Sorry there was no write up last week. It was just a bad NBA slate with a bunch of questionable players and late news. Those slates suck because it’s kinda of a waste of time from a writing standpoint. That’s the NBA for ya. Now we had the news we were all waiting for out of New York regarding the DFS ruling. Unfortunately the judge ruled against the companies and players in favor of the state of New York. Then later in the day, the court of appeals granted a stay of the injunction. Meaning the DFS companies can operate until their day in court. This of course looks like a good thing for the players of New York for the time being, but there is still much work to be done. Ok enough news – let’s get on with the 8 game slate tonight:
Point Guards
There isn’t much to say about Steph Curry (10,700) that hasn’t been said already. His usage rate goes way up if Klay Thompson sits out again.
One thing I like to target is PG’s vs. the Mavs. John Wall (9,300) gets that chance and he has been on fire for the injury depleted Wizards. Only downside is that it is the 5th game in 7 days for the Wizards.
In the past we liked to play Kemba Walker (7,000) at home. So far this season the splits aren’t what they were in the past. With that said, Walker will be counted on to score more with Big Al suspended. Also, the offense seems to have a better flow without Big Al Jefferson.
Shooting Guards
With James Harden (10,800) playing the Lakers, which should turn into a blowout, I am not inclined to pay such a high price if I can’t get 4 quarters of that player. If you decide am to spend a little money a SG it’s going to be for Jimmy Butler (7,700). He has a floor of around 35 and a ceiling of around 48 DK points. That makes for a great cash game option vs. the defenseless Pelicans.
Bradley Beal was a late scratch on Friday night. Garrett Temple (3,200) got the start in his place. Stay tuned to twitter for this news tomorrow.
Raymond Felton (4,500) has a cash game value of 22.5 points for his price. He has beat that the last 4 games. If he continues to see 30 minutes or more he should make it 5 games in a paced up game vs. the Wizards.
Small Forwards
Paul George (10,200) is back to be a top 10 player in the NBA. He is fully priced on DK, but with such a high floor he is such a good cash game option. Especially in a game with a O/U around 200 and Detroit favored by 1.
Carmelo Anthony (7,800) makes for a good tournament option. The reason I don’t like using him in cash games is because his floor isn’t high if his shot isn’t falling. Now if it is he has 50 to 60 point upside. Plus he gets a paced up game at Portland.
Corey Brewer (4,000) got the start for the injured Trevor Ariza last game. Brewer played 28 mins and finished with 30.25 DK points. A fantasy point a minute from a 4k player against the Lakers. Wish I could have 3 or 4 players like this. Remember this is only if Ariza is out!!! Update: Ariza went through shootaround and is still listed as questionable.
Power Forwards
Draymond Green (8,200) is in a double overtime game as I write this. Playing 50 mins and stuffing the stat sheet like he usually does. He is fully priced on DK but he carries upside if Klay Thompson is out. He will have to carry more of the heavy lifting like he did on Friday night.
Kristaps Porzingis (7,600) continues to prove all the doubters wrong (myself included). Porzingis was up to 8,100 at the beginning of the week so we’re getting a $500 discount from his high water mark. You want to target big’s against Portland. There is no better than the 7’3 skilled Porzingis.
I don’t recommend rostering any Lakers to often but if you do than Julius Randle (6,000) is about the only one. The Rockets have a real hard time defending PF’s on the year. If Randle get the minutes he should get the double/double bonus on DK. He should be low owned after going up against the Spurs on Friday night. Which makes him a good tournament option.
Centers
Draft Kings continues to undervalue the center position and Pau Gasol (7,700) has been on a terror lately. He hasn’t scored under 40 DK points in his last six games. Now he gets a juicy home matchup with the Pelicans on the 2nd leg of a B2B. New Orleans give up the 2nd most points to the center position on the season.
Marcin Gortat (6,200) was underwhelming on Friday night in a plus matchup. His price has risen but is still a value because of all the injuries to the Wizards frontcourt.
Kelly Olynyk (4,200) has always been able to score but his lack of minutes because of his defense. He was one of the reasons the game against the Warriors went double OT last night. Olynyk got some good run hoisting up 21 shots making 11 for 28 points. He’s a little volatile for cash games because of his low floor but if he can get 28 to 30 minutes he will 6x his salary pretty easily.
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.
