THE SLATE

(w/ Implied Team Totals & Odds via KenPom)

  • 7 pm ET -- Kentucky (73) at Georgia (71) -- 144 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Providence (68) at Creighton (77) -- 145 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Clemson (65) at Georgia Tech (64) -- 129 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Wake Forest (65) at North Carolina (77) -- 142 total **DK ONLY**

  • 8 pm ET -- Tulsa (55) at Houston (67) -- 132 total 

  • 8 pm ET -- Northwestern (63) at Wisconsin (73) -- 136 total

  • 9 pm ET -- Auburn (74) at Arkansas (80) -- 154 total **DK ONLY**

  • 9 pm ET -- Colorado (77) at Washington (64) -- 141 total **DK ONLY**

 

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
David DukePROVCRE940037.14840034.15
The slate-high salary might give it away, but David Duke has been an absolute beast in DFS and real life this season as he’s emerged as a legit NBA lottery pick. On the fantasy side, he’s put up 45 or more DK points in three of the last five games as Providence’s high-usage playmaker and go-to scorer during Big East play. Duke has undeniably been a stud with one of the best floor/ceiling combos in the country. This matchup vs. Creighton’s defense is a tough one, though, and it’s notable that Duke “only” had 29 DK points in the prior meeting. It makes it tough to pay up for him in cash, but his GPP ceiling is very high every game.
Sharife CooperAUBARK900043.5  
If you’re playing on DraftKings tonight, the Auburn-Arkansas game is definitely one to target as the highest-scoring matchup - and Sharife Cooper will likely be popular in all formats. Since gaining immediate eligibility earlier this month, Cooper has stepped right into being Auburn’s lead ball-handler and top offensive playmaker. The freshman has a whopping 40% usage rate and 37% shots share with double-digits in both shot and free throw attempts in his three games so far. Plus, he’s had at least eight assists in each outing and adds even more DFS value with steals and rebounds. The price may seem steep, but Cooper should be worth it for cash or GPP with his floor/ceiling combo in an uptempo game.
Denzel MahoneyCREPROV830028.38650025.77
A key injury situation to monitor tonight centers around Creighton’s best players. PG Marcus Zegarowski will be a game-time decision after he’s missed the last two outings with a hamstring injury. If he’s out again, expect Denzel Mahoney to take on more offensive responsibility for the Bluejays - just as he’s done in recent games. Mahoney put up 37 and 48 DK points in the last two games with Zegarowski out as he saw heavy usage and shot volume when Creighton had the ball. His DK price is assuming Zegarowski is out, but his FD salary is way too cheap - and makes him still viable on that site even if his teammate plays.
Sahvir WheelerUGAUK800031.25770027.94
Per usual when Georgia is on the slate, we have to look strongly at Sahvir Wheeler running the point with how fast the Bulldogs like the play. They play at the 8th-fastest tempo overall and the increased number of possessions consistently allows for much more DFS opportunities for Wheeler than point guards of other teams. He’s returned to putting up 30+ DK points in the last two games - which is encouraging as those performances came with freshman K.D. Johnson in the lineup. Wheeler is still able to get his points, assists and ancillary stats with Johnson active - and his price tag is in a good cash or GPP level on both sites.
D'Mitrik TriceWISCNW730026.93710024.98
Wisconsin may not be the sexiest team for DFS, but Trice continues to get it done almost every game at an affordable price point - and he’ll probably go overlooked on this slate with plenty of studs in higher-scoring games above him. The Badgers’ senior point guard is always a threat for 30+ DK points with 20 points scored and a good floor of assists/rebounds. Although this matchup vs. Northwestern is one of the lower-scoring games on the slate, Trice can still be perfectly fine for cash. There’s upside, too, as Northwestern owns the worst defense in the Big Ten and doesn’t defend the three-pointer well. Trice is making 43% of three’s in conference play as by far the team’s best deep threat.
        
