NBA Grind Down: Friday, December 12th
Welcome to the RotoGrinders NBA Grind Down Article. Each day, we’ll break down all of the matchups with a focus on defense vs. position stats. The Grind Down shows you Vegas lines, defense stats and projected starting lineups for each and every game.
The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. Use this article to help you gain a better understanding of the matchups for the coming week and build from there. We have everything you could possibly need on our Daily Research console for you to be a successful daily fantasy player!
Note: Fantasy Point Average Listed Uses FanDuel Scoring. For more info on FanDuel’s NFL Scoring System, check out the scoring systems section of our FanDuel Review.
Click ‘Stat Chart’ Buttons Below for Pop-Ups of Essential Game-Specific Statistics including Defense vs. Position and Pace
Portland at Chicago
- Vegas Line – Chicago -2, 200 Over/Under
- Portland Proj. Starters – Lillard-Matthews-Batum-Aldridge-Lopez
- Chicago Proj. Starters – Rose-Butler-Dunleavy-Gibson-Gasol
| Portland | Chicago | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 200.0 |  | Vegas Total | 200.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 2.0 | Vegas Sprd | -2.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 99.0 | Team Proj. | 101.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.42 | Team Pace | 96.26 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Damian Lillard | Wesley Matthews | Nicolas Batum | LaMarcus Aldridge | Robin Lopez | Proj Starter | Derrick Rose | Jimmy Butler | Mike Dunleavy | Taj Gibson | Pau Gasol | |
| Opp. Season | 26 | 6 | 25 | 6 | 23 | Opp. Season | 13 | 1 | 27 | 2 | 24 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 23 | 8 | 27 | 10 | 6 | Opp. Last 7 | 1 | 17 | 26 | 20 | 12 | |
Portland
The Blazers head to Chicago to take on the Bulls, who are not the dominant team defensively that we have seen in year’s past. The Bulls are still ranked 9th in defensive efficiency, but they are giving up an average of 99.5 points per game to their opponents. This game should be played at a decent pace, as both teams average over 96 possessions per 48 minutes. A close, up-tempo game could be great for fantasy production from both teams.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Damian Lillard (FD: $8400, DK: $8700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 24.3)
Lillard is often the forgotten point guard on nights with a large slate. The masses typically gravitate to the more expensive or the value plays at. Lillard is fairly priced on both FD and DK. He offers nice upside against the Bulls, who are ranked 21st in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards. Lillard comes into tonight’s game playing well, as he has scored at least 37 fantasy points in five of his last eight games.
Nicolas Batum (FD: $6500, DK: $6700 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 14.7)
Batum’s usage rate of 14.7 is awfully low, but his offensive game isn’t his strong suit. Batum is a terrific defender, a good rebounder, and a good passer. On the season, he is averaging 9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal per game. He draws a favorable matchup against the Bulls, who are ranked 27th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing small forwards this season.
Chicago
Joakim Noah has already been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Blazers. Taj Gibson will draw the start, while Nikola Mirotic should see an uptick in minutes off the bench. On paper, this is a tough matchup. The Blazers are ranked 4th in defensive efficiency, holding opponents to an average of 95.3 points per game. The good news for the Bulls is that their head coach is Tom Thibadeau. He loves to run his starters ragged with excessive playing time.
Elite Plays
Taj Gibson (FD: $6000, DK: $5900 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 19.9)
With Noah out, Gibson will be in the starting lineup again tonight. In six starts this season, he is averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. Gibson is very affordable at only $6,000. Dollar for dollar, he may be my favorite play on the board tonight. Even though his matchup against LaMarcus Aldridge isn’t ideal, Gibson should have another big fantasy outing if he can manage to stay out of foul trouble.
Secondary Plays
Pau Gasol (FD: $9300, DK: $9200 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 25.6)
Gasol is having a monster season in his first year with the Bulls. He is averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks per game. His price has come up on both FD and DK, but he has scored at least 39 fantasy points in seven of his last eight games. He has a good chance to reach that mark again tonight against Robin Lopez and the Blazers.
