DraftKings TE Report – Week 15
DraftKings Week 16 TE Report Codes: Favorable Matchup Neutral Matchup Risk/Against the Grain Tough Matchup with Limited Upside Rob Gronkowski (DK – $7,400/FD – $8,400): Gronkowski is making a run at Travis Kelce for the top spot in TE scoring despite missing two games this year. He’s scored over 20 Fantasy points in three straight games (5/82/2, 9/147, and 9/168) while averaging 10.7 targets per game. His middle game of this set came against the Bills. Last season he had five catches for 109 yards and a TD against Buffalo, which was the case in 2015 (@BUF – 7/113/1). In his career, Gronkowski has 61 catches for 960 yards and 11 TDs vs. the Bills in 12 games. Buffalo is 22nd defending TEs with two bad games (TB – 12/158/2 and NE – 10/150). On the year, TEs have 74 catches for 813 yards and three TDs on 105 targets. Gronk has an excellent resume in this matchup against Buffalo in his career while playing his best ball of the season over the last month. Possible multiple TDs with solid value in catches and receiving yards in Week 16. Travis Kelce (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,000): Kelce is battling an illness this week leading to a couple of missed practices. He’s on pace to set a career-high in catches (90), receiving yards (1132), TDs (8), and targets (130). Travis has been quiet in three of his last four games (3/39, 7/74, and 6/46) while having five games with over 20 Fantasy points in 2017 (8/103/1, 7/111/1, 7/133/1, 7/73/1, and 4/94/2). He averages 8.1 targets per game. Miami tightens up their defense against WRs over the last month, but they rank 28th vs. the TE position (78/828/8 on 109 targets) with five bad game (LAC – 10/101/1, TEN – 10/62/1, OAK – 8/126, NE – 6/84/2, and BUF – 7/101). Love this matchup, and I expect him to shine this week. Possible 30+ Fantasy points. Evan Engram (DK – $5,600/FD – $6,600): Engram will finish as a top-five TE in 2017. He’s on pace for 72 catches for 811 yards and seven TDs on 129 targets. Evan only has one game (7/99/1) with over 20 Fantasy points while posting over 15 Fantasy points in five other outings (5/82/1, 6/60/1, 4/70/1, 6/31/1, and 8/87). Engram averages just over eight targets per game. The Cardinals have shown risk defending TEs in three games (PHI – 9/82/1, TB – 8/96/1, and SEA – 6/27/2). Over the last eight games, no TE has over 45 yards receiving vs. Arizona with only 30 combined catches. As much as I want him to have a nice game for a season-long contest I’m in, Evan doesn’t have a great matchup this week. He remains the number two option in the passing game for the Giants, which helps his floor. More of an against the grain play in the daily space. Greg Olsen (DK – $5,200/FD – $6,600): Last week was the perfect storm for Olsen, but most Fantasy owners failed to see his upside. After playing a full game in Week 14 with no catches on one target, game score and an unhealthy Devin Funchess led to a monster game by Greg (9/116/1). I’m sure he was on the bench on many teams in the season-long games. Last week Olsen was on the field for 73 of 75 plays, so it’s now safe to assume that he’s back to his old self. The Bucs are very good against TEs (4th – 58/608/3 on 77 targets). They haven’t allowed a TD to a TE in their last eight games. On the year, only two teams scored over 20 Fantasy points at TE against Tampa (NYG – 8/73/1 and DET – 13/125). In 2016, Greg had a 9/181 game vs. the Bucs. Very good salary for his expected growth in opportunity, but he needs a TD to fill his salary box. His lower salary will make him an attractive play at TE in Week 16. Delanie Walker (DK – $4,900/FD – $6,400): Delanie remains the top receiving option in Tennessee. He has five catches or more in seven of his last eight games while averaging 7.8 targets per game over this stretch. Walker has a TD in three of his last four games and over 60 yards receiving in six of his last eight starts. The Rams are league average against the TE position (52/599/7 on 90 targets) with two bad games (NYG – 6/91/1 and PHI – 6/76/3). LA allowed four TDs to the TE position over the last two games. Nice steady TE option with a mid-teen floor. Jimmy Graham (DK – $4,700/FD – $6,800): Against two good defenses (JAC and LAR), Graham deserted Fantasy owners. He caught only one of his five targets over his last two starts for minus-one