Scouting the NBA 10/25
Plays of the Day Value: Domantas Sabonis is averaging 13 PPG and 9.5 RPG while shooting an unsustainable 72.4% from the floor over 4 appearances this year. He somehow managed to guard Karl-Anthony Towns for stretches last night and faces a slow-footed frontcourt this evening led by former teammate Steven Adams, so feel free to use the second-generation NBA player as a solid value. Fade: LeBron James posted a monstrous line as the Cavs starting PG last night and is an appealing tournament option tonight, but the possibility of a blowout win over a weak Nets team could potentially limit his value and his minutes on the second half of a B2B set. Point Guards John Wall – (10,200 DK/10,200 FD) On Monday, Wall shot 3-of-13 from the floor and 15-for-15 at the line with 12 assists to meet value in a third consecutive appearance to open the season even on an “off night.” Tonight he’ll be highly motivated to square off with Lonzo Ball, as everyone has been, and that’s part of the reason the Lakers are coughing up the most overall FPPG (247.75) this year. Wall averaged 33.5 PPG and 12.5 APG over two meetings with the Lakers last season and now that young team is leading the league in pace to provide even more DFS gold. Mike James – (4,400 DK/4,300 FD) Starting for Eric Bledsoe (coaches’ decision) on Monday, James went for 18 points and 7 assists on 8-of-10 FG shooting over 27 minutes the effectively lead the Suns to their first win of the year. With Bledose unlikely to play at any point this season for the Suns due to his subversive behavior and Tyler Ulis struggling on both ends, the role of floor general is James’ to lose, and he’s been productive off the bench as well, averaging 22.7 points and 6.4 assists per 36 minutes this year. Utah’s defense remains staunch, but the addition of Ricky Rubio at least weakens their defense against opposing backcourts. Potential Value Dejounte Murray – (5,800 DK/5,900FD) Murray is a great rebounding guard and that gives him a high floor in DFS contests. Longshot Reggie Jackson – (6,000 DK/6,900 FD) Jackson is rolling to open the season and faces a Wolves team that’s on the second half of a B2B set after getting roasted by Pacers guards in the absence of Jimmy Butler (illness) last night. Shooting Guards Eric Gordon – (6,000DK/6,700FD) With Chris Paul (knee) out, Gordon is beginning to share ball-handling duties with James Harden while continuing to pour in points as one of the best reserves in the league. He’s averaging 23.5 PPG and 3.3 APG while attempting 10 threes per game so far this season, as the Rockets coaching staff continues to encourage him to fire away from deep. EG shot 5-of-15 from three against the defensively sound Grizzlies and the Sixers have given up the seventh-most 3PT attempts per game (31.3) in the NBA this year while playing at the seventh-fastest pace. On pace for a career-high 32.8% usage rate, Gordon is a mid-tier alternative to James Harden as a way to get exposure to this offense and could see more playing time with Trevor Ariza (foot) ruled out. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – (4,700DK/5,500FD) Making his Lakers debut on Sunday, Caldwell-Pope logged 31 minutes and produced 20 points on efficient 7-of-11 FG shooting. While he doesn’t carry tons of upside due to a lack of peripheral stats, KCP is relatively cheap on both main DFS sites and draws a good individual matchup against mediocre defender Bradley Beal. As a member of the Pistons last year he dropped 29 points on 45.8% FG shooting over two meetings with the Wizards and now he’s playing on a fast-paced team with Lonzo Ball looking to hit him for open jumpers constantly. Potential Value Jerryd Bayless – (4,000 DK/4,100 FD) Bayless played 32 minutes on Monday and even though he fell just short of value, he’s a secure cash game option to consider while Markelle Fultz (shoulder) gets healthy. Longshot Will Barton – (5,600 DK/5,800 FD) Barton has started the season on a high note and faces a Hornets team that will be without top defender Nic Batum (elbow) and potentially without Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (personal) as well. Small Forwards Ben Simmons – (8,800 DK/8,800 FD) The Sixers impressive rookie has turned into a very