5 best value forwards for daily DraftKings and FanDuel fantasy basketball for October 22nd | 2021-22 NBA season

#3 Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns

Estimated salary: $6,300 - $7,200

The absence of Jamal Murray with an ACL injury along with a recently signed maximum contract extension has led many to expect Michael Porter Jr. to take a significant jump in production this season.

Someone on the Denver Nuggets roster will need to make up for Murray's missed offensive contributions. The 6' 10" shooter did that with 24 points, five assists, six rebounds and two steals on opening night in Phoenix.

MPJ met the expectations set by his $6,400 DraftKings fantasy basketball salary, with 34 fantasy points. Tonight's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs is notably more favorable for Porter than the Suns, and he should benefit from that.

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#2 RJ Barrett

Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks

Estimated Salary: $5,800 - $6,400

It's difficult to properly gauge fantasy basketball production in an overtime game, and even more difficult in a double-overtime like the New York Knicks' season opener. I'll withhold Barrett's final tallies in 47 minutes of playing time against the Boston Celtics for that reason.

A notable aspect is that Barrett led the Knicks in total minutes played with Julius Randle and Evan Fournier at his heels. Tom Thibodeau is known for heavily relying on his starters, and significant minutes along with a wide spread averages is favorable for fantasy basketball.

Moreover, playing against the future-focused Magic should make for a comfortable night for Barrett and the Knicks. His price point around $6,000 could return great value for daily fantasy basketball participants.

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#1 Obi Toppin

Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks

Estimated Salary: $3,600 - $4,300

Obi Toppin's rookie season was disappointing for a prospect labeled 'NBA-ready' coming out of Dayton. He began to find his groove later in the New York Knicks' season, and could contribute more consistently in his sophomore campaign.

I'm always looking for low-salary players with decent potential to return for an above-average night in fantasy basketball. Toppin is the forward who fits the mold tonight.

As I mentioned with Barrett, playing against the Orlando Magic especially piques my interest and a potential blowout situation could mean increased playing time for Toppin.

Toppin is not going to highlight your DraftKings of FanDuel daily fantasy basketball lineup, but a cheap cherry on top always helps.