yard. Before his fade, Jimmy had nine TDs over eight games. Even with his success, Graham had fewer than 60 yards receiving in these games. He averages 6.4 targets per game. A season-long battle with an ankle issue lowered his yards per catch to 8.9 yards, which is well below his success in 2016 (14.2). The Cowboys allowed over 15 Fantasy points to the TE position in four of their last seven games (21.60, 18.90, 18.60, and 21.40). On the year, TEs have 68 catches for 709 yards and five TDs on 96 targets against Dallas. Graham will regain some of his form in this matchup with a chance at a TD, but his lack of explosiveness does limit his ceiling. Jason Witten (DK – $4,000/FD – $5,800): Witten is at the end of his career, which is highlighted by his fade over his last 12 games. Over this stretch, Jason has one catch in a game six times while averaging only 4.4 targets per game. His best two games came in Week 1 (7/59/1) and Week 2 (10/97/1). Seattle ranks 8th against TEs (59/653/5 on 100 targets) with three TEs scoring over 165 Fantasy
Scouting The NBA by Nate Weitzer – 12/22/17
Plays of the Day Value: OG Anunoby is definitely worth rolling with at this cheap price tag after dropping 20 points over 31 minutes as a starter last night. He’s athletic and fully capable of exceeding value in a matchup against the fast-paced Sixers. Fade: LaMarcus Aldridge and the Spurs could win easily on the road tonight since the Jazz might be without elite rookie Donovan Mitchell (toe) in addition to Rudy Gobert (knee). With both players out, Utah struggles to compete on both ends of the floor. Point Guard Kyle Lowry – (8,500 DK/8,800 FD) With a strong hometown narrative going as the Philadelphia native plays the struggling Sixers, Lowry appears to be the top option at his position, slightly edging Kyrie Irving ($8.7k, $8.7k) in what should be a bounce back effort for the Celtics. The Sixers allow the fourth-most FPPG (51.08) to opposing PGs and Lowry’s had plenty of big games against them in the past Jarrett Jack ($4.6k, $4.7k) seems like the best value option at PG tonight, especially if Kristaps Porzingis (knee) remains out tonight. Despite struggling in consecutive games, Andrew Harrison ($4.3k, $4.3k) is worth a look as a value against the fast-paced Suns and he could play more than Mario Chalmers on the second half of a B2B set. Shooting Guard Justin Holiday – (5,600 DK/4,900 FD) Until Zach Lavine (knee) returns, Holiday should remain a consistent scorer for the Bulls and he’s extremely cheap on FanDuel given his steady production. He’s facing a Cavs team that gives up the most 3PTM (12) per game this year and has streaking playmakers in Kris Dunn and Nikola Mirotic ready to draw the defense and open things up for him to fire. Troy Daniels ($4.3k, $4.8k) is a low-cost tournament option to consider with Devin Booker (groin) out. You can use Dwyane Wade ($5.4k, $5.4k) in any format as he takes on his hometown Bulls. Donovan Mitchell ($6.6k, $7.1k) will be worth a look against the Spurs if he can return from a one-game absence due to a bruised toe. If he can’t, the Jazz will likely be blown out again. DeMar DeRozan ($8.8k, $8.8k) is clearly a good play right next to Lowry as the top options in the Raptors offense, and he could be a contrarian option given Lowry’s narrative. Small Forward Denzel Valentine – (4,100 DK/4,100 FD) After struggling in several consecutive games, Valentine joined the surging Bulls with great output last night, producing 15 points with 10 rebounds and 5 assists over just 28 minutes in a comfortable win over the Magic. He’s dirt cheap ahead of a tough matchup against LeBron and the Cavs, but has a great chance to at least meet value and afford you salary flexibility at other positions. LeBron James ($11.9k, $12.3k) continued to produce 60-plus FPs despite failing to maintain his recent average of a triple double on Tuesday. He’s the safest option on the board and a man that is certainly worth paying up for in cash games. Jaylen Brown ($5.4k, $5.7k) could see more run and usage if Jayson Tatum (finger) is out in addition to Marcus Morris (knee). OG Anunoby ($3.6k, $4.0k) is a premier value as mentioned above after dropping 20 points over 31 minutes as a starter last night. Power Forward Kristaps Porzingis – (8,900 DK/9,500 FD) Porizingis should be able to play tonight after resting his