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Fuego Steve’s NBA Cheat Sheet 11/17/17

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. These are my favorite plays at each position and maybe a value play or two. The players listed are in no particular order, as I am giving choices to help build your lineups. If you didn’t read my write up yesterday this is what I wrote “Super small slate tonight. Hard to differentiate. Enter the single-entry and 3-max tournaments. Prepare to tie if in a large field GPP on Fanduel at least.” I still say enter those, but tonight with 11 games many more places you can go. You can enter larger field GPPs tonight without having to worry about a tie. I do think a more balanced lineup tonight does well, as opposed to stars and scrubs. Point Guard Jrue Holiday – going against Denver who have third worst DVP at point guard Reggie Jackson – good spot versus Darren Collinson Jeff Teague – going against Dallas who have second worst DVP at point guard Goran Dragic – only put up 28 FD points against the Wizards two days ago. I think that goes up tonight Dennis Smith Jr. – more bad DVP, like playing Teague and Smith together Kyle Lowry – no one on the Knicks should be able to cover him Shooting Guard Dennis Mitchell – really like with no Ricky Rubio in the lineup Once again, we must choose between KCP and Jordan Clarkson who are both in good spots Austin Rivers – good pivot from the higher priced Lou Williams Tim Hardaway Jr. – only real offense on team outside of K.P. J.R. Smith – if you want to pay down Devin Booker – “only” scored 30 FD points yesterday, could rebound nicely Small Forward Lebron James – the one superstar you may need tonight Brandon Ingram – offense runs through him when he is on the floor Joe Ingles – usage bump with no Rubio OG Anunoby – if Ibaka out, maybe actually gets some usage. Punt play Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – like the price if paying down Harrison Barnes and T.J. Warren – higher priced options in play Power Forward Trevor Booker – starting at center tonight and priced very low Kristaps Porzingas – Lou and I discussed his usage being off the charts Blake Griffin – don’t see Crowder being able to stop him Taj Gibson – favorite value play Paul Millsap – going against Anthony Davis doesn’t worry me too much Kyle Kuzma – like his upside in high scoring game Center Greg Monroe – still very cheap on both sites. Could be trap though, he will be highly owned Andre Drummond – favorite high-priced center Karl-Anthony Towns – has picked up his play recently Jonas Valanciunas – not bad if you want to pay down but not all the way to Monroe Jusef Nurkic – Sacramento has the worst DVPs versus centers DeAndre Jordan – should get all the rebounds versus Kevin Love

