This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
Top Players
Boogie Ellis, G, USC ($7,000 DK)
The Trojans easily have the highest projected point total on the slate, so they're the perfect starting point for filling out your lineup. Isaiah Mobley is the obvious option, but, on paper at least, it appears St. Joseph's has a strong interior defense. Entering today's contest, St. Joseph's is holding opponents to one of the lowest two-point field goal percentages in the country, while also recording above-average rebounding rates as a team. These considerations have me leaning toward the more dynamic Ellis in this situation, although Mobley is of course the anchor of the Trojans so he's a good option as well. If I had to pick one, I'm taking Ellis in this spot simply because of the matchup and salary difference.
Jordan Hall, G/F, St. Joseph's ($6,800 DK)
Hall does everything. He leads the team in minutes, usage rate, assists, steals, rebounds, and is second on the team in points. St. Joseph's will probably get blown out in this contest, but it shouldn't matter for Jordan Hall from a DFS standpoint. Last season, Hall recorded the highest assist rate among all Atlantic 10 players during conference season, and this season his current assist rate is just as high. After falling one rebound shy of a triple-double in the season opener, Hall has scored 20-plus points in each of the last two contests. Hall and the Hawks no doubt face a tough defense, but Hall should still provide a good amount of fantasy points when it's all said and done.
Middle Tier
Garrison Brooks, F, Mississippi St. ($6,100 DK)
The Bulldogs match up pretty evenly with the Cardinals, except for one key area -- rebounding. For this reason, I like Brooks in this matchup, especially at this salary. Most college basketball fans will remember Brooks from his playing days at North Carolina, and the numbers indicate he's still the same prolific rebounder as before. With his new team at Mississippi State, Brooks has quickly established himself as one of the team's significant contributors, recording the second-highest usage rate on the team while playing well over two-thirds of his team's minutes. Overall, Brooks offers a solid floor with veteran upside, in what is a favorable matchup on paper.
Donta Scott, F, Maryland ($5,900 DK)
Richmond has the second-worst defense on today's slate, according to KenPom's adj. efficiency ratings, so the Terrapins should put up a good amount of points today. Moreover, Richmond has the worst rebounding rates of any team on the slate, giving Maryland's frontcourt a noticeable matchup advantage. Scott leads the team in rebounds, and he's two minutes shy of tying for the team lead in minutes played this season. On the offensive end, he's taking 20.4 percent of his team's shots when on the court, so he'll certainly take his shots when called upon. Scott should be on the court for most of the game, making his impact felt at all times.
Value Plays
Grant Golden, F, Richmond ($4,600 DK)
Believe it or not, Richmond has the second-highest adj. offensive efficiency rating on today's slate, second only to USC. Golden is a key part of the potent Spiders' offensive attack, boasting the highest offensive efficiency rating on the team. And, despite playing center, Golden has impressive passing abilities, as he's finished with a top-eight assist rate among Atlantic 10 players during conference play in each of the past three seasons. His current assist rate is similar to the elite numbers previously posted, so it appears we can expect that trend to continue. As a starter who leads his team in usage rate, and possesses a wide skill set, Golden appears to be a steal at this salary.
Lamont Butler, G, San Diego St. ($4,100 DK)
Butler was recently inserted into the starting lineup two games ago and his production shot up ever since. Considering his effectiveness, and the team victories, I'm expecting Butler to stay in his starting role, which means he should have no problem generating value at a salary that would normally be set for a bench player, instead of a starting point guard. Butler is using over a quarter of his team's possessions when on the court this season, so he should have a productive day assuming he's once again part of the starting lineup.
