NBA First Look: Wednesday, February 11th

by Derek Farnsworth (Notorious) Last Updated 2015-02-14 14:01:34

We’ve got one more huge slate of NBA before the All-Star break. Check out the schedule below:

New York

Matchup Preview vs. Orlando:
Pace of Play: 96 (Rank: 16)
Points Allowed Per Game: 102 (Rank: 24)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 25
Rebounding Differential Rank: 27

Targets:

Langston Galloway (FD: $5300, DK: $5400 / DvP: 29 / Usage Rate: 19.7)

Carmelo Anthony is hurting. I’d be surprised to see him in the lineup on Wednesday night. If he does sit, Galloway would see a sizable fantasy boost. He has really played well recently, scoring at least 23 fantasy points in seven of his last ten games.

Jason Smith (FD: $4900, DK: $4900 / DvP: 24 / Usage Rate: 19.5)

Smith has played well as a starter this season, averaging 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. His price is still affordable across the industry and he draws a favorable matchup against the Magic, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to power forwards.

Orlando

Matchup Preview vs. New York:
Pace of Play: 92.8 (Rank: 28)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.5 (Rank: 19)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 28
Rebounding Differential Rank: 28

Targets:

Nikola Vucevic (FD: $8400, DK: $8300 / DvP: 21 / Usage Rate: 25.5)

The Knicks makeshift frontcourt does not intimidate me and it certainly won’t intimidate Vucevic. He is coming off of a bad outing, but should bounce back in this one. His price has also come down a bit, which only boosts his fantasy appeal.

Victor Oladipo (FD: $6900, DK: $6700 / DvP: 23 / Usage Rate: 24.6)

Oladipo is in play either way, but would see a small boost if Tobias Harris is forced to sit out. He has a very high usage rate in the Magic’s offense and he draws a favorable matchup against the Knicks, who are ranked 23rd against shooting guards.

Editor’s Note: Tobias Harris has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Knicks.

Atlanta

Matchup Preview vs. Boston:
Pace of Play: 98.6 (Rank: 3)
Points Allowed Per Game: 102.6 (Rank: 25)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 15
Rebounding Differential Rank: 18

Targets:

Al Horford (FD: $8300, DK: $7900 / DvP: 20 / Usage Rate: 22.5)

The biggest weakness of the Celtics is their frontcourt. Horford has been dominant recently, scoring at least 37 fantasy points in eight of his last ten games. He continues to get overlooked, but he makes a terrific play against the Celtics.

Paul Millsap (FD: $7900, DK: $7800 / DvP: 28 / Usage Rate: 23.3)

Millsap is coming off of a near triple-double. He has 40+ fantasy point upside every time he takes the floor and his price has come down to a very playable level across the industry. He should have another big outing against the Celtics, who are ranked 28th against power forwards.

Boston

Matchup Preview vs. Atlanta:
Pace of Play: 96.1 (Rank: 15)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97 (Rank: 5)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 9
Rebounding Differential Rank: 26

Targets:

Marcus Smart (FD: $4800, DK: $4700 / DvP: 22 / Usage Rate: 14.3)

Smart has scored at least 23 fantasy points in four of his last five games. He has also played at least 36 minutes in four of those five games. He is still very affordable and he draws a favorable matchup against the Hawks, who have struggled to contain opposing point guards.

San Antonio

Matchup Preview vs. Detroit:
Pace of Play: 95.8 (Rank: 17)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.7 (Rank: 17)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 17
Rebounding Differential Rank: 9

Targets:

Kawhi Leonard (FD: $7700, DK: $7500 / DvP: 22 / Usage Rate: 22.6)

The Spurs don’t play again for at least six more days. That means that Coach Popovich will likely give his starters plenty of action tonight against the Pistons. Leonard’s price has also come down and the Pistons have struggled against small forwards.

Tony Parker (FD: $5400, DK: $4900 / DvP: 5 / Usage Rate: 24.9)

Parker finally broke out of his slump with a big outing against the Pacers on Monday night. At his price point, he only needs around 25 fantasy points to reach value, which he is certainly capable of.