NBA Today 11/17/17

Scouting the NBA 11/17/17

Plays of the Day Value: Greg Monroe played 26 minutes in his Suns debut and he’s slated to start once again with Tyson Chandler (illness) ruled out tonight. The Lakers slower centers will have trouble containing the versatile center, who produced a double double while shooting 10-of-14 from the floor against the Rockets last night. Fade: Russell Westbrook continues to provide steady production, but he lacks upside as the Thunder try to figure out how to run an offense together and he faces a Spurs team that’s historically limited him, even when he was a one-man show last year. Point Guards Dennis Smith Jr. – (6,000 DK/6,900 FD) Smith Jr. is back on track after dealing with a knee injury earlier this season, as he’s averaging 19.5 PPG and 3.9 APG over his last seven appearances, including a career-high 27-point performance against the solid Spurs defense on Wednesday night. Perhaps most encouraging is his increased usage, as Smith’s attempted at least 15 FGs in each of those contests, perhaps under the instruction of HC Rick Carlisle. Now he’ll face a Wolves team that gives up the sixth-most FPPG (48.97) and fourth-most APG (9.79) to opposing PGs this season and he should improve on the 18 points he dropped in Minnesota earlier this month as this game should remain closer down the stretch. Jordan Clarkson – (5,100 DK/5,100 FD) With Lonzo Ball struggling to shoot, Clarkson’s playing time continues to rise for the Lakers. The fourth-year man out of Missouri has scored 45 points with 9 rebounds and 8 assists while logging 58 minutes over his last two appearances. Tonight he faces a Suns team that’s giving up the most PPG (115.1) and playing at the second-fastest pace in the NBA this year, while Phoenix has been very generous in giving up the most FPPG (52.85) to opposing PGs as well. Potential Value Spencer Dinwiddie – (5,500 DK/6,500 FD) Dinwiddie will remain a reliable option for the Nets with D’Angelo Russell (knee) out. Longshot Rajon Rondo – (4,000 DK/4,200 FD) Rondo exceeded value while playing just 14 minutes in his last appearance and now he should see 20-24 minutes in a matchup against fast-paced Denver. Shooting Guards DeMar DeRozan – (7,900 DK/8,000 FD) Kyle Lowry is finally heating up for Toronto, but DeRozan remains a far superior cash play. He’s dropped at least 24 points in 12 of his last 13 appearances and is home against a Knicks team that ranks 21st in defensive rating this season. DDR is averaging 32 PPG on 53.8 percent shooting over his last four meetings with the Knicks, shot a scorching 47.2 percent from the floor at home last year and faces an inexperienced young defender in Tim Hardaway Jr. Donovan Mitchell – (6,500 DK/6,400 FD) Yes, Mitchell struggled with foul trouble while Rodney Hood went nuts in a close loss to the Knicks, so hopefully the public fades the rising rookie at this price tag. Yet if Ricky Rubio (Achilles) is inactive or hobbled tonight, Mitchell stands to shift over to more of a pure PG role with DFS dividends. He leads the team with a 36.5 percent usage rate and averages 1.15 FPs per minute with Rudy Gobert (knee) and Rubio off the floor this season and obviously draws a fantastic matchup against the Nets 29th-ranked scoring defense. Potential Value Rodney Hood – (5,400 DK/5,700 FD) Hood should cool off a bit after dropping 30 points against the Knicks, but he’s still a solid cash play in the mid-tier price range. Longshot Tim Hardaway Jr. – (6,700 DK/6,800 FD) Hardaway’s simply been red hot and you can try to ride him until the wheels fall off. Small Forwards LeBron James – (11,200 DK/11,400 FD) King James and DeMarcus Cousins are the two studs that are certainly worth paying up for tonight given their lofty floor-ceiling combinations. If you save at the guard position, it’s even possible to play both, or to stack LeBron against a Clippers big name in Blake Griffin. This is set to be a competitive game with the Clippers (+6.5) checking in as road dogs in a contest with a 222-point over/under. The Clips have been most vulnerable on the wing, as they’re giving up the fourth-most FPPG (44.27) to opposing SFs this season, and Danilo Gallinari (glute) could return at less than full strength to attempt to guard LeBron. Nic Batum – (6,000 DK/6,500 FD) Batum had few limitations in his return to the court for Charlotte and faces an inexperienced Bulls team this evening. He dropped 33 FPs while playing 32 minutes against a motivated LeBron James, so facing young Justin Holiday (personal) or Denzel Valentine represents a serious matchup upgrade. Chicago gives up the third-most PPG (22.5) to opposing SFs this season and ranks 27th in opponents 3PT shooting (.390%) so perhaps Batum finds the range in addition to producing his usual peripheral stats. Potential Value C.J. Miles – (3,800 DK/4,000 FD) Miles has been providing much needed perimeter shooting for the Raptors and could keep rolling against the Knicks tonight. Longshot Allen Crabbe – (4,400 DK/5,400 FD) Crabbe had a good game against the Celtics top-ranked defense and draws a better matchup tonight against a Jazz team that can’t guard on the perimeter right now. Power Forwards Blake Griffin – (8,800 DK/8,600 FD) Blake seems like best per dollar option in this game to target at Quicken Loans Arena. The Clippers go-to-guy is rocking a 29 percent usage rate with a stellar true shooting percentage (.554%) this season and he’ll be facing a Cavs team that still ranks dead last in defensive rating despite their recent turnaround. Cleveland gives up the eighth-most PPG (23.2) to opposing PFs and with Love playing the 5, Griffin should be able to grab plenty of boards in this matchup. Derrick Favors – (5,900 DK/6,500 FD) With Rudy Gobert (knee) on the shelf, Favors is