reliable cash game play and has already flashed good upside with a triple double in his fourth NBA game. Simmons is posting a 24.6% defensive rebounding rate and a 35.5% assistrate while completing controlling the action for a Sixers team that’s ranked 7th in pace this season and the absence of Trevor Ariza (foot) takes away a key lengthy defender that might’ve slowed him down. The Rockets also play at a blinding pace and are giving up the fifth-most APG (22) in the league thus far. Otto Porter – (5,900 DK/7,500 FD) Neither of these players are available as SFs on FanDuel, where LeBron James stands out as a high-upside play and Porter’s teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. looks like a great value once again. But on DK, Porter’s a great option in any format, as he’s making the leap in his fifth NBA season with averages of 18.3 PPG, 9 RPG and a league-best 3.7 steals per game through 3 appearances. He draws a fantastic matchup against a Lakers team that’s given up the most FPPG (43.53) to opposing SFs over the last two seasons. Porter’s 23.7% defensive rebounding rate bodes well for his prospects in a matchup against the fastest-paced team in the NBA and the Lakers are getting burned on the offensive glass as well while giving up the third-most PPG (119) in the league. Potential Value Kelly Oubre Jr. – (4,200 DK/5,400 FD) Oubre continues to start with Markieff Morris (abdomen) out and logged a whopping 38 minutes in a win at a Denver on Monday. Longshot
Jaguar Lou’s Cash Play’s – 10/24/17
PG D.J Augustin – 5,900 FD & 5,100 DK D.J Augustin’s price increased from 3,500 when I last wrote him up two days ago, to 5,900 on Fan Duel tonight. Now that’s a jump, but no surprise! Augustin is no fluke, with Elfrid Payton injured, D. J Augustin took advantage of his opportunity in his first start of the season on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers totaling 33.8 FD points over just 26 minutes. Imagine what he could do with 30+ minutes in a close, high scoring game like he’s supposed to be in tonight against the Brooklyn Nets. D’Angelo Russell is a great offensive weapon but does not scare me on the defensive side of the court. We hope this game stays close which I think it might (Orlando is currently a 5 point favorite). I wrote up Augustin in his first start of the season and it paid off big time! Let’s see if he can do it again against D’Angelo Russel and the Brooklyn Nets. Other Cash PG Option(s): D’Angelo Russel, Kyrie Irving & Darren Collison (GPP Play) SG C.J McCollum – 7,800 FD & 7,100 DK C.J McCollum is a great play tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans who allow the most points to opposing shooting guards this season, averaging 58.9 FD points allowed / game. With Damion Lillard a possible/likely chalk for tonight’s small six game slate, fading Lillard and playing McCollum could be a beneficial contrarian play that separates your lineup from the rest. In fact, in a weird way, including both players in one lineup could be even more contrarian. The matchups are obviously favorable for both guards and with a high 217.5 over-under favored by 5 points I can guarantee there will be plenty of fantasy goodness in this game. Other Cash SG Option(s): Victor Oladipo SF Lebron James – 10,700 FD & 10,000 DK On a small six game slate, I don’t love the options we have at Small Forward tonight. When this happens, I like to go safe. Lebron James is currently at reasonable prices around the industry. With Dwayne Wade requesting to go to the bench, J.R Smith enters the starting lineup tonight. Make no mistake Lebron will be running this offense tonight with 36-year-old Jose Calderon expected to run the point. I think Wade’s move to the bench has a bigger impact on Lebron’s production than some might originally think. I’m expecting BIG numbers from Lebron tonight as he matches up against Paul Zipser who has a 0% chance containing Lebron. On a night where the Small Forward position has limited options, pay up for Lebron James on a Cavalier’s team with no Derrick Rose that is favored by 14.5 points with a 205.5 over-under. Yes, I am worried about the blow out, but I believe Lebron will reach value in the time that he’s on the court. Other Cash SF Option(s): Evan Fournier PF