THE SLATE

(w/ Implied Team & Game Totals via KenPom)

  • 2:40 pm ET -- Oregon State (59) vs. Loyola Chicago (66) -- 125 total

  • 5:15 pm ET -- Villanova (72) vs. Baylor (76) -- 148 total

  • 7:25 pm ET -- Oral Roberts (72) vs. Arkansas (86) -- 158 total

  • 9:55 pm ET -- Syracuse (67) vs. Houston (75) -- 142 total

 

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Max AbmasORRARK870038.37850036.23
Only in March Madness would we have a stud scorer from Oral Roberts as the highest-priced guard on the slate. Can we really blame the DFS sites after Max Abmas exploded for 29 and 26 points, respectively, and 40+ DK in both the first two Tournament games? He’s a walking bucket, plays in a high-scoring offense and will surely be leaned on if ORU wants to pull off this upset. Plus, this matchup vs. Arkansas is an uptempo one and the highest total of the slate by far. Starting your lineups with Abmas is certainly a good strategy - considering he’s averaging 29 PPG and 44 DK over the last ten games.
Buddy BoeheimSYRUH810028.64720026.02
If Syracuse is going to pull off a third straight upset and continue its run to the Elite Eight, it’ll surely do so on the back of Buddy Boeheim. The junior wing is on fire with 30 and 25 points scored in two Tournament games - going a whopping 13-for-23 from three-point range. He’s got the green light in the ‘Cuse offense and we should bank on plenty of shot volume vs. Houston yet again. Boeheim now has 35+ DK in four straight and in seven of the last nine games - averaging 23 PPG in the past ten. He’s on fire and there’s no telling when he’ll cool off.
Quentin GrimesUHSYR790032.55780029.54
Houston’s best player in real life and for DFS is Quentin Grimes and he’ll need to be at his best this week if the Cougs wish to move on. Grimes has been a scoring machine down the stretch - averaging 20 PPG over the last ten games - and stuffing the stat sheet in all categories as well. He’s a nightly threat to drop 40+ DK with his scoring upside and safe DFS floor - just as he did last time out vs. Rutgers. In this matchup vs. Syracuse, Grimes’ team-best three-point shooting will be key against the zone defense - and it gives him even more upside than usual for this slate.
Davion MitchellBAYVU750030.19700027.56
Baylor’s stud backcourt duo of Davion Mitchell and Jared Butler are both firmly in play any time the Bears are on the slate. When comparing the two this weekend, though, it’s going to be hard to pass over Mitchell for Butler when they’re basically the same price but Mitchell provides a slightly safer DFS floor at the moment. The junior point guard has put up 34 and 33 DK in the first two tourney games and is stuffing the stat sheet all over. Plus, his team-high 46% shooting from deep during conference play will come in handy vs. a Villanova defense that struggles on the perimeter.
Moses MoodyARKORR780030.34670028.25
Although Moody has underwhelmed a bit for DFS purposes over the first two rounds, an explosion could easily come in this matchup and fading him could be a mistake. The stud freshman and likely NBA lottery pick has gone off for 45 DK four different times in the past month and he has the talent to do it again here. He had 18 points and 32 DK in the prior meeting vs. Oral Roberts and will benefit from the uptempo, high-scoring environment this time around too. He’ll definitely go overlooked in cash, but he could be the winning GPP play among high-priced guards.
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Justin MooreVUBAY610024.56630022.75
With Collin Gillespie out, a ton of offensive responsibility falls on Justin Moore as long as Villanova stays alive in the Tournament. The sophomore guard has scored 15 points with 28 DK in both rounds while seeing a notable increase in shot volume and usage rate. That uptick in offensive role won’t be changing in this matchup and it feels Moore’s DFS floor fairly safe - even in a tough matchup vs. Baylor’s defensive-minded backcourt. He’s the GPP target if you want to pivot off any high-priced guards.
Braden NorrisLY-ILORST540017.92530016.74
Though Krutwig is the headliner for Loyola Chicago, this team has a number of different value plays we can consider. One of them is Braden Norris - the sophomore point guard who owns the highest minutes share on the team and boasts a safe DFS floor because of that consistent playing time and usage. He put up 35 and 23 DK over the first two rounds with stat-stuffing lines and logging 79 of a possible 80 minutes. Even in a low total game, we can expect Norris to do just enough in every stat category to return value. You can also look at Lucas Williamson as a bargain on both sites.
Jalen TateARKORR520023.26500021.22
Finding cheap avenues to the highest total is always a good strategy - and that’s exactly what we have in Tate. The senior combo guard is the best assist-man for Arkansas while running the point at times - and that involvement usually keeps his DFS floor higher than most. He’s averaging 21 DK over the last ten games and had 21 DK in the previous matchup vs. Oral Roberts with a stat-stuffing line. Plus, Tate’s ceiling reaches the 30+ DK range when he’s more active as a scorer.
Carlos JurgensORRARK510014.76490013.55
People might ignore the Oral Roberts’ secondary players outside of Abmas and Obanor, but there’s some good value here. Kareem Thompson and Carlos Jurgens are both great cheap options for cash games in this uptempo, high-scoring matchup vs. Arkansas. Both consistently play 30+ minutes in a short ORU rotation and can rack up ancillary stats in the fast-paced environment. Jurgens, specifically, has seen his role increase a ton since joining the starting lineup in early February. He’s averaging 22 DK and 34 minutes in the last ten outings as a regular starter - great value for the 5k range.
Tramon MarkUHSYR480017.14460015.10
With DeJon Jarreau banged up and the Cougars going with more guard-heavy lineups, Tramon Mark has taken on a bigger role for Houston in the Tournament. The freshman has played 23 and 25 minutes off the bench in the two games thus far - despite rarely cracking 20 minutes in his reserve role beforehand - and put up 27 and 18 DK in those outings. The increase in playing time has resulted in an uptick in usage and shot volume offensively - thus making him a lot more valuable for DFS. If that continues, he’s a bargain at sub 5k.

