NBA Grind Down Friday, January 2nd - Page Three
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Memphis at L.A. Lakers
- Vegas Line – Memphis -4.5, 201 Over/Under
- Memphis Proj. Starters – Conley-Lee-Allen-Leuer-Gasol
- L.A. Lakers Proj. Starters – Price-Bryant-Johnson-Davis-Hill
| Memphis | L.A. Lakers | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 201 |  | Vegas Total | 201 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -4.5 | Vegas Sprd | 4.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 102.75 | Team Proj. | 98.25 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 93.7 | Team Pace | 97.83 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Mike Conley | Courtney Lee | Tony Allen | Jon Leuer | Marc Gasol | Proj Starter | Ronnie Price | Kobe Bryant | Wesley Johnson | Ed Davis | Jordan Hill | |
| Opp. Season | 30 | 7 | 18 | 26 | 20 | Opp. Season | 1 | 26 | 8 | 16 | 1 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 22 | Opp. Last 7 | 6 | 27 | 20 | 10 | 1 | |
Memphis
The Grizzlies draw one of the best matchups on the board tonight. The Lakers are ranked dead last in both defensive efficiency and points allowed per game. They are also ranked 23rd in rebounding differential. The best part about this matchup is that the game will be played in Los Angeles, which may help the Lakers keep it within striking distance.
Injury Note: Zach Randolph is questionable for tonight’s game.
Opponent Breakdown (L.A. Lakers)
Record: 10-22
Points Allowed Per Game: 109
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 30
Rebounding Differential Rank: 23
Elite Plays
Marc Gasol (FD: $9100, DK: $9800 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 26)
Gasol did not practice yesterday (illness), but is fully expected to suit up tonight against the Lakers. The Grizzlies need him in the lineup, as Zach Randolph may have to sit out his sixth game in a row. As long as he is cleared to play, Gasol should dominate at both ends of the floor tonight. Not only are the Lakers the worst defensive team in the NBA, but they are also one of the worst rebounding teams as well. Gasol is averaging 40.4 fantasy points per game over his last ten and is a great anchor to build your cash games around.
Mike Conley (FD: $7500, DK: $8400 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 24.6)
Conley may be a little too expensive on DraftKings tonight, but he’s sitting at a very affordable price of $7,500 on FanDuel. Conley has really played well recently, averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists per game over his last nine. He also draws a terrific matchup against the Lakers, who have allowed more fantasy points to point guards than any other team in the NBA this season.
Secondary Plays
Courtney Lee (FD: $4400, DK: $4500 / MPG: 33 / Usage Rate: 14.5)
Lee is an interesting value play if you are looking for some salary cap relief at shooting guard. He hasn’t been all that productive recently, but he is still averaging 33 minutes per game and gets to square off against the worst defense in the NBA.
L.A. Lakers
The Lakers draw a tough matchup tonight against the Grizzlies. Not only will this be a pace-down game for the Lakers, but they have to face a good defensive team as well. The Lakers are only projected to score 98 points tonight, which is a full four points lower than their season average. Kobe Bryant is expected to be in the lineup tonight, which hurts the fantasy value of both Wesley Johnson and Wayne Ellington.
Opponent Breakdown (Memphis)
Record: 23-8
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.2
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 11
Rebounding Differential Rank: 19
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
None