Fuego Steve’s NBA Cheat Sheet 11/16/17

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. These are my favorite plays at each position and maybe a value play or two. The players listed are in no particular order, as I am giving choices to help build your lineups. Super small slate tonight. Hard to differentiate. Enter the single-entry and 3-max tournaments. Prepare to tie if in a large field GPP, on Fanduel at least. Point Guard Kyrie Irving – favorite point guard on the slate for me Tyler Ulis – probably pairing him with Irving Steph Curry – pairing Irving and Curry could be a way to be different tonight I am not paying for Chris Paul his first game back Shooting Guard James Harden – tough to fade on a two-game slate Devin Booker- will have to pay down elsewhere if pairing him with Harden Marcus Smart, Klay Thompson and Eric Gordon will be lower owned than the above two Small Forward Deep position two nights in a row. However, this is where I will paying down/punting. I won’t be expecting a lot of points Andre Iguodala – I have said it before, if I get 20 fantasy points I will be happy T.J. Warren – would play if not playing Booker Josh Jackson – for only $3300 on FD, one of few places to punt with some upside P.J. Tucker – also a punt play Kevin Durant – I think I am going to fade him tonight Jaylen Brown and Trevor Ariza are in play if you don’t want to punt the position, prefer Brown Power Forward Draymond Green – taking a chance he hits one of his over 35-point games. I could get behind fading him if you wanted to. However, he is the clear best player at power forward tonight. Ryan Anderson – paying down at second PF spot Marcus Morris – fits in the lineups I am tinkering with Jayson Tatum – keep falling short on money trying to squeeze him in Center Clint Capela – It is a close call between who will be highest scoring center Al Horford – But it is clearly between Horford and Capela I am having a hard time pulling the trigger on Alex Len or Greg Monroe (making his Suns debut). However, if you are trying to squeeze other high-priced players in your lineup I wouldn’t fault you. I guess go Len, ugh.

Jaguar Lou’s Cash Play’s – 11/16/17

PG Kyrie Irving – 8,300 FD & 8,100 DK Other Cash PG Option(s): Steph Curry & Shaun Livingston (GPP if Curry is OUT) SG Devin Booker – 7,600 FD & 7,500 DK Other Cash SG Option(s): James Harden SF T.J Warren – 7,200 FD & 6,500 DK Other Cash SF Option(s): Kevin Durant PF Draymond Green – 8,200 FD & 7,300 DK Other Cash PF Option(s): Jayson Tatum C Clint Capella– 7,400 FD & 7,200 DK Other Cash Center Option(s): Al Horford & Alex Len (GPP)