ailing knee in consecutive games ahead of a matchup against the Celtics, who now have a target on their backs as the lead dog in the ECF. He’d become a virtual must play if active at this price tag on DK, but if he can’t go, Michael Beasley ($5.7k, $6.3k) would become a great mid-tier option in a high-usage role for the Knicks. Ben Simmons ($9.4k, $9.8k) is dependent on the status of Joel Embiid (back) to an extent, but might actually have better assist numbers and more efficient scoring numbers if The Process returns. Nikola Mirotic ($6.7k, $7.2k) continued to produce while leading the Bulls to a seventh consecutive win last night. He’s another relative value in a Bulls uniform against a Cavs team that struggles to guard the 3-point line. If Lauri Markkanen (back) misses this second half of a B2B set, Bobby Portis ($4.9k, $5.0k) would become an appealing option. Jeff Green ($4.3k, $4.6k) has established a solid floor off the Cavs bench and remains a low-upside value. Center Joel Embiid – (9,800 DK/11,500 FD) Like Porzingis, it appears that Embiid will be ready to return after missing the Sixers last two games to rest his ailing back. They’ll certainly need him if they want to snap their current slide and he could cause matchup problems for Jonas Valanciunas ($5.6k, $5.9k), who would become a solid mid-tier option in his own right should Embiid miss another game. Enes Kanter ($6.3k, $6.3k) would see a boost in usage if Porzingis remains out for the Knicks, while Greg Monroe ($4.7k, $5.9k) remains a relative value on DK for the offense-starved Suns, plus he should avoid Marc Gasol’s shutdown defense while Alex Len and Tyson Chandler could struggle against Big Spain.
Jaguar Lou’s Cheat Sheet – 12/21/17 (Updated throughout the day)
Early Morning Cheat Sheet (Update’s throughout the day) – updated 12:44 PM – 11/27/17 If you’re not max entering GPP tournaments, I strongly recommend only playing single entry and 3-5 person leagues. Point Guard Elite PG Play: Kyrie Irving Mid-Range PG Play: Kris Dunn GPP Value/Punt PG play: Ricky Rubio Shooting Guard Elite SG Play: Mid-Range SG Play: DeMar DeRozen & Tyreke Evans GPP Value/Punt SG Play: Rodney Hood & Jared Bayless Small Forward Elite SF Play: Lebron James Mid-Range SF Play: T.J. Warren GPP Value/Punt SF play: Thabo Sefalosha Power Forward ** Porzingis must play if starts** Elite PF Play: Ben Simmons Mid-Range PF Play: Nikola Mirotic GPP Value/Punt PF Play: Serge Ibaka & JaMychal Green Center Elite C Play: Kanter **if Porzingis is OUT** Mid-Range C Play: Marc Gasol GPP Value/Punt C Play: Al Horford
Jaguar Lou’s Top Pick’s – 12/19/17
Jaguar Lou’s Top Picks for 12/19/2017 PG John Wall– 9,500 FD & 8,800 DK John Wall has the easiest matchup of the night against Rajon Rondo. I love rostering Wall and Beal in the same lineup tonight! Although Beal has a slightly better matchup, I have no problem rostering both, as Beal should be the primary scorer and Wall will hit value with assists, rebounds, blocks and steals. On a night with minimal options, John Wall is a safe play at a reasonable price for an elite point guard. Other GPP PG Option(s): Fox/Mason & Jameer Nelson (GPP) SG Bradley Beal – 9,400 FD & 8,900 DK Bradley Beal faces a Pelicans defense that has allowed massive PPG to opposing shooting guards over their last 10 games. Beal should have no problem scoring and should also see a minutes/usage bump with Otto Porter expected to sit. Other GPP SG Option(s): Khris Middleton, J.J Redick & E’Twann Moore (GPP) SF Lebron James – 10,000 FD & 10,100 DK Lebron James is the better of the two elite SF play’s tonight. Although the Greek Freak could hit value, Lebron’s usage has been off the charts and for a saving of 300 in the better matchup with the higher upside – give me Lebron James. Other GPP SF Option(s): Robert Covington & Kelly Oubre **If Porter is out** PF Anthony Davis – 11,200 FD & 10,100 DK DeMarcus Cousins has a tough matchup against Marcin Gortat. Knowing that, Anthony Davis could be relied on more heavily due to his more favorable matchup against Markieff Morris or Kelly Oubre Jr. For a reasonable price, Anthony Davis could be a low owned superstar that has sneaky upside. Other GPP PF Option(s): Zach Randolph & Dario Saric/Ben Simmons C Willie Cauley-Stein – 6,000 FD & 5,200 DK This is more of a GPP play but on such a small slate if I just listed expensive cash play’s it would be difficult to make a realistic with my picks. Cauley-Stein sees a great matchup against a 76ers team without Embiid tonight. You must pay down somewhere, Cauley-Stein is a safer option at Center that gives you salary flexibility on such a tough night for roster construction. Other GPP Center Option(s): Kevin Love & Marcin Gortat (GPP)