Kristaps Porzingis – 9,300 FD & 8,500 D Kristaps Porzingis is all the Knicks have. His usage and minutes should be through the roof all season for two simple reasons; firstly, he’s the Knicks only/best offensive option which has him heavily involved in the game and secondly, due to his size/weight at his position, he is constantly mismatched. Until Fan Duel and Draft Kings recognize him as an elite Power Forward by changing his salary, I will continue to roster Porzingis in Cash and GPP tournaments. Too safe, too cheap to pass up on. I’m expecting him to match up against Jalyen Brown tonight, which I would consider another mismatch favoring Porzingis. The Knicks are by 7.5 points in a 205 over-under. Let’s just hope there’s no blowout that limits Porzingis’ minutes. I don’t think there will be. Other Cash PF Option(s): Thad Young C Nikola Vucevic– 9,800 FD & 8,300 DK Nikola Vucevic has been one of the most consistent centers in the league over his first three games, averaging 51.3 FD PPG. The Magic’s offense has been dependent on Vucevic’s production over the first three games and I don’t expect that trend to end tonight as the Magic face the Brooklyn Nets at home. The Nets have allowed an average of 62.1 FD points per game to opposing Centers, ranking them fourth worst in the league. Nikola Vucevic matches up against Timofey Mozgov tonight, Mozgov should be no match for Vucevic. Aaron Gordon should be returning to the lineup, but I don’t think that will affect Nikola’s overall output considering his high overall usage necessary for this to function, let alone win. The Orlando Magic are favored at – 5 with a 229 over-under. Other Cash Center Option(s): Karl-Anthony Towns
Fuego Steve’s NBA GPP Plays – 10/24/17
NBA GPP Plays 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. Point Guard D’Angelo Russell – My favorite play of the night based on price. Has scored over 30 fantasy points every game so far. I am thinking he gets close to 40 Fanduel points tonight. Damian Lillard – Highest upside of any point guard on the slate. Ricky Rubio – Has done well with his new team the Jazz. Good spot tonight versus the Clippers. Jrue Holiday – He won’t hit that 50-point ceiling playing with Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins. But he does have 40-point upside and is in a good spot in an up-pace game. D.J. Augustin – Starting again for the injured Elfrid Payton. Unfortunately, his price jumped significantly. Shooting Guard Tim Hardaway Jr. – Yes, I am going back to the well again tonight. He started to finally play well at the end of last game. Tonight, he breaks out of his slump. Still only $4700. Justin Holiday – Still a little too expensive, but is getting the minutes. Solid floor. E’Twaun Moore – If playing down for shooting guard, you could do worse. Terrence Ross – Will pick up some of the slack with Payton still out. Terry Rozier – If Marcus Smart doesn’t play. Has played well in his absence. Small Forward LeBron James – I was wrong about James two days ago. Tonight he gets the triple dub. Jimmy Butler – He will break out one of these days. I want him at his price of $8300 when he does. Evan Fournier – Prefer him if Aaron Gordon is out, but it looks like he will play. Still a good play at a weak position tonight. Power Forward Trevor Booker – Has scored 28 to 31 fantasy points in all three games so far. Anthony Davis – Has been a beast so far this season. Always have to worry about injury though. Aaron Gordon – High ceiling as we saw his elevated play during the preseason. Derrick Favors – At $5600, think he can hit 6x value tonight. Center DeMarcus Cousins – I am never going to say he isn’t in play. Karl-Anthony Towns – If you can pay up for center tonight, he and Cousins my top two options. Enes Kanter – Been playing well and still priced right at $5600. Nikola Vucevic – The offense has run through him so far with Payton out. He’s capitalized with 47-55 fantasy points in three straight games. Al Horford – Should be low-owned with the other center options tonight. Like his upside tonight at his price. Tune in to the NBA Live Stream at 5 p.m. to get my updated thoughts on the slate. Myself, JaguarLou and other experts will be in the NBA chat from 6:00-7:00 to help you set your lineups.
