THE SLATE

(w/ Implied Team Totals & Odds via KenPom)

  • 6:30 pm ET -- NC State (70) at Florida State (74) -- 144 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Tulsa (65) at Wichita State (66) -- 131 total **FD ONLY**

  • 7 pm ET -- Arkansas (78) at LSU (81) -- 159 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Auburn (76) at Georgia (77) -- 153 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Northwestern (68) at Ohio State (75) -- 143 total

  • 8:30 pm ET -- Louisville (72) at Wake Forest (68) -- 140 total **DK ONLY**

  • 8:30 pm ET -- DePaul (72) at Georgetown (73) -- 145 total **DK ONLY**

  • 9 pm ET -- Texas Tech (64) at Texas (68) -- 132 total

 

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Sahvir WheelerUGAAUB820030.19750026.67
The two SEC games on tonight’s slate are definitely the ones to target overall with both most likely being uptempo and high-scoring. Wheeler runs the point for Georgia and his high usage as the Bulldogs’ main ball-handler gives him one of the best DFS ceilings on the slate. In a similarly high-scoring, fast-paced game vs. LSU last week, Wheeler finished with 41 DK points with 21 points scored and nine assists. The scoring role isn’t always high for the sophomore, but we can bank on his assist total being high almost every game. He should stuff the stat sheet with other ancillary production as well in this back-and-forth game vs. Auburn that should be dominated by both teams’ guard play.
Moses MoodyARKLSU730030.4770028.45
The other high-scoring, uptempo SEC game to target tonight is this LSU-Arkansas matchup. For the Razorbacks, their top DFS option is freshman standout Moses Moody. The versatile wing is coming off a 25-point outburst vs. Georgia last time out and he’s put up 35+ DK points in two of four conference games thus far. Moody has taken on a bigger offensive role with Arkansas big man Justin Smith out and his DFS value should be safe in cash games in this quick-paced game vs. LSU. The price discount on DK compared to FD makes him a better play on that site. You can also look at Jalen Tate from Arkansas depending on your lineup build and salary situation.
Javonte SmartLSUARK740029.39740026.52
Going back to these high-scoring SEC matchups, the LSU studs are firmly in play in a pace-boosted spot vs. Arkansas’ 12th-fastest tempo. In the backcourt, though, it might be a wait-and-see situation with standout freshman Cam Thomas being a game-time decision after injuring his ankle on Saturday. If Thomas is out - which seems likely - expect Javonte Smart to pick up a ton of offensive responsibility while running the point and being the best three-point shooter on the team (44%). Even with Thomas healthy, Smart has been a DFS stud with big games vs. Florida and Georgia earlier this month. Expect a big statistical game either way - and he’s a much better play with Thomas out.
Sharife CooperAUBUGA670048.5850045.30
After sitting out the first part of the season due to eligibility concerns, Sharife Cooper finally made his season debut on Saturday and he was instantly Auburn’s best player as expected. He logged 32 minutes as a starter and went off for 48.5 DK points with an impressive stat line of 26 points scored, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals. With fellow freshman Justin Powell out, Cooper was basically handed the reins to the Auburn offense right away. He had an insane 38% usage rate with 19 shot attempts and 10 free throw attempts in his first game - and we should probably expect something similar moving forward with Cooper being the Tigers’ best player. His FD salary is appropriate, but he should be very chalky on DK where he comes at a big bargain.
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Samuell WilliamsonULLSU430019.07  
On the DK slate, we shouldn’t overlook this Louisville team in a soft matchup vs. Wake Forest’s defense that’s the worst statistically in the ACC right now. The Cardinals’ two studs - Carlik Jones and David Johnson - are in play but they will be tough to fit in if we’re targeting the top-tier players in the higher-scoring SEC matchups tonight. Instead, let’s look for value in the form of Samuell Williamson - who’s seen a $2000 price decrease from the last game when he only out up 5.25 DK points in 11 minutes. Obviously that dud effort is tough to ignore, but Williamson is a better player than that performance vs. a tough Virginia Tech defense and he should bounce back tonight. A sub-5k price tag is criminal for someone with his versatile talent - and he isn’t too far removed from putting up 36 DK points and a double-double vs. Pitt in December.
Jimmy SotosOSUNW40004.8531004.36
With Buckeyes’ starting point guard CJ Walker out on Saturday, Sotos stepped into the starting lineup and logged a season-high 28 minutes while putting up 18 DK points in the new role. Walker is already ruled out for tonight, so Sotos would be locked into more playing time again - but that’s a question mark as well. The senior transfer will be a game-time decision himself after he hurt his shoulder over the weekend. If he plays, load him into cash and GPP lineups at extremely underpriced salaries. If Sotos is out, though, look at Musa Jallow to play a lot more in Ohio State’s backcourt. It’s possible we even see newly eligible freshman Meechie Johnson play meaningful minutes as well. Stay tuned for injury news ahead of this 7 pm ET tipoff.
Eric GainesLSUARK30008.9245008.05
If you’re looking to game stack the highest-scoring matchup on the slate - or just want a cheap one-off play - look at Eric Gaines as a very nice salary-saver if Cam Thomas is out. After Thomas got hurt four minutes into the last game, Gaines stepped into a season-high 28 minutes and put up 24 DK points with the increased role. His salaries on both sites are assuming Thomas plays, but that does not seem likely as he’s yet to practice fully this week after injuring his ankle over the weekend. If Thomas is out, expect Gaines to be very chalky on both sites - especially at his min price tag on DK.