Jaguar Lou’s Top Play’s – 12/14/17
PG Dennis Schroder – 7,700 FD & 7,200 DK Dennis Schroder has a nice matchup in a game where Kent Bazemore has a poor matchup. This typically results in Schroder taking control of Atlanta’s offense. Schroder faces Reggie Jackson, a player that I am never worried about on the defensive end of the court. Other GPP PG Option(s): Spencer Dinwiddie & Yogi Ferrell / J.J Barea (GPP) SG Wesley Matthews – 5,100 FD & 4,600 DK While most people are on Klay Thompson tonight, I will be going against the grain, investing in Wesley Matthews at lower ownership. Yes, Klay is at a reasonable price and has a usage uptick with Steph Curry, Draymond Green & Zaza Pachulia injured but for his value, Matthews is in a nice spot against a damaged Warriors team. Wesley Matthews might not have the highest ceiling but his floor is high and his price is low for what he is – 35 minutes on the floor defending Klay Thompson. Other GPP SG Option(s): Courtney Lee SF Lebron James – 12,600 FD & 11,900 DK While most are on KD, I’m on LBJ. He actually has a much more favorable matchup than KD (despite his usage increase). Wesley Matthews and Harrison Barnes are very capable defenders, this is not as simple as it seems. I am avoiding these players because of their expected high ownership. Other GPP SF Option(s): DeMarre Carroll & Omri Casspi (GPP) PF Kristaps Porzingis – 10,200 FD & 9,600 DK Simply the highest floor at a weak position. Your paying for it but he is in a great matchup. Other GPP PF Option(s): Tobias Harris & Jordan Bell and/or Maxi Kleber (GPP) C Andre Drummond – 11,400 FD & 9.300 DK Lock him in if you have the money, done deal. Best play of the night. The Center position is the best on slate in terms of raw points, i.e. take multiple Center’s on Draft Kings! Other GPP Center Option(s): Enes Kanter & Kevin Love
Jaguar Lou’s Cheat Sheet – Main Slate 12/10/17
Jaguar Motto: If you’re not max entering GPP tournaments, I strongly recommend only playing single entry and 3-5 person leagues. Point Guard Elite PG Play: Dennis Schroder Mid-Range PG Play: Jeff Teague GPP Value/Punt PG play: Rajon Rondo **Favorite Play** Important note: J.J Redick & Rajon Rondo should be guarding each other – two of the weaker defenders in the entire league. Shooting Guard Elite SG Play: Jrue Holiday Mid-Range SG Play: Kent Bazemore GPP Value/Punt SG Play: J.J Redick & Timothe Luwawu – Cabbarot Small Forward Elite SF Play: Jimmy Butler Mid-Range SF Play: Courtney Lee GPP Value/Punt SF play: Taureen Prince/ Lance Thomas (Don't love this but if you need lower priced value play, not much else at SF) Power Forward Elite PF Play: Anthony Davis & Ben Simmons Mid-Range PF Play: Kristaps Porzingis GPP Value/Punt PF Play: Taj Gibson Center Elite C Play: Karl Anthony-Towns & DeMarcus Cousins Mid-Range C Play: Enes Kanter GPP Value/Punt C Play: Miles Plumlee
DraftKings Week 14 RB Report
DraftKings – Week 14 RB Report Codes: Favorable Matchup Neutral Matchup Risk/Against the Grain Tough Matchup with Limited Upside Todd Gurley (DK – $8,100/FD – $8,500): Gurley's hold on the top RB spot in the NFL may end this week with Le'Veon Bell and Alvin Kamara charging down the home stretch. Last week Todd had 158 combined yards with six catches, bit he failed to score a TD for the third time in his last four games. Gurley averages 22.6 touches per game while being on pace for 2,000+ yards with 60 catches and 15 TDs. The Eagles are the second-best team in the NFL against RBs. They allow 3.5 yards per rush with RBs scoring three rushing TDs. In the passing game, RBs have 68 catches for 499 yards and five TDs on 91 targets vs. the Philly. High volume back, but he needs to find his scoring rhythm again to be in the mix in the top end. Not ideal. Melvin Gordon (DK – $7,800/FD – $8,600): The fun Gordon left the building in Week 6 (150 combined yards with two TDs and nine catches). Over his last six games, Melvin has only two TDs while averaging just over 20 touches per game. Over this