CBB DFS Playbook & Example Lineups: Final Four
Published: Apr 03, 2021
THE SLATE
(w/ Implied Team & Game Totals via KenPom)
5:14 pm ET -- Houston (71) vs. Baylor (72) -- 143 total
8:34 pm ET -- UCLA (71) vs. Gonzaga (83) -- 154 total
Top Guards | |||||||
Player | Team | Opp. | DK $ | DK FPPG | FD $ | FD FPPG | |
Jalen Suggs | GONZ | UCLA | 7500 | 31.32 | 7500 | 28.90 | |
The best NBA Draft prospect still playing in the Tournament should be a top priority and he should be popular in all formats on just a two-game slate. Suggs may have taken a backseat to Drew Timme in the first three games of the bracket, but we got a good look at the freshman’s DFS and real-life ceiling vs. USC when he went off for 44 DK and nearly a triple-double. He stepped up his overall play in that Elite Eight matchup and we should expect him to do the same here with Gonzaga clicking on all cylinders offensively. | |||||||
Jared Butler | BAY | UH | 7000 | 32.4 | 7400 | 29.49 | |
In case you’re new to DFS CBB, it’s important to understand that Baylor’s offense essentially revolves around the playmaking of the stud backcourt duo of Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell. Sometimes a MaCio Teague or Adam Flagler will have big outbursts, but it’s mostly Butler and Mitchell as the top targets for this Bears attack. We should expect both to take center stage in this Final Four matchup. Butler, specifically, hasn’t eclipsed 30 DK in three straight games but he can easily get back to that level in any given game. The slight underperforming has lowered the price tag, but it’s time to jump back on the Butler train. | |||||||
DeJon Jarreau | UH | BAY | 7100 | 27.5 | 7000 | 25.36 | |
Though he’s battling a hip injury, Jarreau is still stuffing the stat sheet in the Tournament and he should be heavily involved once again vs. Baylor. The combo guard has eight rebounds and eight assists in both of the last two games and put up 28, 35 and 38 DK in the past three outings. This matchup vs. Baylor will come down to the guard play on both sides - and Jarreau will headlining Houston’s offense alongside Quentin Grimes. The stat-stuffing tendency gives him a very safe floor as he doesn’t need to score in bulk to provide DFS value. He’s a strong play for cash games. | |||||||
Davion Mitchell | BAY | UH | 6400 | 29.73 | 6700 | 27.25 | |
Honestly it’s pretty crazy to see Mitchell priced below 7k on both sites considering how good he’s been. At times this season and during the Tournament, the point guard has been a focal point for Baylor’s offense as the attack usually revolves around Mitchell and Jared Butler in the backcourt. Though he only scored 12 points and 24 DK last game, the totals could’ve been a lot higher if he wasn’t in foul trouble. Mitchell could easily return to his 30+ fantasy point upside like we saw vs. Wisconsin in the Round-of-32. That would make him a huge value on this slate compared to the other studs. | |||||||
Johnny Juzang | UCLA | GONZ | 6300 | 25.38 | 6600 | 23.37 | |
If UCLA is going to pull off the upset over Gonzaga, it’ll need Juzang to continue his hot streak. The former Kentucky transfer has been lights out this Tournament and he’s a big reason why the Bruins are even in the Final Four at all. Juzang went off for 28 points and 32 DK last time out and has put up DK totals of 32, 36, 28, 24 and 32 since the bracket began. If you’re fading the Gonzaga, Baylor or Houston studs, then Juzang is the GPP pivot as he should be lower-owned - but we’ve seen his ceiling already and it would smash value at his prices still. |
Value Guards | |||||||
Player | Team | Opp. | DK $ | DK FPPG | FD $ | FD FPPG | |
Marcus Sasser | UH | BAY | 6000 | 23.71 | 5900 | 21.67 | |
For most of the Tournament, Sasser hadn’t been totally performing up to the talent he possesses. That changed last game, though, when he went off for 20 points and 35 DK as one of Houston’s top playmakers. The Cougs will need him to do that again if they want to pull the upset. Sasser’s three-point shooting, specifically, could come in handy vs. a Baylor defense that can struggle defending the deep ball at times. At his prices, expect Sasser to be a low-owned GPP play that could pay off big time - like it did last game. | |||||||
Andrew Nembhard | GONZ | UCLA | 5000 | 20.79 | 5300 | 19.57 | |
On a Gonzaga offense with so much firepower and three legit DFS studs, Nembhard usually gets overshadowed. Still, he has the scoring and playmaking talent to break the slate in any given game if he’s going to be priced in the 5k range. We just saw it in the Sweet 16 when Nembhard scored 17 points and 35 DK to smash value at his bargain pricing. Though it’s a bit boom-or-bust, a 5x return or better is certainly on the table with how explosive Nembhard can be in a high-scoring attack. | |||||||
Tyger Campbell | UCLA | GONZ | 4900 | 22.38 | 4900 | 21.02 | |
Earlier this season, Campbell was the offensive catalyst for UCLA as he ran the point and stuffed the stat sheet. Times have changed, though, as Campbell is deferring to Juzang and Jaquez as a scorer and playmaker - and his DFS value is a lot less trustworthy. Still, he’s put together two solid games with 29 and 19 DK in the last couple outings. The Bruins will need him to be that type of player if they want to pull the upset - and the high-paced matchup vs. Gonzaga likely fits Campbell’s skillset running the floor more so than previous games. He’s definitely worth a look in GPP. | |||||||