Scouting the NBA – 11/16/17

Plays of the Day Value: Marcus Morris is a versatile forward capable of playing the 3 or the 4 and he’ll be needed for the Celtics tonight in a matchup against the world champion Warriors. If he can stay out of foul trouble while guarding Draymond Green and/or Kevin Durant, he’ll likely exceed value once again. Fade: Devin Booker can score with the best of them and may seem to have a great matchup tonight against James Harden, but the Rockets should slide veteran defender Trevor Ariza over to guard him and potentially contain the young stud. Point Guard Kyrie Irving – (8,100 DK/8,300 FD) The center of the NBA universe is in Boston tonight and all eyes will be on Masked Kyrie as the Celtics go for their 14th straight win against the world champion Warriors. He draws a decent individual matchup against Steph Curry, who missed Monday’s tilt with a sore quad and might not be one hundred percent, while the Warriors are playing at the fifth-fastest pace and giving up the ninth-most APG (24.2) in the NBA this season. Kyrie’s taken control of the Celtics offense during their winning streak and is now rocking a 32.7 percent assist rate in addition to a 29.7 percent usage rate, and we know how “Playoff Kyrie” can perform in games with a playoff-like atmosphere. Potential Value Mike James – (4,100 DK/4,700 FD) James could bounce back after a couple of slow games as he faces a potentially rusty Chris Paul (knee) tonight. Shooting Guard James Harden – (12,700 DK/12,500 FD) While he didn’t even play well in actual basketball terms, Harden still met the value of his lofty price tag with 38 points, 11 assists and 62.5 DK points on Tuesday, although he turned the ball over 9 times in a loss to Toronto. Now he faces a pathetic Suns defense that gives up the most PPG (115.1) while playing at the second-fastest pace in the NBA this season. Harden’s owned the Suns with averages of 33 PPG and 11.3 APG over his last three meetings with them and is obviously the prized play to pay up for in a game with a 228-point over/under. Potential Value Eric Gordon – (6,200 DK/6,100 FD) Gordon is a great cash play to use if you can’t afford Harden because you’re opting to stack Celtics-Warriors. Longshot Marcus Smart – (5,500 DK/5,800 FD) Smart is a good bet to lead the Celtics in minutes tonight as he matches up well against the small-ball Warriors. Small Forward T.J. Warren – (6,500 DK/7,200 FD) Warren’s production has been bankable and his price tag remains relatively reasonable on DK despite the fact that he’s dropped 78 points and 106.25 DK points over his last three appearances. He draws a good matchup tonight against a fast-paced Rockets team that ranks 24th in opponents FG shooting (.465%) this season. Warren’s usage rate has skyrocketed to 26.3 percent this year (was 19.2% last season) and he’s been much more productive on the glass as well, averaging 9.5 RPG despite playing just 29.1 MPG this season, but his playing time has spiked considerably under new HC Jay Triano. Potential Value Marcus Morris – (4,900 DK/5,000 FD) Morris should see plenty of run tonight against the Warriors as his scoring would help the Celtics keep pace with the champs. Longshot Andre Igoudala – (3,500 DK/4,000 FD) If this is truly a big game for the Warriors in Boston, then Iggy should play more minutes than he has on a regular basis this season. Power Forward Draymond Green – (7,300 DK/8,200 FD) In a potential slugfest with the top-ranked Celtics defense, Green may actually have a higher floor than superstar scorers Kevin Durant and Steph Curry. While he doesn’t have the same ceiling as those MVP candidates, he’s been racking up peripheral stats as always with averages over 9.2 RPG, 7.9 APG and 2.8 STL/BLK per game while his scoring is up to 13.1 PPG and he’s posting the highest FG percentage (.520%) of his career thus far. The weak point of the Celtics defense remains down low and if their guards sell out to try and guard the three-point line, Green should make his money driving down the lane for high-percentage looks. Longshot Marquess Chriss – (4,000 DK/4,500 FD) Chriss has plenty of upside for the Suns if he can avoid the foul trouble that’s plagued him all year. Center Clint Capela – (7,200 DK/7,400 FD) Capela and Al Horford are basically the only options at center once again after finishing close to each other in FP production on Tuesday’s short slate. While Capela only logged 29 minutes in a decisive loss to Toronto, he should see more run tonight against the spry young Suns and represents a matchup nightmare for slower centers Alex Len and Tyson Chandler. Phoenix gives up the sixth-most RPG (17.21) to opposing centers this year and the pace of play in this contest almost assures Capela will achieve a double-double bonus, while Horford could struggle to keep up with the Dubs.