stretch, he had only two games with over 100 combined yards (139 and 106). He been on the field for about 63 percent of the time over his last four games compared to 81.3 percent of the time over his five first full games. The Redskins have risk vs. the RB position (28th – 1,610 combined yards with 13 TDs and 58 catches). Winning matchup with high upside if his thorn (Austin Ekeler) doesn't steal his scoring upside. LeSean McCoy (DK – $7,200/FD – $9,000): McCoy looked good last week (15/93 – 6.2 yards per rush), but he didn't score with only two catches for nine yards. On the year, LeSean has three games with over 100 yards rushing and five TDs. He averages 21.25 touches per game. The Colts are 24th in the league vs. RBs (1,783 combined yards with ten TDs and 57 catches). Indy held their last five opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing with two TDs after showing risk in three games earlier in the year (SEA – 29/156/1, TEN – 34/168/2, and JAC – 33/177/2). Excellent chance at producing a great game, but he needs better QB play preferably Tyron Taylor behind center. Leonard Fournette (DK – $7,000/FD – $8,300): Fournette was on the field for a season high 83 percent of the Jaguars' plays last week. He finished with 23 touches for 79 combined yards with a TD and three catches. Leonard gained short yards per carry in three of his last four games (1.9, 2.1, and 2.9), which just shows he's isn't healthy. Last week he limped off the field a couple of times. Fournette averages 23.2 touches per game. Seattle has the third best defense in the league defending RBs (1,290 combined yards with 11 TDs and 54 catches). The Seahawks allow 3.8 yards per rush. Stud upside when healthy, but this is a poor matchup especially with bad wheels. Christian McCaffrey (DK – $6,700/FD – $6,800): McCaffrey played through a shoulder issue last week. The Panthers had him on the field for 40 of 57 plays. He finished 11 touches for 49 yards with five catches and a TD. Christian has four TDs in his last four games with an uptick in yards in two of those games (Week 9 – 94 combined yards with a TD and five catches and Week 12 – 97 combined yards with two catches). He averages 12.2 touches per game while being on pace for 80 catches for 668 receiving yards. RBs have 60 catches for 429 yards and one TD on 90 targets against the Vikings. Still overpriced for his 2017 resume unless he turned into Alvin Kamara over the last month of the year. This isn’t a great matchup. Kareem Hunt (DK – $6,900/FD – $7,200): Hunt slipped to 6th RB scoring after fifth straight poor game (9.80, 10.10, 10.70, 3.60, and 9.30 Fantasy points). Over this span, Kareem averaged 16.6 touches per game while averaging 59 yards per game with no TDs and 14 combined catches. In Week 7, Hunt had 117 combined yards on 22 touches with four catches against the Raiders. Oakland is 18th league defending RBs (1,733 combined yards with nine TDs with 73 catches). Prior to the last two games against the sliding Broncos and hopeless Giants, the Raiders allowed 30+ points to four of their six games. On the negative side, Oakland allowed under 95 yards rushing in six of their last seven games. He’s not this bad and this matchup points to a move back in a favorable direction. His sliding salary puts him back in play in Week 14. Carlos Hyde (DK – $6,000/FD – $6,700): Hyde doesn't have a TD in his last six games. He's gained fewer than 3.5 yards per rush in six of his last eight games. Carlos has one game with over 100 yards rushing and two other games with over 100 combined yards. His floor is higher than most due to his value in the passing game (52/307). Over his last six games, Hyde has 49 targets. Houston allows 4.1 yards per rush with only three rushing TDs allowed. Over the last two games, the Texans struggled vs. the run (31/139/1 and 25/198/2). This ended a five week stretch with no TDs allowed to the RB position. In the passing game, RBs have 50 catches for 377 yards and three TDs on 63 targets against Houston. Nice floor, but he rarely breaks free in the second level of the defense while needing a prayer to reach the end zone. Jamaal Williams (DK – $5,900/FD – $6,600): Williams had his best game of the year rushing the ball in Week 13 (123 combined yards with a TD
Scouting The NBA – 12/7/17
