Lineup construction could be a challenge on Thursday’s small five-game slate of NBA action with no Vegas point total higher than 212. The themes of the night seem to be the Bulls, rookies and Holidays. Watch injury statuses extra closely tonight as any value that can be freed up will be very helpful to pay up for more than one of the big names on the slate.
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. To get a full rundown of the numbers behind the rating check out my first NBA Hot Sheet article of the season. Be sure to signup for our Premium Content.
Hot Sheet for October 26th
Droppin’ Dimes
DeMarcus Cousins (NO) – Cousins returns to Sacramento and the Pelicans might be without Anthony Davis. He put up 37 points and 13 rebounds in one matchup with the Kings after being traded last season and put up 39 points and 13 rebounds in the Pelicans last game when Davis went down early. Lock and load.
Blake Griffin (LAC) – Griffin is adjusting well to life without Chris Paul averaging 26.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game which would both be career-highs. He gets a matchup with the Blazers which comes in with the highest Vegas total on the slate in what should be a close game.
Jrue Holiday (NO) – Holiday has produced solid numbers over his last three games with at least 13 points, five rebounds and four assists in each game. He will get a slight boost to his usage and fantasy production if Davis is out as the second scoring option behind Cousins.
Justin Holiday (CHI) – Keeping the “Holiday” theme going, Justin is coming off a big game where he scored 25 points against the Cavaliers. He gets a favorable matchup against the Hawks who have the fifth highest pace in the league this season.
Lauri Markkanen (CHI) – The Bulls on Parade continues with rookie Markkanen who has been very consistent so far this season with at least 13 points and eight rebounds in each game including knocking down at least two three-pointers and playing over 32 minutes. He is still reasonably priced and could improve in a favorable matchup against the Hawks.
De’Andre Fox (SAC) – Keeping the rookie theme going Fox seems to be taking over the PG position in Sacramento with increasing minutes in each game this season topped off by a 19-point effort in 30 minutes in his last game.
Malcolm Delaney (ATL) – Dennis Schroder will remain out for Thursday’s game which puts Delaney in play despite the salary increase. He played 33 minutes in the last game with Schroder out and gets an easier matchup this time around against the Bulls, so look for his fantasy production to rise from the 10 points and four rebounds he posted in the last game.
Tyreke Evans (MEM) – There is nothing safe about Evans as he is always battling injury concerns. When he plays he is productive as shown by scoring in double-digits in three out of four games for the Grizzlies this season. As long as he can post similar numbers as last night in a rematch with the Mavericks, Evans will hit value as a cheap option.
Paul Zipser (CHI) – There is nothing sexy about rostering Zipser but on a night with only five games and a desire to pay up for some studs we have to make sacrifices. Zipser played 34 minutes in his last game and posted a solid 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He gets a favorable matchup with the Hawks which could lead him to a similar stat line making him worth the cheap price.
Dante Cunningham (NO) – Cunningham is only an option of Davis sits out for the Pelicans. Cunningham has played at least 26 minutes in each game this season and could see that number move into the 30s if Davis is out. He could also see a few extra shots and rebound opportunities making him a dirt cheap option to squeeze in some high-priced studs.
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