Full Court Press Breakdown for NBA DFS 12/29:

Welcome to another year of the DFS Army NBA Full Court Press! Members had a ton of success using the Full Court Press along with various articles and tools that DFS Army provides last season, so we are glad to be back with another year of the all-inclusive article. You have to start your research somewhere, and oftentimes going game by game and breaking down every matchup and its key players is the first step in our process. My name is Michael aka @MadnessDFS on Twitter, make sure to give me a follow as I’ll occasionally make updates to the advice in the article. 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!

New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers

Vegas Total: 217.0

Vegas Spread: Cle -3.5

We’ll kick things off with the Knicks, the pricing on Julius Randle seems about right here, maybe even a little high. That said, he’s coming off his best performance of the year against the Bucks where he went for 61 DraftKings points. It’s a nice matchup making him a solid play yet again.  I don’t love the price on RJ Barrett, but he’s going to be right there with Randle racking up minutes this season, it’s a nice matchup for him, so you can make a case for GPPs. Lastly, Reggie Bullock makes sense as a value option at sub $4k, but on a big slate, I think we can do better. From the Cavaliers, Andre Drummond is someone I like getting to in good matchups and this is a spot where I’ll have him. He put up 57 DraftKings points in just 26 minutes last time out, he’s a great play here. Darius Garland is playing some good basketball so far, his minutes went down last time out but was still able to put up 27.5 DraftKings points and at this price, I like him in a good matchup. I think we just keep riding this hot streak until it dies. Kevin Love will be out here meaning we can fire up the Larry Nance train. The last time Love missed Nance had 52.25 DraftKings points. Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman round out this team as GPP plays for me.

5-star play: Julius Randle, Andre Drummond

4-star play: Darius Garland, Larry Nance, Collin Sexton, RJ Barrett

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Collin Sexton, Cedi Osman, RJ Barrett

Golden State Warriors @ Detroit Pistons

Vegas Total: 222.5

Vegas Spread: GS -3.5

Starting with the Warriors, it sounds like Draymond Green will miss this game for the Warriors. With Marquese Chriss out for the season due to injury so if they’re down Green and Chriss there will be some good minutes open for guys like Eric Paschall, however, he saw just 19 minutes last time out. I think it’s just a spot we can avoid until Green is back and ready to go. Steph Curry looks good so far this season showing no signs of rust. He should be able to do whatever he wants in a great matchup against a bad Pistons team. Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre seem like the same player to me, but in a good matchup against the Pistons, you can make a case for them in GPPs here. James Wiseman looks like the real deal but would like him a lot more if he was going to consistently see minutes around that 30-minute mark. He had a dud of a game last time out, but nobody on the Pistons should stand in his way of a good performance here. From the Pistons, I would expect Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose to be back here after resting on Monday night. Griffin had a big game last time out and makes sense as an option here. Rose saw 33 minutes last time out which gets me interested now that he’s seeing good minutes. Mason Plumlee continues to play well for the Pistons, he’s still too cheap here. Lastly, Jerami Grant continues to perform well and playing huge minutes, he’s a good cash option.

5-star play: Steph Curry, Mason Plumlee

4-star play: Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre, James Wiseman, Jerami Grant, Blake Griffin

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Kelly Oubre, James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin

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Boston Celtics @ Indiana Pacers

Vegas Total: 220.5

Vegas Spread: Ind -1.0

These two teams just played a few days ago so we have a game we can reference when breaking this one down. Starting with the Pacers, Domantas Sabonis continues to play well, dropping 50 burgers in his first two games on the season. You can attack Boston with big men, this is another nice spot for him. Myles Turner is in a similar spot, but we kind of know what we’re getting with him, if he gets hot from three he’ll have a solid night. I wish they would just trade Victor Oladipo and get him a second start while freeing Malcolm Brogdon and TJ Warren a bit, he’s a bit of a usage hog. That said, he did lead the team on Wednesday with a 26.8% usage rate on his way to 35.5 DraftKings points. Oladipo has actually looked pretty good thus far. But the price tag is just too much for me. It feels like just yesterday that TJ Warren was taking the bubble by storm and dropping 70 point fantasy performances, but those days seem to be long gone, he’s a fine GPP option but nothing more. From the Celtics, it’s really the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown show here now with Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward out. That is really the extent of my interest in the Celtics, Jeff Teague bounced back last game, I guess you can make a case for him as a value in GPPs but given the size of the slate I would assume we get better value options.

