NBA First Look: Wednesday, April 1st

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2015-04-03 18:11:29

Check out a brief overview of Wednesday’s massive NBA slate below:

Odds are subject to change throughout the day

San Antonio

Opponent Preview – Orlando:
Pace of Play: 96 (Rank: 16)
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.1 (Rank: 25)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 26
Rebounding Differential Rank: 25

Targets: The Spurs are playing in the second half of a back-to-back, so we need to be on full POP alert for Wednesday night’s game against the Magic. Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter are the preferred plays against a Magic defense that is ranked 25th in points allowed per game this season.

Orlando

Opponent Preview – San Antonio:
Pace of Play: 95.9 (Rank: 18)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.4 (Rank: 6)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 3
Rebounding Differential Rank: 10

Targets: The Magic draw a tough matchup against a Spurs’ team that has a lot to play for at this point of the season. The Spurs are ranked 10th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. The Magic are an easy team to avoid with such a large slate of games.

Philadelphia

Opponent Preview – Washington:
Pace of Play: 96 (Rank: 16)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.8 (Rank: 9)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 5
Rebounding Differential Rank: 4

Targets: The Sixers draw a tough matchup against the Wizards, who are ranked 9th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. Nerlens Noel and Ish Smith have both been playing at a high level recently, but both players are secondary options at their respective positions.

Washington

Opponent Preview – Philadelphia:
Pace of Play: 98.4 (Rank: 5)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.5 (Rank: 18)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 10
Rebounding Differential Rank: 28

Targets: This game has blowout written all over it. The Sixers have absolutely nothing to play for at this point of the season, while the Wizards are fighting for playoff positioning. John Wall, Marcin Gortat, and Nene Hilario are all in play, but all three are risky fantasy options given the potential blowout.

Detroit

Opponent Preview – Charlotte:
Pace of Play: 95.6 (Rank: 20)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.4 (Rank: 6)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 7
Rebounding Differential Rank: 12

Targets: Reggie Jackson was dealing with nausea on Tuesday night and was only able to log 22 minutes. If he is unable to play on Wednesday, John Lucas and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would both see an uptick in minutes and/or usage. Andre Drummond remains an elite fantasy option at center, even at his elevated price point on FanDuel and DraftKings.

Charlotte

Opponent Preview – Detroit:
Pace of Play: 95.4 (Rank: 22)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.7 (Rank: 15)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 21
Rebounding Differential Rank: 11

Targets: The Hornets are still fighting for one of the final two spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They are in must-win mode for the rest of the season. Kemba Walker has been on a tear over the last two weeks and should have another big outing on Wednesday night against the Pistons. Gerald Henderson is also in play here and he will likely fly under the radar.

Indiana

Opponent Preview – Boston:
Pace of Play: 98.4 (Rank: 5)
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.6 (Rank: 24)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 14
Rebounding Differential Rank: 19

Targets: C.J. Miles sprained his ankle on Tuesday night and was unable to return to the game. It would be surprising if he was able to suit up on Wednesday. George Hill and Rodney Stuckey should both see a fantasy boost in his absence. Both players are excellent options against the Celtics, who are ranked 24th in points allowed per game this season.

Boston

Opponent Preview – Indiana:
Pace of Play: 95.7 (Rank: 19)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.3 (Rank: 5)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 11
Rebounding Differential Rank: 7

Targets: The Celtics draw a difficult matchup against the Pacers, who are ranked 11th or better in points allowed per game, defensive efficiency, and rebounding differential this season. Isaiah Thomas is a decent tournament play, while the rest of the Celtics’ players can be avoided in all league formats.

Brooklyn

Opponent Preview – New York:
Pace of Play: 93.5 (Rank: 28)
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.4 (Rank: 23)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 29
Rebounding Differential Rank: 28

Targets: The Nets have won eight of their last ten games and are now sitting in the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They should pick up another easy win on Wednesday night, as they face the hapless Knicks. Brook Lopez and Deron Williams have both been terrific over the last two weeks and both are in play against New York.

New York

Opponent Preview – Brooklyn:
Pace of Play: 95 (Rank: 24)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.6 (Rank: 19)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 22
Rebounding Differential Rank: 26

Targets: The Knicks are risky fantasy options at this point of the season. They have nothing to play for and we have 11 other games on the schedule that we can target. I will be avoiding all Knicks’ players in both cash games and tournaments.

Sacramento

Opponent Preview – Houston:
Pace of Play: 99.1 (Rank: 2)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.1 (Rank: 16)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 4
Rebounding Differential Rank: 13

Targets: Rudy Gay has already been ruled out of Wednesday night’s game against the Rockets and it sounds as if DeMarcus Cousins could miss this game as well. Ray McCallum, Derrick Williams, Ben McLemore, Omri Casspi, and Jason Thompson are all viable punt options at their respective positions.

Houston

Opponent Preview – Sacramento:
Pace of Play: 97.9 (Rank: 8)
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.8 (Rank: 29)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 27
Rebounding Differential Rank: 3

Targets: The Rockets are huge favorites against a short-handed Kings’ team. Dwight Howard is expected to return to the lineup on Wednesday, Terrence Jones is listed as questionable, and both Patrick Beverley and Donatas Motiejunas are out. James Harden, Trevor Ariza, and Josh Smith are all in play here, but their appeal is hurt by the potential blowout.

