THE SLATE

(w/ Implied Team & Game Totals via KenPom)

  • 7 pm ET -- Rutgers (71) at Penn State (72) -- 143 total

  • 7 pm ET -- Wichita State (69) at Memphis (71) -- 140 total

  • 9 pm ET -- Indiana (71) at Iowa (81) -- 152 total

  • 9 pm ET -- Arizona (80) at Arizona State (77) -- 157 total

  • 9 pm ET -- UCLA (72) at California (64) -- 136 total **DK ONLY**

  • 10 pm ET -- Utah (67) at Washington State (64) -- 131 total **DK ONLY**

 

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Isaac BontonWSUUTAH830033.88  
If you’re playing on DraftKings, the most expensive guard is Isaac Bonton and deservedly so because he’s been a DFS stud lately. The senior point guard has put up at least 37 DK points in five straight games as he’s averaging 23 PPG over that span with plenty of ancillary stat production, efficient shooting and heavy usage/shot volume. The Washington State offense revolves around Bonton’s playmaking from the point and his DFS floor/ceiling combo is higher than any other guard in action tonight. He’ll probably go overlooked because of the presence of Luka Garza - but he’s a safe cash or GPP play.
James AkinjoAZASU760028.06680025.95
Three games ago, Akinjo ruined a lot of DFS lineups when he went 0-for-9 from the field and put up just 11 DK points vs. USC. In the last two outings, though, the Arizona point guard has bounced back and he’s returned to being a safe cash guard. He went off for 25 points scored and 43 DK points vs. UCLA and then stuffed the stat sheet for 36 DK points last time out vs. Oregon State. Although his pure points scoring is still volatile, Akinjo provides plenty of ancillary stats for a high floor. This is a pace-boost vs. Arizona State and the faster game flow should help Akinjo rack up stats and see plenty of shot opportunities.
Myreon JonesPSURU660026.61640024.64
Since the Nittany Lions restarted play last Sunday, many of their key starters and bench players have been very inconsistent for DFS purposes - except Myreon Jones. The junior scored at least 20 points with 30+ DK points in both games since the PSU restart - making that four straight games of 20 points and 30 DK points. He’s seeing heavy shot volume in the offense and it’s clear Jones is the team’s go-to scorer right now with everyone else struggling. Penn State should lean on his ability to score in multiple ways if they want to win tonight - and he’s actually a bargain if he does for 30 DK points yet again.
Remy MartinASUAZ640027.97750026.34
After missing two games, Martin returned to Arizona State’s starting lineup on Saturday and put up 28 DK points in his first game back. ASU had seen Josh Christopher and Alonzo Verge become focal points on offense in Martin’s absence - and their expensive price tags indicate that. However, Martin is still one of the best guards in the country when fully engaged and he’s shown 30-40 DK point upside or more at multiple times earlier in the year. His FD price tag is appropriate, but he’s a big bargain on DK as sits fourth in salary among ASU’s players. He’ll probably be popular in cash on that slate.
Armaan FranklinIUIOWA620024.44620022.22
After missing two games with an ankle injury, Franklin returned for Indiana’s last outing and he was instantly a main part of the offense. Despite coming off the bench, the sophomore played 33 minutes and put up 30 DK points with his 14 points scored, seven boards and three steals. This is a very encouraging sign to see Franklin step right back into heavy usage and shot volume in his first game back as the ankle didn’t seem to hamper him at all. Before the injury, he was consistently putting up 25-30 DK points with upside for more if his three-pointers were falling. Franklin’s perimeter scoring will definitely come into play tonight as Iowa the highest percentage of scoring from three-point range in the Big Ten. His 42% three-point rate is by far Indiana’s best and he’s a fantastic cash or GPP play in the mid-range.
        
