THE SLATE

(w/ Implied Team & Game Totals via KenPom)

  • 7 pm ET -- Houston (68) at South Florida (58) -- 126 total **DK ONLY**

  • 7 pm ET -- Virginia (66) at Georgia Tech (62) -- 128 total

  • 8 pm ET -- Georgia (64) at Tennessee (76) -- 140 total **FD ONLY**

  • 8:30 pm ET -- Rutgers (74) at Iowa (81) -- 155 total

  • 9 pm ET -- Missouri (66) at Mississippi (65) -- 131 total

  • 9 pm ET -- LSU (73) at Mississippi State (74) -- 147 total

  • 9 pm ET -- Marquette (64) at Villanova (75) -- 139 total

  • 9:30 pm ET -- Wisconsin (74) at Nebraska (63) -- 137 total **DK ONLY**

 

Top Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Cameron ThomasLSUMSU820029.76710027.42
In a sport with plenty of talented freshmen, Cam Thomas is among the elite as one of the best pure bucket-getters in the country and LSU’s go-to scorer. He’s now scored 20+ real points in three straight games and is averaging 24.2 PPG over 10 healthy conference games. The consistently high shot volume in the Tigers’ offense allows Thomas to be a top DFS play any time he’s on the slate. The only downside is that he's a bit scoring defendant without much ancillary stat production for a safe floor if he goes cold at all - making him more a GPP play. The price differential on FD, though, is a great bargain in all formats.
Dru SmithMIZZMISS780027.62670025.59
Although this should be one of the lower-scoring games of the slate, Dru Smith could easily be a top performer with his favorable individual matchup. The senior is by far Missouri’s best three-point shooter with a 43% mark from deep during conference play. Pair that with an Ole Miss defense that’s the worst in the conference at defending the three - and the path is clear for Smith to get hot from the perimeter. Outside of his shooting upside, though, Smith has a decent floor of ancillary stats as one of Missouri’s key playmakers - a role that’s seen him put up 32, 47, 37 and 30 DK points in four of the last five games. He makes for an excellent high-upside GPP option tonight.
Collin GillespieVUMARQ760027.68660025.61
On the surface, paying up Gillespie might seem like a bad strategy tonight because he’s coming off two subpar games and likely burned you if you rostered him. However, there’s big upside for him tonight to post 30-40 DK points like he’s capable of doing any time out. First off, the senior is still the offensive catalyst for Villanova and his high usage and shot volume are what we love in our high-priced players. Secondly, Gillespie will benefit from playing a Marquette defense that’s the worst in the conference at defending the three-pointer. He went 6-for-11 from deep in the first meeting and finished with 22 points scored and 34 DK points. We could very well see a repeat of that tonight if Gillespie gets hot.
D.J. Stewart Jr.MSULSU720028.08530025.74
Targeting against LSU has been a profitable DFS strategy lately as the Tigers play at a fast tempo with one of the worst defenses in the SEC. Tonight, Mississippi State’s core players are the latest to get a bump in value with the pace-boost and favorable matchup on the offensive end. Stewart is the Bulldogs’ top option as he leads the team in usage rate and shot volume during conference play and has put up some big performances against other uptempo teams. The sophomore combo guard just scored 29 points and 41 DK points on Saturday vs. South Carolina to go along with his 33 DK points vs. Iowa State and 43 DK points vs. Alabama in the past month. Look for Stewart to have another big outing in an uptempo game vs. a subpar defense. He's way too cheap on FD, by the way.
Justin MooreVUMARQ680026.57620024.68
If you aren’t totally comfortable with paying up for Gillespie, going slightly down to Justin Moore has been a winning strategy lately. The sophomore has at least 25 DK points in seven straight and will fill up the stat sheet to provide a safe DFS floor. He’s been remarkably consistent for DFS value on a team that also boasts some top-tier players like Gillespie, Robinson-Earl and Samuels. He also has some GPP upside if he gets hot from three-point range as Marquette is the Big East’s worst at defending the three - he had 29 DK points in the first matchup. Plus, it’s worth noting that Moore is averaging 30 DK points at home this season compared to 23 DK on the road.
        
