NBA Expert Picks Preview: Tuesday, February 24th
Glean insight from the best minds in the industry as they list picks they’ll actually be targeting in their cash games, along with detailed analysis and reasoning.
Tuesday, February 24
Point Guard
Reggie Jackson – I was disappointed to see FanDuel didn’t raise Jackson’s price. There’s really no excuse for him to be at $4400, but since he is, you really have no choice but to play him. There’s not much analysis required here. He’s the starting point guard for Detroit, has a great matchup with Kyrie Irving, and Stan Van Gundy is 100% committed to him. He belongs in every single one of your lineups, cash and GPP, and he’s nearly a lock to exceed his value threshold tonight. Even if he is absolutely awful tonight somehow, the ownership will be so high that it shouldn’t impact your ability to win head-to-heads and cash double ups.
Russell Westbrook – We already know that Kevin Durant is out, so Westbrook is a near must play. With Reggie Jackson being an automatic value play, it’s not hard to fit Westbrook into your lineups. He’s as close to a lock for 45-50 fantasy points as you’re going to find, and the only real concern here is the fact that the Thunder are playing so well right now that the game might get out of hand. However, Vegas only has Oklahoma City as 6.5-point favorites at home, which is interesting. Perhaps the game stays closer than most might think.. Either way, Westbrook can do plenty of damage in three quarters, and any fourth quarter playing time is just a bonus above the 45-50 points he’ll likely already have. There is almost no risk involved in rostering him, and you just have to go with the crowd and use the Jackson / Westbrook combo at point guard today.
Shooting Guard
Monta Ellis – Ellis had been battling an injury, but he looked good last game, and I think he’s the safest play in what is shaping up to be a fairly ugly day at shooting guard. Klay would get top honors if Curry were to sit, but he’s being listed as probable, so there’s little to no chance he’ll be inactive tonight. Ellis draws a great matchup against a Toronto Raptors backcourt that is completely lost defensively right now. Ellis is certainly not a lock to hit his value target tonight, but he’s also not going to completely tank your lineup with a dud. Give him a bump due to the absence of Chandler Parsons as well.
DeMar DeRozan – While DeRozan’s production has been down over the past two games, it’s very difficult to ignore his $6700 price tag. He has significant upside and should be matched up Monta Ellis, who is not a great defender. I expect a close game here, and a bounce back game from a player who is simply too good to keep putting up pedestrian numbers. Like Ellis, the upside isn’t always there, but you can also be confident that he’s not going to post a score that will completely ruin you.
Small Forward
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