Other Guards to Consider:

  • Jared Butler - Baylor ($7,400 DK / $7,500 FD)

  • MaCio Teague - Baylor ($6,400 DK / $6,400 FD)

  • JD Notae - Arkansas ($6,300 DK / $5,200 FD)

  • Joseph Girard III - Syracuse ($5,700 DK / $5,500 FD)

  • Lucas Williamson - Loyola Chicago ($5,500 DK / $4,700 FD)

  • Kareem Thompson - Oral Roberts ($5,300 DK / $5,000 FD)

  • Caleb Daniels - Villanova ($4,300 DK / $3,900 FD)

 

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Kevin ObanorORRARK890035.82830032.88
On a slate with so many well-known players, Obanor is the most expensive despite playing for 15-seed Oral Roberts. It’s certainly warranted, though, as the forward has been excellent in the first two rounds with 30 and 28 points scored, respectively, with double-digit rebounds and 48+ DK in both outings. ORU is here mainly because Obanor and Max Abmas are a two-man wrecking crew - something that should continue even if they end up losing to Arkansas. The fast-paced, high-scoring environment should provide plenty of DFS production for Obanor. When he faced the Razorbacks earlier this season, he scored 21 points and 38 DK.
Jeremiah Robinson-EarlVUBAY850033.06820030.94
Robinson-Earl was already a DFS stud, but his value is even more locked-in as the Villanova offense now heavily revolves around him as the point-forward in Collin Gillespie’s absence. In two Tournament games, he’s averaging 20 points, 8.5 rebounds, six assists and three blocks/steals with heavy usage and shot volume - not to mention 53 and 40 DK in those outings. We shouldn’t expect this to change against Baylor and he’ll probably see even more usage against a subpar frontcourt. Robinson-Earl likely ends up as the chalk high-priced forward for cash.
Cameron KrutwigLY-ILORST830031.82800030.67
Krutwig might be the best player in the Tournament that no one is talking about. That’s probably because he plays for Loyola Chicago and isn’t really an NBA Draft prospect at all. Still, he’s a big reason why the Ramblers are in the Sweet 16 as the offense runs through him in the post - whether he’s scoring, assisting or setting screens. His stat line and performance vs. Illinois last time out is a perfect example of how good he can be - 19 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, four steals and 50 DK. Expect him to be just as good in an easier matchup vs. Oregon State.
Justin SmithARKORR770028.34770026.78
 
