Scouting The NBA – 12/27/17
Plays of the Day Value: Josh Hart is playing huge minutes with Lonzo Ball (shoulder) out for the Lakers and he should have another productive game against a shorthanded Grizzlies squad that’s on the second half of a B2B set. Fade: LeBron James is easier to fade as he comes off a rough game against the Warriors, but this is more about the Kings struggles last night in a fair fight against the Clippers, and now that young team faces a motivated and efficient Cavs team, which could lead to a blowout. Point Guards John Wall – (8,900 DK/8,700 FD) Wall is still under priced after exceeding value by a large margin on Christmas Day. Tonight he’ll face a Hawks team that gives up an above average 45.82 FPPG to opposing PGs this season. Atlanta’s starting PG Dennis Schroder could be slightly hobbled by an ankle injury and he doesn’t matchup well against Wall at all, as he was dominated in their last meeting while Wall went for 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists over just 24 minutes of run. Josh Hart – (4,500 DK/4,400 FD) Hart is close to a must play with Lonzo Ball (shoulder) inactive. That is, until his price tag rises a bit, because the Villanova product has played 75 minutes over his last two appearances and hasn’t looked the least bit intimidated by NBA competition. He’ll face off with a tired Memphis squad that’s on the second half of a B2B set tonight and should be able to meet or exceed value with ease considering his significant bump in playing time. Potential Value Darren Collison – (5,500 DK/5,600 FD) Collison will face his former team in the Mavs and could be asked to step up for Victor Oladipo (knee) tonight. Longshot Kemba Walker – (6,600 DK/7,500 FD) Love Walker as a tournament option at home against the Celtics tonight. Shooting Guards Tyreke Evans – (8,400 DK/8,600 FD) Evans continued to carry the Grizzlies offense with 25 points on 10-of-22 FG shooting in a last-second (literally) loss to the Suns and that heavy usage is sustainable considering no one else on Memphis wants to shoot and even Marc Gasol would prefer to be more of a playmaker from the high post. Tonight the Grizz will take on a Lakers team that leads the league in pace and is giving up the fifth-most PPG (109.8) this year, while underrated defender Lonzo Ball (shoulder) won’t be available to contain Evans on drives to the rim. Nicholas Batum – (5,400 DK/6,100 FD) The Celtics are getting everyone’s best shot right now and that’s led to some struggles, especially against rangy wings like Nic Batum. Boston ranks 24th in rebounding over the last month and is giving up the second-most RPG (7.27) to opposing SGs during that span. Batum’s steadily increasing his playing time and he produced 12 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists over 35 minutes against Milwaukee on Saturday. With over three days to rest, he should be ready to play a full slate of minutes in what should be a charged atmosphere in Charlotte against the Celts. Potential Value Bojan Bogdanovic – (4,300 DK/5,100 FD) Bogdanovic could see more shot attempts with Victor Oladipo (knee) inactive or limited tonight. Longshot Jordan Clarkson – (5,700 DK/5,500 FD) Clarkson is a great mid-tier option priced slightly above Hart as the work horses in the Lakers backcourt. Small Forwards Paul George – (7,100 DK/8,000 FD) George could be paired with DeMar DeRozan as two upper-tier options with plenty of upside and PG13 is clearly still under priced on DK after snapping his scoring drought with 85 points on 48.2 percent FG shooting over his last four appearances. OKC seems to have figured out the roles of its three stars and George is fitting in nicely as a secondary scorer next to Russell Westbrook. Ersan Ilyasova – (4,800 DK/5,000 FD) Eligible as a PF on FanDuel and both forward slots on DK, Ilyasova is a very solid value given his situation. The Hawks are still without any true big men with Dewayne Dedmon (leg) on the shelf and John Collins (shoulder) is still working his way back to speed. Ilyasova, meanwhile has played 67 minutes with 43 points and 10 boards over his last two appearances and he faces a Wizards team tonight that’s been surprisingly vulnerable against bigs that can shoot. Potential Value Kelly Oubre Jr. – (4,700 DK/4,400 FD) Oubre Jr.’s production against the Celtics on Christmas was no fluke and he should sustain it in a plus matchup against the Hawks. Longshot Lance Stephenson – (4,300 DK/4,800 FD) Stephenson could be the biggest beneficiary in terms of usage if Oladipo is inactive or limited. Power Forwards Kristaps Porzingis – (8,600 DK/9,200 FD) Porzingis exceeded value in a second consecutive game