounds off the pine.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA (DK $5,100, FD $4,200) at UNC
The freshman eventually worked his way into the starting lineup and has now started four consecutive games. In terms of usage, he's incredibly cheap and is slowly creeping toward being a nightly double-double threat. With just a few more points and rebounds, he could be a valuable asset on the slate today.
Jase Febres, Texas (DK $5,000, FD $4,700) at Providence
There's potential value here as the 6-5 junior is coming off of two impressive games, one of which was a season-high 23 points. The narrow spread and decent O/U line are encouraging reasons to find value on one of these rosters, and the amount of upside is excellent in relation to his price.
David McCormack, Kansas (DK and FD, $5,000) at Villanova
McCormack is a size mismatch for anyone at the four, as the 6-10 sophomore cedes the center spot to standout Udoka Azubuike (DK $7,900, FD $7,300). McCormack's ceiling is what you're targeting, as he's matched some lukewarm lines with stellar double-double outings. Providence is struggling at power forward and most recently handed the keys to 6-9 freshman Greg Gannt, so this could be an exploitable spot for McCormack.
Alabama vs. Belmont (DraftKings Only)
Even though it's only on DraftKings, this game is my GAME TO TARGET on the slate due to its narrow spread, slate-topping O/U, and a host of high-scoring talent, especially on the Alabama side of the ball. Alabama junior John Petty ($7,400) is coming off a career game with a 39/10 line against Samford, and will look to keep things rolling on Saturday. Adam Kunkel ($6,800) comes in at a great value for Belmont, and Grayson Murphy ($8,100) is their top play. Kira Lewis ($8,100) is Alabama's most expensive player, but I like a lot of value picks for the Crimson Tide. In addition to Petty, I also like Herb Jones ($5,200) and Alex Reese ($5,400).
Utah State at Florida (DraftKings Only)
I think the primary guy to grab here is Neemias Queta ($5,300), who is an excellent value for the Aggies as he returns from an injury that set the big man's salary back to a level that you simply can't fade. You also can't mention the Aggies without adding Sam Merrill ($8,000) to the conversation. He's arguably the Mountain West's best player and one of the premier guards in the country. The Gators have a lot to offer as well. I think Keyontae Johnson ($6,300) is the best value on the roster, and Kerry Blackshear Jr.($7,800) is the team's top rebounder.
Ohio State at Kansas (FanDuel Only)
Ashton Hagans ($7,200) and Kaleb Wesson ($7,000) are the top targets for this game, and both are at respectable prices for FanDuel. For the Buckeyes, I think the best value can be found with freshman forward E.J. Liddell ($4,800) and for the Jayhawks, Tyrese Maxey ($5,800) is a mid-priced guy who can pop in the right game script.
Game to Fade
Butler at Purdue
The anemic Over/Under is the biggest deterrent, and it's unfortunate because both teams have viable targets. When I see a line this low, I'm prone to just mark it off the list, which is what I did. The only place I'd go in this game is Trevion Williams ($5,300), who will see increased time as Matt Haarms returns from a concussion.
