This article is part of our DFS College Basketball series.
Finally, we find a Saturday slate with only a one-game differential between the two major sites. Let's begin with the 10 shared games that tip off at 12 p.m. EST.
Slate Overview
Iowa (-4) vs. Penn State O/U: 151.5
Villanova (-7) vs. Providence O/U: 136.5
LSU (-11) vs. Texas A&M O/U: 141.5
N.C. State (-8.5) vs. Pittsburgh O/U: 135
Texas Tech (-11) vs. Texas O/U: 126
Kansas (-10.5) at Kansas State O/U: 130
Florida (-1) at Tennessee O/U: 131
Florida State (-3.5) at Clemson O/U: 134
Baylor (-7.5) at TCU O/U: 125
Marquette (-1.5) vs. Seton Hall O/U: 148
Mississippi (-10.5) vs. Vanderbilt O/U: 140 (DraftKings only)
Top Players
Marquette is on the slate, so it goes without saying that Markus Howard (DK $9,300, FD $8,400) remains the rock-solid lock to go to in cash lineups. He just put up two 50 FP games against Georgetown and Providence, and Saturday against Seton Hall he should exploit one of the Big East's weaker defensive teams. Luka Garza (DK $9,400, FD $8,800) is the second obvious play, as the Iowa standout continues to shine and prevailed against a tough Penn State defense with a 56 FP showing in their last matchup. Although my primary goal is to provide less obvious selections, no advice column should ignore such high-volume targets.
Alpha Diallo, Providence (DK $8,300, FD $7,500) at Villanova
With all the talent available in the Big East, Diallo can often get lost in the shuffle. It's difficult to conceive, but due to the elites littered all over the conference, his chances of making the All-Big East team are slim. Despite this potential omission, it's worth noting that he posted a career-high 35 points against Seton Hall two games ago. He's also recorded double-doubles in two of his last four games. He endured a cold spell prior to his career-topping total and even found himself coming off the bench due to his cold streak. His struggles seem to be behind him, however.
Lamar Stevens, Penn State (DK $8,100, FD $7,300) at Iowa
I'm a big fan of the high O/U in this matchup and have picked multiple players from this game. Although the Nittany Lions have dropped two of their last three games, you can't blame Stevens for the regression. His shooting percentage has left a bit to be desired in recent games, but this clash against another top-25 team should motivate the NBA prospect. He's gone 12 games without a double-digit rebound total, but his fortunes could change against the Cyclones, who rank 110th nationally in total rebounding percentage.
Saddiq Bey, Villanova (DK $7,900, FD $6,600) vs. Providence
Much like Diallo, Bey can fly a bit under the radar among the cornucopia of elite talent in the conference, but the 6-foot-8 sophomore continues to be a scoring machine for the Wildcats. The last three games, he's averaged 21.7 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals. Although he only scored 14 points against Providence in their last matchup, his nine rebounds offset that atypical scoring night.
Trendon Watford, LSU (DK $7,200, FD $5,900) vs. Texas A&M
I'm going with Watford over teammates Skylar Mays and Darius Days because his output has proven to be a bit steadier the last few games. The freshman also had one of the best games of his career against the Aggies earlier this season with a 19/11 double-double. I wouldn't fault going with Days or Mays despite their struggles against Florida, but I think Watford is the best play in this fast-paced contest.
Mike Watkins, Penn State (DK $6,100, FD $5,900) at Iowa
We should see the entire starting lineup benefit from the pace of this game, and I think Watkins could provide us with the most upside relative to his price. Although he probably represents the highest variance among players in this category, the 6-9 senior has the ability to pop with a lot of rebounds on any given night. His ceiling in this category was a 17-rebound game against Nebraska, and he's recorded seven double-doubles on the season. He's also averaging 2.3 blocks per game, so we could see him swatting a shot or two on Saturday.