Other Guards to Consider

  • Carlik Jones - Louisville ($8,400 DK Only)

  • Brandon Rachal - Tulsa ($7,800 FD Only)

  • Scottie Barnes - Florida State ($7,000 DK / $6,500 FD)

  • Duane Washington Jr. - Ohio State ($6,400 DK / $5,700 FD)

  • Matt Coleman III - Texas ($6,300 DK / $7,000 FD)

  • Davonte Davis - Arkansas ($6,000 DK / $4,100 FD)

  • Kevin McCullar - Texas Tech ($5,800 DK / $6,300 FD)

  • Jamal Johnson - Auburn ($5,100 DK / $4,900 FD)

  • Tye Fagan - Georgia ($4,700 DK / $6,000 FD)

  • Ricky Council IV - Wichita State ($3,000 FD Only)

 

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Trendon WatfordLSUARK780034.33810032.11
Sticking with the SEC theme in today’s playbook, another stud from LSU to strongly consider is big man Trendon Watford. He’s been on fire to begin conference play with at least 21 points scored and 37 DK points in two of three games. He plays the majority of minutes at center and is basically locked into double-digit points and 25-30 DK points as a DFS floor with how shallow the Tigers’ bench is and how high-scoring the LSU games usually are. Plus, if Cam Thomas is indeed out tonight, expect Watford to take on a bigger offensive role along with Javonte Smart tonight. He’s good for cash or GPP at pretty affordable price tags in a forward position that doesn’t have any clear-cut, expensive studs that stand out above the rest.
Toumani CamaraUGAAUB680031.88790029.10
People might be off on Camara after he only put up 15 DK points in 16 minutes last time out vs. Arkansas - but that would be a big mistake. That dud effort came because he was in foul trouble the whole game, which is not usually the case for Georgia’s big man. The sophomore has regularly been good for 30-40 DK points as the offense revolves around him and Sahvir Wheeler - and Camara’s rebounding in fast-paced games provides a solid DFS floor to start out with. He should have an advantage on the boards vs. Auburn and could easily go for 40 DFS points tonight in a high-scoring affair. The savings on DK make him a better play on that site.
Greg BrownUTTT670025.66590022.90
Despite coming off back-to-back 30 DK point performances, Greg Brown is oddly priced down from his high 7k salaries from Saturday. Against West Virginia over the weekend, though, Brown dominated in the paint to the tune of 12 points and 14 boards - and he could easily do the same tonight. Texas Tech simply does not have the size or rebounding prowess to contest with Brown or this taller Texas frontcourt - and another double-double for the freshman stud is not out of the question. The only risk - which makes him more a GPP play - is if Texas goes smaller in its lineups and Brown doesn’t see the court enough to pay off.
Qudus WahabGUDPU650028.16  
If you’re playing on DraftKings, don’t overlook this Georgetown-DePaul matchup as it could be a sneaky source of DFS value on both sites. For the Hokies, they should have a big advantage on the glass as DePaul is among the worst teams in the country at defensive rebounding. At 6-foot-11, Wahab should dominate in the paint in this matchup and provide a good floor/ceiling combo with his rebounding and inside scoring upside. He’s priced down a bit after a dud effort vs. Syracuse on Saturday - but this is a bounce-back spot for a guy who put up 32+ DK points with double-digit rebounds in each of the three previous outings.
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Raiquan GrayFSUNCST520022580020.56
Although most of Florida State’s regulars are a bit volatile in DFS value with stud freshman Scottie Barnes in the mix, Gray is a bit too cheap for what his ceiling can be in any given game. The junior power forward is coming off his worst game of the year vs. Clemson - but that was two weeks ago because of cancelled games recently. Gray should bounce back in an easier matchup vs. NC State and he provides a good floor/ceiling combo with his rebounding, assisting and defensive stats.
Kai JonesUTTT440018.98520017.95
We mentioned earlier with Greg Brown that Texas should have a notable advantage on the glass vs. a smaller Texas Tech team - and there’s some value in the Longhorns frontcourt. Kai Jones is usually the first guy off the bench for Texas and he plays nearly the same number of minutes as Brown as his direct backup that’s more of a time-share situation. When he’s in the game, the 6-foot-11 sophomore doesn’t have a big offensive role but he provides a solid DFS floor with his rebounding and defensive stats. As long as he’s in the 5k range, Jones is good for cash - and he’s especially a bargain on DK.
Vance Jackson Jr.ARKLSU400012.56410011.41
If you’re looking for a cheap avenue to the highest-scoring game on the slate, it doesn’t get much better than Vance Jackson. The senior transfer has stepped into a bigger role since Justin Smith’s injury and his salaries on both sites are way too low for his increased DFS value. Over the last two games, Jackson has logged 33 and 25 minutes and put up 28 and 22 DK points, respectively, in the added playing time. He’s a versatile scorer with rebounding upside to give him a good floor/ceiling combo at an extreme bargain. Expect him to be chalky - especially if he starts for a second straight game.