Jaguar Lou’s Cash Play’s – 11/15/17

PG Goran Dragic – 6,800 FD & 6,800 DK The Washington Wizards have the personnel to conceivably shut down Hassan Whiteside. The Washington Wizards are 4th best in the league against opposing centers allowing 32.7 points to opposing center’s over the course of the season. With Hassan Whiteside dealing with a difficult matchup, I’m expecting the Heat to lean on Goran Dragic. Dragic finds himself in a more favorable matchup against John Wall. The Washington Wizards have allowed 50.1 points to opposing point guards over their last 5 games. This play is logical, Goran Dragic should hit value at a $6,800 salary. Other Cash PG Option(s): Ricky Rubio & Sac PG’s Fox/Hill (GPP) SG Nicholas Batum – 5,400 FD & 4,600 DK **Contingent on no minute’s restrictions, monitor news** Nicholas Batum is in the perfect matchup against a Cleveland Cavaliers team that has been struggling against the shooting guard position. Over the last five games the Cavs’ have allowed 80.3 points to opposing shooting guards! This high of a DVP number is off the charts, even in a small five game sample size. The reason for this ridiculously high DVP number is the addition of J.R Smith to the lineup. J.R Smith is projected to guard Nicholas Batum tonight. My only problem with this play is that this is literally his first game of the season. This same worry could be a factor in his ownership, but the fact is if this exact matchup was on any other night, in terms of it not being his first game of the season, Batum would be a lock. Tonight, I roster him with slight skepticism (due to it being his first game) but I must trust in the process and a favorable matchup is a favorable matchup. The Charlotte Hornets are underdogs at +1.5 with a 218 over-under. Other Cash SG Option(s): Kentavious Caldwell Pope & Kris Dunn (GPP) SF Robert Covington – 6,800 FD & 6,300 DK At a weak position, Robert Covington is simply a safer play at reasonable pricing. There are many ways to go tonight, at some point you’re going to need to save salary somewhere. Robert Covington is in a nice matchup against Brandon Ingram in the late night west coast game. He might not have a massive ceiling but he’s going to be on the floor for 30+ minutes in one of the highest over-under lines of the night at 219.5. Other Cash SF Option(s): Lebron/Giannis & Paul George **If Carmelo Anthony is out** PF Kristaps Porzingis – 9,300 FD & 8,900 DK With the Utah Jazz trying to function without Rudy Gobert things have not looked pretty. Look for Kristaps Porzingis to use his length and shoot over whoever is guarding him, whether it’s Derrick Favors or Thabo Sefolosha. Projections currently show Sefolosha guarding Porzingis which would have Kristaps at a massive height advantage. Porzingis exhibits a high floor and carries a 60+ point ceiling at reasonable industry salaries, can’t ask for much more than that. Other Cash PF Option(s): Anthony Davis & LaMarcus Aldridge C Marc Gasol – 7,500 FD & 7,500 DK He’s just too cheap. It’s that simple. He’s healthy, getting the minute’s and back to his normal role. Yes, his last chunk of game logs are ugly but if you look back to mid-October, Gasol was performing great. It takes more than 5 bad games to get me not to roster Marc Gasol at a salary of $7,500 on either major site. Paying up for Joel Embid carries a higher upside but is risky due to his minutes restrictions and is 2,200 Fan Duel salary more. The Memphis Grizzlies are favored by 4.5 points in a 209 over-under. Other Cash Center Option(s): Joel Embid & Dewayne Dedmon (GPP)