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Pelle LarssonUTAHWSU530016.07  
Although Timmy Allen is the headliner for Utah, freshman combo guard Pelle Larsson has emerged as a solid secondary offensive weapon lately. Since joining the starting lineup for the last four games, he’s put up 22 or more DK points in three of those outings with a solid DFS floor and upside to challenge 30 DK points if his shots are falling. In those three aforementioned games, Larsson logged 32 or more minutes with 10 combined rebounds/assists in each. The only dud outing as a starter came against Colorado’s tough defense - which he can essentially ignore. Tonight’s matchup vs. Washington State is a much easier one and Larsson should provide a safe cash floor at an affordable price.
Terrell Brown Jr.AZASU490018.36530017.68
Jemarl Baker going down for the season resulted in Terrell Brown moving into the starting lineup for the first time. Even though the senior combo guard had just 14 DK points in his new role, we can continue to count on the extended minutes moving forward - which should keep his DFS floor fairly safe. Brown had been putting up 20 DK points or more while coming off the bench with Baker healthy - so we know he has the ability to produce in this Arizona offense. The uptempo matchup vs. Arizona State should help him rack up enough ancillary stats to give us a nice cash floor in the 5k range.
Caleb McConnellRUPSU480014.31430013.52
Since making his season debut earlier this month, McConnell has become one of Rutgers’ top bench options alongside Paul Mulcahy and he may even be a safer DFS play than some Scarlet Knight starters. Both McConnell and Mulcahy are solid values tonight with 20-25 reserve minutes apiece in a rotation that’s become more spread out in recent games with the former back in the mix. Specifically, McConnell 23 and 18 DK points in the last two games with an increase in shot volume and just enough ancillary stats to make him a value at sub 5k. Rutgers is using his 6-foot-7 versatile frame to play multiple positions right now and that’s a good thing for his DFS worth.
Ricky Council IVWICHMEM420017.35460015.31
Wichita State has a number of more proven players - Tyson Etienne, Dexter Dennis and Alterique Gilbert - but it’s Ricky Council who’s quietly emerging in the rotation. The freshman wing went off for 23 points scored and 35 DK points two games ago and then followed up with 22 DK points and 11 points scored last time out. Despite coming off the bench, Council actually leads the Shockers in usage rate and shot volume during conference play. The playing time, though, is still a bit unpredictable with Wichita State running a deep lineup and Council only getting about 20 minutes per game. Maybe the recent breakouts will warrant him a more solidified role moving forward - but it’s still tough to trust in cash. For tournaments, though, Council is the best value on the board.

Other Guards to Consider

  • Jordan Bohannon - Iowa ($8,100 DK / $7,000 FD)

  • Josh Christopher - Arizona State ($8,000 DK / $7,200 FD)

  • Bennedict Mathurin - Arizona ($7,200 DK / $5,500 FD)

  • Ron Harper Jr. - Rutgers ($6,800 DK / $7,800 FD)

  • Johnny Juzang - UCLA ($5,700 DK Only)

  • Rob Phinisee - Indiana ($5,300 DK / $5,400 FD)

  • Makale Foreman - California ($5,000 DK Only)

  • Paul Mulcahy - Rutgers ($4,000 DK / $5,100 FD)

 

