This is usually where I talk about how we did with the picks last week, but not this edition. I think it’s a good time to talk/rant about what’s going on in the industry, because 140 characters on Twitter isn’t long enough. As many of you know the Daily Fantasy Sports Industry is under fire. We recently had Attorney General Eric Schneiderman of New York say it’s illegal to play DFS in the state of New York. I don’t think it’s right for a person to have that much power in any state. To cut the head of the snake is just stupid in my opinion. New York has the most DFS players than any other state, with an estimated 900k. That’s a big hit for Draft Kings, Fan Duel (which is headquartered in New York) and any other site. Also, think of the tax money that the state of New York is losing out on. What states should be doing is protect the consumer by regulating DFS, not abolish it. The industry got too big too fast. Both of these companies are valued at a little over a billion dollars each. That’s just crazy how fast it happened. Then with Draft Kings and Fan Duel going on an all-out media blitz promoting millions of dollar in winnings, you’re going to attract a lot of unwanted attention. Now of course the politicians have their hands out wanting their cut of the pie. I’m not shocked at all because the political industry is probably the dirtiest and most corrupt industry we have. It’s been that way for the longest time and will continue to be that way. Many have asked, is season-long fantasy going to be affected? Probably not and here’s why: If there were season long companies worth a billion dollars and promoting million dollar winners, I am sure these scumbag politicians would go after those companies. But there isn’t. One final thing I would like to say is that I encourage everyone who enjoys and plays fantasy sports to contact their state rep and let them know how you feel. Also feel free to comment or ask any questions below.
Point Guards
Brandon Knight (7,100) is a fine cash game option. The Suns are playing at the second fastest pace and Denver gives up the most points to PG’s.
Elfrid Payton (5,500) should really benefit from not having the injured Victor Oladipo on the court. You really didn’t see it Friday night because the Utah Jazz play at the slowest pace in the NBA. Saturday night he gets to play the Wizards who are the fastest pace team in the NBA. That type of game suits Payton’s skill set a lot better.
Chris Paul (8,600) was out last game with that nagging groin injury and is questionable on Saturday night. Look for Austin Rivers (3,200) to start in his place, but I can’t recommend him unless you decide to really punt one of the guard spots.
Shooting Guards
If I am spending up on a player it will be for James Harden (10,100). Dwight Howard is not expected to play on the second leg of a back to back. Harden’s usage rate is at a sick 34.6% this year without Howard in the lineup.
Eric Bledsoe (8,100), same as Brandon Knight above.
Danny Green (4,100) is a nice cheap option that should see a lot more shot opportunities if Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili, who are both questionable, sit this game out against the 76ers.
If Bradley Beal (6,900) is out again then Gary Neal (3,200) should get the start again. He played 26 minutes last game and had 18.25 DK points. I know that’s not a lot of points, but he still reached value at such a depressed price.
Small Forwards
Unless you are going to spend up for LeBron James (9,900), which isn’t a bad GPP option because he should be low owned, I think most people will try to save some salary at the SF position.
Tobias Harris (5,900) had a great game Friday night with 19 pts and 13 rebs. To get that production for under 6k is just what can win a GPP for you. He should benefit from the pace the Wizards play at.
Stanley Johnson (3,200) has seen more playing time the last two games with 27 and 32 mins. He didn’t disappoint either by giving you 6x value. If you’re going the stars and scrubs approach, he is a guy you should look at.
Power Forwards
With Dwight Howard out, Clint Capela (4,800) should get the start. Now don’t expect the world from him. About mid 20’s minutes is what your looking at, but Dallas gives up the most point to PF’s on the year.
Something tells me this might be the spot where Pop takes the opportunity to sit Tim Duncan. 18 point favorites at home against the 76ers. David West (3,100) would be an auto play if that’s the case.
Markieff Morris sprained his knee Thursday night and is questionable to play on Saturday night. Jon Leuer (3,200) filled in after Morris went out and played 24 minutes. He had over a fantasy point a minute finishing with 30.25 DK points. He should smash his cheap salary if he gets the minutes Saturday night.
Centers
Center is terrible on Saturday night. With Nikola Vucevic and Andrew Bogut back ,it really cuts out the value. I don’t see anyone worth using right now under 5k. So I am going to pay up with Andre Drummond (9,500). He has had a double/double in every game this year. That’s enough for me to plug and play him.
Don’t forget to check twitter for any late scratches and player news. As always you can catch me on twitter @realdaddybigs or leave a comment below. Good luck this weekend in your games.