Chicago

Opponent Preview – Milwaukee:
Pace of Play: 96.3 (Rank: 14)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.7 (Rank: 8)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 2
Rebounding Differential Rank: 19

Targets: The Bulls draw a mediocre matchup against a defensive-minded Bucks’ team. This game has a low total and will likely be played at a fairly slow pace. Jimmy Butler is a decent target here, but he may be over-priced for his matchup.

Milwaukee

Opponent Preview – Chicago:
Pace of Play: 95.3 (Rank: 23)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.4 (Rank: 11)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 12
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5

Targets: The Bucks also draw a tough matchup, as the Bulls are ranked 11th in points allowed per game and 5th in rebounding differential. Ersan Ilyasova and Giannis Antetokounmpo are in play, but both are secondary options against Chicago.

Toronto

Opponent Preview – Minnesota:
Pace of Play: 97.1 (Rank: 9)
Points Allowed Per Game: 106 (Rank: 30)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 30
Rebounding Differential Rank: 23

Targets: Kyle Lowry is not expected to play against the Wolves, which means the three-headed monster of DeMar DeRozan, Greivis Vasquez, and Lou Williams is in play again. The Wolves have allowed more points per game than any team in the NBA this season.

Minnesota

Opponent Preview – Toronto:
Pace of Play: 95.6 (Rank: 20)
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.2 (Rank: 22)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 25
Rebounding Differential Rank: 21

Targets: Kevin Martin is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Raptors, the rest of the usual injury gang has either been ruled out or are listed as doubtful. Zach LaVine, Andrew Wiggins, and Chase Budinger are all terrific plays against the Raptors, who are ranked 22nd in points allowed per game this season.

Dallas

Opponent Preview – Oklahoma City:
Pace of Play: 98.2 (Rank: 7)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.8 (Rank: 20)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 13
Rebounding Differential Rank: 1

Targets: The Mavericks draw a favorable matchup against the Thunder, who have played at the fastest pace of any team in the NBA over the last three weeks. The Mavericks are always a difficult team to predict though, leaving Rajon Rondo, Chandler Parsons, and Dirk Nowitzki as secondary options. All three would see a boost if Monta Ellis (questionable) is unable to play.

Oklahoma City

Opponent Preview – Dallas:
Pace of Play: 97 (Rank: 10)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.9 (Rank: 21)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 16
Rebounding Differential Rank: 30

Targets: The Thunder draw a favorable matchup against the Mavericks in a game that has one of the highest totals on the board. Russell Westbrook is the premier play at any position on Wednesday, while Enes Kanter and Steven Adams are both viable options in the frontcourt.

Denver

Opponent Preview – Utah:
Pace of Play: 92.5 (Rank: 30)
Points Allowed Per Game: 94.9 (Rank: 1)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 14
Rebounding Differential Rank: 2

Targets: The Nuggets draw a difficult matchup against the Jazz, who are ranked 1st in points allowed per game and 2nd in rebounding differential. The Nuggets can safely be avoided in all league formats.

Utah

Opponent Preview – Denver:
Pace of Play: 98.5 (Rank: 4)
Points Allowed Per Game: 103.8 (Rank: 27)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 24
Rebounding Differential Rank: 18

Targets: There hasn’t been an update on Derrick Favors, so we will consider him questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Nuggets. If he is unable to play, Trevor Booker would become a terrific value play. Rudy Gobert and Trey Burke are both excellent options as well.

L.A. Clippers

Opponent Preview – Portland:
Pace of Play: 96.4 (Rank: 13)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.9 (Rank: 10)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 9
Rebounding Differential Rank: 9

Targets: The Clippers are playing in the second half of a back-to-back, after losing a tough game to the Warriors at home. They draw a decent matchup against the Blazers on Wednesday. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are both in play in what should be a close, high-scoring game.

Portland

Opponent Preview – L.A. Clippers:
Pace of Play: 97 (Rank: 10)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.3 (Rank: 17)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 17
Rebounding Differential Rank: 16

Targets: The Blazers draw a decent matchup against the Clippers, who are ranked 17th in points allowed per game. Damian Lillard finds himself in a tough matchup against Chris Paul, but LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum are both worth a look.

New Orleans

Opponent Preview – L.A. Lakers:
Pace of Play: 96.5 (Rank: 12)
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.7 (Rank: 28)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 28
Rebounding Differential Rank: 14

Targets: Anthony Davis against the Lakers? Sign me up! The Lakers have been playing better recently and should be able to keep this game within striking distance. Davis could push for 40 minutes in a very favorable matchup against L.A.

L.A. Lakers

Opponent Preview – New Orleans:
Pace of Play: 93.8 (Rank: 27)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.6 (Rank: 13)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 22
Rebounding Differential Rank: 6

Targets: Jeremy Lin is probable for Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans. He should be able to pick up right where he left off. Jordan Clarkson and Ryan Kelly are both in play here as well.