Detroit

Matchup Preview vs. San Antonio:
Pace of Play: 95.5 (Rank: 21)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.9 (Rank: 3)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 3
Rebounding Differential Rank: 10

Targets:

Greg Monroe (FD: $8000, DK: $8300 / DvP: 22 / Usage Rate: 23.8)

Monroe had another big outing against the Hornets. He has now scored at least 36 fantasy points in four of his last six games. He has a high usage rate and a favorable matchup against the Spurs, who are ranked 22nd against power forwards.

Washington

Matchup Preview vs. Toronto:
Pace of Play: 95.7 (Rank: 19)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.9 (Rank: 22)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 19
Rebounding Differential Rank: 16

Targets:

John Wall (FD: $9100, DK: $9000 / DvP: 18 / Usage Rate: 24.9)

Wall sprained his ankle the other night, but says that he should be able to play through it. As long as he is in the lineup, he makes a strong play at point guard. The Wizards will need a monster game from their All-Star if they are going to pull off the upset in Toronto.

Marcin Gortat (FD: $5500, DK: $5100 / DvP: 11 / Usage Rate: 18.1)

Kris Humphries is doubtful for Wednesday’s game, which may solidify Gortat’s minutes in the frontcourt. He is coming off of a strong game against the Magic and he appears to finally have broken out of his slump.

Toronto

Matchup Preview vs. Washington:
Pace of Play: 95.7 (Rank: 19)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.4 (Rank: 8)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 5
Rebounding Differential Rank: 4

Targets:

DeMar DeRozan (FD: $6900, DK: $7000 / DvP: 2 / Usage Rate: 27.9)

Once again, DeRozan is the only fantasy option from the Raptors that is on my radar. He has an extremely high usage rate in this offense and sees 35+ minutes per game. The matchup against the Wizards is less than ideal, but DeRozan is a tough cover for any team.

Indiana

Matchup Preview vs. New Orleans:
Pace of Play: 94.1 (Rank: 26)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.6 (Rank: 15)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 24
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5

Targets:

David West (FD: $6800, DK: $6500 / DvP: 9 / Usage Rate: 22.3)

West is coming off of a huge outing against the Spurs on Monday night. He should be able to keep it going against a Pelicans’ frontcourt that may be without both Anthony Davis (questionable) and Ryan Anderson (out). West is a safe cash game play with a high floor.

C.J. Miles (FD: $4700, DK: $4300 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 23.9)

Miles is the opposite of West. He is not a safe cash game play and does not offer a high floor. What he does offer is upside. He is a streaky shooter that is capable of scoring 20+ points any given night. He’s an intriguing tournament play against the Pelicans.

New Orleans

Matchup Preview vs. Indiana:
Pace of Play: 95.5 (Rank: 21)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.3 (Rank: 7)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 11
Rebounding Differential Rank: 5

Targets:

Tyreke Evans (FD: $8400, DK: $8200 / DvP: 14 / Usage Rate: 25.8)

Evans will become an elite play if Anthony Davis is ruled out of this game. He already has an extremely high usage rate and he had a huge outing against the Jazz the other night. His price has come up, but he can easily post another 40+ fantasy point outing if he is the number one option offensively.

Eric Gordon (FD: $6300, DK: $5900 / DvP: 25 / Usage Rate: 18.8)

Gordon also had a big game against the Jazz in Anthony Davis’ absence. If Davis is out again on Wednesday, Gordon will be asked to carry the load offensively. He also draws a favorable matchup against the Pacers, who are ranked 25th against shooting guards.

Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca would both see a sizable boost if Anthony Davis is ruled out of this game.

Miami

Matchup Preview vs. Cleveland:
Pace of Play: 94.6 (Rank: 24)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.2 (Rank: 13)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 22
Rebounding Differential Rank: 8

Targets:

Chris Bosh (FD: $7900, DK: $7500 / DvP: 16 / Usage Rate: 28.9)

Bosh had a huge game against the Timberwolves the other night. With Dwyane Wade questionable for this game, he may have to pick up the slack once again. His price is reasonable across the industry and he will have the added motivation to play well, as he faces his former teammate, LeBron James.

Hassan Whiteside (FD: $7700, DK: $7600 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 21.2)

Whiteside got into early foul trouble the other night against the Timberwolves, but still managed to score 21 fantasy points in only 19 minutes of action. His minutes should go back up to the low 30’s against the Cavaliers. The upside is always there with Whiteside.