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Luka GarzaIOWAIU1020045.25930042.60
If you’re playing DFS CBB at this point, you know that Luka Garza should be viewed as the highest-ceiling option on any slate Iowa is on. Tonight is no different with this matchup vs. Indiana being the second-biggest total on a short slate and the Hawkeyes projected to score 80+ points. Garza’s DFS floor/ceiling combination is as good as it gets - with at least 35 DK points in four straight games and the upside to put up 50-60 DK points on any given night. He’ll have to contend with Indiana big man Trayce Jackson-Davis down low tonight, but these tougher head-to-head matchups mostly haven’t caused Garza any issues during Big Ten play. Even at the expensive salaries, expect him to be popular in cash as always.
Trayce Jackson-DavisIUIOWA940038.12870035.93
Since Jackson-Davis will be facing Iowa stud Luka Garza head-to-head tonight, expect people to simply look the other way in cash games. In tournaments, though, the Indiana big man is a great target for not only the savings but also the upside to match or best Garza in DFS points in a high-scoring, fast-paced game. Jackson-Davis is a nightly threat to put up 20 points scored, a double-double and/or 50 DK points even in seemingly tougher matchups - like he did vs. Wisconsin earlier this month. It’s probably smart to go Garza in cash tonight, but Jackson-Davis is ideal for GPP’s at likely lower ownership.
Timmy AllenUTAHWSU880031.91  
Much like Isaac Bonton on the other side of this game, people will probably overlook Utah’s Timmy Allen tonight. He’s a really good GPP or cash option, though, considering Luka Garza and other studs will garner more ownership and the Utes are projected to be one of the lower-scoring teams on the slate. Allen just put up a whopping 45 DK points last time out and he’s now averaging 22.5 PPG and 39 DK points over the last four games. He’s the offensive catalyst for Utah and should be heavily involved in this one. His inside scoring, in particular, gives him more upside against a WSU defense that allows the majority of points to the interior.
Azuolas TubelisAZASU730022630020.47
It took a while, but Arizona seems to have finally realized that Tubelis deserves to be a focal point on the offensive end. The freshman big man has now started seven straight since beginning the year on the bench - and he’s seen double-digit shot attempts in each of the past four games. That more consistent offensive usage - along with rebounding at 6-foot-11 - makes Tubelis a much safer DFS play for cash games. He should have a big advantage down low tonight as Arizona State is arguably the conference’s worst at rebounding and has allowed some big games to opposing big men. We can pencil Tubelis in for 25-30 DK points with the GPP upside for 40 or more - like he did vs. USC earlier this month.
Myles JohnsonRUPSU710026.31640024.75
Because of the more expensive studs at forward tonight, people may overlook Myles Johnson on this slate - but he makes for a great GPP play with upside in this matchup. Penn State is struggling against opposing big men during Big Ten play and Illinois’ Kofi Cockburn just dominated the PSU interior two days ago. Johnson has shown a 30+ DK point ceiling when he’s grabbing enough rebounds, racking up defensive stats and doing just enough offensively despite not having a high shot volume. He put up 33 DK points vs. Wisconsin on Friday with his 12 boards - something he could easily do vs. a soft Penn State frontcourt that gives up a ton of points inside.
 
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Dishon JacksonWSUUTAH490010.78  
Since joining the Washington State starting lineup, Jackson has been a solid value with the uptick in playing time - and he’s still priced low enough where he’s viable in cash or GPP tonight. The 6-foot-10 freshman has now started the last five games with DJ Rodman out due to COVID protocols, and that’s expected to continue for at least one more outing. On Saturday, Jackson had his best game of the year when he put up 27 DK points, 14 points scored and seven boards in a season-high 34 minutes vs. USC. He should have an advantage down low tonight with Utah being below-average on the boards - making him worth a flier in DK tournaments.
Christian KolokoAZASU430014.38440013.73
With Jemarl Baker out for the year, Arizona shuffled its starting lineup last time out with Koloko becoming more valuable for DFS. The 7-foot-1 center re-entered the starting rotation after coming off the bench for the previous six games - and he responded with an efficient 27 DK points in just 17 minutes with his 10 rebounds and three blocks highlighting the performance. Apparently Arizona will continue with the lineup change at least for now - and Koloko’s DFS value is a lot safer with the starting role. His rebounding and shot-blocking upside sets up nicely in this matchup vs. an Arizona State team that’s terrible on the boards and get shots blocked at a high rate on offense. Koloko is way too cheap if he’s giving us 20 DK points or close to it - and he should be popular in cash.
Clifford OmoruyiRUPSU330015.14420014.23
After missing five games with a knee injury, Omoruyi returned to the lineup last Friday and was productive in limited action. The freshman center scored three points and grabbed three rebounds in just 15 minutes and his mere presence in the paint had an impact on Rutgers nearly pulling off the upset over Wisconsin. Omoruyi started the first six games of the year before getting hurt and it might be a matter of time until we see him back amongst the starters. Either way, his playing time will begin to ramp up in the coming games and he could easily see enough minutes tonight to return value at very affordable price tags - especially against a PSU team that struggles down low on defense.