NBA GPP Cheat Sheet – 11/15/17

NBA Podcast – 11/15/17

Scouting the NBA – 11/15/17

Plays of the Day Value: Nic Batum is expected to make his season debut for the Hornets tonight and while he might be on a minutes restriction of sorts, he could pile up peripheral stats while he’s out there, since the French national hardly looks to shoot anyways his elbow injury isn’t a major concern. Fade: Giannis Antetokounmpo was relatively quiet in his last meeting with the Pistons and Detroit seems to be one of the few teams with enough athleticism and the necessary discipline to contain him, as HC Stan Van Gundy likely tells his guys to “build a wall” and force Giannis to shoot. Point Guards Ben Simmons – (9,100 DK/9,800 FD) After a couple of relatively quiet games, Simmons got back to his stat-stuffing ways with 22 points, 12 boards and 4 assists in a tough matchup at the Clippers on Monday. He’ll stay at Staples Center to face the Lakers and specifically Lonzo Ball, who has become a walking bulls eye due to his father’s antics and would likely inspire Simmons’ best effort regardless as a fellow top draft choice in their respective years. The Lakers are giving up the sixth-most FPPG (47.95) and third-most RPG (7.07) to opposing PGs this season due in part to the fact that they play at the third-fastest pace in the NBA, so Simmons should thrive in an open-court affair. Kemba Walker – (7,400 DK/7,800 FD) The Cavs continue to serve as the most generous defensive team in the NBA. They rank 30th in defensive rating, cough up the fifth-most FPPG (48.56) and second-most APG (10.36) to opposing PGs this season. Kemba averaged 27.5 PPG on 52.6 percent FG shooting over four meetings with the Cavs last year and now he faces an older backcourt led by Dwyane Wade and the oft-injured Derrick Rose (ankle), if he happens to suit up tonight. Potential Value Frank Ntilinka – (3,900 DK/4,600 FD) Ntilinka is slowly taking over for Jarrett Jack as the Knicks preferred option at PG and faces a weak individual defender tonight in Ricky Rubio. Longshot Dennis Schroder – (6,800 DK/7,000 FD) Schorder’s struggled to get to the rim recently but shouldn’t have any issues carving up the Kings below average defense tonight Shooting Guards Tim Hardaway Jr. – (6,400 DK/6,600 FD) In a close loss to Cleveland on Monday, Hardaway Jr. carried the Knicks with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals while playing 44 minutes. He’ll stay at MSG tonight for an apparent tough matchup against Utah, yet the Jazz defense is falling apart with Rudy Gobert (knee) out indefinitely and has struggled continuously on the perimeter, ranking 28th in opponents 3PT shooting (.390%) this season. With a 23.1 percent usage rate, he’s clearly the secondary option behind Kristaps Porzingis, who is drawing tons of attention down low, leading to open shots for THJ and others. Donovan Mitchell – (6,100 DK/6,200 FD) With Gordon Hayward no longer in a Jazz uniform, Utah’s turned to a surprisingly mature rookie to carry its offense. After dropping 50 points on 20-of-37 shooting with 7 assists and 5 steals over his last two games, Mitchell is clearly functioning as the primary offensive option for Utah and he’s rocking a 29.3 percent usage rate to prove it. Up next for the Louisville product is a plus matchup against a Knicks team that gives up the most APG (10.92) and third-most FPPG (49.35) to opposing PGs this season. Potential Value Rodney Hood – (4,800 DK/5,000 FD) Hood has taken a back seat to Donovan Mitchell in the Jazz offense but will still need to step up on both ends with Rudy Gobert (knee) out indefinitely. Longshot Dwyane Wade – (4,800 DK/4,800 FD) Wade has turned into a boom-bust value option, but could have another big game in a close tilt at Charlotte tonight. Small Forwards Paul George – (8,500 DK/9,000 FD) George got loose for 42 points against the Clippers on Friday and followed that up with a 37-point game on Sunday. PG is clearly stepping up as the Thunder look to find a hierarchy offensively rather than just having Russell Westbrook, George and Carmelo Anthony take turns playing ISO-ball. Tonight they’ll host a weak Bulls team that’s giving up 117 PPG over its last three contests and with Melo questionable due to a back injury, George could become an even better play, as he’s rocking a 31.6 percent usage rate and averaging 1.23 FPs per minute with Anthony off the floor this season. Nic Batum – (4,600 DK/5,400 FD) Expected to make his season debut tonight in a fantastic matchup against the struggling Cavs defense, Batum might not be in top playing shape. Yet his elbow injury likely didn’t keep him from working on his conditioning, so he should be able to handle 20-plus minutes or more – just stay tuned for any news from Hornets beat writers on his potential restrictions. At this price tag, that’s all the Swiss army knife of a player should need to exceed value. Batum’s never backed down from the challenge of guarding LeBron James and even at less than full strength, represents the Hornets best option to slow down The King. Potential Value Tyreke Evans – (6,600 DK/6,800 FD) Evans is finally healthy and has become a very reliable cash game with 20-plus points in six consecutive games for Memphis. Longshot Robert Covington – (6,300 DK/6,800 FD) Covington’s been red hot lately and draws a decent matchup tonight against an undisciplined young Lakers team. Power Forwards Kristaps Porzingis – (8,900 DK/9,300 FD) His price tag seems to fluctuate more dramatically than most stars, so you should consider pouncing on The Zinger at a modest discount tonight. He’s facing a Jazz team with a good defensive reputation, but with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert (knee) out indefinitely, Porzingis will be able to dominate down low against the oft-injured

Tag: nba