This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
Saturday's 10-game slate is once again almost identical across both major sites, with FanDuel adding two exclusive games that we will cover separately.
Slate Overview
Ohio State (-1.5) at Indiana O/U: 135
Villanova (-8) vs. Georgetown O/U: 147.5
Kentucky (-9) vs. Alabama O/U: 153
Kansas (-7.5) vs. Baylor O/U: 130.5
Xavier (-4) vs. Creighton O/U: 143
Louisville (-3) at Notre Dame O/U: 136
Virginia Tech (-2) vs. N.C. State O/U: 143.5
Penn State (-3.5) vs. Wisconsin O/U: 135
Illinois (-5.5) vs. Rutgers O/U: 135.5 (FanDuel only)
TCU (-3.5) vs. Oklahoma State O/U: 128.5 (FanDuel only)
Top Players
John Mooney, Notre Dame (DK $9,000, FD $8,300) vs. Louisville
Despite a tough loss to N.C. State three days ago, Mooney still came through with a great stat line for DFS owners, posting a 14/14 double-double. There's a high probability he'll notch his 10th consecutive double-double against the Cardinals, who rank 80th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage.
Devon Dotson, Kansas (DK $8,300, FD $7,900) vs. Baylor
Bill Self and the Jayhawks are flying high this season with Dotson as their floor general. The sophomore is one of the best point guards in the country, and he's poised to have another great game at home. Allen Field House is ranked as the eighth-toughest arena for opponents, and although the 12-1 Bears have one of the nation's better defenses, their only notable wins came against Butler and Villanova. The second-ranked Jayhawks should give Baylor their second loss, and Dotson will be the key to their success.
Tyrique Jones, Xavier (DK $7,600, FD $7,400) vs. Creighton
The 6-foot-9 senior has dominated in the paint this season, averaging a double-double (13.6 points, 10.1 rebounds) through 16 games. He ranks fifth in the nation with an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.9 and should exploit a Bluejays interior that ranks a paltry 241st in total rebounding percentage. He logged 32 minutes against Seton Hall three days ago, which is about seven minutes above his seasonal average.
Dwayne Sutton, Louisville (DK $6,700, FD $6,500) at Notre Dame
Sutton's numbers aren't impressive, but the double-double potential of the senior forward can make him a value-beater at this price. Sutton is a versatile wingman who offers a solid floor via a consistent rebounding and high-percentage shooting. While Notre Dame rarely turns the ball over, their effective field-goal percentage of 50.5 percent is just a tad above the national average and nothing to write home about. The Irish's misfires should result in a few more grabs for Sutton.
Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky (DK $6,600, FD $6,300) vs. Alabama
Maxey's superb 47 FP game against Georgia this week is a perfect example of how prolific the freshman has been for the Wildcats this season. He's outpacing Ashton Hagans as Kentucky's best scoring option, and those numbers are bolstered by a blistering 52.2 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc, where he's drilled 48 threes this season. He's starting to fill out his role as a ball distributor, as his eight assists against the Bulldogs were a season high and an encouraging indication of his potential to explode in yet another category.
Also consider: Kaleb Wesson, Ohio State (DK $8,000, FD $7,300) at Indiana
Value Plays
Jermaine Samuels, Villanova (DK $5,700, FD $5,700) vs. Georgetown
Samuels only averages 10.2 points per game, but his 6-7, 222-pound frame gives defenders fits in the paint and his average of 5.1 rebounds per game pads his stat line enough to get him close to 30-FP numbers. If the Wildcats outplay the Hoyas early, Samuels will stick around in a blowout, as his usage consistently hovers right around 30 minutes.
DJ Funderburk, N.C. State (DK $5,500, FD $5,400) at Virginia Tech
One of my favorite things about DFS in college hoops is the G-F-utility structure employed by both major sites. With centers qualifying at forward, you can load up on big men without restrictions. Funderburk is at a great price in what should be a hard-fought matchup with the Hokies. Unlike a lot of centers on the slate, he doesn't depend solely on rebounds to boost his stat line, as his scoring totals have gone as high as 22 points this season. While he is the second center on the depth chart, his lines outdo freshman Manny Bates, who's done little more than provide a lot of blocked shots in a starting role.
Justin Moore, Villanova (DK $5,100, FD $4,800) vs. Georgetown
While the talented freshman comes off the bench with the second unit, he still manages to play almost 30 minutes per game. Flashes of brilliance this season include a 25-point game against LaSalle that also included five steals. His numbers are a bit erratic so you'll have to weather some variance with this pick, but when you weigh his usage against his price, you're hard-pressed to find a player in the 5k range with this level of opportunity on an elite team.
Pay attention to C.J. Bryce's (concussion) status leading into Saturday's game. If he sits out again, give Jericole Hellems ($5,200) a look, as he benefited the most in Bryce's absence versus Notre Dame.
Illinois vs. Rutgers - FanDuel Only
I'll fire up Kofi Cockburn ($6,000) every time the Illini are on the slate. The 7-0 freshman ranks sixth in the Big Ten with 145 rebounds and ninth in the conference with 15 points per game. For my money, Ron Harper Jr. ($6,200) is the most consistent player for Rutgers lately, as he's posted 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in his last three games.
TCU vs. Oklahoma State - FanDuel Only
TCU's Desmond Bane ($7,300) is the top player for this game, and while the senior is the unquestioned leader for the Horned Frogs, he's put together a stellar four-game run, averaging 19 points, 6.8 rebounds and three assists over that span. Isaac Likekele ($6,300) is at a favorable price for the Cowboys — his price ticked downward after missing four games due to an illness and has since played three underwhelming games. After four days of rest, we should see the standout guard return to form.
Game to Target
Virginia Tech (-2) vs. N.C. State O/U: 143
Both backcourts have great value, as both Markell Johnson (DK $8,400, FD $7,600) and Landers Nolley II (DK $8,100, FD $6,700) are excellent targets. I already mentioned the injury situation for the Wolfpack, and that's the best value scenario for this game.
Game to Fade
Penn State (-3.5) vs. Wisconsin O/U: 135
I think this spread is deceptive, and I'd roll with the Nittany Lions all day in this game. The Badgers are going to have a difficult time against Lamar Stevens and Mike Watkins, and while I think they'll both have good lines today, I found lower-priced players who could offer similar value.