Cleveland

Matchup Preview vs. Miami:
Pace of Play: 91.8 (Rank: 30)
Points Allowed Per Game: 96.3 (Rank: 2)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 18
Rebounding Differential Rank: 23

Targets:

LeBron James (FD: $10800, DK: $10300 / DvP: 4 / Usage Rate: 32.3)

LeBron James is playing his best basketball of the season. He is also facing his former team. Need I say more?

Sacramento

Matchup Preview vs. Milwaukee:
Pace of Play: 96.3 (Rank: 13)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.1 (Rank: 6)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 2
Rebounding Differential Rank: 22

Targets:

DeMarcus Cousins (FD: $10800, DK: $10500 / DvP: 19 / Usage Rate: 33.8)

Cousins is coming off of a rare subpar effort against the Bulls on Tuesday night. Look for him to bounce back tonight against the Bucks, who are ranked 19th against centers this season. He has as much upside as anyone in Wednesday’s player pool.

Milwaukee

Matchup Preview vs. Sacramento:
Pace of Play: 97.3 (Rank: 7)
Points Allowed Per Game: 104.1 (Rank: 26)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 25
Rebounding Differential Rank: 1

Targets:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (FD: $6800, DK: $7000 / DvP: 8 / Usage Rate: 19.5)

The Greek Alphabet has been on a tear, scoring at least 35 fantasy points in each of his last five games. The one concern here is his price tag. It has quickly caught up to his recent level or production. The good news is that he is facing a Kings’ defense that has all but given up.

Golden State

Matchup Preview vs. Minnesota:
Pace of Play: 97.3 (Rank: 7)
Points Allowed Per Game: 106.3 (Rank: 29)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 30
Rebounding Differential Rank: 21

Targets:

Stephen Curry (FD: $10000, DK: $10300 / DvP: 28 / Usage Rate: 28.1)

The Warriors may be sneaky targets tonight in a fast-paced game against the much-improved Timberwolves. Curry has a ton of upside and Steve Kerr may let his starters play a few extra minutes with the All-Star Break coming up.

Minnesota

Matchup Preview vs. Golden State:
Pace of Play: 101.2 (Rank: 1)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.8 (Rank: 18)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 1
Rebounding Differential Rank: 17

Targets:

Kevin Martin (FD: $6800, DK: $6100 / DvP: 11 / Usage Rate: 26.8)

Martin has scored at least 23 fantasy points in each of his last eight games. He has also scored at least at least 30 fantasy points in three of his last four. His solid play should continue against the Warriors.

Memphis

Matchup Preview vs. Oklahoma City:
Pace of Play: 97.2 (Rank: 9)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99 (Rank: 11)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 10
Rebounding Differential Rank: 3

Targets:

Marc Gasol (FD: $8300, DK: $7600 / DvP: 4 / Usage Rate: 24.8)

Gasol is as reliable of a center as you are going to find in the NBA. While Kendrick Perkins is a solid defender, he will likely only see around 20 minutes of action. Gasol should be able to dominate the paint and post another quality all-around performance.

Oklahoma City

Matchup Preview vs. Memphis:
Pace of Play: 94.1 (Rank: 26)
Points Allowed Per Game: 95.6 (Rank: 1)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 8
Rebounding Differential Rank: 13

Targets:

Kevin Durant (FD: $10600, DK: $10300 / DvP: 15 / Usage Rate: 29.2)

Have you seen some of the shots Durant has made over the last few games? Jeff Green and Tony Allen are both capable defenders, but they are no match for the Durantula. His price is still reasonable and he remains an elite option at small forward.

Utah

Matchup Preview vs. Dallas:
Pace of Play: 96.6 (Rank: 12)
Points Allowed Per Game: 101.3 (Rank: 23)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 14
Rebounding Differential Rank: 29

Targets:

Gordon Hayward (FD: $8500, DK: $8200 / DvP: 17 / Usage Rate: 25.2)

Hayward continues to play well. He has really flourished ever since the Jazz inserted Dante Exum into the starting lineup. His price has come up, but he should play well in an uptempo game against the short-handed Mavericks.