Also consider: Markell Johnson, N.C. State (DK $7,700, FD $7,000) vs. Pittsburgh
Value Plays
Au'Diese Toney, Pittsburgh (DK $5,800, FD $5,100) at N.C State
I'd discount Toney's most recent stat line, as the Panthers showcased their seniors with starts on Senior Night. The occasion cut into Toney's numbers a bit, but expect a return to his normal production in a challenging matchup against the Wolfpack. The 6-6 sophomore excels as a multi-category contributor and has exceeded his seasonal scoring average in four out of his last five games.
Justin Moore, Villanova (DK $5,500, FD $4,900) vs. Providence
I'm giving Moore a special mention due to the questionable status of Collin Gillespie (thigh), but I'm OK with Moore even if Gillespie returns. I'm inclined to think that we won't see him due to this early tip-off, but a morning shoot-around could determine his status. He's now started seven consecutive games, and his 3-point shot has been on point. Over that span, he averaged an eye-popping 51.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Ryan Kriener, Iowa (DK $5,200, FD $4,800) vs. Penn State
I like Kriener best as a tournament candidate. His numbers have bounced around, but he's popped with two 30 FP games in the last two weeks. The standout games were due to a newly minted starting role with CJ Fredrick (ankle) out with an injury. Reports indicate Fredrick will be available Saturday, but Kriener should have an impact even if he comes in with the second unit.
Wendell Mitchell, Texas A&M (DK $5,300, FD $5,300) at LSU
The Aggies face an uphill battle against LSU, but Mitchell performed well with 23 FP against the Tigers in their last matchup. Considering his price, that's a great total. His last three games, he's posted FP totals of 28, 31 and 31, so his performances are trending upward as the season comes to a close. A lot of his success will depend on the temperature of his 3-point shot. He only mustered 3-of-9 from long range in his last matchup against LSU, but in his last three games, he's drilling shots from beyond the arc at a sizzling 57.9 percent.
Seth Lundy, Penn State (DK $3,900, FD $4,000) at Iowa
I'll keep diving deep with the Nittany Lions, and I'm more than happy to take a chance on a Penn State starter at his price point. When Lundy gets enough minutes, he's efficient. His 34 minutes against Purdue yielded a 27 FP total. So if he gets enough usage against the Cyclones, Lundy could end up as a great bargain-bin target.
Also consider: Myles Dread, Penn State (DK $5,400, FD $4,700) at Iowa
DraftKings only
Mississippi (-10.5) vs. Vanderbilt O/U: 140
Ole Miss is a huge favorite in this game, and Breein Tyree ($7,600) and KJ Buffen ($6,200) are the primary targets for the Rebels. I prefer value picks for the Commodores, as both Scotty Pippen Jr. ($5,200) and Maxwell Evans ($4,800) have put together a decent string of games.
GAME TO TARGET
Marquette (-1.5) vs. Seton Hall O/U: 148
Although Markus Howard looms over this games, there is a lot more value to be had in this spot. Myles Powell (DK $8,500, FD $7,200) produces a whopping 38 percent of the Pirates' shots (5th in the country) and is an every-game threat for a stuffed stat line. Jared Rhoden (DK $6,200, FD $5,700) fared better than most of his teammates against Marquette and provides one of the game's better values. I'm also a fan of Romaro Gill (DK $5,900, FD $6,000), who continues to be one of the best shot-blockers in the country. If I had to pick another player outside of Howard for the Golden Eagles, it would be Brendan Bailey (DK $5,900, FD $4,300), as he came through with Marquette's second-highest total against the 13th-ranked Pirates in their last matchup.
GAME TO FADE
Texas Tech (-11) vs Texas O/U: 126
Clemson manages to avoid this category thanks to a matchup against Florida State that should have an increased pace, so I'll land on this lopsided spread and low O/U total as my least favorite game on the slate. The Red Raiders rank 210th in the nation with an adjusted tempo of 67.5, and the Longhorns join them with a low pace of 65.9 (282nd). The Longhorns are on a three-game winning streak thanks to outscoring their season average, but they only scored 57 points against the Red Raiders in their last game, as the teams only mustered 119 total points.