Plays of the Day Value: Tyson Chandler should return to action tonight after resting on Tuesday and he’s been on fire with 21 points and 30 boards over two appearances prior to getting that maintenance day. Provided he plays around 30 minutes tonight, the big man is a good bet for a double double at a cheap price tag on DK. Fade: Russell Westbrook is coming off a couple of huge games as he’s led the Thunder on a winning streak, but OKC might win easily in Brooklyn and that could hurt his value. With elite options at SG tonight, it’s tough to pay all the way up for the top PG. Point Guard Mike James – (4,400 DK/4,400 FD) The PG position is a trick one on this short slate and it seems to make sense to go with a value play over the extremely pricey Russell Westbrook despite his obvious upside against the fast-paced Nets. Chris Paul ($7.6, $8.3k) is a decent cash play in the upper-tier range, but after getting his 45-day deal turned into a full-time contract, Mike James could be in line for an increased role. Devin Booker (groin) is out for at least two weeks and James boasts a 33 percent usage rate with Booker off the floor this year. Tomas Satoransky ($4.1k, $4.7k) is a low-upside cash play to consider if you’re worried about the risk with James. Spencer Dinwiddie ($6.5k, $7.2k) is another cash play at a slightly cheaper price tag than Paul, although he comes with more risk in a matchup against Westbrook. Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell – (7,200 DK/7,500 FD) The rookie is taking the league by storm right now and he’s the best per-dollar option at a loaded SG position tonight. Matching up against James Harden ($11k, $11.5k) increases his offensive prospects as long as he can avoid foul trouble and the Jazz will continue to run the offense through Mitchell in what should be a high-scoring home tilt. Bradley Beal ($8.1k, $8.6k) is the other premier option in this price range after he went off for 51 points on Tuesday. It may be worth fading Beal in tournaments given his likely high ownership rate, but you can’t beat his matchup against a Suns team that gives up the most PPG (115.7) in the NBA and coughs up the third-most FPPG (44.32) to opposing SGs. For value, consider Troy Daniels ($4.1k, $3.7k) as a possible replacement for Devin Booker. He’s an excellent shooter and could try to slide into Booker’s role. Small Forward Brandon Ingram – (6,400 DK/6,800 FD) Ingram is an obvious play tonight in my opinion along with fellow young wing Kyle Kuzma ($5.5k, $5.4k), who is also under priced on both main DFS sites. Ingram had a coming out party with 32 points against the defending champion Warriors and continues to pour it in with 38 points over his last two outings. The Sixers have been generous to opposing wings all season, while the Lakers aggressive defensive style could help Robert Covington ($6.4k, $6.7k) get open looks as defenders collapse on Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson ($5.4k, $7.2k) is notably cheaper on DK tonight and Kelly Oubre Jr. ($5.0k, $5.3k) remains a solid mid-tier play with John Wall out for the Wizards. Power Forward Dario Saric – (5,300 DK/6,400 FD) If he’s able to suit up tonight and play through an eye injury, Saric will be a solid per-dollar option with a good floor in this matchup. The Lakers rotate too many bigs for any one to be considered safe, but Larry Nance Jr. ($4.9k, $4.7k) is probably the best bet for cash games. Ben Simmons ($9.9k, $10.5k) is the tournament play worth splurging for on DK and he stands well above the other PF options on FanDuel. It’s worth noting that T.J. Warren ($6.5k, $8.1k) actually sees a drop in usage rate when Devin Booker is off the floor, so he seems a bit over priced on FD tonight. Center Joel Embiid – (10,100 DK/10,800 FD) Embiid posted one of the most eye-popping lines of the season against the Lakers last month and there’s little reason to expect much less from The Process against a team that gives up the fifth-most FPPG (54.32) to opposing centers this year. Rudy Gobert ($6.2k, $7.6k) is not worth deploying yet until we see him play 30 minutes, but his presence makes Clint Capela far less desirable. Steven Adams ($6.1k, $6.9k) is a good GPP option against a Nets team that’s been completely porous in the paint and Tyson Chandler ($4.5k, $5.3k) is a viable option in any format provided he returns to the Suns SLU after sitting out Tuesday’s contest to rest.