Adam Flagler | BAY | UH | 4700 | 16.28 | 4700 | 14.97 | |
Though Baylor’s offense is led by Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell, the secondary scorers have the potential to return value with defenses keying on the aforementioned stars. Flagler is one of those alternate playmakers who can score in double figures and post 20+ fantasy points as a solid bargain. In fact, he’s scored at least 10 points and 23 DK in three of the last four games and has taken on a bigger offensive role during the Tournament. At sub 5k on both sites, expect Flaagler to be popular in cash as someone who can provide 4x or 5x value. |
Other Guards to Consider:
Jaime Jaquez Jr. - UCLA ($7,300 DK / $6,500 FD)
MaCio Teague - Baylor ($6,500 DK / $6,900 FD)
Joel Ayayi - Gonzaga ($6,100 DK / $6,300 FD)
Matthew Mayer - Baylor ($5,500 DK / $4,600 FD)
Tramon Mark - Houston ($4,000 DK / $4,200 FD)
Top Forwards | |||||||
Player | Team | Opp. | DK $ | DK FPPG | FD $ | FD FPPG | |
Drew Timme | GONZ | UCLA | 8100 | 33.84 | 8300 | 32.27 | |
Although Jalen Suggs and Corey Kispert might’ve received more national recognition than Timme during the regular season - there’s no debate who Gonzaga’s alpha scorer is in the Tournament. The big man has now scored 22 or more points in three straight games and is feasting on opposing frontcourts - even in a tougher matchup vs. USC’s Evan Mobley last time out. He’s pretty much a lock for 30+ DK and should be a staple in your cash lineups at this point. Timme should have no issue dominating once again vs. a subpar UCLA frontcourt. | |||||||
Quentin Grimes | UH | BAY | 7700 | 32.39 | 7800 | 29.42 | |
Since Grimes is forward eligible on DK, we’re listing him at that position for the purposes of this playbook. If Houston is to pull off the upset over Baylor, it’ll need Grimes to be an elite scorer and playmaker with stud-level DFS production. Considering most people will roster the Gonzaga and Baylor top players, Grimes would be low-owned stud on this slate. He just scored 18 points and 33 DK last time out and his heavy offensive usage gives him a strong floor each game. | |||||||
Corey Kispert | GONZ | UCLA | 6800 | 31.09 | 7200 | 28.72 | |
In GPP tourneys or if you’re fading Drew Timme in cash, then pivoting to Kispert is the right move as many will be fading him on this slate. It’s crazy to say that now after watching Kispert put up All-American type numbers all season long - but the guy’s been struggling in recent games and taking a backseat to Timme/Suggs. Still, though, he put up 32 DK with 18 points scored last game and has the upside to go off for 40+ fantasy points any time out when he gets hot from three-point range. If you’re looking to stack Gonzaga, then Kispert is the cheapest “stud” out of Timme and Suggs and probably more optimal. |
Value Forwards | |||||||
Player | Team | Opp. | DK $ | DK FPPG | FD $ | FD FPPG | |
Cody Riley | UCLA | GONZ | 5200 | 19.48 | 4800 | 17.94 | |
Riley has mostly been a big part of UCLA’s Tournament run as he put up 33 and 24 DK vs. Abilene Christian and Alabama, respectively. Foul trouble vs. Michigan, though, limited his minutes and fantasy value last game. Still, Riley is UCLA’s best big man and they’ll need his size down low vs. Gonzaga’s Drew Timme in this matchup. If he can stay out of foul trouble, Riley could easily put up 25+ DK with his involvement down low - grabbing rebounds on defense and getting putbacks on the offensive end. If you’re not playing Timme, then getting Riley exposure is a good contrarian strategy. | |||||||
Fabian White Jr. | UH | BAY | 4500 | 14.67 | 4300 | 14.13 | |
After missing most of the season with an injury, White is now fully healthy and playing a key bench role for Houston. The senior is probably the team’s best big man now and he’s a big reason why the Cougs have made a run to the Final Four. White went for a solid eight points, seven rebounds and 18 DK last time out and can easily eclipse 20 fantasy points with slightly better numbers. He should have a slight advantage in this matchup as Baylor isn’t strong down low - making White worth a shot in cash or GPP as a nice salary-saver. | |||||||
Anton Watson | GONZ | UCLA | 4300 | 16.58 | 4000 | 15.91 | |
Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua | BAY | UH | 4100 | 15.1 | 4000 | 14.28 | |
“Everyday Jon” doesn’t start, but he can easily smash value with his energy off the bench. Flo Thamba is the starting center for Baylor, but Tchamwa Tchatchoua sometimes gets more playing time as a reserve because of his different skillset that can energize the Bears. We saw exactly that vs. Arkansas last game when he had eight points, six rebounds and 17 DK - making him a top value on that Elite Eight slate. However, there’s risk here because he failed to eclipse double-digit fantasy points in the two previous outings. The upside is there, though, if he gets more playing time than usual - something that could happen again with Houston boasting a stronger frontcourt at times. |
Other Forwards to Consider:
Justin Gorham - Houston ($5,700 DK / $5,600 FD)
Mark Vital - Baylor ($5,400 DK / $4,800 FD)
Flo Thamba - Baylor ($3,800 DK / $3,700 FD)
Example Lineups
The Example Lineups are meant to show roster construction based on players mentioned in the Playbook. They are not meant to be plugged and played.
