NBA First Look: Tuesday, March 3rd

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2015-03-05 15:24:14

We’ve got seven games to examine on Tuesday night.

Boston

Opponent Preview – Cleveland:
Pace of Play: 95 (Rank: 24)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.8 (Rank: 12)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 21
Rebounding Differential Rank: 8

Targets:

Avery Bradley (FD: $5600, DK: $5600 / DvP: 22 / Usage Rate: 20.9) – Bradley has played well over his last six games, averaging 32 fantasy points in 35 minutes per contest. His price is still affordable at $5,600 on both FanDuel and DraftKings and the Cavaliers have struggled to contain opposing shooting guards this season.

Evan Turner (FD: $6100, DK: $5500 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 19.2) – Turner has also played well recently, averaging 30 fantasy points per game over his last seven. He is a bit more expensive than Bradley, but he is also a little more versatile, as he doesn’t rely solely on scoring for his fantasy production.

Jae Crowder (FD: $4800, DK: $4900 / DvP: 17 / Usage Rate: 16.5) – I didn’t think I’d ever consider targeting Crowder at a price close to $5,000 when he is still coming off the bench, but he has been on a tear over his last five games. During that stretch he has scored at least 23 fantasy points in every game, while averaging 30 fantasy points per contest.

Cleveland

Opponent Preview – Boston:
Pace of Play: 98.8 (Rank: 4)
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.7 (Rank: 25)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 15
Rebounding Differential Rank: 17

Targets:

LeBron James (FD: $11200, DK: $10400 / DvP: 20 / Usage Rate: 33.4) – James had a rough ending to the game against the Rockets. Not only did he get kicked in the groin, but he missed two free throws that could have won the game. He will look to bounce back against a Celtics’ team that is ranked 25th in points allowed per game this season.

Kevin Love (FD: $8100, DK: $7900 / DvP: 26 / Usage Rate: 22) – It took more than half of a season, but Love is finally on the fantasy radar again. He has scored at least 36 fantasy points in four of his last nine games. He draws a favorable matchup against the Celtics, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to power forwards.

Sacramento

Opponent Preview – New York:
Pace of Play: 93.1 (Rank: 28)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.9 (Rank: 23)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 28
Rebounding Differential Rank: 28

Targets:

Rudy Gay (FD: $7600, DK: $7700 / DvP: 3 / Usage Rate: 26.3) – There hasn’t been an update on the availability of DeMarcus Cousins yet, but if he is forced to sit Tuesday’s game out, Gay will be the primary option in the Kings’ offense. Gay already has a high usage rate that will only go up if Cousins is forced to miss more time.

Jason Thompson (FD: $4300, DK: $4100 / DvP: 6 / Usage Rate: 12.2) – Thompson’s fantasy appeal also hinges on the health of DeMarcus Cousins. Thompson has played well in Cousins’ absence, averaging 25 fantasy points per game over his last three. Don’t be alarmed by his limited minutes on Sunday, as he was in foul trouble all game.

New York

Opponent Preview – Sacramento:
Pace of Play: 97.5 (Rank: 8)
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.4 (Rank: 27)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 27
Rebounding Differential Rank: 1

Targets:

Langston Galloway (FD: $5400, DK: $4900 / DvP: 27 / Usage Rate: 19.1) – Jose Calderon is out for the next couple of weeks, which means Galloway will continue to start at point guard. He has scored at least 24 fantasy points in six of his last nine outings and he draws a favorable matchup against the Kings.

Andrea Bargnani (FD: $4600, DK: $4500 / DvP: 20 / Usage Rate: 25.3) – Bargnani is back in the good graces of fantasy owners everywhere. He has scored 29, 49, and 21 fantasy points over his last three games. Continue to target Bargnani as a top value play until his price comes up across the industry.

L.A. Lakers

Opponent Preview – Charlotte:
Pace of Play: 95.3 (Rank: 23)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.8 (Rank: 6)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 8
Rebounding Differential Rank: 13

Targets:

Jordan Clarkson (FD: $5300, DK: $4700 / DvP: 8 / Usage Rate: 21.6) – Clarkson has played at least 30 minutes in three straight games, which is a promising sign moving forward. Over that three-game stretch, he has 27 fantasy points per contest. If he can replicate that again on Tuesday, he will reach value with ease.

Wayne Ellington (FD: $5500, DK: $4700 / DvP: 18 / Usage Rate: 18.1) – Ellington’s minutes are also trending upward, as he has played at least 35 minutes and scored at least 27 fantasy points in each of his last three games. His price on FanDuel may be a bit high, but he’s priced at a very playable $4,700 on DraftKings.

Charlotte

Opponent Preview – L.A. Lakers:
Pace of Play: 96.7 (Rank: 10)
Points Allowed Per Game: 106.1 (Rank: 30)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 29
Rebounding Differential Rank: 20

Targets:

Al Jefferson (FD: $8200, DK: $7800 / DvP: 10 / Usage Rate: 26.5) – The Hornets draw a terrific matchup against the Lakers, who have allowed more points per game than any other team in the NBA this season. The Lakers have done a decent job at defending centers, but Jefferson is a tough cover for any big man.

Mo Williams (FD: $6600, DK: $7000 / DvP: 30 / Usage Rate: 23.2) – Williams’ price has come way up on both FanDuel and DraftKings and hopefully we will see his ownership level come down. Williams has been on a tear since joining the Hornets. He has averaged 37 fantasy points over his last five games.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (FD: $6000, DK: $6100 / DvP: 20 / Usage Rate: 19.2) – MKG is priced a little higher than I’d like to pay for him, but his minutes and production are both trending upward. Over his last three games, he has averaged 32 fantasy points in 38 minutes per contest.

