NBA DFS Value Picks

The DFS season is in full swing, and the NBA never disappoints with its depth of talent and value. To compete in daily fantasy lineups, you need to uncover those key value picks each night. Whether it’s an up-and-coming player benefiting from an injured teammate or a bench player moving into the starting role, finding the right underpriced option can be the difference between cashing in and going home empty-handed. Let’s dive into some of the best value plays for November 17 on DraftKings.

Top NBA DFS Value Picks for November 17

Keldon Johnson, F, San Antonio Spurs$5,800

With San Antonio’s star rookie Victor Wembanyama taking a ton of defensive attention, Keldon Johnson continues to fly under the radar for DFS purposes. Priced below $6,000, he presents a great opportunity for players to grab a mid-tier value with high upside. Johnson has been logging consistent minutes and chipping in across several areas, averaging over 14 points and nearly 6 boards per game. His defensive prowess also gives him plenty of chances to rack up steals and blocks, providing a sneaky avenue for chalking up fantasy points.

Why Johnson is worth a roster spot

• Usage: Johnson’s central role in the offense, especially with Wembanyama demanding double coverage, ensures plenty of opportunities for consistent production.
• Floor and upside: Even on off nights, Johnson’s rebounding and defensive stats supplement his scoring, giving him a solid floor. When his shot is falling, he could give you a huge return on that sub-$6k price tag.

Insider Tip: Don’t sleep on Johnson simply because the Spurs haven’t been national TV darlings. He often outpaces his DraftKings price.

Herbert Jones, F, New Orleans Pelicans$4,200

Here’s another under-the-radar forward making noise. Herbert Jones’ defensive stats are what DFS dreams are made of. Blocked shots. Steals. Throw in a couple of drained threes, and Jones screams value at just $4,200. Unlike some of the more scoring-dependent players available in this price tier, Jones thrives by filling up the entire stat sheet. His minutes may occasionally fluctuate, but when he’s on the court, few players do more with less.

Key Advantages of Playing Herbert Jones

• Defense brings points: In DFS, steals and blocks are worth extra points, and Jones plays a significant defensive role in nearly every game.
• Multi-category contributions: He’s not just getting stops, which makes his contributions less matchup-dependent. His comfort beyond the arc and assists aren’t often talked about, but they add a hidden value to his overall ceiling.

Watch Jones’ role on the court fluctuate

If Jones is approaching the 25+ minute range, he’s a lock for a starting consideration, especially when you’re filling out those last spots on your roster.

JaVale McGee, C, Sacramento Kings$3,600

JaVale McGee always gives you sparks, doesn’t he? The Kings are still figuring out how to use their frontcourt effectively, and McGee stands to benefit. At $3,600, he’s a steal. While McGee won’t likely log tons of minutes, his PER-minute production is elite. Need quick points, a handful of boards, and a handful of highlight-worthy swats? McGee can be a game-changer for DFS purposes without hurting your wallet.

“McGee is a painless plug-and-play option if you’re looking to balance your salary cap,” DFS expert Tom Haverty suggests.

Factors that make McGee a smart value option

• Sacramento has been dealing with some injuries, benefiting fringe rotation players like McGee with extra court time.
• McGee’s ability to explode for blocks, offensive rebounds, and alley-oops makes him an instant DFS points magnet.

Cam Thomas, G, Brooklyn Nets$5,400

An offensive spark plug off the Nets bench, Cam Thomas has proven that his volume scoring is more than just a flash in the pan. At $5,400, he’s priced a bit higher than the typical DFS ‘value pick,’ but Thomas’ scoring ability, especially his ability to light it up from deep, keeps him on the DFS radar. With over 20 points in several recent games, Thomas has the microwave ability to drop multiple three-pointers in a hot streak and could easily crush his price point.

Reason to play Thomas

• With increased minutes and opportunities due to Brooklyn’s lack of scoring depth, Thomas is being entrusted with greater offensive responsibility.
• If Thomas gets hot early, he could produce elite-tier scoring numbers at a mid-range DFS price.

How to Make the Best Use of These Value Picks

DFS can sometimes be a balancing act of paying up for superstars and finding key value picks with high floor potential. The players above offer a unique opportunity to maximize your bang for your buck on November 17. Don’t get caught spending too much on a superstar while neglecting value plays that could do the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you’re building your DraftKings NBA roster for a cash game or GPP, weaving in value picks is a surefire way to have flexibility to stack big names like Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Basketball is a team game, and in DFS format, your team needs to be as deep as real-life squads lining up on the hardwood. Choose wisely, and you’ll be rewarded!

Good luck, and hope these NBA DFS value picks help solidify your game. Build smarter, not harder.

Disclaimer

This article is not a guarantee of DFS success but provides recommendations based on current trends and information. Always follow current injury reports and updates to ensure optimal roster building. Do your own research when finalizing your DraftKings lineup.