THE SLATE:
(w/ Implied Team Totals & Odds via KenPom)

  • 6:30 pm ET -- Clemson (64) at Virginia Tech (63) -- 127 total
  • 7 pm ET -- Appalachian State (57) at Tennessee (75) -- 132 total **FD Only**
  • 7 pm ET -- Minnesota (72) at Illinois (77) -- 149 total
  • 7 pm ET -- Wichita State (65) at Tulsa (68) -- 133 total **DK Only**
  • 8:30 pm ET -- Georgia Tech (66) at Florida State (75) -- 141 total
  • 9 pm ET -- Kansas State (63) at Iowa State (73) -- 136 total
  • 9 pm ET -- Furman (73) at Alabama (78) -- 151 total
  • 9 pm ET -- Long Beach State (62) at UCLA (83) -- 145 total **DK Only**

Top Guards

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Ayo DosunmuILMINN1000044.58840041.45
One of the most electric scorers in the country is appropriately the most expensive player on tonight’s slate. The only question is if you can/should fit him in your lineup. As Illinois’ best player, his DFS floor and ceiling are so high every time out because of his 31% usage rate and consistently high shot volume. The 10k price tag may seem like a lot, but Dosunmu has actually put up 43 or more DK points with 4x value in five of six games so far - including in both of the last two games vs. Duke and Missouri. He’ll get it done with pure point-scoring, rebounds, assists and a steal or two thrown in - with 35+ minutes on the court. This matchup should be a fast-paced one with Minnesota and Illinois both preferring to play quick - so it’s certainly conceivable that Dosunumu gives you 50 DK points tonight. Limit exposure to GPP, though, because it’s almost impossible to make a good cash lineup while dedicating 1/5 of your salary to one player.
Rasir BoltonISUKSU820036.92800035.10
In cash games, many people will likely flock to either Bolton or Marcus Carr as much cheaper options than Ayo Dosunmu - with similar floors and ceilings as well. Bolton is the stat-stuffer for Iowa State who’s averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and three steals per game through three outings. Although two of those performances came against easy competition - he did the same thing against Iowa last time out when he put up 38 DK points. He should have no problem anchoring your lineup with 30-35 DK points yet again against a below-average Kansas State team. The only worry is that this is a paced-down matchup, but Bolton shouldn’t be affected much with how much he’s involved for the Cyclones.
Marcus CarrMINNIL800039760036.32
Although he’s slightly cheaper than Rasir Bolton, the better cash game option might be Carr - who has more offensive responsibility on his own team and will be playing in a faster-paced game with a higher total. Carr has a 30% usage rate and leads the team in shot volume by a wide margin as he plays a score-first point guard role in the Minnesota offense. Outside of a down outing last game, the junior has put up 35+ DK points every other game and should do the same here as he tries to keep the Golden Gophers on pace to match the high-scoring Illinois squad. This game will likely be Ayo Dosunmu vs. Carr in a battle of the backcourts - and they both should have big performances. Carr is a great cash play on this slate - especially on FD.
Scottie BarnesFSUGT670026.83650025.13
Although Barnes’ salaries have slowly risen into the 6k range - he’s still probably too cheap for how good he is and what his DFS ceiling is in the right matchups. As the top-rated incoming recruit in the ACC, the freshman has immediately stepped into a high-usage role with the Seminoles following offseason departures of Patrick Williams, Devin Vassell and Trent Forrest. Even with FSU having some talented holdovers from last year’s squad, it’s clear Barnes should be the top offensive playmaker moving forward as an athletic, lengthy wing who’s a fantastic passer and pure bucket-getter. Through three games, he’s been stuffing the stat sheet with 29 and 28 DK points in back-to-back games - and it’s only a matter of time until he’s putting up 30+ DFS points. He’s a great GPP option on this slate with the increased price tag likely making people stay away.