5-star play: Domantas Sabonis

4-star play: Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown

Deeper Value: Jeff Teague

GPP Sleeper: Malcolm Brogdon, TJ Warren, Victor Oladipo, Marcus Smart

Toronto Raptors @ Philadelphia 76ers

Vegas Total: 218.6

Vegas Spread: PK

Starting with the Sixers, Joel Embiid was a late scratch last time out but sounds like he’ll be probable here. You can go right back to the well with him. This Raptors matchup isn’t as scary for big men with Ibaka and Gasol out of town. Ben Simmons‘ price has come down to a more playable level, I like him a good amount for GPPs. Tobias Harris had his best game of the season last time out, it did come with Embiid off the court, but I think you can get here in GPPs. That’s really the extent of my interest in the Sixers. From the Raptors, I like this price on Pascal Siakam he’s getting massive minutes right now and coming off a 49.75 DraftKings point outing. Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet are pretty similar plays here, they’re both getting big minutes and they’re priced very similarly. VanVleet had the big game last time out but they’re both solid options. Chris Boucher of all people dropped a 50 burger last time out, I’ll let other people chase that game, I won’t be getting to him here. Lastly, I don’t hate Aron Baynes in that price range if you need a cheaper center option.

5-star play: Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam

4-star play: Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Tobias Harris, Aron Baynes

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Chicago Bulls @ Washington Wizards

Vegas Total: 232.5

Vegas Spread: Was -5.5

This is a game that I’m going to want to get a lot of just from first thoughts. There won’t be a whole lot of defense and both teams will play pretty quickly, hence the 232 total. Starting with the Bulls, Zach LaVine finally had a good game last time out going for a 50 burger. I like the price here and makes a lot of sense here. Colby White is another guy that I’ll look to here, a little less so than LaVine, but he has the ability to take over an offense in a good matchup. Lauri Markkanen is currently questionable, so keep an eye on him. If he’s out, check out our VIP coaching forum where we will breakdown who benefits most. Otto Porter just isn’t getting enough minutes for me to want to play him, he would get a boost if Markkanen is forced to miss. Lastly, Wendell Carter finally saw his price come up, it happened to follow his best performance of the season where he dropped 44.75 DraftKings points. I like targeting big men against the Wizards, but Carter is too volatile for me to love here. I’ll like him more if Markkanen is forced to miss. From the Wizards, Russell Westbrook continues his strong start as he has at least 57 DraftKings points in both his game this season. He’s going to have a big season with this team as we saw, I like him in a great matchup here and the price isn’t all that bad. I don’t really love the rest of this team, Bradley Beal is priced where he should be and I’m down on him this season with Westbrook soaking up more usage, although Beal has performed well this season. Thomas Bryant’s price came down, but not enough to where I’d want to go with him. Lastly, don’t chase Raul Neto’s game last time out, Westbrook will put that to sleep.

5-star play: Zach LaVine, Russell Westbrook

4-star play: Bradley Beal, Colby White

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter, Bradley Beal, Thomas Bryant

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Milwaukee Bucks @ Miami Heat

Vegas Total: 222.5

Vegas Spread: Mil -4.5

Starting with the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo has started a bit slow in his standards but I think the price is fair here and with Jimmy Butler out it hurts this defense a bit. He’s a nice GPP play at the very least due to the upside he provides. Khris Middleton has started the season on fire, and he honestly looks like one of the better scorers in the league outside of the paint. I like him in GPPs, it’s tough for him just because of the usage that Giannis demands. Jrue Holiday’s price went down and is around a 25% usage rate on the season, I don’t mind him in all formats, he can stuff the stat sheet. That said, he’s not going to have the usage he had last season. Lastly Brook Lopez and Donte DiVincenzo make sense for GPPs. You can make a case for Bobby Portis who’s had back-to-back games of at least 32 fantasy points. From the Heat, we know Jimmy Butler is doubtful here, below is how the rest of this lineup plays out with him off the court if we look at last season’s stats (taking Jae Crowder off the court as well, as he’s no longer on the team):

• Tyler Herro – 25.1% usage rate; 0.93 fpm
• Goran Dragic – 28.8% usage rate; 1.11 fpm
• Bam Adebayo – 21.4% usage rate; 1.31 fpm

These three players are all great options here. Lastly, Duncan Robinson had a nice night last time out. The Bucks are willing to give up the three-ball so if he gets hot he can definitely get you there for GPP.

5-star play: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic

4-star play: Khris Middleton, Tyler Herro

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Donte DiVincenzo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Duncan Robinson, Jrue Holiday

Orlando Magic @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Vegas Total: 219.5

Vegas Spread: Orl -5.0

Starting with the Magic, I like getting some Nikola Vucevic here, it’s a much better matchup for big men due to Steven Adams being shipped out. I always like getting some Vuc. Terrence Ross is a really nice price as well, I like targeting him in these type of game environments where the ball will move up and down the court quickly. Lastly, Markelle Fultz is a solid GPP option. Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon just aren’t consistent enough for me to have any interest here. From the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is someone I’m going to get a lot of this season, and the Magic will play faster than we’re accustomed to. I like the upside on him and makes sense in GPPs at the very least. The only other guys I would have interest in here are Al Horford and Darius Bazley, both are GPP guys for me.