Jimmy Butler (FD: $8000, DK: $6900 / MPG: 40 / Usage Rate: 22)
Butler is in play on FD tonight, but is a much better play on DK. His price has dipped all the way to $6,900. Using a 5x salary value system, Butler only needs to score 34.5 fantasy points to reach value, which is less than his season average. The matchup against Wesley Matthews is a tough one, but it’s hard to pass up Butler at that price point.
L.A. Clippers at Washington
- Vegas Line – L.A. Clippers -2.5, 202.5 Over/Under
- L.A. Clippers Proj. Starters – Paul-Redick-Barnes-Griffin-Jordan
- Washington Proj. Starters – Wall-Beal-Pierce-Humphries-Gortat
| L.A. Clippers | Washington | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 202.5 |  | Vegas Total | 202.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | -2.5 | Vegas Sprd | 2.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 102.5 | Team Proj. | 100.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 96.14 | Team Pace | 96.03 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Chris Paul | J.J. Redick | Matt Barnes | Blake Griffin | DeAndre Jordan | Proj Starter | John Wall | Bradley Beal | Paul Pierce | Kris Humphries | Marcin Gortat | |
| Opp. Season | 5 | 3 | 23 | 3 | 6 | Opp. Season | 3 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 16 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 22 | 3 | 25 | 3 | 28 | Opp. Last 7 | 20 | 12 | 5 | 28 | 10 | |
L.A. Clippers
The Clippers head to Washington to take on the Wizards. While both of these teams like to push the pace, they are both stout defensively. The Wizards are ranked 5th in defensive efficiency this season, holding opponents to an average of 97.2 points per game. The Wizards are also one of the best rebounding teams – ranking 5th in rebounding differential on the season.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Chris Paul (FD: $10200, DK: $10000 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 21.8)
Paul is still one of, if not the best point guard in the NBA. His price is over $10,000 on both FD and DK. When the matchup is right, I don’t mind paying up for Paul, but this isn’t the most fantasy-friendly matchup. As mentioned above, the Wizards are a very good team defensively. They are also ranked 10th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Blake Griffin (FD: $9900, DK: $10300 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 31.6)
Griffin has been on fire recently, averaging 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists over his last five games. He is one of the few players in the NBA that is close to matchup-proof, as he can hurt you both inside the paint as well as on the perimeter. Griffin should be in for another big fantasy outing tonight against Kris Humphries and company, but I’m not sure that I want to pay the premium for Griffin tonight.
J.J. Redick (FD: $4900, DK: $4300 / MPG: 29 / Usage Rate: 19.9)
It took him over a month to get going, but Redick is finally playing up to his potential. Over his last six games, he is averaging 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. During that stretch, he has scored at least 22 fantasy points in five of those games. Redick only needs 25 fantasy points to reach and exceed value on both FD and DK.
Washington
The Wizards are 2.5-point underdogs at home against the Clippers. Vegas is giving them little love, even though they are 10-2 at home this season. The total for the game is set at 202.5 points, but both of these teams are solid defensively. The Clippers are ranked 11th in defensive efficiency. The Wizards have a team total of 100 points tonight, which is right around their season average.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
John Wall (FD: $9900, DK: $10400 / MPG: 36 / Usage Rate: 26.2)
Once again, Wall is in play at home. In 12 starts at home, he is averaging 19 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has an elite usage rate and his ability to fill up all areas of the stat sheet boosts his fantasy appeal. His matchup against Chris Paul is the only thing holding him back from being an elite play tonight. Paul and the Clippers are ranked 6th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Kris Humphries (FD: $4900, DK: $5300 / MPG: 21 / Usage Rate: 19.8)
Nene Hilario played in the Wizards’ last game, but it doesn’t appear that Humphries starting gig is in any kind of danger as he played 28 minutes in that game. Over his last five games, he is averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game. If he can replicate that stat line tonight, he will reach value tonight. The biggest concern with Humphries is potential foul trouble, as Blake Griffin is one of the best in the NBA at drawing fouls.
