5 best value guards for daily DraftKings and FanDuel fantasy basketball for October 21st | 2021-22 NBA season

#3 - Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry in action for the Miami Heat

Kyle Lowry is set to play his first regular-season game for a team that is not the Toronto Raptors. The Miami Heat open against the defending NBA champions, and Jrue Holiday's potential availability is a focal point of this fantasy basketball player's value once again.

If Holiday, who is known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, is sidelined, then Lowry could put on a show. The Bucks are a stellar defense, but Holiday is their key when defending point guards who are as quick as Lowry.

Lowry's fantasy basketball value is hard to pinpoint heading into opening night. However, if he is the third-ranked player on Miami's roster, I would take a flier. Butler will probably be covered by Khris Middleton, and Bam Adebayo could struggle to score and rebound against Giannis.

---

#2 - Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe in action for the Los Angeles Clippers

Tyronn Lue confirmed that the LA Clippers' starting lineup on opening night would include Reggie Jackson, Eric Bledsoe, Paul George and Ivica Zubac. Aside from Zubac, Bledsoe seems like the safest bet to be valued at the lowest in daily fantasy basketball.

The 31-year-old had a down season for the New Orleans Pelicans last season under rough conditions. He was visibly checked out at times, which is a notable concern.

He is now back with the Clippers under the bright lights of Staples Center on a team with very clear championship aspirations. It's easy to forget that tallying 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists was just another night for the guard.

According to me, fantasy basketball evaluators would price Bledsoe lower than the production he brings on opening night.

---

#1 - Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson in action the Dallas Mavericks

Bench players are understandably given lower salaries in daily fantasy basketball. The likely starting lineup for the Dallas Mavericks in their game against the Atlanta Hawks includes Luka Doncic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell. This leaves Jalen Brunson as the clear sixth man.

Brunson's 2020-21 averages of 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 3.4 rebounds don't pop off the page for fantasy basketball participants. However, his salary needs to be taken into consideration.

He tops the list because of the Mavericks' opening matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have significant struggles defending the perimeter with Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Delon Wright as the primary members of their guard rotation.

This showdown has an offensive shootout written all over it. I understand if you feel confident with Trae Young being your centerpiece. However, I would recommend including Jalen Brunson's low salary on your fantasy basketball roster.