with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks in a loss to the Sixers on Christmas. His strange 0-for-11 FG shooting performance against Boston behind him, The Unicorn is once again leading the Knicks offense and he faces a Bulls team that’s giving up the second-most RPG (13.21) and fourth-most PPG (22.64) to opposing PFs over the last month. Chicago ranks 25th in opponents 2PT shooting (.519%) and uses a couple of relatively small PFs in Lauri Markkanen and Nikola Mirotic, so Porzingis should have the size advantage down low. Kyle Kuzma – (7,400 DK/7,400 FD) With Lonzo Ball (shoulder) out and Brandon Ingram (quad) questionable, Kyle Kuzma has increased upside, but he’s a solid option regardless of the status of those players. He actually sees a minute dip in usage rate with both of those guys off the floor (over a tiny sample size), but continues to fill it up regardless of the situation with averages of 20.7 PPG and 8 RPG over 11 appearances this month. Memphis plays at the slowest pace in the league but the Lakers lead the league in pace and are at home tonight,
Jaguar Lou’s Core Plays – 12/26/17
Jaguar Lou’s Core Play’s– 12/26/17 If you’re not max entering GPP tournaments, I strongly recommend only playing single entry and 3-5 person leagues. Point Guard Favorite/Core SG Play: Kyle Lowry Other PG Option(s): Milos Teodosic Shooting Guard Favorite/Core SG Play: Tyreke Evans Other SG Option(s): Buddy Heild Small Forward Favorite/Core SF Play: Giannis Antetokounmpo Other SF Option(s): Jonathon Simmons (depending on injury news) & Reggie Bullock (GPP) Power Forward Favorite/Core PF Play: Serge Ibaka Other PF Option(s): Rondae Hollis- Jefferson Center Favorite/Core C Play: Marc Gasol Other C Option(s): DeAndre Jordan & Bismack Biyombo
NBA GPP Plays 12/26/17
NBA GPP Cheat Sheet Prices listed are Fanduel unless otherwise noted. My NBA articles will mostly focus on Fanduel lineup construction since besides center, you need to play two at each position. The players recommended are usually still good plays on DraftKings unless the pricing is drastically different. Also, many players on DraftKings have dual position eligibility or may be listed at a different position. I will try to mention if there is a specific good play on DK based on price or position eligibility. The players listed are in no particular order, as sometimes I am giving choices to help build your lineups at all price points. Point Guard Kyle Lowry – $8200 – Highest ceiling at the position tonight. Tyler Johnson – $5800 – Even with Dragic in he is a good play starting for Waiters. Austin Rivers – $6600 – Playing light out right now. 46 and 50 Fanduel points the last two. No Griffin, someone has to take over. Dennis Smith Jr. – $5000 – Like him if paying down tonight. Khris Dunn – $7400 – If you want to pay up for two point guards, guessing it will be contrarian. Value/Punt Plays – George Hill $4800, Andrew Harrison $4500, Isiah Canaan $4400 Shooting Guard Victor Oladipo – $9600 – Favorite if you can afford him. Tyreke Evans – $8500 – Big ceiling, like it for GPPs. Lou Williams – $7600 – Back to the well tonight, price jumped up slightly. Gary Harris – $6400 – It’s Harris for me over Barton tonight. Khris Middleton – $8000 – Upside still there with the Freak playing. May actually help him. Value/Punt Plays – Wayne Elllington $4600, Wesley Mathews $4600, Bogdan Bogdanovic $4400 Small Forward Jonathan Simmons – $6300 – Still worth it at a weak position. The Freak – $11800 – Try to get him in your lineups. Josh Richardson – $6000 – Still like him with no Waiters in the lineup. Harrison Barnes – $6300 – Good GPP play for the price. Wilson Chandler – $5000 – Still good price for his ceiling, risky but like it. Value/Punt Plays – Lance Stephenson $4700, Reggie Bullock $4100 Power Forward Zach Randolph – $6000 – Prefer paying down today at position starting with Randolph. Derrick Favors – $5600 – Should be matched up against Plumlee tonight. Serge Ibaka- $6400 – Good matchup versus Dallas. Thaddaeus Young – $5600 – Same price as Favors if you prefer. LaMarcus Aldridge – $8400 – Little less upside with Leonard playing. Value/Punt Plays – Dirk Nowitzki $4900, Jordan Mickey $3800, Anthony Tolliver $4400 Center Andre Drummond – $9300 – You know I love his ceiling. Marc Gasol – $8600 – Like the price break off Drummond. DeAndre Jordan – $8200 – Should get all the rebounds versus the Kings. Willie Cauley-Stein – $6100 – Been playing well off of the bench. Hassan Whiteside – $7400 – Like the price if not on minutes limit. Value/Punt Plays – Bismack Biyombo $4400, Tyson Chandler $4100 Hit me and JaguarLou in Slack chat with questions. Lock is 7 p.m.