Orlando at Atlanta
- Vegas Line – Atlanta -8, 196.5 Over/Under
- Orlando Proj. Starters – Oladpio-Fournier-Harris-Frye-O’Quinn
- Atlanta Proj. Starters – Teague-Korver-Carroll-Millsap-Horford
| Orlando | Atlanta | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 196.5 |  | Vegas Total | 196.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 8.0 | Vegas Sprd | -8.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.25 | Team Proj. | 102.25 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 94.89 | Team Pace | 96.07 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Victor Oladipo | Evan Fournier | Tobias Harris | Channing Frye | Kyle O’Quinn | Proj Starter | Jeff Teague | Kyle Korver | DeMarre Carroll | Paul Millsap | Al Horford | |
| Opp. Season | 15 | 17 | 16 | 11 | 13 | Opp. Season | 23 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 29 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 5 | 13 | 17 | 8 | 16 | Opp. Last 7 | 18 | 2 | 11 | 27 | 20 | |
Orlando
Once again, Nikola Vucevic is listed as questionable. He says that his back is feeling better, but that doesn’t mean that he will be in the lineup tonight. If he is forced to sit out again, Kyle O’Quinn would draw the start at center. He’s been a serviceable value play in Vucevic’s absence this season. Tonight the Magic head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. The Hawks are a fast-paced team, but they do play good defense, ranking 8th in defensive efficiency. The one area to attack the Hawks is on the glass, as they are ranked 23rd in rebounding differential this season.
Elite Plays
Tobias Harris (FD: $7000, DK: $6700 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 23.7)
Harris continues to put up quality outing after quality outing. On the season, he is averaging 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He has a high usage in this offense and draws a favorable matchup against the Hawks, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing small forwards. Harris is in play regardless of Nikola Vucevic’s status, but would see a small uptick in production if Vucevic has to sit out again.
Secondary Plays
Victor Oladipo (FD: $6500, DK: $6300 / MPG: 31 / Usage Rate: 24.7)
Even though he has played point guard the entire season, Oladipo is still listed as a shooting guard on both FD and DK. Targeting him allows you to take an extra point guard. Oladipo has been playing well recently, as he has scored at least 29 fantasy points in four of his last five games. Tonight he faces Jeff Teague and the Hawks, who are ranked 18th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Atlanta
The Hawks are 8-point favorites tonight over the Magic. While the Magic do play at a slow pace, this is an above average matchup. The Magic are ranked 20th in defensive efficiency, 18th in rebounding differential, and they have allowed opponents to score an average of 99.7 points per game. Jeff Teague and Al Horford are both in play tonight, but both are lacking consistent playing time on a nightly basis, which makes them risky fantasy options in cash games.
Elite Plays
Paul Millsap (FD: $8300, DK: $8900 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 22.9)
On the season, Millsap is averaging 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. He has a fairly high usage rate in this offense at 22.9 and he can have some amazing stat lines when he is aggressive defensively. He draws a favorable matchup tonight against Channing Frye and the Magic, who are ranked 19th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing power forwards. Millsap is considerably cheaper than Aldridge and Griffin, but has similar upside.
Secondary Plays
DeMarre Carroll (FD: $5500, DK: $5700 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 16.3)
Carroll is a sneaky play tonight. He typically flies under the fantasy radar because he is not a big name in the NBA. That said, he has scored at least 26 fantasy points in each of his last four games. He also draws a terrific matchup against the Magic, who are ranked 20th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing small forwards.