Value Guards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Caleb McConnellRUIOWA510016.42450015.46
If you’re familiar with these playbooks - you know we like us some Caleb McConnell as long as the DFS sites price him low enough. He’s still way too cheap on both sites and makes for a great cash value in a pace-boost spot tonight. McConnell is benefiting from his new starter role, which he’s owned for the last four games. In these four starts, the wing has DK outings of 20, 17, 15 and 32 points. That most recent performance came on Saturday when he scored a season-high 14 points to go along with plenty of ancillary stat production. Again, he’s a great cash value with a safe floor in his recent increase in playing time.
Mark SmithMIZZMISS470017.67420015.71
Smith was recently demoted to the bench, but he was back amongst the starters on Saturday with Javon Pickett being hurt. He instantly put up 27 DK points in 37 minutes with the move back into the starting rotation - a role he had for the first 13 games of the year. Meanwhile, Pickett only saw two minutes over the weekend and he’ll likely see limited playing time once again tonight - opening the door for Smith to log heavy minutes and provide a great DFS floor for cash games. At sub 5k on both sites, he has the potential to provide 4x value or greater.
Reece BeekmanUVGT450016.27450015.34
Although Virginia games are always low-scoring, Beekman presents solid value at sub 5k on both sites. The one good thing about UVA for DFS is that the starters play 30+ minutes on a regular basis without much bench depth behind them. Beekman is now firmly entrenched in the starting lineup after beginning the year on the bench - and his consistent minutes allow him to rack up ancillary stats for a good DFS floor despite not being highly involved offensively. The freshman recently had at least 20 DK points in four straight games but a couple down outings have now lowered his salary. Against Georgia Tech earlier this season, though, Beekman had 20 DK points in 39 minutes despite only scoring six real points. You could do a lot worse in this price range - and Beekman has the upside for 4x return.
Jaden SpringerTENNUGA  480019.25
Although Tennessee is only available on FD tonight, we should not overlook its key players in a very favorable matchup vs. Georgia’s poor defense and fast pace. Unfortunately, the Vols run a deep rotation with at least seven players splitting DFS value pretty evenly. Two sources of value, though, are their two stud freshmen in Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson - who are both the go-to offensive options when all is going right. Both are in play tonight at sub 5k on FanDuel. Springer, though, leads the Vols in usage rate and shot volume during conference play and he’s now started three straight games after missing time recently. On Saturday vs. Kentucky, the youngster went off for 23 points scored and 33 FD points. He should be popular in cash on the FD slate.
Deivon SmithMSULSU440014.81430013.51
Smith has now started the last two games for Miss St after coming off the bench for the majority of the season. The freshman actually began the year as a starter, and it’s a good sign that he’s back in the first unit with the coaches showing more trust in the youngster. On Saturday, Smith had 26 DK points with a balanced stat line while logging 29 minutes - his most playing time since November. That uptempo matchup vs. South Carolina showcased Smith running the point in a fast-paced environment - and that will be the case again in a pace-boost vs. LSU tonight. If he starts a third straight, Smith makes for an excellent cash or GPP value.

Other Guards to Consider

  • Geo Baker - Rutgers ($6,300 DK / $5,900 FD)

  • Iverson Molinar - Mississippi State ($6,200 DK / $4,600 FD)

  • Marcus Sasser - Houston ($6,000 DK Only)

  • D’Mitrik Trice - Wisconsin ($5,700 DK Only)

  • Paul Mulcahy - Rutgers ($5,200 DK / $5,100 FD)

  • Brad Davison - Wisconsin ($4,900 DK Only)

  • Keon Johnson - Tennessee ($4,900 FD Only)

  • Caleb Daniels - Villanova ($4,700 DK / $4,500 FD)

 