Scouting The NBA – 12/26/17
Plays of the Day Value: Wilson Chandler remains a solid, if unspectacular value in a plus matchup against the Jazz. He’s met or exceeded value in seven consecutive appearances and is quite cheap on both main DFS sites. Fade: Andre Drummond draws a juicy matchup on paper against the Pacers, but Indy center Myles Turner is playing much better of late and might be worth a look on the other side of the ball as a cheaper tournament play. Point Guards Elfrid Payton – (6,600 DK/7,300 FD) Payton flashed his upside with a 30-point, 10-assist performance in Washington on Saturday. Orlando’s pace of play ensures that he’ll have plenty of opportunities to produce counting stats in transition and he’s had success against the Heat in the past, including a game with 13 points and 9 assists against Miami earlier this season. He’s under priced as a legitimate triple double threat and he could carry Orlando’s offense with three key players (Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, Nikola Vucevic) either questionable or ruled out tonight. Isaiah Canaan – (4,700 DK/4,400 FD) There’s simply no reason to ignore Canaan at this price tag and he draws a matchup that’s much better than perception might indicate. The Grizzlies have struggled mightily with Mike Conley (Achilles) out for most of this season, especially in terms of defending opposing PGs. Canaan went for 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists over 24 minutes in a meeting with Memphis last Thursday and played 30 minutes in the Suns most recent game, as he’s clearly surpassed Mike James and Tyler Ulis and therefore should have a secure role even with Devin Booker (groin) expected to return soon. Potential Value Andrew Harrison – (4,100 DK/4,500 FD) Harrison is a risky value as the Grizzlies best option at PG in a fast-paced matchup against Phoenix. Longshot Spencer Dinwiddie – (6,300 DK/7,400 FD) Dinwiddie remains the best option in a Nets uniform with D’Angelo Russell (knee) out. Shooting Guards Victor Oladipo – (9,400 DK/9,600 FD) Avery Bradley (groin) will remain out tonight, giving Oladipo a great chance to improve upon his already impressive splits against the Pistons this year. He’s burned the Pacers divisional rivals to the tune of 22.7 PPG despite shooting 35.5 percent from the floor over three meetings against Detroit this year, as Bradley’s elite defense certainly played a factor in that inefficiency. Dipo is obviously rolling with averages of 29.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG and 4.1 APG over 11 games this month and he’s not priced like other superstars producing at that level. Austin Rivers – (6,600 DK/6,600 FD) Rivers is still the 1B option next to Lou Williams, but both guards are looking to carry the Clippers offense with Blake Griffin (knee) out indefinitely. Struggling with efficiency at first, Rivers has found his stroke with 95 points on 33-for-61 (54%) FG shooting over his last three appearances. Up next is a Kings team that ranks 28th in defensive rating and 27th in opponents FG shooting (.471%) and solid young defender De’Aaron Fox (quad) won’t play for Sacramento. Potential Value Mario Hezonja – (5,000 DK/4,900 FD) Hezonja should continue to see increased minutes and usage with Evan Fournier (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (calf) questionable while Nikola Vucevic (hand) is out indefinitely. Longshot Donovan Mitchell – (7,300 DK/7,200 FD) Mitchell remains a strong bet to carry the Jazz offense in what could be a high-scoring affair in Denver. Small Forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo – (11,500 DK/11,800 FD) The Greek Freak was apparently slowed by a knee injury in win over Charlotte last Friday, but will be playing on three days rest tonight and he’s averaging 33 PPG on 62 percent FG shooting when given that much rest this season. Giannis snared 16 boards in a recent meeting with Chicago, which is playing with more pace during its recent surge while remaining vulnerable in the paint, as the Bulls rank 25th (.519%) in opponents 2PT shooting. Wilson Chandler – (4,600 DK/5,000 FD) Chandler is a crafty veteran, who is capable of meeting value at this modest price tag rather easily. He’s done just that in seven consecutive appearances and won’t have much trouble getting