New York at Boston
- Vegas Line – Boston -7, 201 Over/Under
- New York Proj. Starters – Calderon-Shumpert-Hardaway-Acy-Stoudemire
- Boston Proj. Starters – Rondo-Bradley-Green-Sullinger-Zeller
| New York | Boston | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 201.0 |  | Vegas Total | 201.0 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 7.0 | Vegas Sprd | -7.0 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 97.0 | Team Proj. | 104.0 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 91.90 | Team Pace | 100.68 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Jose Calderon | Iman Shumpert | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Quincy Acy | Amare Stoudemire | Proj Starter | Rajon Rondo | Avery Bradley | Jeff Green | Jared Sullinger | Tyler Zeller | |
| Opp. Season | 27 | 12 | 1 | 30 | 20 | Opp. Season | 1 | 26 | 8 | 20 | 11 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 19 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 30 | Opp. Last 7 | 8 | 18 | 22 | 11 | 22 | |
New York
Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are both doubtful for tonight’s game. It sounds like Smith has the better shot of playing of the two, but neither are expected to play. This could be a sneaky spot to target a few Knicks’ players tonight. Not only will the rest of the team see an uptick in minutes and production, but they draw a premium matchup against the Celtics. The Celtics are the fastest-paced team in the league and have given up an average of 106.8 points per game.
Elite Plays
Amar’e Stoudemire (FD: $6200, DK: $5900 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 22.7)
With Anthony and Smith out, Stoudemire is arguably the Knicks’ best offensive player. Over his last five games where he has played at least 30 minutes, he is averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. He’s averaging close to 35 fantasy points per game in those outings. As long as the Knicks can keep this one within striking distance, Stoudemire could potentially reach 6x salary (35+ fantasy points) tonight.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (FD: $3900, DK: $4200 / MPG: 18 / Usage Rate: 24)
Hardaway drew the start the other night against the Spurs and he made the most of his opportunity. He finished with 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. He’ll likely be in for another start tonight. If so, he offers terrific value on both FD and DK. Hardaway would likely see some run even if the game turns into a blowout, which makes him a low-risk, high-reward fantasy option tonight.
Secondary Plays
Jose Calderon (FD: $5300, DK: $5000 / MPG: 28 / Usage Rate: 14)
Calderon is typically a pass-first point guard, but he may have to shoulder a little more of the load offensively tonight with both Anthony and Smith out. In terms of the matchup, this is a favorable one. The Celtics are currently ranked 28th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Iman Shumpert (FD: $4800, DK: $4100 / MPG: 26 / Usage Rate: 20.7)
Shumpert is a much better play on DK than he is on FD thanks to the $700 price difference. His minutes have been down recently, but you have to expect him to get 30+ minutes of action tonight with the injuries to Anthony and Smith. A mini-stack of the Knicks might not be a bad idea tonight against the Celtics.
Boston
The Celtics are in a less than favorable position tonight. While the Knicks do struggle defensively, they are one of the slowest-paced teams in the league. They will also be without two of their best players. This game could easily turn into a blowout, which is why I will tread lightly with the Celtics tonight.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Rajon Rondo (FD: $8400, DK: $8100 / MPG: 32 / Usage Rate: 18.3)
Rondo is coming off of another triple-double. He has been inconsistent this season, but those bad outings have kept his price at a very playable level on both FD and DK. I’d like to see him be a little more aggressive offensively, but as long as he is a triple-double threat every night he takes the floor, I will continue targeting him in daily fantasy. With the potential for a blowout, I’ll likely be using Rondo strictly as a tournament play tonight against the Knicks.
Tyler Zeller (FD: $4200, DK: $5000 / MPG: 18 / Usage Rate: 15.2)
Even though Olynyk has outplayed him over the last couple of weeks, Zeller continues to start and he continues to be productive. In seven starts, Zeller is averaging 11 points and 8 rebounds per game. Zeller is certainly capable of reaching value tonight on FD, as the Knicks appear to be falling apart at the seams.
