This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
Top Players
Taevion Kinsey, G/F, Marshall ($8,500 DK)
Marshall projects to score around 80 points tonight, and one way or another we can expect Taevion Kinsey to be in the middle of the action. Kinsey is playing 95 percent of his team's minutes this season while boasting the highest usage rate on the team. This is an excellent combo, and it's even more impressive considering Kinsey has led the team in both minutes and usage rate in each of the last two seasons. Last year, Kinsey scored 20-plus points in 11 of 22 games, and he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down this season. Kinsey provides a high floor with a high-upside, a lot to like.
Drew Timme, F, Gonzaga ($7,900 DK)
UCLA has a fierce defense no doubt, but Gonzaga has the No. 1-ranked offensive attack in the country, per KenPom's adj. efficiency ratings, so I'm banking on the Bulldog's go-to player. Aside from ranking number-four on KenPom's Player of the Year Standings, Timme has the highest usage rate on the team and easily leads the team in scoring. Timme elevated his game when Texas visited Spokane on Nov. 13, erupting for 37 points, and so it wouldn't be a surprise if he takes over in this one as well. Either way, he should play a pivotal role in a high-scoring affair.
Middle Tier
Brady Manek, F, North Carolina ($7,100 DK)
UNC Asheville is the worst rebounding team on today's slate, the perfect matchup for a North Carolina team that is perpetually long, athletic and full of excellent rebounders. North Carolina holds another massive advantage as the Tar Heels' offense, ranked No. 15 in KenPom's adj. efficiency ratings, faces off against the worst defense on the slate, ranked No. 299. Ken Pom forecasts the Tar Heels will finish as the highest-scoring team on the slate, so you don't want to miss out. The best rebounders are probably Armando Bacot and Dawson Garcia, but don't forget Brady Manek. While playing in conference games with Oklahoma, Manek finished with a top-20 defensive rebounding rate among Big 12 players in each of his four seasons. A steady player with a wide skillset, Manek should get his fair share of points in what is the most lopsided matchup on the slate.
Noah Freidel, G, South Dakota St. ($5,200 DK)
The Jackrabbits boast an impressive No. 18 ranking in KenPom's offensive adj. efficiency ratings, giving them one of the highest point projections on the slate. Freidel has been a key component this season, taking 31 percent of his team's shots when on the court, effectively tied for the highest rate on the team. Freidel has already scored 20-plus points on three occasions this season, and there's no reason to think he can't do it again. Washington enters the contest with the second-worst rated defense among Pac-12 teams, so Freidel should be able to find some open holes in the leaky zone defense. Freidel is well-equipped for open looks, as he's made over 40 percent of his three-point attempts in his college career, one consisting of 300-plus three-point attempts over 49 games in two-plus seasons. Freidel's playing time has been sporadic at times, but he has a good chance at delivering points anytime he's on the court.
Value Plays
Makhel Mitchell, F, Rhode Island ($4,600 DK)
Rhode Island is going against one of the weakest defenses on the slate, as Florida Gulf Coast enters today's contest with its defense ranked at No. 210 in the country, per KenPom's adj. efficiency ratings. If that's not enough, Rhode Island's team defense is currently blocking shots at the highest rate in the country, while Florida Gulf Coast has been susceptible to having shots blocked thus far this season. Makhel Mitchell should benefit in this spot, as he himself is blocking shots at the 10th highest rate in the country (among qualified players). In addition to his defensive abilities, Mitchell is also one of the primary offensive players, using 22.5 percent of his team's possessions when on the court, among the highest on the team. Last season, Mitchell had the seventh-highest usage rate among all Atlantic 10 players during conference play, so he's well accustomed to scoring. Mitchell has played at least 29 minutes in each of the last four contests, so he should certainly provide value in this spot, barring any fouling or injury surprises.
Drew Pember, F, UNC Asheville ($4,200 DK)
Previously buried on Tennessee's bench, Pember transferred to UNC Asheville this season and has established himself as one of the key players on the team, sporting the second-highest usage rate on the team. Apparently, DraftKings didn't get the update because he's priced like he's still in Knoxville. In any event, Pember currently leads the team in points, rebounds, and blocks, so I think it's safe to say his role is safe at the moment. Ideally, Pember's role will further expand with increased playing time, but for now, Pember offers a solid floor at a minuscule salary. The matchup isn't great but the volume should be enough.