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Clyde TrappCLEMGT500017.86500016.47
Finding safe DFS value at 5k on both sites is always a good thing, and Trapp should be exactly that tonight. The Tigers’ small forward is usually good for 15-20 DK points with his rebounding floor and just enough production in other stat categories with consistent 25-30 minutes. Believe it or not, he’s actually Clemson’s best defensive rebounder and that bodes well against a Georgia Tech team that’s the worst offensive rebounding team in the ACC. Although he’s not usually involved heavily on offense, Trapp should provide a good floor of rebounds at 5k.
Devin AskewUKUGA500016.81450015.31
As annoying as it may be to roster Kentucky players right now, we can’t deny the big pace-boost the Wildcats get tonight against one of the fastest teams in the country in Georgia. The potential uptempo flow of this one should favor the UK guards - and Devin Askew is at a good price point on both sites and is a much safer play than either Davion Mintz or Brandon Boston right now. During conference play, Askew is running the point more often than Mintz and that more steady involvement usually keeps his DFS floor higher. The freshman had a down game last time out - which has kept his salary low - but he was spitting out 19+ DK points in six straight games prior. He’s a good cash option on both sites with upside for 25-30 DK points if things go right.
Jamal BeyUWUC530014.4  
Washington might be the worst Power 5 team in the country, but we shouldn’t completely look past the Huskies for DFS value. Jamal Bey continues to be one of the team’s few bright spots and he’s a decent cheap option on the DK slate. The junior wing has seen an uptick in shot volume lately and his DFS floor is a lot safer with the increased offensive role combined with ancillary stats. He’s put up 19-25 DK points in four straight games and Washington will need him tonight to keep it close vs. Colorado.
Kerwin WaltonUNCWF490011.69  
Over on the DK slate, the Tar Heels should not go overlooked as they face arguably the worst team in the ACC tonight. Wake Forest is bad on both ends of the court and UNC has one of the highest team totals with 77 points projected by KenPom. We keep saying it with Kerwin Walton - but he’s a fantastic cash option as long as he stays in the 5k range and continues to start. The freshman has taken over the lead shooting guard role lately and he’s averaging 20 DK points per game over his five starts.
Shereef MitchellCREPROV440010.1940009.55
Keep an eye out for the Marcus Zegarowski news tonight. If Creighton’s starting point guard is out for a third straight game, expect Mitchell to start yet again and be a solid cash value. The sophomore has started the last two games with Zegarowski out and his expanded playing time simply gives him a higher DFS floor than his salaries indicate at sub 5k. He has 21 DK points in the first start and then 14 DK points in the second while logging a season-high 30 minutes. Expect a safe floor if he starts and Zegarowski is out.

Other Guards to Consider

  • Jose Alvarado - Georgia Tech ($9,200 DK / $8,000 FD)

  • Quentin Grimes - Houston ($8,500 DK / $7,600 FD)

  • McKinley Wright IV - Colorado ($7,400 DK Only)

  • Jalen Tate - Arkansas ($6,100 DK Only)

  • Brandon Boston Jr. - Kentucky ($6,100 DK / $6,100 FD)

  • Mitch Ballock - Creigton ($5,800 DK / $5,300 FD)

  • Devan Cambridge - Auburn ($5,600 DK Only)

  • Caleb Love - North Carolina ($4,500 DK Only)

 

