FanDuel & DraftKings NBA Daily Picks: Fantasy lineup & advice 2/2/18

(Photo credit: Erik Drost)

PG - Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans

It’s absolutely ridiculous just how much Russell Westbrook loves facing the Pelicans. He’s recorded a triple-double in four of his last five games against them, and was a rebound short in a couple other contests in the recent past. Moreover, Westbrook has had six 40-point games against them in his last ten games. Unbelievable. With that sort of track record, it should be worth paying up for Russ tonight.

Also consider: Terry Rozier, Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks

If Kyrie Irving does sit out another game due to that quad contusion, Rozier will be an obvious pickup. Rozier logged a triple-double of 17 points, 11 boards, and 10 assists en route to a ridiculous 55-point fantasy night while starting in place of Irving against the Knicks. The Hawks will be an equally advantageous matchup for Rozier if he does start, and he can rack up some similarly jaw-dropping numbers again.

SG - Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks

The Bucks are severely shorthanded at the moment. Eric Bledsoe’s status is still uncertain due to a sprained ankle, while Malcolm Brogdon has also gone down with a calf strain. With those two point guards absent, Middleton will likely have to play more point guard against the Knicks. Middleton didn’t have a great shooting night against the Timberwolves last night, but still had 21 points, six boards, four assists, and four steals. But with his usage likely to be sky-high, he figures to be a must-start.

Also consider: D'Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers

Russell is slowly being integrated back into the lineup after returning from injury. He hasn’t played over 21 minutes in his first six games back. However, he broke out with 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just 17 minutes of action against the Philadelphia 76ers. Up next is a matchup against his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers, and you better believe he’ll want to play heavier minutes. And even if Russell’s playing time is still limited, the Lakers defense has been so bad recently that he might still rack up a line worthy of DFS consideration.

SF - Paul George, Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans

George has been on an absolute tear of late. He had another brilliant performance last night as he went for a season-high 43 points in a losing effort against the Nuggets. Over his last five games, PG-13 is averaging 29 points on 54 percent shooting with 3.8 3-pointers and 2.6 steals. There’s a risk George finally cools off on the second night of a back-to-back, but given how hot George has been lately, it’s worth rolling the dice on him against a flimsy Pelicans defense.

Also consider: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks

Tatum has really enjoyed facing the Hawks this season. In two meetings, he’s averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 steals, two blocks, and two 3-pointers. If Irving misses time once again, he’ll likely get his fair share of shots to put together another impressive performance against Atlanta.

PF - Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers @ Charlotte Hornets

With Myles Turner once again listed as questionable due to a sore knee, Domantas Sabonis figures to benefit if Turner does miss out against the Hornets. Sabonis was a reliable double-double machine when Turner missed nine games earlier in the month due to that knee. He also had a double-double against the Hornets earlier this week. 

Also consider: Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz @ Phoenix Suns

Consistency is the name of the game for Favors. He’s had 30-39 fantasy points per FanDuel in seven of his last eight games, which is an impressive run. He’ll have a decent chance at extending that good run even further as he takes on a Suns team which has struggled to contain opposing big men.

C - Enes Kanter, New York Knicks @ Milwaukee Bucks

Kanter is having one of his quite an amazing run recently. His streak of consecutive 20 point games was finally snapped at three games against the Celtics, but he still grabbed 17 boards. Over his last four games, he’s averaging 19.3 points and 13.5 rebounds. It’s highly unlikely that Kanter keeps this up for much longer, but he may just have at least one more big game in him. He’ll have a terrific matchup against a Bucks team which notoriously struggles on the boards and will be on the second night of a back-to-back. 

Also consider: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder vs New Orleans Pelicans

Adams was quiet in last night’s shootout against the Nuggets, but he will have a great matchup to redeem himself with the Pelicans coming to town. In two games without DeMarcus Cousins, the Pelicans gave up 19 rebounds to DeAndre Jordan and 17 rebounds to Kosta Koufos. If Steven Adams doesn’t reach those sorts of numbers, then something will have gone terribly wrong.

What are your thoughts on tonight’s daily fantasy landscape? Share them in the comments below!