Welcome to the Core 4! My name is Michael aka @MadnessDFS on Twitter, make sure to give me a follow as I’ll occasionally make updates to the article throughout the day as news breaks. But, you’ll mostly find me in our VIP coaching forums where I provide detailed lineup maneuvers and answer all lineup questions. With that said, let’s get it started!
Purpose of the Core 4: These four players are guys that I want to lock into my cash game lineups and if doing multi-entry, using the Domination Station lock them in or set high exposure percentages to them. These are players that I see as underpriced, in great matchups, in play because of injuries, increased usage, etc. I also need to mention that these plays are normally geared toward Draftkings pricing and scoring, I’m not a huge fan of NBA for Fanduel, so if you see my list has three small forwards or two centers, etc. it’s because of the multi-position eligibility on Draftkings. With that said, let’s jump right into it!
Before I get started, make sure to check out the latest new DFS website. SuperDraft is an innovative new DFS site that does not have salaries but instead uses a multiplier system and better yet, THEY HAVE LATE SWAP! Check out more on how it works below!
-> SuperDraft FREE $10 Bonus <-
Giannis Antetokounmpo (SF/PF) – $10,600
Giannis is the lone player above $10k on this slate and I just think you need to lock him in and move on. With Middleton off the court, this season Giannis has a 37% usage rate and 1.97 fantasy points per minute. On a two-game slate, you’ll want the raw points here, he’s also way way way too cheap considering he’s averaging 62.6 Draftkings points per game on the season. I just don’t see a way I’ll build a lineup without him here and may consider locking him if making multiple lineups.
Brandon Ingram (SF/PF) – $7,000
Ingram is another guy that is way too cheap on a short slate. The Pelicans will travel to Phoenix to play the Suns in what should be the higher total game of the two. Ingram is averaging 44 Draftkings points per game which puts him at about 6.5x his current price tag. He’s scored at least 40 Draftkings points in four straight games and has a 31% usage rate on the season. I just don’t see a way I don’t get to him here, the multi-position eligibility helps make a lineup work as well.
Frank Kaminsky (PF/C) – $4,600
Frank the tank gets his first appearance in the core this season. He was initially ruled as questionable but has since been upgraded to probable for this game along with Dario Saric. Aron Baynes has been ruled out, however, which is big in solidifying Kaminsky’s minutes. With Ayton and Baynes off the court this season he has a nice 20.5% usage rate and 0.95 fantasy points per minute at a sub $5k price tag. In a game that will be very fast-paced and should stay close, Frank should smash here and I’ll be heavy on him.
CJ McCollum (PG/SG) – $7,500
One of the rules of NBA DFS is to play McCollum when Damian Lillard is off the court. Lillard has already been ruled out for this game which will open up usage in this offense. I expect CJ McCollum to be the guy you want from this offense. He owns a 27% usage rate and 1.06 fantasy points per minute when Lillard is off the court. He may get Eric Bledsoe on defense which isn’t ideal but with the number of minutes and opportunity he will get here, it’s hard to imagine him dudding in this spot. His price has come up but he’s scored at least 40 Draftkings points in three straight games and makes for a nice little stack with Giannis who is also a core play.
As always I appreciate everyone who gave the game break a read! Feel free to mix it up with me in our coaching forums as news breaks and lock approaches. If you don’t know about them, our two newest pages contain Breaking News and our exclusive Coaches’ Picks……both invaluable for late-breaking news and pivots in NBA.