to the rim against a Jazz team that’s playing without Rudy Gobert (knee) and won’t give backup center Ekpe Udoh extended minutes because of his limitations on offense. The Nuggets versatile offense is slightly more effective at home and so is Chandler. Potential Value Denzel Valentine – (4,700 DK/4,700 FD) Valentine doubled the value of his price tag in consecutive games before slowing down in a blowout loss at Boston over the weekend. Longshot Khris Middleton – (8,300 DK/8,000 FD) If you’re concerned about Antetokounmpo’s knee, you could hedge your bets the other way by using Middleton in this plus matchup. Power Forwards Zach Randolph – (6,000 DK/6,000 FD) With Blake Griffin, Danilo Gallinari and Wesley Johnson all inactive, the Clippers are forced to use an inexperienced rotation of Montrezl Harrell, Jamil Wilson and Sam Dekker at PF. None of those players stand much of a chance of stopping Zach Randolph, a savvy veteran scorer, who is averaging 21.2 PPG and 8.9 PPG over 10 games this month. He’s clearly the top option on a Kings team that has no other reliable source of offense and is worth deploying against the Clippers, who are coughing up the seventh-most PPG (22.29) to opposing PFs over the last month. Lauri Markkanen – (5,500 DK/5,400 FD) Markkanen offers about the same floor as flashier teammate Nikola Mitoric at a cheaper price tag. The versatile big man only played 26 minutes in a blowout loss to Boston on Saturday, but has looked sharp since returning from a back injury and matches up well against the Bucks under sized front line. Milwaukee is currently dead last in opponents 3PT shooting (.399%) and Markkanen is 34-for-90 (.378%) from deep over his last 16 appearances. Potential Value Trey Lyles – (4,500 DK/5,300
Jaguar Lou’s Core Play’s – 12/23/17
Jaguar Lou’s Core Play’s– 12/23/17 If you’re not max entering GPP tournaments, I strongly recommend only playing single entry and 3-5 person leagues. Today’s Notes: I have no problem playing 3-4 Bucks due to Giannis’ absence Point Guard Favorite/Core SG Play: Tyler Johnson & Eric Bledsoe Other PG Option(s): George Hill (GPP) & Shabazz Napier Shooting Guard **With Greek Freek out Middleton becomes a must play** Favorite/Core SG Play: Tyreke Evans & Victor Oladipo Other SG Option(s): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Small Forward Favorite/Core SF Play: Torrey Craig (Value with upside) Other SF Option(s): Jonathon Simmons & Kevin Durant Power Forward UPDATE (5:58 – Kumpo is OUT) Favorite/Core PF Play: Jordan Mickey (With Greek Freek out Henson is a nice play) Other PF Option(s): Draymond Green Center Favorite/Core C Play: DeAndre Jordan Other C Option(s): Joel Embiid
NBA TODAY 12/22/17
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
NBA Today 12/20/17 w special guest Willie Walls
Scouting the NBA 12/20/17
Plays of the Day Value: Mario Hezonja dropped 28 points over 31 minutes in a loss at Detroit on Sunday with Aaron Gordon (calf) out and he’s averaging 12.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per 36 minutes this year, so he’s a worth a look in a much more favorable matchup tonight against the young Bulls. Fade: Chris Paul has seen a steady increase in price to the point that he’s almost as expensive as James Harden, and he might not be worth the money against an underrated young defender in Lonzo Ball and a feisty Lakers team tonight. Point Guards Lonzo Ball – (6,700 DK/7,400 FD) Ball remains cheap on both main DFS sites and is particularly appealing as a triple-double threat on DK in what should be a high-scoring affair between two top 10 teams in terms of pace. The rookie is averaging 10.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG and 6.9 APG over his last 7 appearances and has been particularly hot lately in matchups against the Sixers, Knicks, Cavs and Warriors. What do those teams all have in common? They’re either at the forefront of the league in terms of pop culture or are championship contenders, and tonight he’ll face off with the red-hot Rockets in Houston. Isaiah Canaan – (4,500 DK/4,100 FD) The Suns have been searching for answers with Devin Booker (groin) out indefinitely and may just have found one in Isaiah Canaan. The journeyman PG is off to a great start with 32 points and 13 assists over two games with Phoenix and he