DK Cash | FD Cash | ||||||||||
Pos. | Player | Team | Opp | FPPG | Salary | Pos. | Player | Team | Opp | FPPG | Salary |
G | Jalen Suggs | GONZ | UCLA | 31.32 | $7,500 | G | Jalen Suggs | GONZ | UCLA | 28.9 | $7,500 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
G | Tyger Campbell | UCLA | GONZ | 22.38 | $4,900 | G | DeJon Jarreau | HOU | BAY | 25.35 | $7,000 |
Pivot | Jared Butler | BAY | UH | 32.4 | $7,000 | Pivot | |||||
G | Adam Flagler | BAY | UH | 16.28 | $4,700 | G | Davion Mitchell | BAY | HOU | 27.24 | $6,700 |
Pivot | Pivot | Jared Butler | BAY | HOU | 29.48 | $7,400 | |||||
F | Drew Timme | GONZ | UCLA | 33.84 | $8,100 | G | Tyger Campbell | UCLA | GONZ | 21.01 | $4,900 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
F | Fabian White Jr. | UH | BAY | 14.7 | $4,500 | F | Drew Timme | GONZ | UCLA | 32.26 | $8,300 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
F | Quentin Grimes | UH | BAY | 32.4 | $7,700 | F | Adam Flagler | BAY | HOU | 14.97 | $4,700 |
Pivot | Anton Watson | GONZ | UCLA | 16.58 | $4,300 | Pivot | |||||
Util | Davion Mitchell | BAY | UH | 29.73 | $6,400 | F | Fabian White Jr. | HOU | BAY | 14.13 | $4,300 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
Util | Joel Ayayi | GONZ | UCLA | 27.6 | $6,100 | Util | Joel Ayayi | GONZ | UCLA | 25.58 | $6,300 |
Pivot | DeJon Jarreau | UH | BAY | 27.5 | $7,100 | Pivot | Marcus Sasser | HOU | BAY | 21.67 | $5,900 |
Total | $49,900 | Total | $49,700 | ||||||||
Pivot Total | $49,600 | Pivot Total | $50,000 | ||||||||
DK GPP | FD GPP | ||||||||||
Pos. | Player | Team | Opp | FPPG | Salary | Pos. | Player | Team | Opp | FPPG | Salary |
G | Johnny Juzang | UCLA | GONZ | 25.38 | $6,300 | G | Quentin Grimes | HOU | BAY | 29.42 | $7,800 |
Pivot | Pivot | Jalen Suggs | GONZ | UCLA | 28.9 | $7,500 | |||||
G | Marcus Sasser | UH | BAY | 23.71 | $6,000 | G | Johnny Juzang | UCLA | GONZ | 23.36 | $6,600 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
G | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | UCLA | GONZ | 26.1 | $7,300 | G | Andrew Nembhard | GONZ | UCLA | 19.57 | $5,300 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
F | Corey Kispert | GONZ | UCLA | 31.09 | $6,800 | G | MaCio Teague | BAY | HOU | 24.46 | $6,900 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
F | Cody Riley | UCLA | GONZ | 19.48 | $5,200 | F | Corey Kispert | GONZ | UCLA | 28.72 | $7,200 |
Pivot | Pivot | ||||||||||
F | Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua | BAY | UH | 15.09 | $4,100 | F | Cody Riley | UCLA | GONZ | 17.94 | $4,800 |
Pivot | Justin Gorham | UH | BAY | 23.75 | $5,700 | Pivot | |||||
Util | Jalen Suggs | GONZ | UCLA | 31.32 | $7,500 | F | Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua | BAY | HOU | 14.28 | $4,000 |
Pivot | Pivot | Anton Watson | GONZ | UCLA | 15.9 | $4,000 | |||||
Util | MaCio Teague | BAY | UH | 26.3 | $6,500 | Util | Jared Butler | BAY | HOU | 29.48 | $7,400 |
Pivot | Andrew Nembhard | GONZ | UCLA | 20.79 | $5,000 | Pivot | |||||
Total | $49,700 | Total | $50,000 | ||||||||
Pivot Total | $49,800 | Pivot Total | $49,700 |