Value Guards

Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Andre CurbeloILMINN540020.21570023.27
Despite coming off the bench, Curbelo is extremely productive when he’s on the floor as he plays a sixth-man, super-sub role for Illinois. When he gets minutes - which has been 20+ in both of the last two games - Curbelo has the team’s second-highest usage rate (29%) and shot volume behind only Ayo Dosunmu. In the backcourt, he’s definitely the best complementary scorer to Dosunmu and Illinois is using him perfectly as a jolt of offense off the bench to help the team (and DFS players) be successful. He’s coming off 30 DK points last time out, but he should normally expect 20-25 DK points at a great price.
Johnny JuzangUCLAVU490014.62  
The UCLA game is only on DK, but we should look hard at Juzang as a good value guard on that slate. After missing the first few games of the season with a foot injury, the Kentucky transfer has played the last two outings - and even cracked the starting rotation on Friday. With 20 and 27 minutes played in his two games back, it’s encouraging to see UCLA clearly make the effort to have him play a key role in this offense. The insertion into the starting lineup vs. a solid opponent like Marquette is a good sign - and his 27 minutes in that game is even better. Plus, he’s garnered a high shot volume and offensive usage rate when on the court so far - it’s just his shooting efficiency that needs to improve for him to smash value. He’s a great salary-saver as long as he’s sub-5k.
Selton MiguelKSUISU470011.5834008.80
Kansas State is dealing with a bunch of injuries right now and Miquel is one of the Wildcats who’s benefiting from more playing time. The freshman had been getting 20 minutes per game off the bench before then joining the starting rotation last time out - and instantly logging 34 minutes with a season-high 17 points scored. Kansas State has both Montavious Murphy and Kaosi Ezeagu out in the frontcourt and it’s forced Miguel to play more in small-ball lineups as the power forward. Even if he doesn’t start again tonight, that extended playing time will likely continue against an Iowa State team that tends to play smaller lineups as well. The increase in minutes and apparent offensive role - he took 14 shots last game - Miguel should be a great cash or GPP value. He’s even better on FD with the lower price tag.
Jaden SpringerTENNAPST  380013.35
The Tennessee game is unique to FD’s slate, but there are some very cheap options in this matchup that we should exploit. Both Springer and Keon Johnson ($3100) are five-star freshmen who are way too good to be priced this low. Both have yet to start for a talented Tennessee squad through two games, but it’s only a matter or time until one or both play bigger roles on both ends for the Vols. Against Cincinnati on Saturday, we saw both youngsters get more playing time and offensive usage - with Springer scoring 11 points in 25 minutes and Johnson having seven points and six boards in 20 minutes. In tonight’s easier matchup vs. mid-major Appalachian State, we’ll likely see both guys play big minutes with more playmaking roles as the usual starters rest in the expected blowout. Both Springer and Johnson will outperform their sub-4k price tags on FD.

Other Guards to Consider:

  • Mike Bothwell - Furman ($7,400 DK / $7,900 FD)
  • Alterique Gilbert - Wichita State ($6,800 DK Only)
  • Nijel Pack - Kansas State ($6,400 DK / $6,800 FD)
  • M.J. Walker - Florida State ($6,200 DK / $6,000 FD)
  • Bubba Parham - Georgia Tech ($5,600 DK / $5,700 FD)
  • Da’Monte Williams - Illinois ($4,800 DK / $5,000 FD)
  • Tyler Harris - Iowa State ($4,800 DK / $4,500 FD)
  • Jalen Cone - Virginia Tech ($4,100 DK / $3,900 FD)

