This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
The two major DFS sites are presenting slightly different slates for Wednesday, which will often be the case throughout the season. Although we will cover all six games available, we will focus on the five games that the two sites share, and provide a paragraph covering the outlier game that is available on FanDuel.
SLATE OVERVIEW
OSU (-2.5) vs. NOVA O/U: 129.5
CONN (-14.5) vs. JOES O.U: 151.5
LOU (-22.5) vs. INST O/U: 147
MARQ (-2) vs. PUR O/U: 142
PROV (-8.5) @ NW O/U: 130
OKST (-3.5) @ COFC O/U: 142.5 (FanDuel Only)
(Odds provided via DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change)
TOP PLAYERS
Alpha Diallo, PROV (DK $9,200, FD $8,300 @ NW
Diallo has come out of the gate with a bang and is well worth the lofty price tag on both sites. Distinguishing himself with 40 and 54 FP in his first two games, he's an excellent core to build around in a game that sports a narrow point spread, which should keep the standout senior on the floor for at least 30 minutes.
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, NOVA (DK $8,300, FD $7,900) @ OSU
The Big East's Preseason Freshman of the Year started off his college career with a double-double, establishing what should be a solid floor for the duration of the season. While he faces a tougher opponent on Wednesday, he went off against Army with a whopping 24 points and 13 rebounds. That's one of the best opening games in the country among incoming freshmen, making the youngster a solid add in your cash builds.
David Duke, PROV (DK $7,800, FD $7,200) @ NW
The Friars' premier guard should have little trouble against presumptive off-guard starter Pat Spencer, who might have better defensive luck with a lacrosse stick. While transferring to the Wildcats for basketball is an impressive move, Duke is one of the best backcourt players he'll face this season, and I expect a diverse and loaded stat line for Wednesday.
VALUE PLAYS
Brendan Adams, CONN (DK $6,000), FD $5,900) @ JOES
With James Bouknight currently suspended, things have already opened up for Adams, who is primarily a second-unit guy. He saw 26 minutes in their first game against Sacred Heart, and I suspect he'll serve a similar role in what should be a lopsided affair in UConn's favor.
Darius Perry, UL (DK $5,300, FD $4,300) vs. INST
Perry made a splash across 27 minutes in their last game versus VSU, where he collected 12 assists on the way to a respectable stat line. It's rare to find a starting floor general at this low price, and despite the blowout potential, I think Louisville will give Perry all he can handle. They need to prepare the newly-minted starter for a tough conference schedule, and Wednesday's game is the perfect practice target.
Duane Washington Jr, OSU (DK $4,200, FD $4,400) vs. NOVA
With Andre Wesson (eye) sidelined, Washington will draw the start again at the wing. He didn't exactly dazzle in their last game, but with one contest under his belt, the sophomore will be called upon to contribute against a tough Villanova squad. Sometimes we have to embrace the variance with these injury opportunities, and this is one of those spots.
GAME TO TARGET
Marquette (-2) vs. Purdue, o/u 142
I think the Huskies and the Cardinals will go deep into their bench in the blowout games, and though I like their Over/Under lines, the PUR/MARQ game gives us the right combination of metrics to target. While the Boilermakers are reliably led by headliners Matt Haarms (DK $7,100, FD $6,800) and Jahaad Proctor (DK and FD, $7,000), the Golden Eagles are a bit more diverse in how their production is divided. Markus Howard (DK and FD, $8,600) is the unquestioned linchpin of the offense, but after that, things drop off a bit. Sacar Anim (DK $5,700, FD $5,300) plays a significant role in Marquette's offense. The senior started 31 of 34 games last season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds, and he's already off to a good start despite a flagrant foul ejection that cut his production short in their first game against Loyola-Maryland. Utah State transfer Koby McEwen (DK $5,600, FD $5,100) now helms the off-guard position for Marquette and has performed admirably thus far with 11 points and 7 rebounds in his first game on the floor. Rounding out the value in this game is Purdue's Aaron Wheeler (DK $5,700, FD $5,800) and Marquette's Theo John (DK $7,300, FD $6,800), who's in a great position for increased production while Jayce Johnson (knee) is sidelined.
GAME TO FADE
Louisville (-22.5) vs. Indiana State, o/u 147, 8 p.m. EST
The Cards definitely have marquee talent in players like Jordan Nwora DK ($8,800, FD $7,800) and their starting center, Steven Enoch (DK $8,100, FD $7,200), I think Louisville will cut down the Sycamores (sorry, it was out there) and start running their bench out fairly early, limiting the value of these elite guys. We may look at some bench opportunities in value plays later in this article, but that's about it.
FANDUEL SPECIAL
College of Charleston vs. Oklahoma State (-3.5), o/u 142.5, 9 p.m. EST
You can't go wrong with Charleston's Grant Riller ($7,600), who's averaging around 38 FP per game as a starter in the Cougars' backcourt. Oklahoma State's premier guy is Yor Anei ($7,100) who is now entering his second season as the Cowboys' starting center. Secondary targets include Cameron McGriff ($6,000) for OK State and Brevin Galloway ($5,200) for Charleston.
