Even though there are still three games scheduled for tomorrow's Thursday card, Wednesday's 11-game card is the unofficial end to the "first half" of the DFS hoops season. Hope it's been a profitable one for all. With about a week off, it's a perfect time to cross the t's and dot the lower case j's to hit the second half of the season (well, actually the last 25 games or so) hard.

Tonight's Headline Games

The Toronto Raptors (-11) have a very respected defense but the last time they met the Washington Wizards, Bradley Beal ($8,700) went off for 43 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds (93.5 fp).

The Boston Celtics were looking worse for wear, dropping two straight to the LA teams. What does Boston do then? Promptly travel to Philadelphia to beat the 76ers. The C's are in a tough spot today on a B2B vs. the Detroit Pistons.

Speaking of the Philadelphia 76ers, are their players still going to be productive even on 0 days rest? They are playing the New York Knicks (+9.5) so....probably.

Is the Houston Rockets at Minnesota Timberwolves going to be the highest scoring affair of the night (O/U 227.5)? The T'Wolves (+3) might be in line for a big upset.

Guards

Bogdan Bogdanovic (DK: $4,900 FD: $6,200 Y! $20) Ownership: 9%

The acquisition of Harrison Barnes has actually helped the production of Sacramento's Bogdan Bogdanovic - or at least steadied it. The Kings G/F has gone for 31, 32, and 34 fantasy point nights over his last three. He has 15, 14, and 10 field goal attempts over that span, so the opportunities are there. Sacramento went 2-4 on a recent road trip and now head away from their own court for the first time in six home games. A big Nuggets win should mean lots of court time for Bogdanovic.

Allen Crabbe (DK: $3,700 FD: $4,000 Y! $10) Ownership 0.6%

There's solid value on Brooklyn's Allen Crabbe for both the price and the ownership so far. Of course, the Nets opponent being Cleveland doesn't hurt either. Crabbe's minutes have increased progressively since his return from a knee injury from 13 to 21 to 31 on Monday vs. the Raptors. His point totals have also increased from 5 to 19 to 22. There should be full minutes Wednesday vs. Cleveland (barring a blowout) and you have to like Crabbe's chances at a 30+ point fantasy night.

Jamal Murray (DK: $6,200, FD; $8,700 Y!:$24 ) Ownership 5.48%

Jamal Murray gets one more game in front of the home town crowd before Denver convenes for the all-star break. Murray has played three games since returning from an ankle injury and so far, his worst performance of the three has been at the Pepsi Center on Monday (24 fp). A bounce back game can be expected, however, as Murray's return to the lineup saw a 19 point, 11 assist game a week ago vs. Brooklyn followed by a 23/6/5 line vs. the Sixers. With Sacramento's up-paced play, Murray should approach a 40 point fantasy night or more like he did in the previous matchup (36/7/6).

Forwards

Dario Saric (DK: $4,600 FD: $7,000 Y! $24) Ownership 2.04%

There's solid value on Minnesota's Dario Saric up against the Houston defense today. Saric has posted nice minutes lately (33+ in 2 of 4) and he has three 30+ fantasy point games over that span. The Timberwolves are in a prime upset spot being 18-10 at home and their front court is going to dominate.

Josh Jackson (DK: $5,900 FD: $7,000 Y!: $26) Ownership 10.56%

The scoreboard might break when the Suns and Clippers meet up tonight. LA doesn't want to play defense and Phoenix straight up cannot. If there are points to go around, a great bet for another big fantasy night is the Suns' Josh Jackson. The Suns' PF has logged 32+ minutes in 7 straight games, scoring 25+ points and grabbing 5+ rebounds in 3 of his last 5. The Clippers are 25th defensively vs. the PF position. Devin Booker is probable with a knee injury and his absence would create more scoring opportunities for Jackson as Phoenix plays its last game pre all-star break.

Lauri Markkanen ( DK: $8,100, FD: $8,500 Y! $37) Ownership 17.64%

That price tag is shooting through the roof but it's hard to argue the production that Lauri Markkanen is providing with the return on investment. Markkanen still has value for a variety of reasons. A) he's getting a ton of shots right now with 21, 17, 18, and 19 over the last four. B) he's a rebounding machine over the last four as well with 10, 18, 11, and 17. C) Memphis is solid defensively vs. the PF, but they're also on a back-to-back after a hard fought one point loss to San Antonio last night.

Center

Jonas Valanciunas (DK: $4,200 FD: $5,200 Y!: $12) Ownership 1.17%

How do the Memphis Grizzlies play Jonas Valanciunas tonight? Last night he played 21 minutes and scored 23 points while grabbing 10 boards. It was an interesting game vs. the Spurs as it was Valanciunas' first game since missing the previous 27 with a thumb injury. It was also only the 2nd contest as a member of the Grizzlies for the center since coming over from Toronto. Memphis is on a B2B, but Valanciunas missed time with a thumb injury, not a leg injury that could more easily be re-injured. With 8 games off upcoming for the all-star break, does J.B Bickerstaff trot out Valanciunas for 25-30 to try and get his cardio up? For the price, it's worth it to play that angle.

Utility Player

James Harden (DK:$11,800 FD:$12,800 Y!61) Ownership 16.16%

Wednesday's lineup leaves $12,400 available which opens up every players' availability at the utility spot. The Minnesota back court is still banged up and would be wise to rest with 8 days off upcoming for the all-star break. James Harden has scored 30+ points in like 148 straight games and he'll be launching yet again, even with a shoulder injury that has him probable.

Tomorrow's 3-game card isn't pretty, but it's one last DFS opportunity before the break, nonetheless. Until then, feel free to follow Carl Taylor (@dailydogsports) for more daily fantasy and sports betting insights and oversights.

Freeroll

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