Top Forwards

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Moses WrightGTFSU930043.94820041.75
The top end of the Forward position on this slate isn’t too strong, but Wright stands in a tier of his own. He’s been pretty dominant over the last two games vs. Kentucky and Nebraska when he put up 45 and 35 DK points, respectively, while stuffing the stat sheet in all offensive and defensive categories. There’s no denying his strong post game and he plays an important role in the paint in a Georgia Tech lineup that’s guard-heavy. Tonight, though, he’s just a high-upside GPP play with the increased salary and tougher matchup vs. Florida State. With how lengthy the FSU rotation is, however, Wright will be needed even more and he should have plenty of opportunities to put up stats on both ends once again. He’s a great high-end tournament pivot off of Ayo Dosunmu in the same price range.
Noah GurleyFURALA730029.42700028.33
On a slate with many low total matchups, the Furman-Alabama game is one to target overall with the slate’s highest point total and two teams that like to play quick on offense. All of Furman’s starters are firmly in play with how tight the rotation is and the studs all being heavily involved on offense. Gurley boasts a high offensive usage rate (25%) and shots share (27%) and is shooting 41% from three-point range so far. Those are attractive stats when you consider he’ll be in a fast-paced game with Alabama and against a Tide defense that can give up lots of points from three-point distance. Gurley has 32+ DK points in three straight games and one of those came against Cincinnati last week - so we know he can get it done in tougher matchups. With people likely paying up for the top guards on this slate, Gurley can be a nice GPP option.
Javan JohnsonISUKSU710029.67710027.97
 
Both GachMINNIL690030.54700028.65
After transferring from Utah this offseason, Gach has moved into a solid offensive role for Minnesota as a complementary scoring/playmaking option to Marcus Carr. His usage rate and shot volume numbers aren’t particularly high, but his DFS value is usually safe every game because of his balanced production as an assist man and rebounder. Through six games, he’s averaging 30 DK points per outing with his per-game marks of 15.3 real points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and one steal. His versatile scoring from the wing and defensive length will be needed in this matchup with Illinois and their stud Ayo Dosunmu - especially if Minnesota’s center Liam Robbins has trouble with Kofi Cockburn in the paint.

Value Forwards

Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Davion BradfordKSUISU55009.4635009.02
With starting center Kaosi Ezeagu out for several weeks, Bradford should continue to play a larger role on both ends as the new starter down low for Kansas State. The 7-foot freshman stepped into the starting rotation the last two games and he exploded for 30 DK points in 32 minutes last time out with a 25% offensive usage rate. His post scoring is needed even more with Montavious Murphy out as well - and Bradford will only get more comfortable in his first collegiate season. He’s a bargain on both sites but is still way too underpriced on FD at under 4k.
Khalid MooreGTFSU430015.75380014.63
The playing time has been a bit up-and-down for Moore this season, but we should expect him on the court more often than not in tonight’s matchup. After logging 30 minutes in Georgia Tech’s opener, Moore has been slowly worked back into the rotation while battling an ankle injury. Against Nebraska last time out, though, the 6-foot-7 junior got back to 30+ minutes and subsequently put up 25 DK points with the increase in playing time. His length and size will be needed more tonight against a Florida State team that’s the tallest in the country in terms of average size. If he’s getting 30 or so minutes off the bench again, Moore will provide a solid DFS floor at these cheap price tags to be a great cash game value.
Isaiah IhnenMINNIL470010.5436009.97
With teammate Brandon Johnson battling an ankle injury, Ihnen has seen an increase in playing time and his DFS value is a lot higher because of that extended time on the court. The sophomore moved into the starting lineup last game with Johnson out and provided 23 DK points with 11 rebounds in 28 minutes. The Johnson status is one to monitor tonight, but Ihnen could be a strong value on both sites with the increase in playing time. When he gets 20+ minutes, his DFS value shoots up into the double-digit point range - and that would be tough to pass up in a fast-paced matchup with Illinois where Minnesota will need his positional versatility to guard the Illini’s smaller lineups.
Rey IdowuTLSAWICH410015.58  
A DK-only value play here with a slight mispricing at first glance. Although Idowu doesn’t start for Tulsa, he actually plays more often than starting center Emmanuel Ugboh - who’s yet to crack 15 minutes in all three games. Meanwhile, Idowu is playing about 25 minutes per game and has put up 14-18 DK points in each outing. At 6-foot-9 and 243 pounds, he’s the best offensive rebounder for Tulsa and will have an advantage in that area against an undersized Wichita State team that struggles on the defensive boards. Idowu’s DFS value has been solid because of his rebounding despite a minimal offensive role. If we can get 15 or more DK points at this price, it’s a nice salary-saver to fit in more studs for cash.

