As always, make sure to check for the latest injury news and lineup changes.
*** I’m using DraftKings’ pricing, so the picks will be geared towards that site. But assuming there isn’t a major difference in salary, these plays can be used anywhere. ***
POINT GUARD
Russell Westbrook (OKC) $12,200
The Thunder and Pelicans are two of the fastest pace teams in the NBA, and the game carries a 212 O/U. There should be a ton of fantasy goodness in this one, and as you’ll see, I’m going to be heavily invested in this game. Durant is still out, and Westbrook is still in terminator mode.
Ish Smith (NOP) $5,500
Jrue Holiday gets the night off, so plug and play Ish Smith. In six games this year where Ish has played at least 27 minutes, the fewest DK points he’s scored is 27 and has two 40+ games. He has a great match-up tonight, and I think he’s a must play.
Dennis Schroder (ATL) $4,900
***ONLY IF JEFF TEAGUE IS OUT***
Teague has missed the last two and is questionable for tonight. Given his price, projected minutes, and per minute production, I think Schroder is a near must play.
Toney Douglas (NOP) $3,600
Douglas is a nice tournament play IMO. He’s played at least 20 minutes five times this season, and he’s scored at least 22.75 points in each of those games. It’s an uptempo game and if he gets hot from 3, he could score 30-35 DK points.
SHOOTING GUARD
James Harden (HOU) $10,100
There may be turmoil in Houston, but Harden should be able to get right against the worst defensive back court in basketball. He strikes me as a little bit more of a tournament play than cash, as who really knows how the team will react to the McHale firing?
Jimmy Butler (CHI) $7,800
Derrick Rose is out and Kirk Hinrich is starting. That means it’s Jimmy time. He gets an up-tempo match-up with Phoenix tonight, and his price is more than reasonable.
Monta Ellis (IND) $6,000
George Hill and Rodney Stuckey are out again, so Monta is locked into about 36 minutes at point guard. He posted 36.5 DK points against the Bulls last time out and should feast on Philly tonight.
SMALL FORWARD
Paul George (IND) $9,500
Speaking of feasting… Paul George against the Sixers? Yes, please. He’s failed to score at least 38 DK points only once all season while posting three games of 50 or more.
Kawhi Leonard (SAS) $8,200
This is a tournament play for me. I’m always leery of getting Popped, even more so when they’re playing one of the worst teams in the league. However, Ginobili is out and maybe that opens out a couple more minutes on the wing?
Thabo Sefolosha (ATL) $3,700
With Kent Bazemore out, I expect Thabo to see roughly 30 minutes tonight. He should be good for 24 DK points and will most likely hit value.
POWER FORWARD
Anthony Davis (NOP) $10,800 (Now listed as doubtful, so remove from lineups)
***MAKE SURE HE STARTS***
Everyone got burned last night, and I very much doubt anyone will be on him tonight despite the fantastic match-up. Most will drop down to DeMarcus Cousins, so pay up for Davis in tournaments. There’s a chance he gets 70.
Ryan Anderson (NOP) $5,900
Another tournament play for me. Should be a high scoring game in OKC, and Anderson is always a double-double threat with the potential to go off from 3.
CENTER
Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN) $7,300
Orlando’s defense has improved under new coach Scott Skiles, but I still like the match-up with the Magic. He’ll spend a lot of time around the rim on Vucevic (who can step out but primarily plays in the post), which will give him plenty of opportunity to rack up blocks and rebounds. Vuc ranked 46th of 57 qualified centers in defensive RPM last season, so KAT should be able to get his.
Good luck tonight!
oreo
