We are back with another massive 13-game NBA slate on Monday. Using Stokastic’s NBA DFS Boom/Bust tool, let’s dive into the player pool to discuss the best NBA DFS contrarian picks on DraftKings this evening, which include Scottie Barnes and Isaiah Jackson.
NBA DFS Contrarian Picks — Plays For Today
Contrarian Stud — Scottie Barnes: Toronto Raptors-New York Knicks
One of the breakout stars of the young season, Scottie Barnes is the top contrarian stud on DraftKings at $8,700. He is coming into tonight’s game averaging 19.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, and there’s a ton to like about him tonight despite a tough matchup against the Knicks.
Stokastic’s tools have Barnes optimal 9.60% of the time this slate plays out on DraftKings. The field isn’t getting to him at nearly this rate, however, as he’s only projected to be rostered in 4.60% of lineups. Coming off a massive 68.0-DraftKings-point outing on Friday against the Hornets, Barnes clearly has massive upside at $8,700, and it’s worth getting over the field on him in large-field GPPs. These numbers could certainly change as more news comes in prior to lock, so be sure to watch the Deeper Dive and Live Before Lock shows to stay up on all the relevant information.
Contrarian Mid-Tier — Jaden Ivey: Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons
As DraftKings continues to progressively price up players in every salary range, the mid-tier becomes less and less appealing. That said, there are still some diamonds in the rough, and Jaden Ivey has emerged as the top contrarian play at $5,300. After a solid rookie season, Ivey has been hard to project this year, and his minutes have fluctuated as much or more than any other player in the league. Despite his inconsistent opportunities on the court, Ivey has shown flashes of monster upside, and he looks great in tournaments at a reduced $5,300 salary.
He is projected to be only 3.80% owned on DraftKings, and it should come as no surprise that the field has minimal interest in getting to Ivey given his recent play. With an optimal percentage of 12.50%, however, Ivey actually grades out as the highest-rated leverage play on the entire slate regardless of price point. While there’s certainly some risk in rostering him at the moment, Ivey’s upside is undeniable at $5,300. The field also wanting nothing to do with him makes him arguably the best tournament play on the slate.
Contrarian Value — Isaiah Jackson: Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons
Sticking with the Pistons-Pacers game, Isaiah Jackson is the clear top contrarian value play on DraftKings at only $4,100. Jackson is coming off two productive games in Las Vegas at the In-Season Tournament, and he looks to be firmly back in Indiana’s rotation. On top of that, he’s not getting any love tonight, with a couple of other value centers projecting slightly better. Jackson racks up fantasy points in a hurry but usually doesn’t play enough minutes to be all that appealing in DFS. At only $4,100 and matched up against the Pistons, however, he’s the second-highest-graded leverage play on the slate, behind only Ivey.
Stokastic’s tools currently have Jackson optimal 10.50% of the time this slate plays out on DraftKings. Compare that to his 3.80% ownership projection, and it makes sense why he looks so good from a leverage standpoint. Plus, his $4,100 price tag allows for getting to higher-priced plays.
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