Philadelphia at Brooklyn
- Vegas Line – Brooklyn -7.5, 195.5 Over/Under
- Philadelphia Proj. Starters – Carter-Williams-Thompson-Mbah a Moute-Noel-Sims
- Brooklyn Proj. Starters – Williams-Johnson-Bogdanovic-Teletovic-Plumlee
| Philadelphia | Brooklyn | |||||||||||
 | Vegas Total | 195.5 |  | Vegas Total | 195.5 | |||||||
| Vegas Sprd | 7.5 | Vegas Sprd | -7.5 | |||||||||
| Team Proj. | 94.0 | Team Proj. | 101.5 | |||||||||
| Team Pace | 99.65 | Team Pace | 94.45 | |||||||||
| Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | Matchup – Opponent DvP Ranks and Projected Starters | |||||||||||
| DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | DvP Rks | PG | SG | SF | PF | C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proj Starter | Michael Carter-Williams | Tony Wroten | Mbah a Moute | Nerlens Noel | Henry Sims | Proj Starter | Deron Williams | Joe Johnson | Bojan Bogdanovic | Mirza Teletovic | Mason Plumlee | |
| Opp. Season | 25 | 28 | 20 | 27 | 8 | Opp. Season | 7 | 25 | 30 | 17 | 14 | |
| Opp. Last 7 | 16 | 20 | 15 | 30 | 3 | Opp. Last 7 | 17 | 11 | 21 | 25 | 7 | |
Philadelphia
Tony Wroten is expected to play tonight. He will likely come off the bench, but it’s worth noting as his presence hurts the fantasy appeal of both Michael Carter-Williams and K.J. McDaniels. I don’t expect Wroten to completely kill their fantasy production, but he is so ball-dominant that he hurts the fantasy value of the other players on the floor. In terms of their matchup tonight, this isn’t a great one. The Nets are a slow-paced team and the total for the game is set at only 195.5 points.
Elite Plays
None
Secondary Plays
Michael Carter-Williams (FD: $9200, DK: $9100 / MPG: 34 / Usage Rate: 28.6)
Over his last six games, he is averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 steals per game. Wroten being back does hurt his fantasy appeal a bit, but the Sixers will likely ease Wroten back into action. MCW draws a terrific matchup against Deron Williams and the Nets, who are ranked 25th in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing point guards.
Brooklyn
There are quite a few injuries to monitor tonight with the Nets. Joe Johnson is expected to play tonight, Mirza Teletovic is questionable (practiced on Thursday), Kevin Garnett is questionable (did not practice on Thursday), and Brook Lopez has been ruled out. Their front-court is going to be short-handed tonight, especially if Garnett and/or Teletovic are out. Whoever does start in the front-court will have a great opportunity against the Sixers, who are ranked dead last in rebounding differential this season.
Elite Plays
Mirza Teletovic (FD: $4600, DK: $5600 / MPG: 25 / Usage Rate: 20.2)
Teletovic missed the game on Wednesday night, but he returned to practice on Thursday. All signs are pointing for him to be back in the lineup tonight. With Brook Lopez out and Kevin Garnett questionable, Teletovic may be asked to log some big minutes tonight against the Sixers. In his three starts this season, Teletovic is averaging 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. As long as he is playing, he will find himself on a ton of my lineups tonight.
Mason Plumlee (FD: $4100, DK: $4900 / MPG: 14 / Usage Rate: 21.8)
This pick hinges on the health of Garnett and Teletovic. Based on yesterday’s practice, it sounds like Teletovic will suit up, while Garnett may sit out. If that’s the case, Plumlee would likely draw the start at center. In his start the other night, he had 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. If he gets the start tonight, he would make a great play in both cash games and tournaments.
Secondary Plays
Joe Johnson (FD: $6200, DK: $6500 / MPG: 35 / Usage Rate: 22)
Deron Williams is also in play here, but there are so many viable options at point guard. Johnson is fully expected to play tonight after missing Wednesday’s game. On the season, he is averaging 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His price is affordable on both FD and DK and he draws a terrific matchup against the Sixers, who are ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed per 48 minutes to opposing shooting guards.