NBA Live at 5
Scouting The NBA – 10/24/17
Plays of the Day Value: Evan Turner can help you stay under budget and afford some top-tier names at other positions tonight. The Blazers point forward has been very steady off the bench, scoring in double figures in all three appearances this year and producing at least 25 DK points in the process and he faces the Pelicans 26th-ranked defense tonight. Fade: DeMarcus Cousins began the season with nearly equal production to Anthony Davis, but he’s beginning to turn it over too often and rebound much less than the Brow, while he’ll likely draw a tough defender tonight in Jusuf Nurkic on the road. Point Guards Damian Lillard – (8,400 DK/9,900 FD) – Like many star players tonight, Lillard is under priced on DK and over priced on FD. He’s a great play tonight against a Pelicans team that’s obviously stronger down low than on the perimeter, as they’ve given up the seventh-most FPPG (47.12) and sixth-most PPG (23.82) to opposing PGs so far this season. Dame averaged 27.7 PPG and shot 44% from downtown over 3 meetings with New Orleans last year and continues to produce even though C.J. McCollum returned from suspension, yet his price tag doesn’t reflect his lofty floor-ceiling combination. D.J. Augustin – (5,100 DK/5,900 FD) – With Elfrid Payton (hamstring) out and Aaron Gordon questionable, Augustin is in line for a start and another heavy workload tonight. HE proved capable of stepping up with 12 points and 10 assists to exceed value in a surprising win over Cleveland on Saturday. Now he’ll look to lead the Magic in arguably the best matchup possible for a PG, as Brooklyn ranks second in pace and is giving up the second-most PPG (121.7) so far this season. Augustin averaged 17.8 points and 7.2 assists per 36 minutes with Denver back in 2015-16 and he’s starting to benefit as Orlando increases its pace of play. Potential Value Patrick Beverley – (4,800 DK/6,000FD) – Beverley will have a more secure role with Milos Teodosic (foot) on the shelf for the next couple of weeks. Longshot D’Angelo Russell – (7,800 DK/7,800 FD) – Russell is still certainly the top scoring option for a fast-paced Brooklyn team and matching up against the diminutive Augustin increases his outlook. Shooting Guards Victor Oladipo – (7,200DK/7,600FD) – His role is quite secure in that the Pacers have no other true playmakers on the perimeter, yet you should use some caution in terms of exposure to Oladipo as he’ll likely have to deal with elite defender Jimmy Butler tonight. That being said, he’s averaging 25.7 points per 36 minutes and posting a career-high 30.2% usage rate, so he’s definitely worth using in a game with a 219-point Over/Under tonight. Evan Turner – (4,300DK/5,500FD) – In cash games, you could definitely go with Turner as a way to stay under budget and afford some top-tier names at other positions. The Blazers point forward has been very steady off the bench, scoring in double figures in all three appearances this year and producing at least 25 DK points in the process. Tonight he’ll face a Pelicans team that ranks 26th in defensive rating and has very little depth at the forward position, enhancing his prospects off the bench. Potential Value Allen Crabbe – (4,900 DK/4,800 FD)- Crabbe is a volume shooter, who is forced into a bigger role for the Nets with Jeremy Lin done for the year. Longshot Austin Rivers – (3,800 DK/4,500 FD) – Rivers should see more playing time with Teodosic out and he’s getting the green light despite his horrendous shooting to open the season. Small Forwards Joe Ingles – (4,700 DK/5,000 FD) – Of course you’d like to play a stud like LeBron James, but that’s just not feasible on this shorter slate with indispensable studs at other positions. Ingles is a grinder, who thrives on chaos and is averaging 2 steals per game on the young season, so a matchup between two tough defensive teams at Staples Center suits him. He actually leads the NBA in effective FG shooting (.846%) with a ridiculous 64.3% mark from downtown and Ricky Rubio’s deft passing is going a long way as far as generating looks for the steady lefty. With Rodney Hood (calf) likely to be hobbled or inactive again, Ingles makes for a