While there were a ton of players I like on Wednesday’s slate, Thursday’s small five-game slate is a struggle to find options to roster, especially when looking for value. So, while I would love to roster the top high-priced stud of the night, Russell Westbrook, I may find myself taking a more balanced approach to lineup construction unless some more value opens up.
The grid below is a snapshot of today’s slate that shows the overall rating for each position for each team. The numbers highlighted in red are the positions that are in the top 25% of their position for the slate and indicate good plays. Meanwhile, the numbers highlighted in blue are the positions that are in the bottom 25% of their respective position for the slate and are positions to avoid.
Hot Sheet for March 8th
Droppin’ Dimes
Russell Westbrook (OKC) – Yes, I had to include Westbrook on my list as the only high-priced stud on the slate and in a great matchup against the Suns have allowed top five production to opposing PGs in points, rebounds, steals and blocks this season. Westbrook also just put up a line of 43 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists against them six days ago. I’m hoping enough value opens up to roster him but as of now, it will be difficult to fit him in and feel good about your lineup.
Devin Booker (PHO) – Booker continues to light up the scoreboard with at least 30 points in five of his last six games including a 39-point effort against the Thunder last week. With such a high volume of minutes and shots, Booker offers a strong floor with some upside when he contributes in rebounds, assists and steals. The Thunder have allowed the 2nd most points and 4th most rebounds to opposing SGs over their last five games.
Kyrie Irving (BOS) – It sounds like Irving will play after missing the previous game with an injury. If Irving plays, he gets a plus matchup at a reasonable salary against the Timberwolves. The Wolves have given up the 5th most points and 2nd most rebounds to opposing PGs in the last five games and the 2nd most assists on the season to the position. Meanwhile, Irving has been playing very well averaging 26.5 points and shooting 53% from the field over his last six games.
Draymond Green (GS) – The Warriors faces a Spurs’ team that has been dominated by PFs recently allowing the 2nd most points, 4th most rebounds and 4th most assists to the position over their last five games. Green has also had some success against the Spurs this season averaging 16.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in two previous meetings.
D’Angelo Russell (BKN) – Other than one poor outing against the Clippers where he only saw 20 minutes of action, Russell has been a consistent fantasy producer over his last four games. He has played 32+ minutes in three of his last four games and faces a Hornets’ defense that has allowed the 2nd most points to opposing SGs this season.
Andrew Wiggins (MIN) – Wiggins get a nice 3.9% usage boost with Jimmy Butler out which as translated into five straight-games with at least 21 points. The matchup against the Celtics is not ideal but they have allowed the 5th most points and 4th most assists to opposing SGs this season. He is capable of a breakout performance soon and while it isn’t likely to come against the Celtics his reasonable salary still makes him a worthwhile roll of the dice.
Dario Saric (PHI) – Saric has shot lights out over his last two games making 16-of-22 shots including four three-pointers in each game. He’s had success against tonight’s opponent, the Heat, this season averaging 19.0 points and 8.3 boards in three previous meetings.
DeMarre Carroll (BKN) – Carroll has been a consistent fantasy producer all season long and has continued that consistent production in his last five games averaging 19.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. He gets a plus matchup against the Hornets who have allowed the 7th most points and 6th most rebounds to opposing SFs over their last five games.
Josh Richardson (MIA) – The Heat wings have been a solid source of fantasy value over the last week with Justise Winslow and Richardson playing big minutes and producing. The Heat are getting healthier which could reduce Winslow’s minutes but Richardson’s playing time should be secure as he has played at least 35 minutes in three of his last four games and has scored in double-digits in four straight outings.
JaVale McGee (GS) – The Warriors will likely have a thin frontcourt for Thursday’s matchup against the Spurs with David West, Jordan Bell and Andre Iguodala all expect to be out. As a result, McGee could see his minutes reach 20 which should be plenty for him to provide solid fantasy production for his low, low salary. In the last two games, he played at least 15 minutes he has averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.
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