Other Forwards to Consider

  • DeAndre Williams - Memphis ($7,800 DK / $7,600 FD)

  • Joe Wieskamp - Iowa ($7,200 DK / $6,800 FD)

  • Jordan Brown - Arizona ($6,200 DK / $6,000 FD)

  • Seth Lundy - Penn State ($5,200 DK / $5,300 FD)

  • Mikael Jantunen - Utah ($5,000 DK Only)

  • Chris Osten - Arizona State ($4,500 DK / $4,100 FD)

Example Lineups

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

 

DK Cash FD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GMyreon JonesPSURU26.61$6,600 GArmaan FranklinINDIOWA22.21$6,200
Pivot     $6,600Pivot     
GArmaan FranklinIUIOWA24.44$6,200 GMyreon JonesPSURUT24.64$6,400
Pivot     $6,200Pivot     
GPelle LarssonUTAHWSU16.07$5,300 GCaleb McConnellRUTPSU13.52$4,300
PivotCaleb McConnellRUPSU14.31$4,800$4,800Pivot     
FLuka GarzaIOWAIU45.25$10,200 GRemy MartinASUARIZ26.33$7,500
Pivot     $10,200PivotJames AkinjoARIZASU25.95$6,800
FChristian KolokoAZASU14.4$4,300 FLuka GarzaIOWAIND42.6$9,300
PivotDishon JacksonWSUUTAH10.78$4,900$4,900Pivot     
FCliff OmoruyiRUPSU15.1$3,300 FMyles JohnsonRUTPSU24.75$6,400
Pivot     $3,300PivotJoe WieskampIOWAIND25.07$6,800
UtilAzuolas TubelisAZASU22$7,300 FChristian KolokoARIZASU13.73$4,400
PivotJames AkinjoAZASU28.06$7,600$7,600PivotChris OstenASUARIZ11.34$4,100
UtilRemy MartinASUAZ27.97$6,400 UtilBennedict MathurinARIZASU19.68$5,500
Pivot     $6,400PivotJordan BrownARIZASU19.81$6,000
    Total$49,600     Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$50,000    Pivot Total$49,900
             
DK GPP FD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GIsaac BontonWSUUTAH33.88$8,300 GJordan BohannonIOWAIND21.82$7,000
Pivot     $8,300PivotRon Harper Jr.RUTPSU31.16$7,800
GRicky Council IVWICHMEM17.35$4,200 GTerrell Brown Jr.ARIZASU17.67$5,300
Pivot     $4,200Pivot     
GMakale ForemanCALUCLA17.8$5,000 GRicky Council IVWICHMEM15.31$4,600
PivotTerrell Brown Jr.AZASU18.36$4,900$4,900Pivot     
FTrayce Jackson-DavisIUIOWA38.12$9,400 GRob PhiniseeINDIOWA14.4$5,400
Pivot     $9,400PivotPaul MulcahyRUTPSU17.22$5,100
FChris OstenASUAZ11.78$4,500 FTrayce Jackson-DavisINDIOWA35.92$8,700
Pivot     $4,500Pivot     
FJoe WieskampIOWAIU26.96$7,200 FDeAndre WilliamsMEMWICH26.02$7,600
PivotDeAndre WilliamsMEMWICH28.19$7,800$7,800Pivot     
UtilPaul MulcahyRUPSU18.44$4,000 FClifford OmoruyiRUTPSU14.22$4,200
Pivot     $4,000Pivot     
UtilMyles JohnsonRUPSU26.31$7,100 UtilJosh ChristopherASUARIZ27.11$7,200
PivotBennedict MathurinAZASU21.35$6,900$6,900PivotAzuolas TubelisARIZASU20.46$6,300
    Total$49,700     Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$50,000    Pivot Total$49,600