Jaguar Lou’s Starting Five – 12/6/17
Jaguar Lou's Starting 5 – 12/6/17 PG Dennis Schroder – 8,100 FD & 8,200 DK Dennis Schroder faces a Magic team that has allowed 54.9 points to opposing point guards over their last five. Considering Atlanta’s current injury situation, Schroder will need to increase his overall involvement in the offense. Schroder has a nice ceiling tonight and a safe floor against Elfrid Payton and the Orlando Magic. Other GPP PG Option(s): Austin Rivers & Jamal Murray (GPP) SG Victor Oladipo – 9,400 FD & 8,900 DK Victor Oladipo has an extremely favorable matchup against a Chicago Bulls team that just cannot guard the shooting guard position. Yes, he is priced up, but I think with his recent game logs paired with the favorable matchup we could be seeing a massive game out of Victor Oladipo tonight. Other GPP SG Option(s): Jrue Holiday SF Kevin Durant – 10,000 FD & 10,100 DK With Steph Curry out for tonight's game and Draymond Green currently designated as questionable, the Golden State Warriors will heavily rely on Kevin Durant. At a reasonable salary, Durant is somewhat of a lock/must play tonight considering his upside due to Golden States injuries. Other GPP SF Option(s): Jimmy Butler PF Kenneth Faried – 5,600 FD & 5,000 DK Kenneth Faried faces a New Orleans team that has allowed massive FD points to opposing Centers since Anthony Davis' injury. Faried has been getting ample minutes and should perform tonight in a nice matchup. Other GPP PF Option(s): Taj Gibson & Jordan Bell (if Draymond out) C DeMarcus Cousins – 11,300 FD & 11,300 DK DeMarcus Cousins is the easy lock of the night, if you can afford him. His usage is through the roof without Davis, if you have the salary roster DeMarcus Cousins – the safest play with the highest upside of the night. Other GPP Center Option(s): Robin Lopez (GPP)
Scouting The NBA – 12/6/17
Plays of the Day Value: Ersan Ilyasova is the best bet for frontcourt production with both John Collins (shoulder) and Dewayne Dedmon (leg) out over the next couple of weeks. Luke Babbitt continues to struggle with a back injury and Mike Muscala (ankle) has been ruled out, so even if he draws a tough matchup against strong young Aaron Gordon, Ersan has a great chance to meet value. Orlando gives up the third-most FPPG (50.59) to opposing PFs this season and has been horrendous overall on the defensive end. Fade: LeBron James failed to meet value in an easy win over Chicago and faces another inferior opponent at home tonight in the Kings. You can probably avoid paying up for him at this lofty price tag. Point Guards Elfrid Payton – (6,500 DK/7,600 FD) Payton could wind up outscoring his adversary in Dennis Schorder at a much cheaper price tag on DK tonight. He’s over his hamstring injury and producing with averages of 14.9 PPG, 6.3 APG and 5.1 RPG over his last seven appearances. While not as porous as Orlando’s defense, Atlanta ranks 26th in defensive rating and gives up the sixth-most PPG (108.6) this year. The Hawks also give up the third-most APG (28.6) and Payton is dominating dimes on his team with a career-high 37.5 percent assist rate thus far. Rajon Rondo – (5,500 DK/6,000 FD) Rondo is playing a full slate of minutes and that’s resulted in him routinely exceeding value. He should continue to feed DeMarcus Cousins for easy assists and might have Anthony Davis (back) for a matchup against the Nikola Jokic-less Nuggets tonight. Denver ranks 22nd in defensive rating and 29th in opponents FG shooting (48%), which bodes well for Rondo’s ability to crave up another unit in a fast-paced contest at home. Potential Value Jamal Murray – (5,100 DK/5,400 FD) Murray is seeing increased usage with Nikola Jokic (ankle) on the shelf. Longshot Jrue Holiday – (6,600 DK/7,100 FD) Holiday will remain a strong cash play and could