NBA DFS Star, Starter, Bench: October 26, 2023

We have gone from a full slate of games back to only two games on day 3 of the NBA season. Tonight’s matchups feature prominent matchups with plenty of star power to still fill your squad. We get the premier of the two-headed monster in Milwaukee with Giannis and Dame facing a 76ers squad missing one of it’s top talents in James Harden. Then the late night matchup will see the Lakers against the Suns. Now the game won’t be as star studded with only 1 of the 3 Suns stars playing, that would be Kevin Durant. It looks like Bradley Beal and Devin Booker will both sit out to try and help some lingering preseason issues heal. Like I said, still lots of star power and plenty of good plays for tonights NBA DFS slate. Let’s get into it!

Star

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (DK-$10,300/FD-$11,200)

I mentioned earlier that the reigning league MVP would be without his main running mate in James Harden, will that matter? No, the simple answer is no, because Embiid has been damaging the Bucks long before Harden was even on the roster. Joel Embiid has averaged 27.6 points, 11.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 16 games against the Bucks in his career. That is going up against Giannis and dominating. Given the fact that EVERYTHING will be run through him tonight means a guarantee of a monster start for the big man. He is going to start the year strong and be the key piece in any profitable NBA DFS lineup tonight.

Starter

Anthony Davis, L.A. Lakers (DK-$8800/FD-$10,300)

I know Anthony Davis could be in the Star category, but at his price tonight he slides in under the Starter category just fine. I have no issues pairing AD and Embiid in the same lineup. It cost about 2/5 of my salary, but it’s worth it in the long run. I get you may be hesistant to play AD after openong night, where he only put up 36.5 DraftKings. A reason for hope though, he had a team-high 26.6% usage rate and 34.1 minutes of work. He is what will make the Lakers go, because as we heard, LeBrons minutes will be limited this year. Lastly, this Phoenix matchup was one that Davis dominated in last season, producing 61.8 DraftKings points across three matchups. I’ve got no worries about him tonight and neither should you.

Bench

Jordan Goodwin, Phoenix Suns (DK-$3200/FD-$3600)

Goodwin could see an increased role on Thursday with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal doubtful and unlikely to suit up. The 2nd year player averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists in games he played at least 20 minutes last season. Those are the numbers I like to see for a bench player.  He will operate like a Cameron Payne type in my eyes, given a chance he will shine in the short term. Long term, he will be a very good role player. We just ned one big night though, and given the Suns’ early injury woes, he could find himself on the floor  a lot.

*All customers of daily fantasy sports should use their skills and judgment in building lineups. In addition, I may use different players and strategies than what I recommend above as games get closer.