Other Forwards to Consider:

  • Herbert Jones - Alabama ($7,600 DK / $6,700 FD)
  • Chris Smith - UCLA ($7,400 DK Only)
  • Keve Aluma - Virginia Tech ($7,000 DK / $6,600 FD)
  • Raiquan Gray - Florida State ($6,600 DK / $6,800 FD)
  • John Fulkerson - Tennessee ($5,600 FD Only)
  • Solomon Young - Iowa State ($5,300 DK / $5,400 FD)
  • Jordan Bruner - Alabama ($5,200 DK / $5,600 FD)
  • Clarence Jackson - Wichita State ($5,000 DK Only)
  • Antonio Gordon - Kansas State ($3,800 DK / $3,900 FD) - if starting 

Example Lineups
(These are examples of what is possible with the Playbook and not intended for plug and play)

DK Cash FD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GAyo DosunmuILMINN44.58$10,000 GAyo DosunmuILLMINN41.44$8,400
PivotRasir BoltonISUKSU36.92$8,200 Pivot     
GMarcus CarrMINNIL39$8,000 GMarcus CarrMINNILL36.31$7,600
Pivot      PivotRasir BoltonISUKSU35.1$8,000
GJohnny JuzangUCLALBS14.62$4,900 GScottie BarnesFSUGT25.13$6,500
Pivot      Pivot     
FJavan JohnsonISUKSU29.67$7,100 GJaden SpringerTENNAPST13.35$3,800
PivotHerbert JonesALAFUR27.7$7,600 Pivot     
FIsaiah IhnenMINNIL10.54$4,700 FJavan JohnsonISUKSU27.96$7,100
Pivot      Pivot     
FKhalid MooreGTFSU15.75$4,300 FBoth GachMINNILL28.64$7,000
Pivot      Pivot     
UtilDavion BradfordKSUISU9.46$5,500 FDavion BradfordKSUISU9.01$3,500
PivotScottie BarnesFSUGT26.83$6,700 PivotIsaiah IhnenMINNILL9.96$3,600
UtilAndre CurbeloILMINN20.21$5,400 UtilAndre CurbeloILLMINN18.38$5,800
Pivot      PivotJohn FulkersonTENNAPST22.25$5,600
    Total$49,900     Total$49,700
   Pivot Total$49,800    Pivot Total$50,000
             
DK GPP FD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GRasir BoltonISUKSU36.92$8,200 GMarcus CarrMINNILL36.31$7,600
PivotMike BothwellFURALA33.92$7,400 Pivot     
GBoth GachMINNIL30.54$6,900 GBubba ParhamGTFSU23.27$5,700
Pivot      Pivot     
GSelton MiguelKSUISU11.58$4,700 GSelton MiguelKSUISU8.8$3,400
Pivot      PivotRasir BoltonISUKSU35.1$8,000
FMoses WrightGTFSU43.94$9,300 GKeon JohnsonTENNAPST9.1$3,100
Pivot      Pivot     
FNoah GurleyFURALA29.42$7,300 FMoses WrightGTFSU41.75$8,200
PivotKeve AlumaVTCLEM29.55$7,000 Pivot     
FRey IdowuTLSAWICH15.58$4,100 FNoah GurleyFURALA28.33$7,000
Pivot      Pivot     
UtilJalen ConeVTCLEM11.12$4,100 FKeve AlumaVTCLEM26.96$6,600
Pivot      Pivot     
UtilJordan BrunerALAFUR17.65$5,200 UtilMike BothwellFURALA35.86$7,900
PivotM.J. WalkerFSUGT25.08$6,200 PivotKhalid MooreGTFSU14.62$3,800
    Total$49,800     Total$49,500
   Pivot Total$49,700    Pivot Total$50,000