solid value. Jonathon Simmons – (4,200 DK/4,400 FD) – Here’s a great value to help you afford all the studs at the power forward and center position tonight. Simmons has been great on a per-minute basis and got a chance to start on Saturday, responding with 19 points over just 20 minutes of playing time. The Magic draw the best matchup in DFS tonight against a fast-paced Nets team and Simmons is an elite athlete who thrives in the open court. Potential Value DeMarre Carroll – (5,000 DK/5,800 FD) – Carroll is a very good cash game play as a reliable source of production for the young Nets. Longshot Evan Fournier – (6,100 DK/7,000 FD) – Love Fournier’s price point on DK for tournament formats, as he could pile up the points in a fast-paced matchup against Brooklyn. Power Forwards Anthony Davis – (10,900 DK/12,200 FD) – It’s extremely difficult to afford Davis on FanDuel tonight and he’s quite pricey on DK, but for good reason, as he’s on a torrid run to open the season. He’s likely to stay hot against a Portland team that’s given up the third-most FPPG (49.49) to opposing PFs over the last two seasons and allowing the third-most FPPG (50.42) to the position so far this year. Even in an injury-plagued campaign last year, The Brow averaged 28 PPG and 12 RPG while shooting 53.7% from the floor over 3 meetings with the Blazers and he’s leading the league in MPG (39.7) with the best rebounding rate (22.2%) of his career through 3 appearances this season. Kristaps Porzingis – (8,500 DK/9,300 FD) – If you can’t afford The Brow, Porzingis
Jaguar Lou’s Cash Plays – 10/23/17
PG Goran Dragic – 7,100 FD & 7,000 DK With Hassan Whiteside injured for tonight matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, most of my Cash lineups will start by locking James Johnson and Goran Dragic and/or Dion Waiter. The matchup is great against Malcom Delaney, a solid player but no match for Miami’s PG/Sg Duo in Goran Dragic and Dion Waiters. Goran Dragic will have no problem running this offense benefiting off extra assists, shots and minutes with Whiteside out with a Knee. The Miami Heat are without their best player and still favored by 12 in a relatively high 204 over-under. Atlanta is very banged up at the moment with Dennis Schroder and Ersan Ilyasova already ruled out. I do expect this to be a blow out but Miami’s main offensive players should get the run necessary to hit value and if the game stay close, even better. Other Cash PG Option(s): Stephen Curry SG Devin Booker– 7,200 FD & 6,800 DK With Eric Bledsoe out, Devin Booker is my play of the day. We all saw what Booker is capable of last year when he put up 70 points in a game that Eric Bledsoe was also absent from. This is an easy choice Lock and Load Devin Booker tonight as he matches up against Buddy Hield who will not be able to guard Devin Booker, I can tell you that right now. I don’t know how Sacramento will adjust but Devin Booker is looking at close to a 40 FD point floor (assuming the game stays close). The Phoenix Suns are 2-point underdogs in a 208 over-under. Don’t think too much, lock him in. **I didn’t write up Harden because the news on Ryan Anderson isn’t out yet but if Anderson sits, Harden becomes a Cash Lock at 11,300 FD and 11,200 DK** Other Cash SG Option(s): James Harden SF Khris Middleton –6,900 FD & 6,100 DK With Malcom Brogdon sidelined for tonight game usage, shot attempts and minutes are going to sky rocket for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton – the ONLY real offensively capable players in that starting lineup. Gary Payton is supposed to start at PG while Snell stays at the 2 but I don’t see Payton or Snell’s usage increasing, I don’t even see them running the point. I see a Milwaukee team being carried by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, I suggest investing in both players. The reason I am writing up Khris Middleton is because Giannis Antetokounmpo is an obvious play and priced accordingly, Middleton on the other hand carries the same high floor (relative to the player at hand) but at a much more reasonable salary. Other Cash SF Option(s): T.J Warren PF James Johnson – 5,900 FD & 6,300 DK With Hassan Whiteside injured for tonight matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, most of my Cash lineups will start by locking James Johnson and Goran Dragic/Dion Waiter. The Miami Heat are favored by 12 points in a 204 over-under with their best and most involved offensive weapon not playing! This is the dream. Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and James Johnson should see a massive uptick in usage on the offensive side of the court. I actually have no problem rostering all three players to guarantee full exposure in Miami’s offense. My only worry is the blowout factor, but let’s hope that Dragic, Waiters and Johnson reach value before the game gets out of hand. If this game stays close all three players could be instore for huge games tonight! Other Cash PF Option(s): Giannis Antetokounmpo & Draymond Green C Marc Gasol – 8,700 FD & 7,900 DK Center was a tough call tonight, nothing popped out to me, with that said Marc Gasol is the safest play of tonight’s small 8 game slate. Marc Gasol will matchup against Clint Capela in a high scoring affair on the road in Houston. Gasol is averaging 48 FD points over his first two game. Considering his usage, it boils down to if the game stays close. This offense is built around Marc Gasol, if he’s on the floor he will reach value. His floor is high and so is his ceiling in a favorable matchup against Clint Capella/ Nene Hilario. Other Cash Center Option(s): Andre Drummond
Fuego Steve’s NBA GPP Plays – 10/23/17
NBA GPP Plays 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. Forgot kids were off school again. Here are my favorite plays. Will try and fill in commentary later. Listen to the live stream for analysis and updates. Point Guard Mike Conley Goran Dragic John Wall Kemba Walker Dennis Smith Jr. Mike James Shooting Guard Devin Booker James Harden Jeremy Lamb – now shooting guard on Fanduel Gary Harris Marco Belinelli Small Forward T.J. Warren Dillon Brooks Tobias Harris Kyle Anderson Kevin Durant Power Forward Ben Simmons LaMarcus Aldridge The Greek Freak Otto Porter – now power forward on Fanduel James Johnson Center Willie Cauley-Stein Tyson Chandler Dwight Howard Nikola Jokic Andre Drummond Tune in to the NBA Live Stream at 5 p.m. to get my updated thoughts on the slate. Myself, JaguarLou and other experts will be in the NBA chat from 6:00-7:00 to help you set your lineups.
NBA Live at 5
Scouting The NBA – 10/23/17
Plays of the Day Value: Dillon Brooks followed up his breakout game with a solid line (9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, steal, block) over 32 minutes against the Warriors despite battling foul trouble. Clearly the rookie’s role is secure ahead of a matchup against similarly fast-paced Houston. Fade: James Harden is quite expensive once again and might not be worth the money in a brutal matchup against the defensively sound Grizzlies. He’s averaging 19.2 PPG in his career against Memphis and will see tons of attention in PnR sets while elite defender Marc Gasol prevents him from throwing easy lobs to Clint Capela for assists. Point Guards Steph Curry – (8,700 DK/9,200 FD) – He’s far more appealing at a very reasonable price tag on DK, where you also get a bonus for each 3PTM. Curry really started to heat up late on his way to a game-high 37 points on 9-of-17 FG shooting (6-of-11 from 3PT range) in a loss at Memphis on Saturday and that was enough for him to exceed value. He remains quite cheap ahead of a matchup against undersized guards J.J. Barea and Yogi Ferrell or a hobbled Dennis Smith Jr. (knee), making the former MVP well worth the investment. Mike Conley – (7,700 DK/7,900 FD) -With Patrick Beverley in a Clippers uniform and Chris Paul (knee) on the shelf, Houston’s soft perimeter defense is much more vulnerable and a capable PG like Conley should carve them up in a fast-paced contest. Houston ranks 29th in opponent’s 3PT shooting (.440%) and has given up the third-most APG (24) in the NBA thus far, so Conley will likely find shooters all evening while improving on his own scoring line after struggling with his shot in a win over Golden State on Saturday. Potential Value Jerryd Bayless – (4,000 DK/4,300FD) – Bayless is getting starters’ minutes while