Other Forwards to Consider

  • Jamorko Pickett - Georgetown ($7,600 DK Only)

  • Darius Days - LSU ($7,000 DK / $7,300 FD)

  • Jae’Lyn Withers - Louisville ($6,100 DK Only)

  • Nick Ongenda - DePaul ($5,400 DK Only)

  • Ismael Massoud - Wake Forest ($4,600 DK Only)

  • Kyle Young - Ohio State ($4,500 DK / $4,800 FD)

  • Jaylin Williams - Arkansas ($4,300 DK / $4,000 FD)

Example Lineups

The Example Lineups are meant to show how you can build Cash and GPP lineups based on players mentioned above. They are not meant to be plugged and played.

 

DK Cash FD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GSharife CooperAUBUGA48.5$6,700 GSharife CooperAUBUGA45.29$8,500
Pivot     $6,700Pivot     
GMoses MoodyARKLSU30.4$7,300 GJavonte SmartLSUARK26.52$7,400
Pivot     $7,300Pivot     
GEric GainesLSUARK8.92$3,000 GJimmy SotosOSUNW4.35$3,100
PivotDuane Washington Jr.OSUNW24.42$6,400$6,400PivotMusa JallowOSUNW10.64$3,900
FTrendon WatfordLSUARK34.33$7,800 GEric GainesLSUARK8.05$4,500
Pivot     $7,800PivotJamal JohnsonAUBUGA15.43$4,900
FQudus WahabGUDPU28.2$6,500 FTrendon WatfordLSUARK32.11$8,100
Pivot     $6,500Pivot     
FToumani CamaraUGAAUB31.88$6,800 FVance Jackson Jr.ARKLSU11.4$4,100
Pivot     $6,800Pivot     
UtilVance Jackson Jr.ARKLSU12.56$4,000 FToumani CamaraUGAAUB29.1$7,900
Pivot     $4,000Pivot     
UtilJamorko PickettGUDPU27.46$7,600 UtilKevin McCullarTTUTEX23.62$6,300
PivotKai JonesUTTT18.98$4,400$4,400PivotKai JonesTEXTTU17.95$5,200
    Total$49,700     Total$49,900
   Pivot Total$49,900    Pivot Total$50,000
             
DK GPP FD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GSahvir WheelerUGAAUB30.19$8,200 GMoses MoodyARKLSU28.44$7,700
Pivot     $8,200Pivot     
GJavonte SmartLSUARK29.39$7,400 GSahvir WheelerUGAAUB26.66$7,500
Pivot     $7,400Pivot     
GJimmy SotosOSUNW4.85$4,000 GRicky Council IVWICHTULS14.57$3,000
PivotMusa JallowOSUNW11.19$3,300$3,300Pivot     
FRaiquan GrayFSUNCST22$5,200 GBrandon RachalTULSWICH29.11$7,800
Pivot     $5,200PivotMatt Coleman IIITEXTTU24.9$7,000
FGreg BrownUTTT25.66$6,700 FRaiquan GrayFSUNCST20.55$5,800
Pivot     $6,700Pivot     
FSamuell WilliamsonULWF19.07$4,300 FDarius DaysLSUARK25.72$7,300
Pivot     $4,300Pivot     
UtilDarius DaysLSUARK28.28$7,000 FGreg BrownTEXTTU22.89$5,900
PivotCarlik JonesULWF32.72$8,400$8,400Pivot     
UtilScottie BarnesFSUNCST25.61$7,000 UtilKyle YoungOSUNW18.04$4,800
PivotMatt Coleman IIIUTTT26.8$6,300$6,300PivotDuane Washington Jr.OSUNW21.89$5,700
    Total$49,800     Total$49,800
   Pivot Total$49,800    Pivot Total$49,900