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Marek DolezajSYRUH620024.85610023.70
While Dolezaj doesn’t seem to do any one thing extremely well, he instead does a lot of things just enough to stuff the stat sheet and be solid for DFS. The 6-foot-10 senior is averaging nine points, five assists, five rebounds and two steals/blocks per game over the last four outings. In two tourney games, his scoring has increased to double figures both times and he’s out up 27 and 32 DK. We’ll gladly take that production at the 6k range.
Roman SilvaORSTLY-IL500011.28480010.89
Oregon State has made an improbable run to the Sweet 16 thanks to the improved play of Roman Silva. The 7-foot-1 center had 26 and 32 DK in these first two rounds, respectively, thanks to a 16-point, three-block performance in one game and then 12 rebounds and four blocks in the second. Obviously the height usually gives him an advantage over smaller frontcourts - but he’s been playing up to his potential lately and it makes him a much better DFS value. It’s a tall task to go against Loyola’s Cameron Krutwig in this game, but Silva could easily return 5x value once again.
Jaylin WilliamsARKORR490012.92480012.05
Williams is another cheap way to get exposure to the slate’s highest total. The freshman was actually out for four games heading into the Tournament and then played just six minutes against Colgate in the first round in his first action back. Against Texas Tech, though, Williams entered the starting lineup for the first time since mid-January and logged 28 minutes - sending Connor Vanover to the bench. Despite scoring just one point on a free throw, Williams still put up 19 DK thanks to his 10 rebounds and four assists - a DFS floor that’s very good at sub-5k. When he was healthy, the youngster had a legit 25-30 DK ceiling if he was scoring just enough. If he starts again, it’ll be hard to ignore him in this high-scoring affair.
Robert BraswellSYRUH4400840007.39
Despite only playing 20 minutes or more once all season, Braswell has now done it in four straight games including both of the Tournament outings. The Syracuse rotation has changed drastically with Braswell seeing starter-level playing time off the bench while Alan Griffin is reduced to 15 minutes per game. This likely won’t change considering the Orange have pulled off two upsets with that rotation. The 6-foot-7 Braswell has put up 20, 12, 17 and 11 DK points in these last four games - making him an attractive cheap flier for GPP’s if he winds up in the 20+ range for DFS.

Other Forwards to Consider:

  • Jermaine Samuels - Villanova ($7,100 DK / $6,900 FD)

  • Quincy Guerrier - Syracuse ($7,000 DK / $6,800 FD)

  • Matthew Mayer - Baylor ($5,400 DK / $4,900 FD)

  • Fabian White Jr. - Houston ($4,700 DK / $4,500 FD)

  • Cole Swider - Villanova ($4,300 DK / $3,800 FD)

  • Keith Clemons - Loyola Chicago ($4,000 DK / $4,300 FD)

Example Lineups

The Example Lineups are meant to show roster construction utilizing players listed in the Playbook. They are not meant to be plugged and played.

 

DK CashFD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalaryPos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GDavion MitchellBAYVU30.19$7,500GDavion MitchellBAYNOVA27.55$7,000
PivotJared ButlerBAYVU33.12$7,400Pivot     
GMoses MoodyARKORR30.34$7,800GBuddy BoeheimSYRHOU26.02$7,200
Pivot     Pivot     
GCarlos JurgensORRARK14.76$5,100GCarlos JurgensORALARK13.55$4,900
Pivot     Pivot     
FJeremiah Robinson-EarlVUBAY33.06$8,500GBraden NorrisLOYCORST16.73$5,300
Pivot     PivotLucas WilliamsonLOYCORST26.02$4,700
FMarek DolezajSYRUH24.9$6,200FJeremiah Robinson-EarlNOVABAY30.93$8,200
Pivot     Pivot     
FJaylin WilliamsARKORR12.9$4,900FJustin SmithARKORAL26.78$7,700
Pivot     Pivot     
UtilTramon MarkUHSYR17.14$4,800FJalen TateARKORAL21.21$5,000
Pivot     PivotJaylin WilliamsARKORAL12.05$4,800
UtilJalen TateARKORR23.26$5,200UtilTramon MarkSYRHOU15.09$4,600
PivotKareem ThompsonORRARK18.85$5,300PivotJoseph Girard IIISYRHOU19.59$5,500
    Total$50,000    Total$49,900
   Pivot Total$50,000   Pivot Total$50,000
            
DK GPPFD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalaryPos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GBuddy BoeheimSYRUH28.64$8,100GMax AbmasORALARK36.23$8,500
Pivot     PivotQuentin GrimesHOUSYR29.54$7,800
GMax AbmasORRARK38.37$8,700GMoses MoodyARKORAL28.25$6,700
Pivot     Pivot     
GJustin MooreVUBAY24.56$6,100GJustin MooreNOVABAY22.75$6,300
Pivot     Pivot     
FRoman SilvaORSTLY-IL11.28$5,000GKeith ClemonsLOYCORST12.5$4,300
Pivot     PivotKareem ThompsonORALARK17.24$5,000
FRobert BraswellSYRUH8.03$4,400FKevin ObanorORALARK32.87$8,300
Pivot     Pivot     
FCameron KrutwigLY-ILORST31.82$8,300FCameron KrutwigLOYCORST30.66$8,000
PivotJustin SmithARKORR28.34$7,700Pivot     
UtilMatthew MayerBAYVU17.62$5,400FRobert BraswellSYRHOU7.39$4,000
Pivot     Pivot     
UtilKeith ClemonsLY-ILORST13.68$4,000UtilCole SwiderNOVABAY11.88$3,800
PivotCaleb DanielsVUBAY15.4$4,300Pivot     
    Total$50,000    Total$49,900
   Pivot Total$49,700   Pivot Total$49,900