be worth a look in any format if Anthony Davis (groin) misses another game. Shooting Guards Victor Oladipo – (8,900 DK/9,400 FD) The Bulls defense has been pitiful and shouldn’t be expected to improve anytime soon, making this road tilt against the fast-paced Pacers a great game to target on a full slate. Oladipo is posting a career-high 30 percent usage rate with his best shooting percentage (.483%) this year and shouldn’t have much trouble ripping through a Bulls team that ranks 25th in opponents FG shooting (47%) this year. Dipo went for 25 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in a meeting with Chicago earlier this season and is rolling right now while shooting 58 percent over his last five outings. Andrew Wiggins – (6,700 DK/6,100 FD) Lou Williams is drawing all the attention for carrying the Clippers offense in the absence of Blake Griffin (knee), but an overlooked factor is the Clips deteriorating defense with Lou-Will on the floor next to Austin Rivers for extended minutes. Wiggins and fellow guards Jeff Teague and Jimmy Butler are all worth a look in GPP formats since they may match up against Williams, one of the worst defenders in the league. The Clippers are now allowing the most FPPG (45.26) to opposing SGs this season and Wiggy is capable of piling up points with the best of them. Potential Value Danny Green – (4,600 DK/4,500 FD) Green should see plenty of usage and minutes with Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Anderson ruled out for the Spurs. Longshot Nic Batum – (5,700 DK/6,500 FD) Batum is ramping up and there’s a chance he holds his own tonight against Kevin Durant and the Warriors. Small Forwards Kevin Durant – (10,100 DK/10,000 FD) While he won’t necessarily force the issue now that he’s within a significantly more balanced offensive system, we could see Kevin Durant play like he used to as a superstar in OKC with Steph Curry on the shelf. He posts a 33.2 percent usage rate and averages 1.35 FPs per minute with Steph off the floor this year and is taking on a Hornets team that’s vulnerable on the wing with Nic Batum (elbow) clearly not back to full speed. Andre Iguodala – (4,100 DK/4,000 FD) Iguodala could serve as an unconventional PG for at least one game with Shaun Livingston suspended in addition to Curry’s injury. He sees a two percent rise in usage with those players off the floor and is averaging 8.6 points, 5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per 36 minutes this year. Due to these circumstances, Iggy could play over 30 minutes tonight and he’s facing a Hornets team that gives up the fifth-most FPPG (43.65) to opposing SFs this season. Potential Value Rudy Gay – (5,200 DK/6,200 FD) Gay produced a double double over 32 minutes on Monday and will clearly play a bigger role with Kyle Anderson (knee) out and Kawhi still a few days away from returning. Longshot Lance Stephenson – (4,400 DK/4,500 FD) His production’s been steady and Lance could find plenty of room to operate tonight against the Bulls porous defense. Power Forwards LaMarcus Aldridge – (8,100 DK/8,300 FD) Aldridge will have to carry the Spurs offense for a few more games until Kawhi Leonard returns from his mysterious quad injury. Miami has a great defensive reputation but is far more vulnerable down low when Hassan Whiteside is unavailable, and actually gave up the most FPPG (58.22) and PPG (27.75) to opposing PFs this past week. Aldridge is averaging 26 PPG on lights out 53.3 percent FG shooting over his last five appearances and is a great bet to lead the Spurs in scoring at home. Ersan Ilyasova – (4,800 DK/5,300 FD) While he was strangely ineffective in a 20-point loss to Brooklyn on Monday, Ilyasova remains the Hawks best bet for frontcourt production with both John Collins (shoulder) and Dewayne Dedmon (leg)