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Moses MoodyARKAUB880031.25  
Again, the Arkansas-Auburn matchup is one to focus on if you’re playing on DK - and it’s a shame the FD slate ignored it. For the Razorbacks, Moody is the stud to look at with his regular 30-40 DK point floor with upside for more if he’s hitting from three-point range. Over the last three games - all uptempo ones like tonight - the wing has averaged 23.7 PPG and 36 DK points. His only bad game during SEC play was against Tennessee’s tough defense, so we can expect him to come through tonight as Arkansas’ answer to Sharife Cooper on the other side. If you still want exposure to Arkansas and don't want to pay all the way up for Moody, look instead at Jalen Tate ($6100) or JD Notae ($6000) as high-upside options at affordable salaries.
Aamir SimmsCLEMGT730025.43680023.51
It’s amazing how inconsistent Simms is for DFS despite being one of the best big men in the ACC and dominating at times when the matchup is right. Earlier this month, he went off for 25 points scored and 48 DK points vs. Miami - and then we see his floor of 15 DK points vs. Virginia on Saturday. Tonight should be a bounce-back spot for Simms, though, and he’s firmly in play for tournaments. Georgia Tech is the worst in the conference in offensive rebounding and allows the bulk of opposing points inside. That’s basically Simms’ two strong points as he can dominate the paint on both ends.
Allen FlaniganAUBARK700026.91  
With Justin Powell (concussion) likely out again tonight, we can expect Flanigan to continue as the 1B to Sharife Cooper as the headliners of Auburn’s offense. Although Cooper’s taken over more ball-handling duties in these last three games when active, Flanigan has still been a very good DFS play with plenty of involvement on the wing. The sophomore has 39 and 33 DK points in two of the three games with Cooper playing as he’s still getting his regular shot volume and rebounding opportunities with how fast-paced Auburn’s games have been. The case can be made that Flanigan is a much better cash or GPP play than Cooper at $2000 cheaper and possibly lower ownership.
Micah PotterWISCNW670024.68620022.76
The DFS floor isn’t as good as we’d like with Micah Potter, but he’s always in play for GPP’s with the potential to be the best player from either side in any given game. Unfortunately Wisconsin doesn’t give him full starter minutes, but he usually dominates when he’s on the court - and he should easily tonight in a favorable matchup. Northwestern is the worst offensive rebounding team in the Big Ten and their defensive rebounding is third-worst as opposing big men continue to have big games against them. Potter could be the next one to potentially get 20+ points scored and double-digit boards.
K.D. JohnsonUGAUK3800066000.00
Before we go any further, let’s point out that Johnson is a near-lock in cash games on DK. He’s appropriately priced on FD, but his DK salary is a clear mistake and it should make him extremely popular. The freshman was granted immediate eligibility a week ago and he’s instantly become a key part of Georgia’s rotation. In his first game, Johnson led all Bulldogs with 21 points scored and added in seven rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks. In his second, he only scored 14 points without much ancillary stat production - but it’s encouraging to see him highly involved on the offensive end right away. Again, he’s too cheap on DK to not play in cash and he’s even a good FD play with big upside.
 
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Evan BatteyUCUW570019.69  
Don’t overlook Colorado on the DK slate as the Buffs have one of the highest team totals going up against a horrendous Washington squad. McKinley Wright is the stud if you want to go in that direction, but Battey is very affordable for the solid floor/ceiling he provides in either cash or GPP. The junior’s rebounding and size have been needed much more lately with Dallas Walton out - and we can expect a good rebounding effort from Battey even if Walton ends up playing tonight. Washington is getting killed on the boards during Pac-12 play, with the worst defensive rebounding rate - and Battey is Colorado’s best offensive rebounder by a big margin even with Walton in there. He just had 35 DK points and 12 boards vs. Stanford and that upside makes his salary a bargain.
Olivier SarrUKUGA540021.54550020.02
Who else is ready to give up on using Kentucky players for DFS this season? The inconsistent play from every core player is very frustrating - but tonight presents a pace-boost matchup vs. Georgia and fading UK might be a mistake. Olivier Sarr, in particular, seems way too cheap on both sites. Despite his 15 DK points in three straight games, let’s not forget when Sarr dominated in early January when he had 38 and 42 DK points in back-to-back outings and looked like his old self. That upside is very much still there and Coach Cal would be smart to make him a focal point on offense tonight if the ‘Cats want to get back to winning. Sarr has a big advantage down low in this uptempo spot and he’s just too cheap.
Tyler WahlWISCNW470015.59440014.68
Tyler Wahl has been a solid reserve player all year for Wisconsin - but his DFS value takes a big step up if he’s going to be starting moving forward. Last time out, the sophomore entered the starting lineup for the first time this season - replacing an inconsistent Nate Reuvers. In the new starter role, Wahl put up 20 DK points in a season-high 35 minutes vs. Rutgers. It’s possible that was just a spot start, but Wisconsin has had the same starting lineup all year before the last game so we have to take note. Even if he comes off the bench, Wahl is still a decent bargain as he’s outplaying Reuvers right now.
Jimmy Nichols Jr.PROVCRE480013420011.01
With Jared Bynum expected out again tonight, Nichols will continue being a solid value with his expanded role and playing time. The junior has started the last four games and he’s put up 23 and 15 DK points in the last two games, respectively, with Bynum out. The minutes increase gives him a solid DFS floor of ancillary stats as his 6-foot-8 size gives Providence a bigger lineup when he’s out there. That length will be needed tonight to guard Denzel Mahoney and Creighton’s versatile forwards. His FD price tag makes him one of the better values on that slate.
Ismael MassoudWFUNC430015.28  
Although Wake Forest is 0-5 during ACC play and might be the conference’s worst teams, the UNC defense is not a scary matchup for some of these Demon Deacons. Specifically, the Heels are allowing a ton of points from the perimeter and opposing sharp shooters have given them trouble at times. Massoud is not only Wake’s best three-point shooter during conference action - going 42% from deep so far - but he’s also the team leader in shots share and defensive rebounding and is second in usage rate when on the court. Despite coming off the bench, he sees so much shot volume and offensive role when in the game that his non-starter designation is a moot point - especially when he’s this cheap. Massoud is absolutely worth a look in GPP’s for the potential to put up 20-30 DK points.

