NBA Expert Picks Preview: Tuesday, October 28th
Glean insight from one of the game’s best as they list picks they’ll actually be targeting in his cash games below, along with detailed analysis and
Tuesday, October 28th
Point Guard
Jeremy Lin: $5,500 – Anyone else giddy with excitement for the NBA to start? Opening night kicks off with a three-game slate in what is filled with value plays thanks to numerous injuries. Lin is one of those value plays that should be able to pay off his salary and much more. Steve Nash is out for the season and Ronnie Price is a bit banged up. Lin is going to play a ton of minutes and be heavily involved in this offense. Per 36 minutes last season, Lin averaged 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and a steal. We can expect a similar outing on opening night against the Rockets in what should be a shootout. With a total of 209 points, this game is full of fantasy-goodness. Lin also has the revenge factor going for him as he faces his former team.
Patrick Beverley: $4,900 – While I expect Lin to be a very popular play in both cash games and GPP’s, Beverley will likely go overlooked despite being one of the better values on the board. With Lin now in L.A., Beverley should see between 35-40 minutes this season. He has never been the best offensive player, but he’s one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and he can rack up fantasy points by filling up all areas of the stat sheet. The Rockets are hopeful that Beverley can take his offensive game to the next level this season and with him being in a contract year, he has everything to prove. He should come out of the gates firing as he is facing a weak Lakers defense in what should be a shootout.
Shooting Guard
Kobe Bryant: $9,000 – The masses are going to be all over James Harden at SG and for good reason. He’s one of the best players in the NBA and he draws a very favorable matchup against the Lakers. While Harden may be the better play in cash games, Kobe is shaping up as a terrific tournament play. Kobe has always been a player with a chip on his shoulder and amid doubts of him losing a step (or two), he enters this season with a ton to prove. Coach Byron Scott said that Kobe should average between 30-40 minutes of playing time this season. While that is a wide range, it’s still promising. Kobe should be able to get off to a hot start against the Rockets who are one of the fastest-paced teams in the NBA.
Evan Fournier: $4,500 – In the NBA, you have to find value wherever you can. If you can find value, you will be able to afford to spend up on the superstar players. Fournier fits the mold as a value play as he will likely be the starting SG for the Magic on opening night with Victor Oladipo expected to miss the first month of the season. Fournier may not be the most talented player on the roster, but he can do a little bit of everything on the floor. He’s a 6’7” point-shooting guard that can really create mismatches. Fournier should see around 30 minutes of action against the Pelicans and at $4,500, he should be used in all formats.
Small Forward
Trevor Ariza: $6,100 – Small Forward is a position that leaves much to be desired on opening night. Rather than paying up for Chandler Parsons or Tobias Harris in tournaments, take the discount with Ariza at only $6,100. Ariza is now a member of the Houston Rockets and he should really flourish in their uptempo style of offense. Ariza is a similar player to Parsons and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him put up similar numbers to those of Parson’s last season. Ariza can fill up all areas of the stat sheet and has a juicy matchup against the Lakers in what is expected to be the highest scoring game of the night.
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