This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
10 games headline one of the last big college slates before the holidays, with $2k available in DraftKings' Big Jam and $500 in FanDuel's All-American. Let's take a look at implied totals before jumping into picks from each salary tier.
Top Players
Michael Devoe, G, Georgia Tech ($8,700 DK)
Going against one of the worst defenses on the slate, Michael Devoe and company have a shot at putting up a ton of points tonight. Devoe, although pricey, offers an extremely high floor, as he currently leads his team in usage rate while also boasting the highest offensive efficiency rating on the team. This matchup is especially promising for Devoe, as he's one of the top three-point shooters in the country, and Georgia State is allowing opponents to make 42.8 percent of their three-point attempts, the third-highest three-point percentage allowed in the country. Devoe is a prolific shooter, currently making over 50 percent of his three-point attempts this season, and has made 180-of-429 (.420) attempts in his career. Devoe has scored double figures in every game this season, and in the process also collected the most assists and steals on the team. All in all, Devoe offers an extremely high floor with excellent upside.
Obinna Anochili-Killen, F, Marshall ($7,700 DK)
Marshall is playing at the second-fastest adjusted tempo in the country this season, making the Thundering Herd an intriguing DFS option on today's slate. Among Marshall starters, I'm taking Obinna Anochili-Killen, primarily because of the matchup. Obinna Anochili-Killen has blocked 55 shots this season, the second-highest total in the country, and Toledo's offense has been vulnerable to having its shots blocked this season, so I'm expecting Anochili-Killen to rack up the blocks in today's contest. On the other side of the court, Anochili-Killen has scored double-figures in all but one game this season, which isn't a surprise considering he currently has the highest offensive efficiency rating among starters on the team this season. Obinna Anochili-Killen is playing at a consistently high level this season, and considering the matchup, he has a chance at having one of his best games yet.
Middle Tier
Davonte Davis, G Arkansas ($6,400 DK)
Arkansas has the highest projected point total on the slate, with KenPom expecting the Razorbacks to score around 88 points tonight (with Vegas posting them at roughly 86.25). Given these great expectations, it behooves us to strongly consider taking a Razorback or two. Davonte Davis is a strong option at a reasonable salary, as he's currently using over 20 percent of his team's possessions while also leading the team in assists. Although he cooled off slightly in his most recent game, Davis has been scoring hot as of late. Leading up to his last game, Davis had scored 16-plus points in four straight games, culminating in a career-best 26-point performance against Oklahoma on Dec. 11. Considering the opponent in today's game, Davis might have a new career-high after today.
JT Shumate, F, Toledo ($6,100 DK)
The Rockets are projected to break 80 points tonight, making them another team you don't want to overlook today. JT Shumate is a dynamic scoring option, currently boasting the 23rd-best offensive efficiency rating among all players in the country, while also taking 19.5 percent of his team's shots when on the court. In addition to scoring, Shumate is also productive on the other side of the court, having posted the fourth-highest block rate among all MAC players during conference season last year, in addition to also logging the 18th-best offensive rebound rate. Shumate has played 29-plus minutes in all but two games this season, so he shouldn't have too much trouble providing value at today's modest salary, barring any surprises of course.
Value Plays
Foster Loyer, G, Davidson ($4,800 DK)
Foster Loyer is one of the hottest players in the country right now, having scored 74 combined points in his last three games. After being a reserve player for the last three years at Michigan State, Loyer transferred to Davidson this season and has taken on a starring role. Loyer has demonstrated impressive offensive skills this season, currently boasting the tenth-highest offensive efficiency rating in the country among all players using at least 24 percent of their team's possessions. Additionally, Loyer has made 32-of-60 shot attempts from behind the arc this season, an impressive percentage although not too surprising considering Loyer has made 42 percent of his three-point attempts in his career. Either way, Loyer has been a scoring machine lately and offers incredible upside at a low salary.
Keeshawn Barthelemy, G, Colorado ($4,500 DK)
Colorado has a tough matchup today, but I still like Barthelemy's chances at having a productive day, especially relative to his salary. Kansas might be a top team in the nation, but that's mostly due to its offense and not its defense. The Jayhawks like to run, so I'm thinking this one could turn into a shootout if Colorado's offense cooperates. It all starts with Colorado's starting point guard, Barthelemy, who has scored in double figures in seven games this season and has even topped 20 points in a couple of games. Additionally, Barthelemy naturally leads the team in assists while also being one steal shy of tying the team lead in steals. Overall, Barthelemy might not have quite as much upside as more expensive players, but he still offers a solid floor in a game that might turn into a shootout.