Top Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Luka GarzaIOWARU970043.14900040.65
If Luka Garza is on the slate, you can bet that he should be a top overall DFS play no matter the matchup. The National Player of the Year candidate owns one of the highest floor/ceiling combos in the sport this season with his very high usage and shot volume in the Iowa offense. A couple subpar games in the last two outings, though, have lowered his salaries just a bit - but we should not be deterred from playing in all formats. Against Rutgers earlier this season, Garza went for 25 points scored and 35 DK points - which is about the floor we should expect tonight. It’s worth noting that he’s averaging 46 DK points at home and 37 DK on the road - so he should bounce back for a big one here.
Jay HuffUVGT810028.91670027.06
The Virginia offense usually revolves around two players - Jay Huff and Sam Hauser - and the former is the better DFS play tonight when you consider the matchup. Georgia Tech is bad at rebounding on both ends and it allows the highest percentage of two-point offense in the ACC. In simpler terms, GT is not strong inside - especially on defense - and this is where Huff can dominate. The 7-foot-1 senior not only leads UVA in usage rate and shot volume during conference play, but Huff has the post game and rebounding skills to feast in this matchup. Plus, he can also step outside and hit three-pointers when needed - as evidenced by a team-leading 47% mark from deep in conference games. He had 37 DK points in the first meeting vs. Tech - and we could honestly see a repeat of that tonight.
Jeremiah Robinson-EarlVUMARQ750029.93750028.06
If you rostered Robinson-Earl in any of his last three games, you likely cashed. Villanova’s big man has put up 33, 41 and 32 DK points in his recent outings as he’s become much more consistent for DFS purposes. Before this stretch, though, it was tough to trust him when he failed to eclipse 26 DK points in three consecutive games. One of those actually came against Marquette in the first meeting. However, the GPP upside is there for Robinson-Earl to continue his hot streak and assert his dominance in the paint against a team that’s below average at rebounding.
Joe WieskampIOWARU740027.78690025.56
If you don’t want to pay all the way up for Luka Garza, his teammate remains a solid secondary option a bit further down the salary page. Wieskamp has struggled to return value at times this season, but he’s still Iowa’s second-best scorer behind Garza when he’s fully engaged. We’ve seen that in back-to-back games now as Wieskamp has scored 17 points with 35 DK points in two straight. Not only has he improved offensively, but his rebounding and defensive stats have raised his DFS value more lately. He should be busy for Iowa if the Hawkeyes want to end their losing ways.
Myles JohnsonRUIOWA720028.56760027.02
Although Luka Garza is a stud offensively, his defensive skills need work - and it’s allowed numerous opposing big men to have success inside against him. Myles Johnson could be the latest as he has the potential to go for 40+ DK points in any given game. In fact, he’s put up 44 DK points in two of the last three and has 32+ DK points in five of the last six. Against Iowa in the first meeting, Johnson had a double-double and went for 33 DK points as he took advantage of Garza’s defensive woes. We may see Rutgers feed him in the post to try to get Garza into early foul trouble - which would open the door for Johnson to feast. He’s the best high-upside GPP forward on the slate - especially if you fade Garza.
 
Value Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Micah PotterWISCNEB540023.61  
All of Wisconsin’s core players are way too cheap tonight in a pace-boost matchup vs. a poor defensive team in Nebraska. One of those Badgers to target on the DK slate is Micah Potter - who has some big GPP upside tonight and you can even consider him for cash at sub 6k. Potter should have an advantage inside against a bad rebounding team, and he has the versatile scoring to smash value. He went for 28 DK points in the first meeting vs. Nebraska - and had 28 and 43 DK points in two of the last four games. This is a player who should be priced above 6k on a regular basis, so take advantage while we can.
Jack NungeIOWARU500019.12600017.89
While Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp are Iowa’s studs to target for DFS, the Hawkeyes have a number of secondary options to consider. Jack Nunge is one of those who’s been more involved on both ends lately when he either plays in two-big lineups next to Garza or operates as the center with his teammate on the bench. He’s logged 20+ minutes in three straight games and has 27, 30 and 18 DK points in those outings - with rebounds, defensive stats and even scoring upside for DFS value. The 6-foot-11 sophomore had 22 DK points in the first meeting vs. Rutgers - and that production tonight would be welcomed. He’s a better value on DK than on FD.
Josh LeBlanc Sr.LSUMSU450011.83380011.41
One key injury situation to monitor is the status of Darius Days for LSU. After sitting out the last game, Days apparently has a chance to play tonight - but it’s still a big question mark as to how much he’ll play (if at all) because he was originally expected to miss multiple weeks with the knee injury and has done very little in practice. Days’ absence allowed Josh LeBlanc to enter the starting lineup last time out - and he put up 15 DK points in an extended 25 minutes. LSU will need LeBlanc’s size to match up with the taller Mississippi State team and he should see plenty of action even if Days is out there (and likely limited). LeBlanc is a great cash value if he starts.
Robert AllenMISSMIZZ430010.841009.88
Allen has now started the last three games with KJ Buffen basically phased out of the rotation entirely - and that uptick in playing time makes him a great value for all formats until his salaries adjust. It’s an interesting development as Allen has logged 32, 26 and 37 minutes in his three starts while Buffen has been reduced to just 12 combined minutes during that span - despite the latter starting the first 15 games. With the extended role, Allen has put up 24 and 22 DK points in two of those starts as he’s fully taken over the lead power forward spot. He’s way too cheap on both sites to not consider.
Cole SwiderVUMARQ400015.14400013.86
We mentioned earlier in the playbook how bad Marquette is at defending the three - and Swider is another Villanova shooter we can look at tonight. The junior is shooting 42% from deep during conference play and has made at least two three-pointers in four of the last five games. His perimeter scoring - combined with just enough rebounds and ancillary stats - gives him a surprisingly good DFS floor of 15-20 DK points more often than not. Whether it’s cash or GPP - Swide should provide 4x or 5x return at his cheap salaries.