Dallas

Matchup Preview vs. Utah:
Pace of Play: 92.8 (Rank: 28)
Points Allowed Per Game: 98.4 (Rank: 10)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 27
Rebounding Differential Rank: 2

Targets:

Chandler Parsons (FD: $6600, DK: $6500 / DvP: 11 / Usage Rate: 20.5)

Monta Ellis and Tyson Chandler are both expected to miss this game, which means Parsons should see a boost in both minutes and usage. His price is up, but his increased role more than offsets the extra few hundred dollars it takes to roster him.

Dirk Nowitzki (FD: $6300, DK: $6400 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 26.1)

Nowitzki will likely be the primary option offensively with Monta Ellis out. He has a very high usage rate and may see a small boost in minutes as well. We also don’t have to worry about a blowout, as the Mavericks are only 3.5-point favorites.

J.J. Barea (FD: $4800, DK: $4900 / DvP: 13 / Usage Rate: 22.1)

Barea has been a serviceable value play since taking over as the starting point guard. He has scored at least 21 fantasy points in each of his last five games.

L.A. Lakers

Matchup Preview vs. Portland:
Pace of Play: 96.7 (Rank: 11)
Points Allowed Per Game: 97.5 (Rank: 9)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 4
Rebounding Differential Rank: 14

Targets: None – The Lakers are playing in the tail end of a back-to-back and are facing a Blazers team that is ranked fourth in defensive efficiency this season. The Lakers can safely be avoided in all league formats.

Portland

Matchup Preview vs. L.A. Lakers:
Pace of Play: 96.8 (Rank: 10)
Points Allowed Per Game: 106.3 (Rank: 29)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 29
Rebounding Differential Rank: 20

Targets:

LaMarcus Aldridge (FD: $9600, DK: $9600 / DvP: 10 / Usage Rate: 29.8)

This game has the potential to turn into a blowout, but the Lakers have managed to keep games competitive recently. If they can keep this one close, the Blazers should be an excellent source of fantasy production.

Damian Lillard (FD: $8900, DK: $8700 / DvP: 30 / Usage Rate: 26.5)

All that fuss about not making the All-Star team was for nothing, as Lillard will now be a part of the weekend festivities. He should head into the break on a high note, as he faces a Lakers’ defense that has allowed more fantasy points to point guards than any other team in the NBA.

Houston

Matchup Preview vs. L.A. Clippers:
Pace of Play: 96.3 (Rank: 13)
Points Allowed Per Game: 100.8 (Rank: 21)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 20
Rebounding Differential Rank: 19

Targets:

James Harden (FD: $11200, DK: $10300 / DvP: 19 / Usage Rate: 31.4)

Harden dropped a 70-burger on the Suns last night. He should have another huge performance tonight against the Clippers, who have struggled to contain elite wing scorers. At this point, you are fading Harden at your own risk.

Trevor Ariza (FD: $5500, DK: $5700 / DvP: 29 / Usage Rate: 16.9)

Ariza has really stepped up his play in Dwight Howard’s absence, scoring at least 29 fantasy points in four of his last nine games. He also draws a favorable matchup against the Clippers, who are ranked 29th against small forwards.

L.A. Clippers

Matchup Preview vs. Houston:
Pace of Play: 98.5 (Rank: 4)
Points Allowed Per Game: 99.6 (Rank: 15)
Defensive Efficiency Rank: 5
Rebounding Differential Rank: 11

Targets:

Chris Paul (FD: $10000, DK: $9600 / DvP: 2 / Usage Rate: 22.6)

I was hoping Paul’s price would be in the $10,500 range on Wednesday. While he is still affordable, hopefully his matchup against Patrick Beverley will scare the masses away. In my eyes, Paul is the top overall point guard on Wednesday and it’s not that close. He has to take over with Blake Griffin out and that’s exactly what he has done in the last two games.

DeAndre Jordan (FD: $8600, DK: $7800 / DvP: 15 / Usage Rate: 12)

Jordan is fresh off of a 22-point, 27-rebound performance against the Mavericks. Granted, Tyson Chandler was hurt in the first minute of the game, but still, that’s quite an effort from Jordan. He is the big man to target on the Clippers while Blake Griffin is out.