could see more than the 27 minutes he’s played in those contests tonight. The Clippers are no longer a fearsome defensive team in the backcourt with Patrick Beverley gone, as Milos Teodosic and Austin Rivers are below average on that end of the floor, so Canaan has a good chance to keep rolling in what’s become a plus matchup. Potential Value Milos Teodosic – (5,200 DK/5,400 FD) Teodosic should continue to provide solid output, especially with Lou Williams (ankle) questionable ahead of tonight’s plus matchup against the Suns. Longshot Jamal Murray – (5,700 DK/5,600 FD) Murray could see a serious increase in usage if Gary Harris (elbow) can’t go tonight. Shooting Guards Tyreke Evans – (7,000 DK/7,500 FD) The Warriors continue to play at a blinding pace but their defense is not where it’s been it past years, especially on the interior. That trend should continue if Draymond Green (shoulder) misses another game tonight and Evans is the primary ball-handler capable of attacking the rim and trying to keep Memphis in this road game. Rather than rolling with Marc Gasol after his big line against the Celtics, use the Grizzlies best option in the backcourt with Mike Conley (Achilles) on the shelf. Mario Hezonja – (4,700 DK/4,800 FD) While he’s listed as a SG on DraftKings, Mario Hezonja is likely to start at PF once again with Aaron Gordon (calf) ruled out. The Croatian national knocked down 10 of 18 FG attempts for 28 points over 31 minutes in a loss at Detroit on Sunday and he’s averaging 12.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per 36 minutes this year, so consider him somewhat of a boom-bust option in what should be a high-scoring matchup with the streaking Bulls. Potential Value Reggie Bullock – (3,800 DK/3,700 FD) Bullock is one of several Pistons guards who will see a spike in playing time with Avery Bradley (groin) out over the next week. Longshot Rodney Hood – (5,600 DK/5,700 FD) Hood returned with a hot shooting night on Monday and could see even more usage for the injury-plagued Jazz with Donovan Mitchell (toe) questionable. Small Forwards Kevin Durant – (11,600 DK/11,900 FD) Durant produced another fantastic line Monday with Steph Curry and Draymond Green out, dropping 36 points with 11 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks while maintaining a very high usage rate in a win over the Lakers. Look for KD to carry the load once again in a matchup against the struggling Grizzlies, who uncharacteristically rank 26th in opponents 3PT shooting (.377%) and allow the third-most FTA (24.1) per game this season, which bodes well for a high-volume player like Durant that gets to the line often. Jimmy Butler – (8,800 DK/9,400 FD) Butler could have his way with the shorter Jamal Murray or offensive-minded wing Will Barton should Gary Harris (elbow) miss tonight’s game for Denver. Butler’s been rolling with averages of 25.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.6 APG and 2.2 SPG over his last five appearances and he’s exceeded value in eight of his last nine outings despite playing huge minutes and dealing with back spasms at times. Denver ranks 29th in opponents FG shooting (.481%) and 22nd in defensive rating this year and this is a huge tilt between the division-leading Wolves and the second place team in the Northwest. Potential Value Kyle Kuzma – (5,800 DK/5,400 FD) Kuzma is under priced as per usual in what should be a great matchup to target in Houston tonight. Longshot Jonathon Simmons – (6,900 DK/6,600 FD) Simmons is a great option in any format with Aaron Gordon (calf) out tonight. Power Forwards Nikola Mirotic – (6,400 DK/7,100 FD) Mirotic is still worth despite his rising price tag, as he led the streaking Bulls to another win with clutch shooting late and finished with 22-plus points for a fourth straight game despite playing just 26 minutes on Monday. He can play alongside PF Lauri Markkanen and should be asked to do so if Orlando goes small with Hezonja and Simmons at the forward spots. The Magic ranks 24th in defensive rating and 27th in opponents 3PT shooting (.380%), so Mirotic should get plenty of open looks in a game with a 210-point Over/Under. Maxi Kleber – (4,000 DK/4,500 FD) Kleber seems to have found his confidence lately while producing 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks