This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
(Editor's Note: For a better look at the chart below, check out our Daily Matchup Info page.)
Top Players
Armando Bacot, F, North Carolina ($9,500 DK)
Armando Bacot is a double-double machine, averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds per game this season. He's arguably the best rebounder in the ACC, currently boasting the best offensive and defensive rebounding rates among all ACC players since conference season started. Louisville's offense has struggled this season, currently with the third-worst offensive efficiency rating in the ACC during conference play, in addition to the third-worst offensive rebounding rate. North Carolina, meanwhile, has had the third-best defense in the ACC while boasting the best defensive rebounding rate during conference play. Assuming these two trends hold up, Bacot and the Tar Heels should see an abundance of rebounding opportunities in this contest. Bacot has scored in double figures in 11 of the last 12 contests and coming off a monster game against NC State, he seems on track for another huge performance.
Jabari Smith, F, Auburn ($7,200 DK)
Auburn is projected to put up over 80 points tonight, the highest point total on the slates. Jabari Smith will likely play a big part in that lofty total, as he's taking 27 percent of his team's shots when on the court this season, the highest rate on the team. Smith is coming off one of his best games of the year, scoring 23 points and grabbing 12 rebounds against Oklahoma this past Saturday. Smith has scored in double figures in 18-of-21 total games this season, and in the process, he's flashed an incredibly high ceiling, similar to what we saw this past Saturday. Smith has a wide skill set, posting top-12 rankings in defensive rebounding rate shot-blocking rate among all SEC players during conference play. Assuming Auburn can meet scoring expectations in this contest, Smith has a great shot at providing value.
Timmy Allen, F, Texas ($7,000 DK)
This pick is all about the matchup. Entering the contest, Texas appears to have an edge when it comes to rebounding, as the Longhorns rank top-four in the Big 12 in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates since conference play began, while Texas Tech ranks seventh in the conference in both offensive and defensive rebounding. Timmy Allen leads the Longhorns in rebounding by a wide margin, so he should certainly benefit from today's matchup. Additionally, Allen is using 24 percent of his team's possessions when on the court, the second-highest rate on the team, so Allen will no doubt play a major role in terms of scoring as well. Allen has been locked-in lately, earning KenPom's unofficial "MVP" honors in back-to-back games prior to the game against Tennessee on Saturday. Given this matchup, I like Allen's chances at earning another "MVP" award in today's game.
Middle Tier
Joey Hauser, F, ($5,900 DK)
Maryland hasn't been great when it comes to rebounding this season, ranking 11th in the Big Ten in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates since conference season started. Michigan State, on the other hand, has posted the third-best offensive rebounding rate in the conference, with its defensive rate not too far behind. Joey Hauser ranks second on the team in rebounds, making him a player that's likely to see a boost in this contest given the matchup. Hauser's usage rate isn't incredibly high, although he does boast the seventh-best offensive efficiency rating among all Big Ten during conference play, so he usually makes the most of his possessions. Hauser has already recorded a couple of double-doubles this season, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's able to log another one based on today's matchup.
Value Plays
Jaiden Delaire, G/F, Stanford ($5,200 DK)
Believe it or not, Stanford is one of the best overall rebounding teams in the country, ranking top-25 in the nation in terms of its offensive and defensive rebounding rates. Jaiden Delaire is a big part of that, currently ranking second on the team in rebounding. Additionally, Delaire is using 27 percent of his team's possession when on the court, easily the highest usage rate on the team. California currently has the second-worst offensive rebounding rate in the Pac-12 since conference play started, and the Golden Bears have also posted the third-worst defensive efficiency in the conference, giving Delaire and the Cardinal a favorable opponent, all things considered.
A.J. Reeves, G/F, Providence ($4,400 DK)
This pick is a slight gamble but has huge payoff potential if it hits. A.J. Reeves missed nearly all of January due to a finger injury, and recently returned to the floor this past Saturday. Prior to his injury, Reeves was a significant part of the Friars' rotation, as he played 30-plus minutes in seven straight contests while scoring in double figures in four straight before suffering an injury against DePaul on New Year's Day. Additionally, St. John's has struggled to guard the perimeter this season, allowing Big East opponents to make 39 percent of three-point attempts, the worst in the conference. Assuming he plays and returns to full health, this is great news for Reeves because he's arguably the best shooter on the team, making 37 percent of his team-high 87 three-point attempts. There's a chance Reeves still isn't fully healthy, but if he is, there's almost no doubt he'll provide value at today's salary cost.