5-star play: Nikola Vucevic

4-star play: Terrence Ross, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Al Horford, Darius Bazley

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Markelle Fultz, Terrence Ross, Al Horford, Darius Bazley

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Clippers

Vegas Total: 229.5

Vegas Spread: Lac -6.5

Starting with the Timberwolves, Karl-Anthony Towns will be out with a wrist injury. Below is how the rest of the lineup plays out if we use last season’s stats, so it won’t account for Anthony Edwards or Ricky Rubio, but we can get somewhat of an idea.

• Naz Reid – 24.3% usage rate; 1.12 fpm
• D’Angelo Russell – 29.0% usage rate; 1.21 fpm

These would be my two favorite plays from this team, but Ed Davis will get some run at the five as well. Malik Beasley’s minutes are a bit all over the place, I think there are better options on this slate. Lastly, Anthony Edwards has at least 25 DraftKings points in each of his first three games and makes for a solid GPP option in that price range. From the Clippers, it sounds like Kawhi Leonard is questionable, I would assume this is the case for him most of the season, he’s known for getting rested often through his career. If he plays, he’s a great play and if he’s out I’ll be all over Paul George, Lou Williams, and even guys like Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum. That said, Batum isn’t a big usage guy so I’d be heavier on the first three. It’s a good matchup for the Clippers, as the Wolves don’t play much defense.

5-star play: D’Angelo Russell, Kawhi Leonard

4-star play: Naz Reid, Anthony Edwards, Paul George, Lou Williams

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Malik Beasley, Anthony Edwards, Nic Batum, Serge Ibaka

New Orleans Pelicans @ Phoenix Suns

Vegas Total: 223

Vegas Spread: Pho -3.0

Starting with the Pelicans, Eric Bledsoe has disappointed on back to back slates now and is making it hard to go back to him. That said, the public is thinking the same thing and gets a revenge game here against one of his old teams. He’s a GPP play for me at the very worst.  Zion Williamson is getting big minutes and performing well, this is a nice matchup for him and a guy I’ll look to get to here. Brandon Ingram has at least 50 DraftKings points in two of his first three games and in a high total here I like the price on him. Lonzo Ball has seen his minutes increase in each game this season, if he’s going to get around 35 minutes here he’s a nice option. JJ Redick and Josh Hart make sense as GPP options as well. From the Suns, Devin Booker seems to be impacted by Chris Paul as he hasn’t put up anything over 40 DraftKings points yet this season. I’m going to wait for his price to come down a bit even though this is a great matchup for him. Speaking of Chris Paul, his minutes are a bit all over the place but I don’t hate getting to him in a nice matchup. DeAndre Ayton is a guy that has an upside but hasn’t flashed it yet this season, he’s more of a GPP option on this slate, the same can be said for Mikal Bridges who has looked great this season.

5-star play: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram

4-star play: Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Chris Paul

Deeper Value: None

GPP Sleeper: Eric Bledsoe, JJ Redick, Josh Hart, DeAndre Ayton

Denver Nuggets @ Sacramento Kings

Vegas Total: 224.5

Vegas Spread: Den -3.0

Starting with the Kings, De’Aaron Fox should see around a 30% usage rate this season with Bogdanovic now gone. However, this is a tough individual matchup with one of the better defenses in the league. I like him more as a GPP option due to his upside, but likely won’t get a ton of him. Buddy Hield is always in play in GPPs for me due to his upside but the price tag just is too high for me here. Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, and Marvin Bagley feel really similar here, they’re more of secondary GPP options here than anything. From the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic had a massive night last night and dropped 74 DraftKings points against the Kings on opening night, he’s an elite option. Jamal Murray left yesterday’s game briefly with a head injury but returned pretty quickly. We know his upside is there so I like him for GPPs. Michael Porter and Will Barton are in the same boat.

5-star play: None

4-star play: De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Chris Paul

Deeper Value: Tyrese Haliburton

GPP Sleeper: Buddy Hield, De’Aaron Fox, DeAndre Ayton, Devin Booker

NBA Lock of the Day: Goran Dragic (DK – $5.8k; FD – $6.9k)

As I mentioned above, Jimmy Butler will be out for this game which will open up a lot of opportunities on this Heat team. Dragic tore up the Bucks in the postseason bubble and now without Butler at a cheap price point he’s hard to ignore. With Butler off the court last season he had a 28.8% usage rate and 1.11 fantasy points per minute. He’s had at least 37 DraftKings points in each of his first two games and just seems mispriced here considering the circumstances, I love me some Dragic here. Tweet me (@MadnessDFS) your lock predictions and if your player gets over 5x tonight I’ll give you a shoutout on Twitter, let’s have some fun with this!

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