Other Forwards to Consider

  • Nate Watson - Providence ($7,900 DK / $7,900 FD)

  • Toumani Camara - Georgia ($7,800 DK / $7,500 FD)

  • Justin Gorham - Houston ($7,200 DK / $5,900 FD)

  • Damien Jefferson - Creighton ($7,000 DK / $6,300 FD)

  • Keion Brooks Jr. - Kentucky ($6,500 DK / $5,800 FD)

  • Justin Smith - Arkansas ($5,100 DK Only)

  • Ryan Kalkbrenner - Creighton ($4,100 DK / $5,100 FD)

Example Lineups

The Example Lineups are meant to show how you can build Cash and GPP lineups using players mentioned in the Playbook. They are not meant to be plugged and played.

 

DK Cash FD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GSharife CooperAUBARK43.5$9,000 GSahvir WheelerUGAUK27.93$7,700
????PivotSahvir WheelerUGAUK31.25$8,000$8,000????Pivot     
GDevin AskewUKUGA16.81$5,000 GDenzel MahoneyCREPROV25.76$6,500
????Pivot     $5,000????Pivot     
GK.D. JohnsonUGAUK0$3,800 GD'Mitrik TriceWISNW24.97$7,100
????Pivot     $3,800????Pivot     
FOlivier SarrUKUGA21.54$5,400 GDevin AskewUKUGA15.3$4,500
????Pivot     $5,400????Pivot     
FMoses MoodyARKAUB31.3$8,800 FOlivier SarrUKUGA20.01$5,500
????Pivot     $8,800????Pivot     
FTyler WahlWISCNW15.59$4,700 FTyler WahlWISNW14.67$4,400
????PivotEvan BatteyUCUW19.69$5,700$5,700????PivotJimmy Nichols Jr.PROVCRE11$4,200
UtilDenzel MahoneyCREPROV28.38$8,300 FJustin GorhamHOUTULS21.98$5,900
????Pivot     $8,300????PivotMicah PotterWISNW22.75$6,200
UtilClyde TrappCLEMGT17.86$5,000 UtilDavid DukePROVCRE34.15$8,400
????PivotKerwin WaltonUNCWF11.69$4,900$4,900????PivotJose AlvaradoGTCLEM30.62$8,000
    Total$50,000     Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$49,900    Pivot Total$49,700
             
DK GPP FD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GD'Mitrik TriceWISCNW26.93$7,300 GQuentin GrimesHOUTULS29.55$7,600
????PivotDavid DukePROVCRE37.14$9,400$9,400????Pivot     
GAllen FlaniganAUBARK26.91$7,000 GClyde TrappCLEMGT16.47$5,000
????Pivot     $7,000????Pivot     
GJamal BeyUWUC14.4$5,300 GShereef MitchellCREPROV9.54$4,000
????PivotShereef MitchellCREPROV10.19$4,400$4,400????Pivot     
FAamir SimmsCLEMGT25.43$7,300 GDamien JeffersonCREPROV23.65$6,300
????Pivot     $7,300????PivotDenzel MahoneyCREPROV25.76$6,500
FIsmael MassoudWFUNC15.28$4,300 FNate WatsonPROVCRE28.36$7,900
????Pivot     $4,300????PivotToumani CamaraUGAUK27.56$7,500
FEvan BatteyUCUW19.69$5,700 FAamir SimmsCLEMGT23.5$6,800
????Pivot     $5,700????Pivot     
UtilMicah PotterWISCNW24.68$6,700 FK.D. JohnsonUGAUK0$6,600
????Pivot     $6,700????Pivot     
UtilJalen TateARKAUB23.55$6,100 UtilKeion Brooks Jr.UKUGA22.23$5,800
????PivotClyde TrappCLEMGT17.86$5,000$5,000????Pivot     
    Total$49,700     Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$49,800    Pivot Total$49,800