Houston

Opponent Preview – Atlanta:
Pace of Play: 96.2 (Rank: 15)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.4 (Rank: 2)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 4
Rebounding Differential Rank: 27

Targets:

Terrence Jones (FD: $6500, DK: $7000 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 18.9) – Basically, all you need to know is that James Harden is suspended for Tuesday night’s game against the Hawks. Even though the matchup is less than appealing, Harden’s absence opens up a TON of production for the rest of the Rockets. Don’t be afraid to load up on the Rockets in this one. Jones is an excellent play here, as are the following players:

Josh Smith (FD: $6300, DK: $6500 / DvP: 12 / Usage Rate: 24.5)

Trevor Ariza (FD: $5800, DK: $5900 / DvP: 12 / Usage Rate: 16.8)

Corey Brewer (FD: $4200, DK: $4000 / DvP: 17 / Usage Rate: 20.6)

Atlanta

Opponent Preview – Houston:
Pace of Play: 99.1 (Rank: 3)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.7 (Rank: 16)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 3
Rebounding Differential Rank: 11

Targets:

Paul Millsap (FD: $7500, DK: $8000 / DvP: 19 / Usage Rate: 23.5) – The Hawks continue to be the Spurs of the East. While that may be a compliment within most basketball circles, it’s not a good thing to be in daily fantasy. They continue to rest players and limit their starter’s minutes. Millsap is the only Hawks’ player that stands out in Tuesday night’s matchup against the Rockets.

Washington

Opponent Preview – Chicago:
Pace of Play: 95.5 (Rank: 22)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.5 (Rank: 11)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 12
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5

Targets:

John Wall (FD: $9100, DK: $8600 / DvP: 10 / Usage Rate: 25.1) – Wall’s production has been down a bit recently, but his price is at a very affordable level on both FanDuel and DraftKings. He draws a favorable matchup against the Bulls, who no longer have Derrick Rose in the lineup. Aaron Brooks is not a great defender and Wall should have no problem creating easy shots for himself and his teammates.

Marcin Gortat (FD: $5500, DK: $5700 / DvP: 15 / Usage Rate: 17.9) – Gortat has been on a tear recently, averaging 35 fantasy points per game over his last five. His price has yet to reflect his hot streak, which gives us one more chance to buy low on the Polish Hammer.

Chicago

Opponent Preview – Washington:
Pace of Play: 96 (Rank: 16)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.1 (Rank: 10)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 8
Rebounding Differential Rank: 4

Targets:

Pau Gasol (FD: $9500, DK: $9500 / DvP: 5 / Usage Rate: 23.7) – Much like the Rockets, there are quite a few plays on the Bulls as well. Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose are both out, which means the rest of the team is going to have to step in in their absence. Gasol should be the number one option in the Bulls offense. He, along with the following players, should see a sizable fantasy boost:

Joakim Noah (FD: $7200, DK: $7000 / DvP: 5 / Usage Rate: 14)

Aaron Brooks (FD: $4500, DK: $4600 / DvP: 11 / Usage Rate: 25.6)

Tony Snell (FD: $3800, DK: $3600 / DvP: 8 / Usage Rate: 14.1)

Utah

Opponent Preview – Memphis:
Pace of Play: 94.3 (Rank: 26)
Points Allowed Per Game: 95.7 (Rank: 1)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 7
Rebounding Differential Rank: 13

Targets:

Derrick Favors (FD: $7600, DK: $7400 / DvP: 3 / Usage Rate: 23) – The Jazz draw the toughest matchup possible. The Grizzlies are ranked first in points allowed per game this season. The Jazz are an easy team to avoid altogether, but if you want to have some exposure, Favors is the preferred play. He has scored at least 35 fantasy points in four of his last five games.

Memphis

Opponent Preview – Utah:
Pace of Play: 92.9 (Rank: 29)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.8 (Rank: 6)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 23
Rebounding Differential Rank: 3

Targets: None – The Jazz play at a very slow pace and this game has the lowest total on the board tonight. The Grizzlies can safely be avoided in all league formats.

Milwaukee

Opponent Preview – Denver:
Pace of Play: 98.4 (Rank: 5)
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.2 (Rank: 26)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 25
Rebounding Differential Rank: 18

Targets:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (FD: $6400, DK: $7100 / DvP: 26 / Usage Rate: 19.5) – The Greek Alphabet is coming off of a strong 10-game stretch, where he averaged 31 fantasy points in 34 minutes per contest. His price on FanDuel is still too low and given his matchup against the Nuggets, he will likely be a popular choice at shooting guard.

Ersan Ilyasova (FD: $4300, DK: $4400 / DvP: 29 / Usage Rate: 22.7) – If I had to choose between Bargnani and Ilyasova, I would take Bargnani hands down. But, if you are feeling froggy, why not roster them both? Ilyasova faces a Nuggets’ team that hasn’t been able to defend opposing big men for the better part of a decade.

Denver

Opponent Preview – Milwaukee:
Pace of Play: 96.4 (Rank: 14)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.4 (Rank: 2)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 2
Rebounding Differential Rank: 24

Targets: None – The Nuggets have been playing their worst basketball of the season. They also draw an extremely tough matchup against the Bucks, who have held their opponents to the second-fewest points per game this season.