Other Forwards to Consider

  • Trendon Watford - LSU ($8,000 DK / $7,700 FD)

  • Jeremiah Tilmon - Missouri ($7,800 DK / $7,000 FD)

  • Justin Gorham - Houston ($7,000 DK Only)

  • Jamal Cain - Marquette ($6,300 DK / $5,500 FD)

  • Yves Pons - Tennessee ($5,000 FD Only)

  • Keegan Murray - Iowa ($4,900 DK / $5,200 FD)

  • Derek Fountain - Mississippi State ($4,300 DK / $3,000 FD)

  • Aleem Ford - Wisconsin ($4,200 DK Only)

Example Lineups

The Example Lineups are meant to show roster construction based on players mentioned above in the Playbook. They are not meant to be plugged and played.

 

DK Cash FD Cash
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GDru SmithMIZZMISS27.62$7,800 GJaden SpringerTENNUGA19.25$4,800
PivotCameron ThomasLSUMSU29.76$8,200$8,200PivotCaleb McConnellRUTIOWA15.46$4,500
GCaleb McConnellRUIOWA16.42$5,100 GD.J. Stewart Jr.MSSTLSU25.73$5,300
Pivot     $5,100Pivot     
GDeivon SmithMSULSU14.81$4,400 GCameron ThomasLSUMSST27.42$7,100
Pivot     $4,400Pivot     
FMicah PotterWISCNEB23.61$5,400 GDru SmithMIZZMISS25.58$6,700
Pivot     $5,400Pivot     
FLuka GarzaIOWARU43.1$9,700 FLuka GarzaIOWARUT40.64$9,000
PivotJoe WieskampIOWARU27.78$7,400$7,400Pivot     
FRobert AllenMISSMIZZ10.8$4,300 FJay HuffUVAGT27.06$6,700
Pivot     $4,300Pivot     
UtilJay HuffUVGT28.91$8,100 FRobert AllenMISSMIZZ9.88$4,100
Pivot     $8,100Pivot     
UtilJack NungeIOWARU19.12$5,000 UtilJustin MooreNOVAMARQ24.67$6,200
PivotJustin MooreVUMARQ26.57$6,800$6,800PivotCollin GillespieNOVAMARQ25.6$6,600
    Total$49,800     Total$49,900
   Pivot Total$49,700    Pivot Total$50,000
             
DK GPP FD GPP
Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary Pos.PlayerTeamOppFPPGSalary
GCollin GillespieVUMARQ27.68$7,600 GKeon JohnsonTENNUGA17.71$4,900
Pivot     $7,600Pivot     
GReece BeekmanUVGT16.27$4,500 GDeivon SmithMSSTLSU13.51$4,300
PivotMark SmithMIZZMISS17.67$4,700$4,700Pivot     
GD.J. Stewart Jr.MSULSU28.08$7,200 GCollin GillespieNOVAMARQ25.6$6,600
Pivot     $7,200PivotGeo BakerRUTIOWA20.08$5,900
FJeremiah Robinson-EarlVUMARQ29.93$7,500 GReece BeekmanUVAGT15.34$4,500
Pivot     $7,500PivotPaul MulcahyRUTIOWA16.66$5,100
FMyles JohnsonRUIOWA28.56$7,200 FMyles JohnsonRUTIOWA27.02$7,600
Pivot     $7,200Pivot     
FJosh LeBlanc Sr.LSUMSU11.83$4,500 FJeremiah Robinson-EarlNOVAMARQ28.06$7,500
PivotCole SwiderVUMARQ15.14$4,000$4,000Pivot     
UtilAleem FordWISCNEB19.14$4,200 FJoe WieskampIOWARUT25.55$6,900
Pivot     $4,200PivotJeremiah TilmonMIZZMISS26.64$7,000
UtilJustin GorhamHOUUSF24.97$7,000 UtilTrendon WatfordLSUMSST31.48$7,700
PivotJoe WieskampIOWARU27.78$7,400$7,400Pivot     
    Total$49,700     Total$50,000
   Pivot Total$49,800    Pivot Total$50,000