Fantasy Hoops: Top Daily Value Plays for 11/14/2014

When compiling a lineup for Daily Fantasy sports contests, the winning combination usually includes a mix of under-priced “fringe” players, solid “mid-tier” producers and a superstar or two rounding out the squad. To play in today’s Draft Kings league with a $40,000 prize pool, click here.

Today, we’ll take a look around the league in an attempt to uncover the best all-around, economical values at each position for tonight’s action. Each player’s Draft King price will be listed next to their name… To

Guards:
Zach LaVine – Minnesota Timberwolves (Draft Kings price: $4,100)
LaVine was thrust into the Wolves’ starting lineup once Ricky Rubio went down with an injury. Initially, it was assumed that LaVine would spilt playing time fairly evenly with veteran Mo Williams. However, that certainly wasn’t the case on Wednesday night. LaVine played a team-high 34 minutes and dished out a team-high nine assists. Williams, on the other hand, played just 13 minutes and finished 0-of-5 from the floor. LaVine did miss 7 of his 9 field goal attempts, but Coach Flip Saunders still lavished the rookie with praise after the game. I’d be surprised if LaVine played upwards of 33+ minutes again tonight, but even if he plays in the 28-30 minute range, he still presents terrific value at just $4,100.

Jeremy Lin – Los Angeles Lakers ($5,800)
Lin was a disappointment early this season, but has been trending upwards of late. Over his last three games, Lin is averaging 16 points, 4.6 assists and 1.6 three-pointers. He’s played at least 33 minutes in each contest. More importantly, backup PG Ronnie Price has been suspended one game due to his flagrant foul on Austin Rivers. With no viable backup on the roster, expect Lin to set a season-high in minutes played tonight.

Mario Chalmers – Miami HEAT ($4,400)
Dwyane Wade has ruled himself out of Friday’s contest to rest his hamstring. Chalmers will likely draw the start in his place.

Anthony Morrow – Oklahoma City Thunder ($4,000)
As we know, OKC is in dire straits due to an injury bug that has bitten relentlessly. Fortunately for the Thunder, Morrow is finally returning from a knee injury that kept him out of OKC’s first seven games. Morrow played 14 minutes on Tuesday night and had his minutes restrictions lifted on Wednesday, when he exploded for 28 points (including four three-pointers) and five rebounds. Not fair to expect that kind of production tonight, but still well worth rolling the dice at $4k. The Thunder desperately need someone to score, and Morrow will be given the opportunity to help fill the void left by Durant and Westbrook.

Isaiah Canaan – Houston Rockets ($4,200)
Patrick Beverley (hamstring) is out again Friday. Big upside here for Canaan, against an awful 76ers squad.

Forwards:
C.J. Miles – Indiana Pacers ($3,000):
Miles, who had been sidelined while dealing with concussion-related migraines, is reportedly returning to action tonight. It is important to note the Pacers will be without Rodney Stuckey, David West, George Hill and C.J. Watson. It’s tough to get overly excited about Miles, as he hasn’t done much this season (averaging 8.8 ppg) and we don’t know how much he’ll play – but at the minimum salary of $3,000, he’s worth taking a flier if you are looking to throw a dart at a cheap target.

Ersan Ilyasova – Milwaukee Bucks ($3,600):
No need to sugarcoat it: Ilyasova has been a bust thus far in 2014-15. Yet, he may get a chance to redeem himself a bit on Friday night, because Khris Middleton sounds iffy due to a knee injury. If Middleton is out Friday, Ersan is probably worth a roll of the dice.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Charlotte Hornets ($4,100):
MKG hasn’t done much since his return from a rib-injury, which is why his price is depressed. However, he is shaping up a solid value play tonight, as starter Marvin Williams is doubtful due to a knee injury. Cody Zeller may start, but rookie Noah Vonleh isn’t ready for a significant role. Per head coach Steve Clifford: “We could play smaller. We’ve worked some with [Kidd-Gilchrist] at the four, which is something I eventually want to do.” Plug in MKG and hope for the best.
[Afternoon update — Per Rick Bonnell on Twitter: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had a stress reaction in his right foot, and will be sidelined for at least the next two games. In addition, it is being reported that Lance Stephenson is being listed as questionable due to a groin injury. Gary Neal is questionable as well. This leaves a lot of minutes on the table. The biggest beneficiary is likely rookie P.J. Hairston – whom seems to be a favorite of Coach Steve Clifford)

Lance Thomas – Oklahoma City Thunder ($3,000):
As noted in the Anthony Morrow blurb above, the Thunder need healthy bodies. Enter Lance Thomas. Thomas has played at least 27 minutes in five straight games and, on Thursday, he enjoyed the best game of his career, grabbing 13 rebounds and dishing out six assists in 39 minutes.

Center:
Cody Zeller – Charlotte Hornets ($3,900):
Like MKG, Zeller is in line to benefit from the absence of Marvin Williams. Assuming Zeller sees 30+ minutes, we should safely expect double-digit points and seven or eight rebounds.

Lavoy Allen – Indiana Pacers ($3,900):
Allen has been up and down for the Pacers this season. He scored 12 points and grabbed 15 rebounds vs. the Jazz on Monday, but followed that up with six points and seven boards on Wednesday. Still, he seems to have earned the trust of Coach Frank Vogel, so Allen’s a safe bet to see at least 20+ minutes tonight.