rookie Markelle Fultz learns the ropes and is making the most of his opportunities thus far. Longshot Reggie Jackson – (5,800 DK/6,800 FD) – Jackson is still a bit underpriced given his high-usage role as a creator for the Pistons. Shooting Guards Bradley Beal – (7,300DK/8,000FD) – The Wizards offense clearly runs through Wall and Beal, while the latter remains the more affordable at a more difficult position to fill. He’s dropped 25 points in consecutive games to open the season and is surprisingly contributing defensively with 10 boards, 4 blocks and 3 steals during that span. Tonight he’ll face a Nuggets team that’s allowed the third-most FPPG (42.72) to opposing SGs over the last two seasons and Beal averaged 24.5 PPG over two meetings with Denver last year. At the very least, he’s a high-floor play worth deploying in cash games. J.J. Barea – (5,000DK/5,000FD) – He’s not a great consideration and a stacked PG position on FanDuel tonight, so perhaps Wes Matthews ($4800) is the preferred choice at SG on FD, while Barea can plug into your lineups at either guard spot on DK. The Mavs are banged up with Seth Curry (leg) out, while Dennis Smith Jr. (knee) and Devin Harris (personal) are questionable, leaving Barea and Yogi Ferrell to log the bulk of minutes in the backcourt. Ferrell is getting more run, but the veteran is far more trustworthy in a matchup against the defending champs since he’s so experienced and never backs down from a challenge. With 28 points, 13 dimes and 4 3PTM over 2 appearances since Smith Jr. became inactive on Friday, Barea’s established a solid floor. Potential Value Marco Belinelli – (3,900 DK/3,900 FD) – Belinelli is a sharpshooter, who just needs an opportunity to fire away and the Hawks are giving him one this season. Longshot Devin Booker – (6,800 DK/7,200 FD) – Booker has tremendous upside in a battle between inept defensive teams out in Phoenix, and he could lead a Suns team that will rally around an interim coach after Earl Watson’s quick firing. Small Forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo – (10,900 DK/12,200 FD) -Giannis is leading the NBA at 38.3 PPG and filling up the stat sheet as per usual with 29 boards, 15 assists and 8 steals (also a league best) through 3 games. He was clutch down the stretch in a win over Portland on Saturday and faces a Hornets team tonight that will be without top defender Nic Batum (elbow) and young wing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (personal). Antetokounmpo averaged 20.3 PPG on 57.8% FG shooting over 3 meetings against Charlotte with Batum in the lineup last year and Charlotte’s struggling to defending opposing centers so far, indicating a lack of length that will make it tough to stop the rangy and versatile young stud. Dillon Brooks – (4,600 DK/4,400 FD) – Brooks continued his solid NBA debut by fearlessly attacking the rim, defending and going toe-to-toe with the defending champions to help Memphis earn a home win over Golden State on Saturday. Grizzlies HC David Fizdale is giving him such steady run because the rookie’s been such a pleasant surprise and Brooks followed up his breakout game with a solid line (9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, steal, block) over 32 minutes against the Warriors despite battling foul trouble. Clearly his role is secure ahead of a matchup against similarly fast-paced Houston. Potential Value Kelly Oubre Jr. – (4,200 DK/5,300 FD) – Oubre is often the first man of the bench for Washington and he’s seeing heavy usage with the Wizards second unit. Longshot Tobias Harris – (6,200 DK/6,800 FD) – Harris bounced back in a plus matchup against the Knicks on Saturday and he’s in an even better spot tonight at home against the Sixers. Power Forwards Ben Simmons – (7,700 DK/8,000 FD) – Simmons and Giannis are both pricey on FanDuel (and only available as PFs) for good reason, as they’ve been consistently piling up peripheral stats and can’t shoot jumpers anyways, so there’s no real concern about a cold shooting night destroying their value. The Sixers rookie is averaging 15.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG and 6 APG
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